The Canon EOS 40D as the best middle-pro SLR

The Canon EOS 40D benefits from the new EOS technology platform introduced earlier this year with the professional EOS 1D Mark III. Canon’s DIGIC III processor delivers responsive operation, improved color rendering and near-instant start-up time. The EOS Integrated Cleaning System combats sensor dust, while a strong magnesium alloy body with weather resistance ensures lasting durability.
“The EOS 40D represents an important step in the development of EOS for the advanced amateur market. It incorporates many of the technologies pioneered in our latest EOS-1 series cameras,” said Mogens Jensen, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging, Europe. “For digital photographers, the benefits of upgrading to the EOS 40D are real and significant. For analogue SLR users, there’s never been a more compelling reason to make the switch.”
Canon EOS 40D features
- 10.1 Megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor
- 6.5 fps continuous shooting, max 75 JPEGs
- Shutter speeds: 30 second to 1/8000
- New AF system with 9 cross-type sensors
- DIGIC III processor
- 3.0” LCD with Live View mode
- EOS Integrated Cleaning System
- Customizable Picture Style processing parameters
- Kit lens EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM
- Optical Viewfinder plus Live View via LCD
- ISO range of 100 to 3,200
- Uses Compact Flash Type I and Type II, Micro drive
Specifications
- Lithium-ion battery
- 5.7 x 4.3 x 2.9 inches (146 x 108 x 74mm)
- 29.7 ounces (844 grams)
- Costs $1300
- 6.5 fps continuous-mode speed (30D was 5 fps)
- 75 large/fine JPEG, 17 RAW buffer size (30D was 28 large/fine frames)
- sRAW mode, 1/4 resolution RAW format
-New Live View mode (similar to 1D Mark III, but enhanced)
- Live View mode allows AF by pressing AF-ON button (drops mirror to focus)
-Live View mode offers 5x/10x magnification to aid manual focusing
- Live View mode has electronic 1st-curtain shutter option for fast, quiet shutter release
- 14-bit digitization (up from 12-bit)
- Highlight Tone Priority mode
- All 9 AF points are cross-type
- Center AF point offers enhanced accuracy along both axes with lenses f/2.8 or faster
- Expanded metering range, down to EV 0 (30D went to EV 1)
- AE system adds 3 "Custom" modes
- LCD is brighter than 30D's, but viewing angle is reduced to 140 degrees from 170.
- 7-step LCD brightness adjust (30D was 5 steps)
- Expanded custom function menu (24 vs. 17 for 30D)
- Menu format follows tabbed design of 1D Mark III
- Ultrasonic sensor cleaning system (Similar to Rebel XTi)
- DIGIC III processor (up from DIGIC II)
- Manual color temperature range extends down to 2,500K (30D was 2,800K)
- Viewfinder magnification 0.95x (up from 0.90x on 30D)
- Viewfinder eye point rose from 20 to 22mm
- Interchangeable focusing screen (30D's screen is fixed)
-More information in viewfinder readouts
- Compatible with Picture Style Editor (PSE) software to adjust style, color, and tone curves
- Compatible with latest Digital Photo Professional and EOS Utility 2.1 to support Remote Live View and Dust Delete Data functions

