Now Nikon has introduced it’s entry level D40 SLR camera many potential buyers are tempted to get one instead of a high end compact camera. At the same time, Canon is not the cheapest supplier anymore, so also on the manufacturer’s front a lot of things are moving.

Just now, Canon made their move: US prices for the Digital Rebel XTi will be dropped by $ 100, by means of a refund . For us, that’s very good news: even Canon fans will love Nikon’s move!

When these camera giant are preparing for the battle and start to equalize prices, we can concentrate on specifications, options, features… Which one tastes better?

The ultimate answer used to be: buy a camera that fits the lenses you already have. But now, that’s getting complicated. The Nikon D40, for instance, is unable to use autofocus on lenses that don’t have a motor themselves, so do you really want to use these nice old optics???

Starting from scratch with a first DSLR seems easier… with the present season ahead there is another argument: availability. The D40 is not yet available in stores, but the XTi is. You can’t go wrong with this wonderful piece of technology. Check it out here for a nice offer.

There have been rumours for some time about a new Nikon D40 digital SLR camera.
With Nikon being one of the top suppliers this was important news… and now it’s confirmed: the D40 is available for… anyone? You?

With many new compact cameras in the same price-range (around $ 600) the D40 seems to be targeted mainly at people wanting to step up from a compact camera. A number of reasons to prevent this step up are removed by giving this new baby many advantages of compacts:

• reasonable weight end relative small size
• easy to use with comprehensive menus
• a big, hi-res display
• standard Secure Digital storage

In fact, most of of the complaints about missing features are from people already owning an SLR camera - people that are unlikely to step down.

So, if you are looking for a new high end compact; is this a good alternative?
Yes, no doubt… if you’re looking for better “classic” image quality and speed.
No… if you’re going to miss affordable Image Stabilization and Superzoom. And no, if you like to make movies now and then.

Anyway, read a lot about all new options available with this camera. A very good way to start is the excellent review at dpreview.

Colbert was the first to notice there were more than rumours on a new DSLR camera by Nikon.

It’s a low-end model, placed under the current D50 model. A very basic camera indeed (if all specs are correctly gossipped…) that puzzles experienced photographers. Most like more options in an SLR - or prefer a high-end compact camera.

Inexperienced buyers however, may compare it to the significantly higher priced entry DSLR by Canon (the D400, Digital Rebel).

If you don’t care about megapixels and have some good AF-S lenses lying around, this may be a very interesting camera.

If this is the first DSLR you buy, you may be surprised by the expensive lenses you have to buy later: cheaper lenses can’t do auto focus because the in-built focus-motor on Nikons just… isn’t there!

So please consider well before buying this new camera!

For more information, check out Allen George’s website.

By now we know a lot of specs from the brand-new Nikon D80 - mainly the things inherited from the professional D200: a faster and much better image processor and a 11-point autofocus.
Also great is the far better and more dynamic Ä°SO control.

Owners of earlier Nikon DSLRs may notice the different memory cards: sell your Compact Flashes and start buying SD - preferably the high speed versions, not slowing down the camera speed. Ah, a new battery again… Pity.

However, there is a lot of good news, including a far better kit lens on its way!
Read all about the D80 in a 30 page review, answering all your questions at Dpreview.