Canon 400D verses Nikon D40

The Canon 400D and Nikon D40, are currently the two most popular digital SLR camera's at the consumer end of the scale. One of the most asked questions on photography message forums, concerns what model a beginner should buy. A Canon 400D or a Nikon D40? Asking this on a message forum, will no doubt result in many bias opinions from either one side or the other. Personally, I've had the pleasure of having access to both of these camera's. I shoot with a Canon 400D, whereas my partner loves his Nikon D40.

What are the differences between a Canon 400D and Nikon D40?

• Canon 400D has 9 focal points, compared to Nikon's 3. After using a camera that offers 9 focal points, I would miss them if I went back to a camera that had only 3. Nine focal points are useful when it comes to composition. For example, a subject doesn't necessarily have to be horizontally in the centre of the frame for me to focus on it. Then there are times, like for macro's or moving targets, where I set the middle focal point for all my shots. Therefore, for beginners that aren't used to having more than three to start with, this wouldn't be a disadvantage.
  
  
• Canon 400D is a 10.1 megapixel slr camera, whereas the Nikon D40 is 6.1 megapixels. Some photographers argue that this only effects the print size and if you don't want to print in poster size then the megapixels isn't a disadvantage. However, it can also effect the size of an image once you crop the picture. For instance, if you photographed an insect and then cropped it tightly. The Canon 400D and its 10.1 megapixel camera will result in a larger image than the Nikon. If you think a lower megapixel would be a disadvantage for you, then you could upgrade to a Nikon D40x.
  
  
• The two models offer a slight difference in ISO settings, with Canon 400D going as low as 100 ISO, where as the Nikon D40's lowest ISO is 200. For those new to slr camera's, this slight difference in ISO isn't a disadvantage as such. Both 100 and 200 ISO are noise free, which results in quality pictures.
  
• Canon 400D has a bracketing feature, not available with Nikon D40. Bracketing allows photographers to take 3 shots of the same scene, each with a different exposure setting. Then later on, the photographer can choose which one looks the best.
  
  
• Both slr camera brands seem to do everything in the opposite direction as well. For example, with the Canon you attach the lens by twisting it to the left, whereas with the Nikon, you turn it to the right. Or when you change the exposure settings on a Canon, you overexpose by rotating the dial to the right. On the Nikon D40 you rotate it towards the left side. This would only be confusing for those photographers swapping from one brand to the other.
  
  
• Many believe the quality of the Nikon D40 kit lens is better than the one offered with the Canon 400D. It seems all the best photography magazines also agree with this after recent trials and studies comparing the two. Personally, I can't comment on a comparison, as I'd upgraded the kit lens for my Canon when I made the purchase.