The Canon Rebel Xti / EOS 400D as the best SLR for advanced photographer

Sony has released their A100 and Nikon have previewed their D80. Both companies have talked of increasing their market share. In the meantime, there has been no word from the company with the biggest market share. We knew something big was coming from them and it looks like today could be the day.
First up is the highly anticipated 400D. Sources suggest this will replace the 350D and will be called the “Digital Rebel XTi” in the US. The Canon 300D is known as the Rebel over the pond and the 350D is their Rebel XT. None of this is yet official but the spec sheet appears to be a major upgrade to the 350D - larger screen, upgraded buffer and all the usual hype. It looks like it will have a healthy 10.1 MP (on a par with the D80 and A100) and possibly use the acclaimed auto focus system from the 30D. Most interesting for many prosumers is the talk of a two-phase dust removal system. The first phase sounds similar to Sony's - anti static materials plus a vibrating sensor. The second phase is rather cunning and reminiscent of the “dust off” feature in some of Nikon's software. Take a snap of a blank wall so you get just the dust and tell the camera to remove the dust it sees from all future pictures. The EOS 400D is imple, elegant, and much nicer than doing it in post processing as in Nikon Capture. If these details are true then it may leave the Nikon D80 lagging a little, if the entry levels from both Canon and Sony have dust removal because the D80 doesn't.
The Canon EOS 400D / Rebel XTi features
- 10 megapixel CMOS sensor
- Separate low pass filter with ultra-sonic vibration to remove dust
- Anti-static coatings on sensor surface, software based dust mapping / removal
- Nine area Auto Focus sensor (same as EOS 30D)
- Picture Styles, larger range of image parameter adjustment (same as EOS 30D)
- Faster image processing
- Removal of control panel LCD display now uses main LCD monitor
- Proximity sensor below viewfinder eyepiece to disable main LCD during composition
- Camera settings made on main LCD (such as metering, white balance, ISO, AF area etc.)
- Setting adjustment saved with half-press of shutter release
- Continuous shooting buffer up to 27 JPEG and 10 RAW images
- Large 2.5" LCD monitor with 160° viewing angle
- Image magnification available in record review
- Histogram available as brightness (Luminance) or RGB (Red, Green, Blue)
- Traditional Chinese language (in addition to Simplified Chinese)
- Up to 9999 images per folder on storage card
- Lower introductory list price ($100 lower)

The NIKON D40X’s pros and cons

The D40x's high-resolution image quality is made possible by Nikon's high-performance 10.2 effective megapixels Nikon DX format CCD imaging sensor and exclusive Nikon image-processing engine, assuring stunning sharpness and color.
Beautifully styled, the D40x makes high-performance digital SLR photography easier and more convenient than ever.You will be amazed at the power packed into a camera that weighs just over 16 ounces.
The Nikon D40x’s DX Format CCD image sensor delivers vivid color and sharp detail, great for making beautifully detailed enlargements of 24 x 36 inches and beyond. High resolution also provides room for creative cropping.
Nikon D40x’s the good:
- Smallest Nikon SLR to date, great for travel
- Quiet shutter and AF operation: a very "polite" camera
- Great dynamic range
- Excellent high-ISO performance
- Good laid-out controls, fewer buttons yet still plenty of depth
- Fast AF system, good shutter response
- AF system works down to very low light levels, even without the AF-assist light
- Bright AF-assist lamp does not require flash be deployed
- Integration of info display and function menu is superb: Easy for a beginner, handy for a pro
- An excellent 2.5" LCD screen, which is very well organized and informative
- AF-S and manual focus lenses can be used with manual focus; camera's focus sensor points indicate correct focus
- Kit lens focuses down to 11 inches at any focal length
- Bright LED AF zone indicators in viewfinder display
- Accurate and consistent metering, works to very low light levels (but only in manual mode at the darkest levels)
- Nikon 3D matrix metering produces very accurate flash exposures
- 1/200 x-sync speed for flash shots
- Grip is comfortable for a wide range of hand sizes
- New mechanical shutter eliminates streaking of very strong highlights caused by shutter "gating" technique used in D40, D50, and D70
- Programmable function button is very handy, nice that it's on the left side of the body, making it easier to manipulate command dial at the same time
- Playback zoom operation is very convenient
- Playback display is very fast, refreshes quickly as you scroll through captured images
- In-camera "retouch" menu is unique, permits significant image adjustment without resorting to the computer
- Four-way controller disc works well
- Strap eyelets are recessed, won't gouge your hand when holding the camera
- Adjustable auto-off timers are a nice touch, surprising to find on an entry-level SLR
- Extensive custom function menu, way ahead of most entry-level DSLRs
- Digital "image overlay" permits creative multiple-exposure shots
- Fast downloads to a computer
- Optional remote control transmitter available
Nikon D40x’s the bad
- Only 3 AF regions
- Auto white balance setting does not handle household incandescent lighting well
- Kit lens shows dramatic flare, well in from the corners
- Chromatic aberration is also high at wide angle
- No Autofocus with non AF-S lenses
- Limited support for older, non-CPU lenses
- LCD status display is slow to update, lags behind actual camera settings when rotating command dial, particularly in "graphic" display mode, (optical viewfinder display is fast and accurate though)
- Glare from LCD info display is very distracting when looking through the viewfinder (almost blinding at night), can be turned off though
- AF assist lamp can be blocked by fingers
- Flash sync speed has been reduced from 1/500 sec to 1/200 sec (only a disadvantage if you prefer the 1/500-sync speed of the D40)
- Grip may be too small for some users
- AF point is easily changed accidentally by hitting the four-way control pad while shooting
- Dioptric adjustment of viewfinder optics is awkward to set, has somewhat limited range
- Battery charger requires large external cord, just one thing more to lug along on a trip
- No battery grip or option
- No in-camera support for Nikon Advanced Wireless Lighting System
- Kit lens does not come with hood

