Nikon D40 Digital SLR

The nikon D40 digital SLR camera is equipped with a specially designed 3x 18-55mm f3.5-5.6G ED II AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor lens. It’s a light and compact DSLR camera, making it easy to carry anywhere. The camera’s design incorporates fewer potentially confusing controls and other distractions, allowing anyone to take breathtaking pictures while eliminating the need to “learn” photography.

The D40 features a high-resolution 6.1-effective-megapixel nikon DX Format CCD image sensor and a highly advanced nikon Image Processing Engine. These combine to produce exceptional image detail with true, vivid colors.

The nikon D40 has remarkably fast responses, with autofocus control algorithms that are inherited from nikon’s renowned D200 and D80 digital SLRs, delivering more precise focus, faster subject tracking, and more accurate autofocus response and detection–even in low light.

The D40 opens up the fun, excitement, and superior image quality of digital SLR photography to everyone. Its compact size and ideal ergonomics make it the digital SLR solution for pictures anytime, anywhere. Its bright and sharp viewfinder with 0.8x magnification ensures precise composition. After shooting, the camera’s large 2.5-inch high-resolution color LCD monitor provides a clear view for checking sharpness, exposure, and focus by enlarging the picture up to 19 times.

nikon D40 Features:

• Compact and lightweight: only 475g
• 6.1 megapixels
• AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED lens
• Razor-sharp 3-area Autofocus
• Large, bright 2.5-inch LCD monitor
• 8 digital Vari-Programs
• nikon’s exclusive built-in i-TTLflash technology
• Near-instant 0.18s start-up time
• 2.5 fps continuous shooting
• 200 to 1600 ISO broad sensitivity range
• Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL9
• PictBridge compatible
• Easy-to-use Retouch Menu
• Full compatibility with nikon’s Total Imaging System

nikon D40 Specifications:

Type of camera: Single-lens reflex digital camera
Effective pixels: 6.1 million
Image sensor: RGB CCD, 23.7 x 15.6 millimeters; total pixels: 6.24 million
Image size (pixels): 3,008 x 2,000 [L], 2,256 x 1,496 [M], 1,504 x 1,000 [S]
ISO sensitivity: 200 to 1,600 in steps of 1 EV with additional setting one step over 1600
Storage media: SD memory card, SDHC compliant
Tested and approved (compatible) cards: SanDisk 64MB, 128MB, 256MB, 512MB, 1GB, 2GB, 4GB; Toshiba 64MB, 128MB, 256MB, 512MB, 1GB, 2GB; Panasonic 64MB, 128MB, 256MB, 512MB, 1GB, 2GB, 4GB; Lexar 128MB, 256MB, 512MB, 1GB, 2GB
Storage system: Compressed NEF (RAW): 12-bit compression, JPEG: JPEG baseline-compliant
File system: Exif 2.21, Compliant DCF 2.0 and DPOF
White Balance: Auto (TTL white-balance with 420-pixel RGB sensor), six manual modes with fine-tuning and preset white balance
LCD monitor: 2.5-inch, 230,000-dot, low-temperature polysilicon TFT LCD with brightness adjustment
Playback function: 1 frame; thumbnail (4 or 9 segments); magnifying playback; slide show; histogram indication; highlight point display; auto image rotation
Delete function: Card format, all frames delete, selected frames delete
Video output: NTSC or PAL
Interface: USB mass storage and PTP selectable
Text input: Up to 36 characters of alphanumeric text input available with LCD monitor and multi selector; stored in Exif header
Compatible lenses(*1): nikon F mount with AF coupling and AF contacts
: Type G or D AF Nikkor
: 1) AF-S, AF-I: All functions supported, 2) Other Type G or D AF Nikkor: All functions supported except autofocus, 3) PC Micro-Nikkor 85mm f2.8D: Can only be used in mode M; all other functions supported except autofocus, 4) Other AF Nikkor(*2)/AI-P Nikkor: All functions supported except autofocus and 3D Color Matrix Metering II, 5): Non-CPU: Can be used in mode M, but exposure meter does not function; electronic range finder can be used if maximum aperture is f5.6 or faster
: (*1). IX Nikkor lenses cannot be used
: (*2). Excluding lenses for F3AF
Picture angle: Equivalent in 35mm [135] format is approximately 1.5 times lens focal length
Viewfinder: Fixed-eyelevel penta-Dach mirror type; built-in diopter adjustment (-1.7 to +0.5m-1)
Eyepoint: 18mm (-1.0 m-1)
Focusing screen: Type B BriteView Clear Matte screen Mark V with superimposed focus brackets
Viewfinder frame coverage: Approximately 95% (vertical/horizontal)
Viewfinder magnification: Approximately 0.8x with 50mm lens at infinity; -1.0 m-1
Viewfinder information: Focus indications, AE/FV lock indicator, Shutter speed, Aperture value, Exposure/Exposure compensation indicator, Exposure mode, Flash output level compensation, Exposure compensation, Number of remaining exposures, Flash-ready indicator
Autofocus: TTL phase detection by nikon Multi-CAM530 autofocus module with AF-assist (range approximately 1 foot 8 inches to 9 feet 10 inches); Detection range: -1 to +19 EV (ISO 100 at 68 degrees F)
Lens: Servo 1) Autofocus (AF): Instant single-servo AF (AF-S); continuous servo AF (AF-C); auto AF-S/AF-C selection (AF-A); predictive focus tracking automatically activated according to subject status, 2) Manual focus (M)
Focus area: Can be selected from 3 focus areas
AF area modes: 1) Single Area AF, 2) Dynamic Area AF, 3) Dynamic Area AF with Closest Subject Priority
Focus lock: Focus can be locked by pressing shutter-release button halfway (single-servo AF) or by pressing AE-L/AF-L button
Exposure metering system: TTL full-aperture exposure metering system; 1) 3D Color Matrix Metering II (type G and D lenses); Color Matrix Metering II (other CPU lenses); metering performed by 420-segment RGB sensor; 2) Center-weighted: Weight of 75% given to 8mm circle in center of frame; 3) Spot: Meters 3.5mm circle (about 2.5% of frame) centered on active focus area
Exposure metering range: 1) 0 to 20 EV (3D Color Matrix or center-weighted metering), 2) 2 to 20 EV (spot metering)
Exposure modes: digital Vari-program (Auto, Auto [Flash Off], Portrait, Landscape, Child, Sports, Close Up, Night Portrait), Programmed Auto (P) with flexible program; Shutter-Priority Auto (S); Aperture Priority Auto (A); Manual (M)
Exposure compensation: +/-5 EV in increments of 1/3 EV
Exposure lock: Exposure locked at detected value with AE-L/AF-L button
Shooting modes: 1) Single frame shooting mode, 2) Continuous shooting mode: approximately 2.5 frames per second, 3) Self-timer mode, 4) Delayed remote mode: 2 second delay, 5) Quick-response remote mode
Shutter: Combined mechanical and CCD electronic shutter, 30 to 1/4000 second in steps of 1/3, bulb
Sync contact: X-contact only; flash synchronization at up to 1/500 second
Flash control: 1) TTL: TTL flash control by 420-segment RGB sensor. i-TTL balanced fill-flash for digital SLR and standard i-TTL fill-flash for digital SLR available when CPU lens is used with Built-in Flash, SB-800, SB-600, and SB-400, 2) Auto aperture: Available with SB-800 with CPU lens, 3) Non-TTL Auto: Available with Speedlights such as SB-800, 80DX, 28DX, 28, 27, and 22s, 4) Range-priority manual available with SB-800
Flash sync modes: In Auto, Portrait, Child, and Close Up modes: Auto, auto with red-eye reduction; fill-flash and red-eye reduction available with optional Speedlight; in Night Portrait: Auto, auto slow sync, auto slow sync with red-eye reduction; slow sync and slow sync with red-eye reduction available with optional Speedlight; Landscape, Sports:Fill-flash and red-eye reduction available with optional Speedlight; P, A: Fill flash, rear-curtain with slow sync, slow sync, slow sync with red-eye reduction, red-eye reduction; S, M: Fill flash, rear-curtain sync, red-eye reduction
Built-in flash: Auto, Portrait, Child, Close Up, Night Portrait modes:Auto flash with auto pop-up; P/S/A/M: Manual pop-up with button release; Guide number (ISO 200/ISO 100, feet): approximately 55/39 (manual full 59/42)
Flash compensation: -3 to +1 EV in increments of 1/3 EV
Accessory shoe: Standard ISO hot-shoe contact with sync, signal, and ground contacts and safety lock
Self-timer: Electronically controlled timer with duration of 2, 5, 10, or 20 s.
Remote control: Via wireless remote control ML-L3 (optional)
Power source: One rechargeable Li-ion battery EN-EL9; charging voltage (Quick Charger MH-23); 7.4V DC, AC adapter EH-5 (available separately; requires optional AC adapter connector EP-5)
Tripod socket: 1/4 inches (ISO1222)
Dimensions (W x D x H): Approximately 5.0 x 2.5 x 3.7 inches
Weight: Approximately 1 pound 1 ounce without battery, memory card, or body cap
What’s in the box: nikon D40 digital camera, rechargeable Li-ion battery EN-EL9, quick charger MH-23, USB cable UC-E4, PictureProject, rubber eyecup DK-16, camera strap, body cap BF-1A, eyepiece cap DK-5, accessory shoe cap BS-1

