I photograph for several years Digital and got to know through my father-D 40 and was really impressed from the first moment. By taking pictures with compact digital cameras and editing on the PC I was used to that you have to improve a good photo definitely - until I got the D40 in hand! The pictures with this camera is a real treat !! From any location and in almost any condition (both inside and out) to take great photos. The tripping time, the ergonomics, the operation of the camera, the menu system, the KIT lens (18-55) everything matched fantastic one another or to use. My introduction to DSLR photography could not have been better (as you can see I have my camera bought a week later in the package with lens) Since then I have shot more than 400 photos in 5 days and am thrilled entirely on each individual. I can highly recommend the camera to anyone, it is compared to the "conventional" digital photography a real experience! In this sense I wish all present and future owners of a large memory card - you will definitely need - trust me !!! In the words of a renowned camera manufacturer: "Welcome to the playground!"