The Nikon D40xs as the best choice for a begginer

Just under four months since the D40 and Nikon has announced an upgraded ten-megapixel version of the camera. The new Nikon D40X is essentially identical to the D40 apart from its ten-megapixel CCD, a lower base sensitivity of ISO 100 and faster continuous shooting (now up to 3.0 fps). Obviously, the competitive target for this camera is the Canon EOS 400D (Digital Rebel XTi), and it is clearly priced to achieve that at $799 including the 18-55 mm kit lens.
The D40x has a 2.5" LCD display with 230,000 pixel resolution and a 170 degree viewing angle, which means your friends can gather 'round behind you and everyone will see the same image quality wherever they're standing. Other D40x features include extensive in-camera image editing, a full array of automatic and manual exposure modes, including some modes tuned for specific situations, like Portrait, Landscape, Child, Sports, Close up and Night portrait. An Auto ISO mode lets the user select the maximum ISO and minimum shutter speed, which leaves you with some control over what Auto can do. Just like the D40, autofocus is only supported when using AF-S or AF-I lenses, which limits you to newer Nikon lenses. The built-in i-TTL flash has a guide number of 12m /39 ft. at ISO 100 in auto modes and 13m / 42 ft. in manual. Maximum flash sync is 1/200 second.
Specifications

- Type of Camera: Single-lens reflex digital camera
- Effective Pixels: 10.2 million
- Image Sensor: RGB CCD, 23.6 x 15.8 mm; total pixels: 10.75 million, Nikon DX format
- Image Size (pixels): 3,872 x 2,592, 2,896 x 1,94 , 1,936 x 1,296
- ISO Sensitivity: 100 to 1600 in steps of 1 EV with additional setting one step over 1600
- Storage Media: SD memory card, SDHC compliant
- Storage System: Compressed NEF (RAW): 12-bit compression; JPEG: JPEG baseline compliant
- File System: Exif 2.21, Compliant DCF 2.0 and DPOF
- White Balance: Auto (TTL white balance with 420-pixel RGB sensor); six manual modes with fine tuning and preset white balance
- LCD Monitor: 2.5-inch, 230,000-dot, low-temperature polysilicon TFT LCD with 170-degree wide-angle viewing and brightness adjustment
- Playback Function: 1 frame; thumbnail (4 or 9 segments); magnifying playback; slide show; histogram indication; highlight point display; auto image rotation
- Delete Function: Card format, all frames delete, selected frames delete
- Video Output: NTSC or PAL
- Text Input: Up to 36 characters of alphanumeric text input available with LCD monitor and multi selector; stored in Exif header
- Compatible Lenses: Nikon F mount with AF coupling and AF contacts Type G or D AF Nikkor:
- AF-S, AF-I: All functions supported;
- Other Type G or D AF Nikkor: All functions supported except autofocus
- PC Micro-Nikkor 85mm f/2.8D: Can only be used in mode M; all other functions supported except autofocus
- Other AF NikkorA/AI-P Nikkor: All functions supported except autofocus and 3D Color Matrix Metering II
- Non-CPU: Can be used in mode M, but exposure meter does not function; electronic range finder can be used if maximum aperture is f/5.6 or faster
- IX Nikkor lenses cannot be used
- Picture Angle: Equivalent in 35mm [135] format is approx. 1.5 times lens focal lengs
- Eyepoint: 18mm (-1.0 m-1)
Fixed-eyelevel penta-Dach mirror type; built-in diopter adjustment (-1.7 to +0.5m-1)
Focusing Screen: Type B BriteView Clear Matte screen Mark V with superimposed focus brackets
Viewfinder Frame Coverage: Approximately 95% (vertical/horizontal)
Viewfinder Magnification: approx. 0.8 xs with 50mm lens at infinity; -1.0 m-1
Viewfinder Information:

Focus indications, AE/FV lock indicator, shutter speed, aperture value, exposure/exposure compensation indicator, exposure mode, flash output level compensation, exposure compensation, number of remaining exposures, flash-ready indicator
Autofocus: TTL phase detection by Nikon Multi-CAM530 autofocus module with AF-assist (range approximately 0.5-3.0m/1ft. 8in.-9ft. 10in.); Detection range: -1 to +19 EV (ISO 100 at 20 degrees C/68 degrees F)
Lens Servo:
1) Autofocus (AF): Instant single-servo AF (AF-S); continuous servo AF (AF-C); auto AF-S/AF-C selection (AF-A); predictive focus tracking automatically activated according to subject status
2) Manual focus (M)
Focus Area: Can be selected from 3 focus areas
AF Area Modes:
1) Single Area AF
2) Dynamic Area AF
3) Dynamic Area AF with Closest Subject Priority
Focus Lock:
Focus can be locked by pressing shutter-release button halfway (single-servo AF) or by pressing AE-L/AF-L button
Exposure Metering System: TTL full-aperture exposure metering system:
1) 3D Color Matrix Metering II (type G and D lenses); Color Matrix Metering II (other CPU lenses); metering performed by 420-segment RGB sensor;
2) Center-weighted: Weight of 75% given to 8mm circle in center of frame
3) Spot: Meters 3.5mm circle (about 2.5% of frame) centered on active focus area
Exposure Metering Range:
1) 0 to 20 EV (3D Color Matrix or center-weighted metering)
2) 2 to 20 EV (spot metering)
Exposure Modes: Digital Vari-program (Auto, Auto [Flash Off], Portrait, Landscape, Child, Sports, Close Up, Night Portrait), Programmed Auto (P) with flexible program; Shutter-Priority Auto (S); Aperture Priority Auto (A); Manual (M)
Exposure Compensation: plus or minus 5 EV in increments of 1/3 EV
Exposure Lock: Exposure locked at detected value with AE-L/AF-L button
Shooting Modes:
1) Single frame shooting mode
2) Continuous shooting mode: approx. 2.5 frames per second Approx. 1.7 frames per second with Noise Reduction turned on and approx. 1 frame per second with ISO HI1
3) Self-timer mode
4) Delayed remote mode: 2 s. delay
5) Quick-response remote mode
Shutter: Combined mechanical and CCD electronic shutter, 30 to 1/4000 sec. in steps of 1/3, bulb
Synchronize Contact: X-contact only; flash synchronization at up to 1/200 sec.
Flash Control:
1) TTL: TTL flash control by 420-segment RGB sensor, i-TTL balanced fill-flash for digital SLR and standard i-TTL fill-flash for digital SLR available when CPU lens is used with built-in flash, SB-800, SB-600 and T041
2) Auto aperture: Available with SB-800 with CPU lens
3) Non-TTL Auto: Available with Speedlights such as SB-800, 80DX, 28DX, 28, 27 and 22s
4) Range-priority manual available with SB-800
Flash Sync Modes: Auto, Portrait, Child and Close Up modes:
1) Auto, auto with red-eye reduction; fill-flash and red-eye reduction available with optional Speedlight
2) Night portrait mode: Auto, auto slow sync, auto slow sync with red-eye reduction; slow sync and slow sync with red-eye reduction available with optional Speedlight
3) Landscape, Sport mode: Fill-flash and red-eye reduction available with optional Speedlight
4) P, A: Fill flash, rear-curtain with slow sync, slow sync, slow sync with red-eye reduction, red-eye reduction
5) S, M: Fill flash, rear-curtain sync, red-eye reduction
Built-in Flash: Auto, Portrait, Child, Close Up, Night Portrait mode: Auto flash with auto pop-up P/S/A/M: Manual pop-up with button release Guide number (ISO 200/ISO 100, m [ft.]): approx.17 [55]/12 [39] (manual full 18 [59]/13 [42]
Flash Compensation: -3 to +1 EV in increments of 1/3 EV
Accessory Shoe: Standard ISO hot-shoe contact with sync, signal and ground contacts and safety lock
Self-Timer: Electronically controlled timer with duration of 2, 5, 10 or 20 seconds
Remote Control: Via optional ML-L3 Wireless Remote Control
Power Source: One Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL9; charging voltage (MH-23 quick charger): 7.4V DC, EH-5 AC Adapter (available separately; requires optional EP-5 AC Adapter Connector)
Tripod Socket: 1/4 in. (ISO1222)
Dimensions (W x D x H): Approximately 5.0 x 2.5 x 3.7 inches
Weight: Approximately 1lb., 1oz. without battery, memory card or body cap

