Yesterday, Nikon has released its latest dSLR the Nikon D5000 and now it has released a new firmware version for its hugely popular entry-level dLSR Nikon D40.

The new firmware version is named A Firmware Ver. 1.12 and enables the following modifications:

• Remaining battery charge is now accurately detected for Rechargeable Li-ion Batteries EN-EL9a.
  With firmware Ver. 1.11 and earlier, the number of images that could be captured (battery performance) when an EN-EL9a was used, was less than when an EN-EL9 was used. By upgrading A firmware to Ver. 1.12, EN-EL9a performance is maximized so that more images can be captured (battery performance) when an EN-EL9a is used than when an EN-EL9 is used.
• Number of shots possible (battery performance) with EN-EL9a (1,080 mAh)
• Single-frame shooting mode: Approximately 510 shots (with testing according to CIPA standards*)
• Continuous shooting mode: Approximately 2,400 shots (with testing according to Nikon standards*)
• *See the D40 user’s manual for details on test conditions.

I just updated my Nikon D40 with this new firmware and so far so good. The update process was simple yet I found it nerve-wracking as this is this my first time to update my camera’s firmware.

Nikon D40 users can visit here to download the new firmware ver. 1.12 and to see the easy instructions for the update process.

via Nikon Rumors

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As I’ve commented on Jaypee’s post about his new laptop, he’s not the only one with a new toy. Finally, after years of saving up, working hard and planning, I was finally able to get my self a digital SLR camera.

It’s a Nikon D40 which I bought yesterday from Avenue Photo store at the infamous Hidalgo Street in Quiapo, Manila. Sir Abe was right, I snagged it for Php 22k (roughly $468 USD) of which I’m happy with because the temptation of using my aunt’s credit card to buy one from the malls almost got to me. It saved me a month’s school allowance.

The choice was between getting a Cannon 400D or their newest offering, the 1000D and the Nikon D40. Of all the blogging friends I’ve consulted, no one voted for the Nikon D40. I remember my fellow BK Crew, Tonyo Cruz telling me not to get the D40 anymore because it’s so “yesterday’s model.” So after doing some research on photography stores on Hidalgo Street, I found a list of stores and their contact numbers so that I could do some price canvassing before actually making the trip from Silang, Cavite to Quiapo.

Called each store one by one asking for how much they offered both the Nikon D40 and the Cannon 400D. I sounded like an idiot because all the stores I called told me that the Cannon 400D was already phased out, and the Cannon 1000D has replaced it. Next was almost every store had no Nikon D40 in stock so for a moment it seemed I was destined to get the Cannon 1000D which they offered at Php 28,000. It was a deal compared to the Php32k price tag the malls have given it.

Luckily, Avenue Photo Supply had the Nikon D40 in their shelves with a Php22k price tag. My mind was made up at that instant. It’s the Nikon D40 for me. Why so?

I’m a newbie to digital photography and though I’ve learned a thing or two by using my Sony Ericsson K800i as a point-and-shoot camera, photography using digital SLRs is a whole new ball game and so I figured the Cannon 1000D was too much for a budding photographer like me. The Nikon D40 would be my perfect companion into the world of above-average photography. Actually, Digital Photography Review has greatly influenced my decision of going for the Nikon D40;

In everyday use the D40 is just what it set out to be, a very capable, compact, lightweight and easy to use camera which makes a perfect first step for anyone wanting to get into digital SLR photography. It provides enough control and a large enough range of manual settings to enable you to experiment and learn but also helps you to take great pictures in the process. It’s one of those cameras you can just pick up and start shooting without fuss, that you can hand to a friend who’s never used an SLR and know they’ll be able to do the same. All of this and a pretty decent kit lens for $600, I’d say it’s a bit of a bargain.

So now that I have my early Christmas present, I’d be spending more time learning about image composition, focal lengths, metering, ISO sensitivities, shutter speeds and other photography words, tricks and techniques as I mold and shape the photographer in me. With that, don’t be surprised if upcoming posts in this blog will be more about my progress in learning this new craft and hobby of mine. Plus, I have plans of hooking up with bloggers who are in the know about digital photography, nagging them for tutorials and tips, and possible collaborations, so watch out for that. Of course the most important of all, the photos I’d be taking myself for as the cliche goes, “a picture is worth a thousand words.”

Right now, I’d be sharing a handful of those, from last night’s unboxing of the Nikon D40 to the first shots I took with it.

Unboxing pics taken with my K800i phone

Now for the first photos I’ve taken with the D40

That’s it for now. More stories and more photos to come!

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