**OK, years ago I owned a Nikon 6006 & 8008...I did Rock show photos in low light and Boudoir. I was in an accident (*hit by drunk driver) My camera bag which was always with me got "LOST" by the tow truck company i.e.>No bag in car?! Bastards....yes I said that. $17,000.00 in Nikor Lenses,  and 2 high end camera bodies, plus my little ME-Super went pffft! So I stopped doing photos because I just couldn't replace what was lost (*home owners insurance, didn't cover equipment in a car) SO! I am finally going to get a new camera, I know nothing of Digital, I did SLR Film, and packed, and developed myself. This is 100% new to me.....
I am looking at the Nikon D40. I am getting this style *Because I don't know digital, and thought it sounded like a good mid-range novice Digital camera.
http://www.nikonusa.com/template.php?cat=1&grp=2&productNr=25420

I read this review on Adorama.com >

**"Pros:

Accurate Colors, Great Resolution, Nice Features and Settings, Simple Controls

Cons:

Different meter than D200

Best Uses:

Everyday, Low Lighting, Outdoors, Portraits, Travel, Weddings/Events

Describe Yourself:

Professional

**The D40 is a perfect 2nd body if you already have a ton of money in Nikon glass. If I'm running someplace and want a camera along, I'll grab my D40 and go. The kit lens is great and perfectly matched to the lightweight D40 body. The D70 / D200's feel like tanks compared to this gem. I've swapped out the kit lens for my 18-120 vr and haven't had a single problem. My only gripe with the D40 is that Nikon used the same meter as the D80 has and not the D200 / D70 metering system. This caused shots to be overexposed at first, but I've found the compensation that I prefer. [...] Be aware that the D40 does use the SD Card as opposed to the CF Card. So, if you're like me and use the D200 / D40 combo, you will need to pony up $ for the SD Cards too."

My first question is, for a mid priced camera, is this a good buy/deal? (*comes with a 18-55 lens, 6.1mp) I want to go Nikon, because I am dedicated, but I also owned a sweet little ME-Super at the same time that I did quick shots with and because it was so light weight and transported everywhere easily! :)    Would there be a camera that you as pros and experienced would reccomend above  A) a Nikon, and B) this model? I have only $600.00 to start with the basic Body and standard 50MM type lens.

Secound question, What is this person reffering to about the SD vs CF card??? I honestly have no clue.

Third, I plan to get a 1G memory Card for the camera, is that adequat for a large range of projects?

Fourth, I also will be buying a Nikon Lense the 70-300 as-f Mfr # 2161 it is pricey (*$599.00 appx) but I have been told by Nikon it is the only one that functions with the AF feature....which is often handy in certain situations, like when a tripod isn't practical or it is a fast moving venue.  Opinions on the lense? I don't use non Nikon lenses with a Nikon body.

Last any advice for me. I miss shooting really badly, but I always thought Digital was like "Point & Shoot" not a lot of artistic or manipulative availability. There's nothing quite like the smell and feel of the emulsion when you work that paper! :) But I want to get back into it & soon and this seems to be the way I will be going.

Thank You.....
Ariana** 

***Here was the Glowing Praise of this Camera.....

**

"Pros:

Accurate Colors, Great Resolution, Nice Features and Settings, Rugged

Best Uses:

Close Up Merchandise, Everyday, Low Lighting, Outdoors, Portraits, Sports/Action

Describe Yourself:

Internet Retailer

This is my 4th Digital Camera. I've owned an AGFA, Nikon 4300, Sony, and now this one.
WOW, until I got this in my hands, I didn't realize how much I missed my old Nikon FM SLR! Right out of the box, I put it through it's steps, just using the presets that are built into the camera.
I'm amazed and so impressed and so IN LOVE with this camera.
I sell antique glass and pottery on the internet, so therefore a camera is as much of my business as anything I own. My Sony was pixelating at only 13,000 photos. It is the top Sony sold. So I was forced to buy a new camera immediately. I spent hours going over reviews and looking for a camera that meets my needs. I need to be able to shoot high detail very close range and not be interrupted by battery failure. I need a camera that will work in low lighting as I use a photo cube. I need a camera that will let me decide my light needs and aperture control.
Those items are not easy to find! When I got this camera, I just put it on the close-up and was back in business before even reading the manual!
Then I took it outside and took around 300 photos in all lighting, mixed lighting, dark, close-up, action shots, and portraits. I have NEVER had such great results, even with my old Nikon FM!
This camera is a must for serious photographers and those who want "the best"!"

Is there water in your future or is it being shipped away to be resold to you?
Water, the ultimate weapon...
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