The prices of SLR cameras are fast going down these days, so if you are in the market to get one, you may want to research the products available so that you will make an informed buying decision. The prices may be low but that is no indication of the value of the cameras - the lower prices do not indicate an inferior camera.

Some people have purchased a Nikon D40 purely based on Nikon's brand name, and in fact, that is not a bad decision to make, and the choice is a good one for someone who is now upgrading from the simple aim and shoot style cameras to something a little more sophisticated. In the D40 you will still find a number of auto settings that will not make the amateur anxious about facing a large learning curve relating to SLR, together with all its options of manual tweaks.

Nikon D40 digital camera, compact and affordable, virtually point-and shoot SLR by Nikon, is available at a significantly cheaper price than its predecessor D50, and has a different range of features. The features added include a good viewfinder, a shorter shutter lag, and minimum viewfinder blackout.

A Nikon D40 is recommended as the camera for amateurs who are looking to learn about SLR cameras, and to possibly become a pro in the near future. If you are new to this type of camera and want some additional assistance, you may access the company's website where you will find helpful tutorials that will cover all aspects of the camera's use.

Once on the site, select the D40, once the page loads search for Digitutor. This will pull up the tutorial on the camera.

This site will help reduce the anxiety and overwhelm a new user of the camera may feel.

When using the camera, and to quickly gain experience, take photographs with various settings and various lighting. Practice with the Nikon D40 regularly.

It may be a suggestion to purchase a larger memory chip about 4GB for the camera, when you feel the need. This will store over 1600 of the highest resolution photographs. On the D40, Nikon has delivered an affordable, solid camera with a wide variety of features.