Photographer camera?

What's is next best step to get a camera? I have Nikon D40 about 12 years old, i see alot people use Canon, is really good? Or still use Nikon

My friends who know more about cameras than I do tell me the two best brands are Canon and Nikon. I have a Canon and I love it. I suspect they're all made in the same factory in China anyway. I got a Canon because I had a surprisingly great experience with their customer service once.

You can search on the Internet for reviews, example photos, etc., and you'll find that at a particular price level they're all roughly equivalent. Unless one model has some feature you just gotta have.

So how do you like your D40? A newer, fancier Nikon might be even better.

You mean dSLRs? They're all good. All brands and models are good and they're all basically the same.

If you get an entry-level (meaning cheapest) dSLR now to replace your D40 (which is also entry-level), the only improvements you'll notice is a larger picture (more MP) and some new tricks (LiveView and video). As far as picture quality is concerned, nothing changes because that depends on your skill.

If you get better than entry-level (more expensive), you gain more control (wider range of settings) and a better sensor (better light absorption). Shooting becomes easier if you know what you're doing so the end result is you enjoy using the camera more. Picture quality may be the same but getting that shot is now easier.

You see a lot of people using Canon because that is the most popular brand. The next most popular is Nikon. Those two brands spend the most million dollars in advertising. What camera to get really depends on two things. First is your budget and second is brand loyalty. How deep your pockets are, I do not know but if you dare go astray, there's Pentax.

Canons are great products (my choice) but you can safely stay in the Nikon family and not feel like you're missing out on anything.

Personally, I have no time for either Canon or Nikon, but that's just me. I was shooting with Pentax before you were born.

As to your current dilemma, there's a simple solution - if your current camera works, you don't need a new one.

As you are already familiar with Nikon and their menu system etc stick with that brand.
The logical upgrade path for truly meaningful better image quality potential is to go up to a 35mm sensor. (D750)
If you still want to stay with APS-C sensor size then think about getting a D5600 which will bring you right up to date and offer a fully-articulating LCD panel for awkward angle shots and video.

If you want a much smaller camera without sacrificing image quality then look at a mirrorless Sony A6300 or newer.

Canon and Nikon are still market leaders by a mile in the DSLR arena. It's down to tradition, the largest accessory systems and maintenance of the pro market.

As some of our usual contributors here have mentioned, Canon and Nikon are indeed the forerunners in sales, popularity and quality products, and they also offer consumers a great variety of lenses at more affordable prices in the new and used market. There are other less popular camera brands (Minolta, Pentax, Sony) that are as good but they lack the immense variety AND affordability of lenses Canon and Nikon offer.

I tell newbies to go to their favorite camera shop and ask to see and handle comparable Canon and Nikon cameras within their budget, to look through the viewfinder, feel and compare the cameras' ergonomics, the proximity of the buttons, knobs, switches for features and functions to their finger's reach for personal comfort level before deciding.

Land Shark made a noteworthy comment; namely, familiarity with the Nikon system, which means your comfort level and experience with the Nikon menu setup will help you tremendously upgrade to a more sophisticated Nikon camera when you feel the need to do so. But, as often said here, a more expensive, more sophisticated camera won't improve your skills but it will make your shooting experience easier IF you know what you're doing.

IF you choose to stay with the Nikon cropped sensor system, check out the Nikon D5600 with the kit zoom lens but also take a look at the more robust and slightly expensive D7200. On the other hand, IF you wish to upgrade to the full-frame sensor, you have the D610 and D810 to compare for features and functions to suit your needs.

Bottom line, ask yourself these questions: WHAT feature(s) or function(s) does your current camera not have that you feel you "need" or can't do without? How often do you use your camera, do you walk around with it or only use it on special occasions?

If you have a bunch of lenses for your D40, I would stay with Nikon.
If you only have the 18-55mm kit lens for your D40, feel free to buy any brand without guilt.

If you have friends that shoot with DSLRs and they use a specific brand, I would go with their brand as it allows you to try out their lenses and accessories. Plus, it's easier to geek out if everyone has the same equipment.

Without knowing what your needs are or literally anything about your photographic likes and dislikes, it's simply not possible to say you should go with model X or model Y.

Anything from Canon, Nikon or Pentax will blow the doors off of your D40 because it's so old. I'd say since you are already familiar with the way Nikon works, stick with it. If you want a camera that is better for specific types of photography, then that's a whole different question than what you're asking.

You also don't mention anything about a budget, which is critical in recommending cameras. It does you no good for me to recommend a Pentax K-1 if you don't have a budget of around $2,000 for body and lens.

If you didn't already own a DSLR, I would strongly recommend looking at the Pentax K-70 which has been rated the best camera in it's price range. It's a little pricey compared to the entry level cameras like the Rebel series from Canon or the D3xxx series from Nikon, but it has features that allow it to take better pictures than higher-end Nikons and Canons that cost significantly more. So in those terms, the Pentax K-70 is quite the bargain.

A good step would be to learn to use the English language well, then you could ask questions which could always be understood.

Canon are great cameras but so are Nikon. If you are happy with your Nikon and have lens(es) and other accessories to fit then stick with Nikon.