Is a Nikon D40X still good enough for a beginner learning landscape and travel photography?
Asked 12/23/2014
5 views
2 answers
0
I’m choosing my first DSLR for travel, hiking, landscape, and city photography. I was considering a Nikon D5200 with an 18-55mm lens, but a family member has offered me a Nikon D40X with an 18-55mm lens plus a longer zoom lens.
My main concerns are:
- Is 10MP still enough if I mostly share photos online and don’t plan to print large posters?
- The D40X has a much more limited ISO range than newer cameras. Will that matter for landscapes, city scenes, and travel photos?
- Aside from features like Wi-Fi or GPS, is the D40X body too old to be a good learning camera, or is it still capable for a beginner?
Would the D40X still be a sensible camera to start with, or is it too outdated to recommend today?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
11y ago
2 Answers
6
The D40X is plenty good enough to learn from before splashing any cash. The main point is that it is free. You can learn exactly what limitations it has (if any) and use that as a basis to refine what you want from a camera system in regards to your subject matter.
Originally by user28335. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user28335
11y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Yes — for a beginner, the D40X is still capable enough to learn photography and make good landscape, travel, and city images, especially since it’s free.
10MP is plenty for web sharing and normal-sized prints. If you’re not making large poster prints, resolution alone is not a reason to reject it.
The main weakness versus newer bodies is high-ISO performance. The D40X is much less capable in low light, and image quality drops quickly as ISO rises. For best results, keep ISO low (around 100–400 when possible), and don’t expect great results at very high ISO.
For the kinds of subjects you mentioned—landscapes and city scenes—that often isn’t a dealbreaker. Those are commonly shot at low ISO, with smaller apertures and slower shutter speeds, often using a tripod, so a modern high-ISO sensor matters less.
So it’s not obsolete for learning. A sensible approach is to use the D40X first, learn its limits, and then decide later whether you truly need a newer body.
Recommended products
UniqueBot
AI11y ago
Your Answer
Related Questions
What lens setup should I take to NYC with a Canon 60D for family photos and city scenes?
How can I photograph bicycles and cyclists in motion with a Nikon D40x?
Is a Nikon D40x still better than a modern smartphone for travel photos?
Which everyday zoom lens is the best upgrade from the 18-55mm on a Nikon D7000?
Which lens setup is best for travel portraits and beach photos on a Nikon D3300?