Nikon D40

Just because all digital SLR cameras are built exclusively for professionals doesn’t mean they are too complicated to use. The Nikon D40 is a fine example of an entry-level DSLR camera. It has the professional quality when it comes to capturing photos and a very simple interface that makes it easy for those who are just starting out with a DSLR camera.

Nikon D40 | Camera Details

Nikon D40’s Position in the D Series

The D40 is the second of the entry-level cameras and is the successor to the D50 which was introduced early 2005. The D50 lasted for nearly a year until the D40 took over late 2006 and is currently the most affordable DSLR camera. The reason why it has a D40 model which is lower than its predecessor is because of the fact that some features were removed to lower the cost. However, there are some welcome additions as well that will be discussed below.

Design

The Nikon D40 is rather quite small and is comparable in size to some of the point-and-shoot cameras. It is even smaller than the D50 yet manages to bear some similarities on all sides. These core features were previously used by the D80 which is a camera in the midrange series. This ensures that the interface remains familiar for starters so that people that want to advance to better models won’t struggle.

Comparing the front view with the older D50, the only noticeable change is the repositioning of the mode dial. The mode dial is found just near the shutter button since there is no LCD panel in the way. The D40 label also receives a metallic touch for greater emphasis.

When viewing the camera on the left side, you will notice the Fn button which serves as the self-timer function along with a flash exposure compensation button. Other entry-models use this configuration as well. It is also the spot where you can plug in your USB or video-out connections. All you need to do is lift the plastic hatch and plug away. Future models use a rubber cover instead. There isn’t really much on the right side other than the SD card compartment and a lug for the neckstrap. The top view can give you a better idea on the mode dial repositioning while the other features should remain familiar enough for beginner photographers to get used to.

The back side of the camera reveals a bright 2.5 inch LCD display complemented with 4 buttons instead of 5 in the old D50. The “OK” button has also been repositioned to the center of the multi selector for easier navigation. There aren’t too many buttons laid out here so navigating the interface should be easy. On the bottom lies the compartment cover where the battery goes and the tripod socket.

Actual user review:
“The 6 Megapixel Nikon D40 is targeted for those who want a relatively compact and light camera yet having most of the important SLR features. The D40 is priced reasonably. In my opinion, if you are still considering whether to get a point and shoot camera or a DSLR, the D40 will be a better choice than any point and shoot camera, by far, even those with 8MP or 10MP. But if you are already deciding to get a DSLR or you want more control of the picture taking experience, then I would recommend you to also test the D50 and/or D80 first before deciding to buy the D40. I want you to make sure that you know what you will get (and not get) with the D40. There are some limitation with the D40 which shouldn’t bother most people, for example, the D40 doesn’t have dedicated button to change picture quality, white balance or ISO settings. Once you understand its limitation, the D40 is a potent and exciting photography machine. Just like all its siblings, the D40 powers on instantly and take pictures with almost no shutter lag which are the major advantages of a DSLR over a point and shoot camera. In addition to the P,S,A,M mode, the picture quality of the auto settings are also very good. With 2.5 frames per second you can capture movement progress in sports like football, basketball, baseball etc. Also great to photograph your family or child. The D40 is a great all around camera.” – S.Tanu (VA,USA)

Features

The Nikon D40 has the most limited feature set of all the Nikon DSLR cameras, but it still manages to pack quite a punch with its capability of taking 6.1 megapixel images. This may seem lower than most of the modern point-and-shoot cameras, but the Nikon DX-format CCD imaging sensor helps the camera greatly in attaining great sharpness and color. Combined with the Nikon image processing engine, results look above average.

It also uses the AF-S DX Zoom-NIKKOR lens which is included to provide autofocus capabilities for precision shooting and 3x zooming for other shooting occasions. This lens can be used with other entry-level digital cameras as well.

Continuous shooting is possible with this rather light DSLR camera capable of shooting two and a half frames per second which is just enough to capture high speed sport actions and other scenes. Combined with the instant shutter response and fast startup, the Nikon D40 is a rather agile camera that is reliable for capturing precious moments.

In-camera image editing can also be done to photos that need a quick fix when no computer is available. Basic functions like red-eye correction, cropping, image overlaying, and more can be performed.

Bottom Line

The Nikon D40 is by far the easiest camera to use with a simple interface and an advanced help menu system that can help new users out. It is a great, light and affordable camera to bring along on your travels.

Average User Rating:

• “This is an ergonomical, fast handling, very solidly built Digital SLR with many excellent features. It is small in size but unlike the Canon 350/400d/xti, you get a comfortable grip that doesn’t make your hand feel cramped. It uses the same excellent 6 megapixel sensor from the D50, D70, D70s. 6MP from a DSLR will blow the doors off a 6,7,8MP compact or even DSLR-like cameras. Especially under low light conditions. The main drawback for the D40 is you’d have to stick with AF-S or AF-I lenses if you want to get auto focus. However, the kit lens is adequately sharp and responsive. Pretty sharp at the other end of the zoom, no distortion. It has a 3-point auto focus system and is excellent in camera processing. Red eye reduction, D-lighting-automatically compensates for darker areas, image-overlay, trimming, etc. The new menu is beautiful. Also zooming in during playback has been improved. Very fast from power up to taking pictures. The built in flash is excellent and accurate and powerful enough for most situations. The D40 is a superb camera for beginners or even semi-experienced enthusiasts, or as a second camera.” – Larry (USA)
• “Nikon has hit a grand slam with this camera. Lots of ingenius user interface elements, superb feel/handling, superb flash (both internal and external SB-400), outstanding image quality, instant response, superb viewfinder, superb LCD… I could go on. I thought I was going to wait for a full-frame sensor body, but when this came along, I could not wait to upgrade. The lack of a built-in focusing motor is an ADVANTAGE in my opinion. It’s one reason the camera is so small and lightweight, and I believe all future Nikon lenses will have internal focusing anyway. So unless you want to use older, heavier, and slower focusing lenses for some strange reason, you’d be paying for and carrying around something you won’t even use. If you’re ready to move to a DSLR, take this camera for a test drive. You will most likely fall in love with its wonderful handling and excellent performance.” – D. J. Zajic (OR,USA)

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