Customer Review: Great deal for the money!
I have been waiting to enter the D-SLR market until a few months ago and bought a D40 which replaces my beloved FE-2 and FA. The picture quality of this new generation of cameras is sheer amazing!!! Some pictures I shot look almost better than the original scenes!

The lack of auto focus ability on some older nikon lenses is not really a problem as I believe the choice of focal point can be a creative part of photography. And lenses have evolved just like the cameras have. Modern lenses are lighter as they are built with predominantly space age plastics and smaller glass elements.

So, if you are thinking about about getting into D-SLR photography, this camera is a great choice! It might be a good time to invest in a few lenses as well! The 18-55 is a good lens and begs to be complimented by a tele zoom and a ultra wide angle lens.

I was surprised to find out that this camera does not offer a way to frame pictures with the monitor on the back. The view finder is the only way. Actually, no D-SLR offers this option as the image sensor does not become active until the shutter is released. Many point and shoot cameras offer this feature.

The best advantage about having a D40 is it’s size and light weight. You will end up taking it with you more often which will result in more and better pictures!

Customer review: Good first DSLR, not a good upgrade for nikon owners
The nikon D40 is a quite capable digital SLR, that should deliver good picture quality, in a compact and affordable camera. It has all the basic features you’d expect (listed quite well by the staff at Amazon), so let me go into comparisons with other cameras.

First and foremost, the D40 lacks the focusing motor built into the body of the camera (like all previous nikon DSLRs). Instead, it must have a motor built into the lens (nikon calls these type “Silent Wave” or AF-S), otherwise, you lose autofocusing. While nikon offers several AF-S lenses, they offer only a handful under $1,000. Additionally, the D40 will only be available in the US with the 18-55 kit, and most the other lenses under $1,000 over lap very much with this lens. Tamron and Tokina currently offer NO lenses with the motor built-in for nikon cameras, and Sigma only offers a very few. If you want a zoom going to 300mm any time soon, be prepared to shell out about $600 for nikon’s new 70-300VR lens if you require autofocus. It promises to be a very nice lens, but you can get a basic canon or sony 75-300 for a bit over $200. Thus, if your considering the D40 because you have a bag full of nikon AF lenses, then you might instead look at the soon to be disappearing D50.

Compared to other nikon DSLRs, the D40 is much smaller, very similar to the canon digital Rebel XTi. While this results in a smaller, lighter camera, it also means it will have some of the same drawbacks that many nikon owners have teased Rebel owners. The camera will have a smaller grip; a smaller, less powerful battery; will lose the top info LCD and use the rear 2.5″ screen instead; and, the feature nikon users typically point to when they refer to “ergonomics” is the viewfinder. While the D80 has a .94x viewfinder, the D40 matches the smaller .80x of the XTi.

The autofocusing points will also drop to 3, with 5 being the previous low on a nikon DSLR.

The D40 will do very well, especially since canon & sony aren’t currently offering a lower cost, 6 megapixel camera. The directly comparable camera would be Pentax’s K110D, which retails for about $550 with lens and after rebate. It uses the same 6 megapixel sensor supplies by sony as the D40. A bit heavier, is uses 4 AA batteries instead of the LithiumIon. I prefer the latter, but there are many fans of the inexpensive AA NiMH rechargables. The viewfinder is also larger, and has a very nice 11 point AF system. Pentax also offers the more popular K100D, which is the same as the K110D, but with SR (”Shake Reduction”) built into the camera body. This retails, after rebate, for about $50 more than the D40.

So the D40 will be a very nice camera for the budding photographer, but not necessarily a good upgrade for current nikon owners. Instead, they should look at the D50 (while supplies last), or consider the superb 10 megapixel D80.

