Yay! I’m now the official proud and happy owner of a Nikon D40X! It’s my belated 8th year wedding anniversary + advanced Christmas present rolled in to one nice little package.
I must confess, though: I don’t know much about DSLR Photography. But, that never stopped me from lusting after a DSLR camera of my own over the last year or so. I’ve been researching about DSLR cameras in various places - and trying to learn as much as I can about apertures, exposures, shutter speeds, and all sorts of things that a normal human being doesn’t have to think about when using a regular point-and-shoot camera.
To begin with, I had the most common question every new DSLR camera owner has: Which one to buy?
And, even though my first instinct was to go with the very popular Canon EOS 400D (aka the Digital Rebel XTi) like my sis, Debbie, and many others I know, I decided to become a Nikonite instead because: 1) My old film SLR camera was a Nikon and 2) Several reviews and comparisons of XTi vs D40X convinced me (Thom Hogan’s review, Ken Rockwell, Photo.net Review, etc). In fact, even though I initially wanted the more expensive Nikon D80, I decided to go for the D40X because it seems to fit my needs (and budget!) much better.
Anyway, even though I was terrified to break anything, I decided that the best way to learn about my brand new gear is just to give it a whirl. So, my first project was to do some test/comparison shots between my new Nikon D40X and my current point-and-shoot camera (a Sony Cybershot) using low light conditions (I got my new toy on the evening of the 12 December). Here are a few of the results -
Subject One: Doll
Doll - P/S Test Shot (w/o Flash)
Doll - P/S Test Shot (w/ Flash)
Doll - DSLR Test Shot (w/o Flash)
Subject 2: Manger
Manger - P/S Test Shot (w/o Flash)
Manger - P/S Test Shot (w/ Flash)
Manger - DSLR Test Shot (w/o Flash)
As you can see, there are no test shots with the DSLR, as I was already quite pleased with the results just using natural lighting. Was really happy to note that I can take decent photos just using the basic gear and the kit lens (Nikkor 18-55 II). Even under low light conditions!
Anyway, you can also check out some of my first shots in the photo collage (see top image): 1. My New Nikon D40x, 2. Sunflower (Cropped), 3. Coinage from Oz, 4. Mum and Bub: Holding Hands, 5. Cam: Christmas Party 1, 6. Blue Needs a Grooming!, 7. Leaf, 8. A Silver Star, 9. Christmas Wreath, 10. Have a Cup of Hot Chocolate, 11. Ready for my Chinese Meal, 12. And She Begins To Crawl…, 13. Sunflower in my Backyard
Now looking forward to learning more. And taking plenty of more photos, no doubt.
{ 16 comments… read them below or add one }
Hsien Lei 12.15.07 at 2:12 pm
I love your methodical approach to comparing the different cameras. Darn you for renewing my desire for a new camera.
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Heather 12.15.07 at 3:41 pm
Hi Shai,
Well I can tell the difference with the photos taken on your new camera, and your other shots were always good. Great to have a new toy.
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Kari 12.15.07 at 10:43 pm
Oh you lucky girl! I’ve been lusting after a camera like that forever! I think I’m the only one who isn’t getting one from Santa this year. Oh well, I think my point and shoot has a little bit of life left in it
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toni 12.16.07 at 5:23 pm
Gaaah. I love the comparisons. Simple and truly effective. No need for specs talk — the proof is in the pictures.
And now I want one of those too!!!
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Sasha 12.16.07 at 7:51 pm
Congrats again on your new camera, sis!
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karlaredor 12.17.07 at 3:46 am
The third doll shot is much better than the first two.
http://xfep.com/problogging/15-amazing-women-in-blogging/
Anyway, congratulations for making it here
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Shai Coggins 12.18.07 at 10:27 am
Hsien: LOL. I am a bit of research fanatic when buying gadgets. Heh. But, if budget and your interest allow you: a good DSLR camera is definitely worth it! Ooops.
Heather: Definitely great to have a new toy. A bit distracting, though. Heh. And thanks!
Kari: If not this Christmas, maybe on your birthday?
P/S cameras have worked for me for the last few years, so it’s all cool. In fact, I’m sure I’ll still turn to my P/S every now and then.
Toni: Yeah… that’s the sort of thing that convinced my hubby to go DSLR. Heh.
Here’s to wishing you all the best with getting you your own toy soon. 
Sasha: Thanks! And thank you for letting me play with your toy during the holiday. Now we can talk shop. Even if we went on different sides of the Nikon vs Canon thing.
Karla: Thank you! And glad you thought so!
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Junnie 12.19.07 at 10:42 pm
i’m going to shift to another blog arena once you go into Photoblogging…you;re a NATURAL!!!!
or is it because of the Nikon?
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junice 12.20.07 at 10:35 pm
nice pictures and congrats on your new nikon :).
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beck7 12.21.07 at 12:53 pm
I love the photo shots…its look like you are very professional photographer and of course Nikon is the best…
good one here
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Shai Coggins 12.21.07 at 3:09 pm
Junnie: Coming from you, that’s high praise! Thank you! Not sure yet if I’ll ever get in to serious photoblogging. But, I’m definitely considering posting more photos. Not sure either about being a ‘natural’ - so, maybe it’s the Nikon. Hehehe.
Junice: Thank you! And, thanks for visiting.
beck7: Wow. Thanks. I don’t think of myself as a professional photographer. I’m a real newbie to DSLRs, so I still have a long way to go. But, I do appreciate the vote of confidence. I do love my Nikon.
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Robin Yap 12.25.07 at 2:09 am
I’m jealous! I want one too! Great photos Shai ~
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Alex Kat 12.27.07 at 9:01 pm
congratulations
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Shai Coggins 12.28.07 at 6:55 am
Robin: Go, go, goooo!
Thanks.
Alex: Thank you.
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Riz 01.10.08 at 3:48 am
Hi Shai! Wow, Teh Shai Coggins dropped by my blog and subscribed too? I’m starstruck!
Thanks, thanks. And wow, it’s good to find someone who’s got a Nikon too. Almost everyone here are Canon people (your sister, Jayvee, Markku, Luis, etc). I’m biased! 
Good luck with your photography. 
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Shai Coggins 01.10.08 at 5:03 pm
Riz: Yay, you found me too! Yeah… I read all about your Nikon D40 experience. And you were brave to go Nikon when you’re surrounded with Canon folks. At least now we’re Nikon sisters.
Thanks for dropping by!
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