Photography isn’t about having the latest gear—it’s about using what you have to capture the world around you. Recently, I’ve been borrowing my dad’s Nikon D40, an 18-year-old DSLR, and rediscovering the joy of photography through its simplicity and charm.
Every Wednesday, my workplace gives us something special: two hours of wellness time, usually from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. It’s time dedicated to recharging and clearing our heads in whatever way we see fit. For some of my colleagues, that means learning Spanish, meditating, practicing Tai Chi, or doing yoga. For me, wellness means grabbing the camera and going on photo walks—or sometimes taking a bike ride to explore new scenes.
The Nikon D40 isn’t the newest or flashiest camera, but it has heart. It’s proven time and again that great photos come from being present in the moment, not from cutting-edge technology. On my walks, I’ve found inspiration in the ordinary: sunlight hitting the sidewalk just right, the quiet patterns of shadows, and the vibrant details of everyday life.
Even late-night errands have become photo opportunities. The soft glow of streetlights and the electric buzz of neon signs create a completely different mood, one that the D40 captures with surprising warmth and character.
Photography with the D40 reminds me of something essential: you don’t need to wait for the perfect gear or moment. Sometimes, the beauty is already around you—use whatever you have to capture it.
Alan W. King 
I completely agree. I think the D40 is a great little camera, even all these years later. I have a thing for cameras from the era. Too often, we’re seduced by hype and buzzwords, when we already had cameras that were very capable. Yes, I’m surprised at the very nice output from my D40 and other cameras of the time.