Bookmark to:

Tags: buying guide, shopping, camera, nikon, digital camera, digital camera review, canon, review

This entry was posted on Tuesday, May 8th, 2007 at 11:39 am and is filed under Nikon. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

The nikon D40 digital SLR camera is equipped with a specially designed 3x 18-55mm f3.5-5.6G ED II AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor lens. It’s a light and compact DSLR camera, making it easy to carry anywhere. The camera’s design incorporates fewer potentially confusing controls and other distractions, allowing anyone to take breathtaking pictures while eliminating the need to “learn” photography.

The D40 features a high-resolution 6.1-effective-megapixel nikon DX Format CCD image sensor and a highly advanced nikon Image Processing Engine. These combine to produce exceptional image detail with true, vivid colors.

The nikon D40 has remarkably fast responses, with autofocus control algorithms that are inherited from nikon’s renowned D200 and D80 digital SLRs, delivering more precise focus, faster subject tracking, and more accurate autofocus response and detection–even in low light.

The D40 opens up the fun, excitement, and superior image quality of digital SLR photography to everyone. Its compact size and ideal ergonomics make it the digital SLR solution for pictures anytime, anywhere. Its bright and sharp viewfinder with 0.8x magnification ensures precise composition. After shooting, the camera’s large 2.5-inch high-resolution color LCD monitor provides a clear view for checking sharpness, exposure, and focus by enlarging the picture up to 19 times.

nikon D40 Features:

• Compact and lightweight: only 475g
• 6.1 megapixels
• AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED lens
• Razor-sharp 3-area Autofocus
• Large, bright 2.5-inch LCD monitor
• 8 digital Vari-Programs
• nikon’s exclusive built-in i-TTLflash technology
• Near-instant 0.18s start-up time
• 2.5 fps continuous shooting
• 200 to 1600 ISO broad sensitivity range
• Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL9
• PictBridge compatible
• Easy-to-use Retouch Menu
• Full compatibility with nikon’s Total Imaging System

nikon D40 Specifications:

Type of camera: Single-lens reflex digital camera
Effective pixels: 6.1 million
Image sensor: RGB CCD, 23.7 x 15.6 millimeters; total pixels: 6.24 million
Image size (pixels): 3,008 x 2,000 [L], 2,256 x 1,496 [M], 1,504 x 1,000 [S]
ISO sensitivity: 200 to 1,600 in steps of 1 EV with additional setting one step over 1600
Storage media: SD memory card, SDHC compliant
Tested and approved (compatible) cards: SanDisk 64MB, 128MB, 256MB, 512MB, 1GB, 2GB, 4GB; Toshiba 64MB, 128MB, 256MB, 512MB, 1GB, 2GB; Panasonic 64MB, 128MB, 256MB, 512MB, 1GB, 2GB, 4GB; Lexar 128MB, 256MB, 512MB, 1GB, 2GB
Storage system: Compressed NEF (RAW): 12-bit compression, JPEG: JPEG baseline-compliant
File system: Exif 2.21, Compliant DCF 2.0 and DPOF
White Balance: Auto (TTL white-balance with 420-pixel RGB sensor), six manual modes with fine-tuning and preset white balance
LCD monitor: 2.5-inch, 230,000-dot, low-temperature polysilicon TFT LCD with brightness adjustment
Playback function: 1 frame; thumbnail (4 or 9 segments); magnifying playback; slide show; histogram indication; highlight point display; auto image rotation
Delete function: Card format, all frames delete, selected frames delete
Video output: NTSC or PAL
Interface: USB mass storage and PTP selectable
Text input: Up to 36 characters of alphanumeric text input available with LCD monitor and multi selector; stored in Exif header
Compatible lenses(*1): nikon F mount with AF coupling and AF contacts
: Type G or D AF Nikkor
: 1) AF-S, AF-I: All functions supported, 2) Other Type G or D AF Nikkor: All functions supported except autofocus, 3) PC Micro-Nikkor 85mm f2.8D: Can only be used in mode M; all other functions supported except autofocus, 4) Other AF Nikkor(*2)/AI-P Nikkor: All functions supported except autofocus and 3D Color Matrix Metering II, 5): Non-CPU: Can be used in mode M, but exposure meter does not function; electronic range finder can be used if maximum aperture is f5.6 or faster
: (*1). IX Nikkor lenses cannot be used
: (*2). Excluding lenses for F3AF
Picture angle: Equivalent in 35mm [135] format is approximately 1.5 times lens focal length
Viewfinder: Fixed-eyelevel penta-Dach mirror type; built-in diopter adjustment (-1.7 to +0.5m-1)
Eyepoint: 18mm (-1.0 m-1)
Focusing screen: Type B BriteView Clear Matte screen Mark V with superimposed focus brackets
Viewfinder frame coverage: Approximately 95% (vertical/horizontal)
Viewfinder magnification: Approximately 0.8x with 50mm lens at infinity; -1.0 m-1
Viewfinder information: Focus indications, AE/FV lock indicator, Shutter speed, Aperture value, Exposure/Exposure compensation indicator, Exposure mode, Flash output level compensation, Exposure compensation, Number of remaining exposures, Flash-ready indicator
Autofocus: TTL phase detection by nikon Multi-CAM530 autofocus module with AF-assist (range approximately 1 foot 8 inches to 9 feet 10 inches); Detection range: -1 to +19 EV (ISO 100 at 68 degrees F)
Lens: Servo 1) Autofocus (AF): Instant single-servo AF (AF-S); continuous servo AF (AF-C); auto AF-S/AF-C selection (AF-A); predictive focus tracking automatically activated according to subject status, 2) Manual focus (M)
Focus area: Can be selected from 3 focus areas
AF area modes: 1) Single Area AF, 2) Dynamic Area AF, 3) Dynamic Area AF with Closest Subject Priority
Focus lock: Focus can be locked by pressing shutter-release button halfway (single-servo AF) or by pressing AE-L/AF-L button
Exposure metering system: TTL full-aperture exposure metering system; 1) 3D Color Matrix Metering II (type G and D lenses); Color Matrix Metering II (other CPU lenses); metering performed by 420-segment RGB sensor; 2) Center-weighted: Weight of 75% given to 8mm circle in center of frame; 3) Spot: Meters 3.5mm circle (about 2.5% of frame) centered on active focus area
Exposure metering range: 1) 0 to 20 EV (3D Color Matrix or center-weighted metering), 2) 2 to 20 EV (spot metering)
Exposure modes: digital Vari-program (Auto, Auto [Flash Off], Portrait, Landscape, Child, Sports, Close Up, Night Portrait), Programmed Auto (P) with flexible program; Shutter-Priority Auto (S); Aperture Priority Auto (A); Manual (M)
Exposure compensation: +/-5 EV in increments of 1/3 EV
Exposure lock: Exposure locked at detected value with AE-L/AF-L button
Shooting modes: 1) Single frame shooting mode, 2) Continuous shooting mode: approximately 2.5 frames per second, 3) Self-timer mode, 4) Delayed remote mode: 2 second delay, 5) Quick-response remote mode
Shutter: Combined mechanical and CCD electronic shutter, 30 to 1/4000 second in steps of 1/3, bulb
Sync contact: X-contact only; flash synchronization at up to 1/500 second
Flash control: 1) TTL: TTL flash control by 420-segment RGB sensor. i-TTL balanced fill-flash for digital SLR and standard i-TTL fill-flash for digital SLR available when CPU lens is used with Built-in Flash, SB-800, SB-600, and SB-400, 2) Auto aperture: Available with SB-800 with CPU lens, 3) Non-TTL Auto: Available with Speedlights such as SB-800, 80DX, 28DX, 28, 27, and 22s, 4) Range-priority manual available with SB-800
Flash sync modes: In Auto, Portrait, Child, and Close Up modes: Auto, auto with red-eye reduction; fill-flash and red-eye reduction available with optional Speedlight; in Night Portrait: Auto, auto slow sync, auto slow sync with red-eye reduction; slow sync and slow sync with red-eye reduction available with optional Speedlight; Landscape, Sports:Fill-flash and red-eye reduction available with optional Speedlight; P, A: Fill flash, rear-curtain with slow sync, slow sync, slow sync with red-eye reduction, red-eye reduction; S, M: Fill flash, rear-curtain sync, red-eye reduction
Built-in flash: Auto, Portrait, Child, Close Up, Night Portrait modes:Auto flash with auto pop-up; P/S/A/M: Manual pop-up with button release; Guide number (ISO 200/ISO 100, feet): approximately 55/39 (manual full 59/42)
Flash compensation: -3 to +1 EV in increments of 1/3 EV
Accessory shoe: Standard ISO hot-shoe contact with sync, signal, and ground contacts and safety lock
Self-timer: Electronically controlled timer with duration of 2, 5, 10, or 20 s.
Remote control: Via wireless remote control ML-L3 (optional)
Power source: One rechargeable Li-ion battery EN-EL9; charging voltage (Quick Charger MH-23); 7.4V DC, AC adapter EH-5 (available separately; requires optional AC adapter connector EP-5)
Tripod socket: 1/4 inches (ISO1222)
Dimensions (W x D x H): Approximately 5.0 x 2.5 x 3.7 inches
Weight: Approximately 1 pound 1 ounce without battery, memory card, or body cap
What’s in the box: nikon D40 digital camera, rechargeable Li-ion battery EN-EL9, quick charger MH-23, USB cable UC-E4, PictureProject, rubber eyecup DK-16, camera strap, body cap BF-1A, eyepiece cap DK-5, accessory shoe cap BS-1