Sony Alpha DSLR-A700 - a perfect digital SLR camera for serious amateurs

This is a digital SLR with a great APS-C size CMOS sensor and on-chip noise-canceling before and after A/D conversion provides over 12 million pixels, drawing out the full image description power of the Alpha DSLR-A700’s high-performance lenses and providing spectacular detail for making big prints. Advanced on-sensor A/D conversion yields rich tonal reproduction with high signal-to-noise ratio. For improved picture quality and reduced blur, the Eye-Start Autofocus system uses an 11-point center twin-cross AF sensor for phenomenal results. All of this combined with Sony's innovative Anti-Dust Technology and a rugged magnesium alloy body and you have the ultimate DSLR for serious photo enthusiasts and amateurs alike.
Specifications
- 12.2 effective megapixel Sony Exmor 23.5 x 15.6 mm CMOS sensor with on-chip noise reduction
- Alpha mount support for Minolta and Sony lenses with 1.5X focal length conversion
- Super SteadyShot image stabilization system
- Rugged, weather resistant body
- Dust reduction system
- Ultra high-resolution (922,000 pixels) 3-inch LCD display
- 5 fps continuous shooting
- Fully adjustable Dynamic Range Optimizer; user can bracket for DRO as well
- 11-point center dual cross auto focus system, Eye Start AF, Grip Start sensors for AF
- Dual memory card slots (CF + MS Duo), with the former supporting UDMA cards; CF1 / CF2 / MS Duo / MS PRO Duo / Microdrive
- HDMI output
- Wireless remote control, which offering a fairly comprehensive set of controls (the shutter release works only when the camera is attached to a TV)
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 142.2 x 109.2 x 83.8 mm / 5.6 x 4.3 x 3.3 in
- Weight (empty): 690 g / 24.3 oz
Sony A700 features
Image Stabilization
Built-in technology moves the image sensor in response to camera shake, enabling every lens to benefit from automatic blur reduction. It provides an advantage of up to 4.0 shutter speed steps to sharpen images in lower light, for hand-held shots that would normally require a tripod.
BIONZ Image Processor
At the heart of the SLR-A700 is the advanced Sony Bionz Image Processor, using hardware-based Large Scale Integrated circuitry that improves camera response time, screens out noise before RAW data conversion, handles Dynamic Range Optimization processing and prolongs battery life.
Dynamic Range Optimizer
To recover details in dark or bright areas of the picture, Sony A700 provides multiple levels of Dynamic Range Optimization. There is standard mode, to improve shadow detail using standard gamma curves; Advanced Auto mode, allowing you to select any of 5 DRO correction levels, or DRO Advanced Bracketing, that automatically takes three shots at different DRO levels with a single shutter press.
Continuous 5 Frames-Per-Second
The high-speed processing power of its Bionz engine, a quick-response coreless motor to drive the shutter, and dual mirror stoppers to prevent mirror bounce -- they all enable Sony A700 to capture action more effectively at either 5 or 3 frames per second. You can also shoot continuously to the limit of available memory in JPEG Fine and Standard modes.
Advanced Pentaprism Viewfinder
With a bright focusing matte, an optical glass prism and glass lenses that prevent ghosts inside the finder, Sony A700’s viewfinder image makes it easier to see your subject, compose your shot and adjust focus manually.
Eye-Start Autofocus System
Sony A700 begins its precision auto focus adjustments the moment you bring your eye to the viewfinder -- so you will be ready to catch the perfect moment.
11-Point Center Dual Cross AF Sensor
A newly developed Sony AutoFocus system with a large f2.8 sensor improves your ability to frame the subject and capture moving subjects with greater focusing precision -- and a focus drive clutch lets you switch seamlessly between auto and manual focusing by pressing a simple button.
Super-Accurate Exposure Control
A 40-segment honeycomb sensing system provides multi-pattern measuring for superior exposure control accuracy in a wide range of lighting conditions.
Professional Lenses and Accessories
The DSLR-A700 accepts a superb array of precision optics. It has included new Sony wide-aperture zoom lenses that perform brilliantly over a broad range of focal lengths, Sony G Series lenses with advanced motorized auto focusing, amazingly bright Carl Zeiss coated lenses and over 16 million Minolta a-mount lenses sold worldwide -- plus professional quality flash units and system accessories to expand your creative horizons.