Customer Review: Great deal for the money!
I have been waiting to enter the D-SLR market until a few months ago and bought a D40 which replaces my beloved FE-2 and FA. The picture quality of this new generation of cameras is sheer amazing!!! Some pictures I shot look almost better than the original scenes!

The lack of auto focus ability on some older nikon lenses is not really a problem as I believe the choice of focal point can be a creative part of photography. And lenses have evolved just like the cameras have. Modern lenses are lighter as they are built with predominantly space age plastics and smaller glass elements.

So, if you are thinking about about getting into D-SLR photography, this camera is a great choice! It might be a good time to invest in a few lenses as well! The 18-55 is a good lens and begs to be complimented by a tele zoom and a ultra wide angle lens.

I was surprised to find out that this camera does not offer a way to frame pictures with the monitor on the back. The view finder is the only way. Actually, no D-SLR offers this option as the image sensor does not become active until the shutter is released. Many point and shoot cameras offer this feature.

The best advantage about having a D40 is it’s size and light weight. You will end up taking it with you more often which will result in more and better pictures!

Customer review: Good first DSLR, not a good upgrade for nikon owners
The nikon D40 is a quite capable digital SLR, that should deliver good picture quality, in a compact and affordable camera. It has all the basic features you’d expect (listed quite well by the staff at Amazon), so let me go into comparisons with other cameras.

First and foremost, the D40 lacks the focusing motor built into the body of the camera (like all previous nikon DSLRs). Instead, it must have a motor built into the lens (nikon calls these type “Silent Wave” or AF-S), otherwise, you lose autofocusing. While nikon offers several AF-S lenses, they offer only a handful under $1,000. Additionally, the D40 will only be available in the US with the 18-55 kit, and most the other lenses under $1,000 over lap very much with this lens. Tamron and Tokina currently offer NO lenses with the motor built-in for nikon cameras, and Sigma only offers a very few. If you want a zoom going to 300mm any time soon, be prepared to shell out about $600 for nikon’s new 70-300VR lens if you require autofocus. It promises to be a very nice lens, but you can get a basic canon or sony 75-300 for a bit over $200. Thus, if your considering the D40 because you have a bag full of nikon AF lenses, then you might instead look at the soon to be disappearing D50.

Compared to other nikon DSLRs, the D40 is much smaller, very similar to the canon digital Rebel XTi. While this results in a smaller, lighter camera, it also means it will have some of the same drawbacks that many nikon owners have teased Rebel owners. The camera will have a smaller grip; a smaller, less powerful battery; will lose the top info LCD and use the rear 2.5″ screen instead; and, the feature nikon users typically point to when they refer to “ergonomics” is the viewfinder. While the D80 has a .94x viewfinder, the D40 matches the smaller .80x of the XTi.

The autofocusing points will also drop to 3, with 5 being the previous low on a nikon DSLR.

The D40 will do very well, especially since canon & sony aren’t currently offering a lower cost, 6 megapixel camera. The directly comparable camera would be Pentax’s K110D, which retails for about $550 with lens and after rebate. It uses the same 6 megapixel sensor supplies by sony as the D40. A bit heavier, is uses 4 AA batteries instead of the LithiumIon. I prefer the latter, but there are many fans of the inexpensive AA NiMH rechargables. The viewfinder is also larger, and has a very nice 11 point AF system. Pentax also offers the more popular K100D, which is the same as the K110D, but with SR (”Shake Reduction”) built into the camera body. This retails, after rebate, for about $50 more than the D40.

So the D40 will be a very nice camera for the budding photographer, but not necessarily a good upgrade for current nikon owners. Instead, they should look at the D50 (while supplies last), or consider the superb 10 megapixel D80.

Bookmark to:

Tags: buying guide, shopping, camera, nikon, digital camera, digital camera review, canon, review

This entry was posted on Tuesday, May 8th, 2007 at 11:39 am and is filed under Nikon. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.