The Nikon D300 as a great photographer’s choice

The D300 is the Nikon’s next level of digital single lens reflex (D-SLR) camera, which has some great features. Such as: 12 mega pixel CMOS sensor, 14-bit A/D conversion, EXPEED image processor, sensitivity up to ISO 6400 (with boost), the new CAM3500DX AF sensor (51 point), HDMI video output, UDMA CF support and last but not least the super-impressive 3.0" 922,000 pixel LCD monitor with Live View. The Live View either as this one supports Auto Focus in two ways; using the current 'normal' mirror-drop / mirror-raise but also contrast detect in the same way as a compact camera.
Nikon D300 is completely high definition camera. It has the 3 inch 922,000 pixels LCD screen with 170-degree viewing angle and the HDMI interface for HD ready displays. The controls of the D300 are ease of use, with an easy-to-view top LCD panel and an information display on the rear LCD screen that can change color according to the ambient lighting conditions.
The DX-format D300 offers outstanding image quality, multi-functional technologies and fast response with 12.3 mega pixel resolution, speedy 6 fps frame advance and self-cleaning sensor unit Nikon D300 is a great choice for advanced photographers. The high-resolution 12.3 MP 23.6 x 15.8 mm CMOS sensor generates image files suitable for almost every type of output, combined with a fast standard frame advance rate of 6fps (up to 8 fps with optional Multi Power Battery Pack). The D300 offers fast power-up, quick response and outstanding flexibility to meet the needs of a wide variety of photographic assignments. The D300 powers-up in just 0.13 seconds, with an almost imperceptible 45-millisecond shutter lag.
Specifications
- 12.3 mega pixels, DX format CMOS sensor
- Self-cleaning sensor unit
- ISO 200 - 3200 (6400 with boost)
- 14-bit A/D conversion
- 3.0" 922,000 pixels LCD monitor
- Live View with either phase detect (mirror up/down) or contrast detect Auto Focus
- Nikon EXPEED image processor (Capture NX processing and NR algorithms, lower power)
- Super fast operation; power-up 13 ms, shutter lag 45 ms, and black-out 100 ms
- Shutter life 150,000 exposures
- New Multi-CAM3500DX Auto Focus sensor (51-point, 15 cross-type, more vertical coverage)
- Auto-focus tracking by color (using information from 1005-pixel AE sensor)
- Auto-focus calibration (fine-tuning) now available (fixed body or up to 20 separate lens settings)
- Scene Recognition System (uses AE sensor, AF sensor)
- Picture Control image parameter presets (replace Color Modes I, II and III)
- Custom image parameters now support brightness as well as contrast
- Six frames per second continuous shooting (eight frames per second with battery pack)
- Compact Flash UDMA support
- HDMI HD video output
- 'Active D-Lighting' (adjusts metering as well as applying D-Lighting curve)
- Detailed 'Control Panel' type display on LCD monitor, changes color in darkness
- New MB-D10 vertical grip fully integrates into body, multi battery type compatible
- Buttons sealed against moisture
- Video Output: Yes
- Size/Weight: 147x114x74mm – 825g
- Transfer: USB 2.0
The D300 is a dream to use and hold, the download time screams past leaving the camera begging for more. The Nikon D300 is a Professional DSLR but not a Semi-Pro.

For more look at this: Comparison The Nikon D300 is a little heavy but it makes feel more of a camera. Of course, a camera has a good hand’s grip and feels great, which is to be expected from Nikon. The LCD screen is bright and has no motion blur. As for Live view mode, it is not continuous, as the camera must be focused before the screen will be enabled. It is not like a compact where images can be continuously taken with a screen. The D300 can be linked up to a PC and images viewed from its screen too when the camera is in tripod mode. As for comparison with the Canon D40 and the Sony A700, the Nikon D300 is not a digital SLR for beginners. This is an expensive device for some great lenses owners, such as 40D and A700.