Tools: Nikon D40

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Nikon D40

Nikon
Category: Photography
Subcategory: Cameras
Price: $477.75 - $602.41
Average Rating:
  •  
(17 Votes)
Description:

The lightest, most compact Nikon digital SLR ever, featuring intuitive controls and an ergonomically designed operation that even first-time SLR users can enjoy Nikon DX Format CCD image sensor; 6.1 effective megapixels Fast 2.5 frames per second in bursts of up to 100 JPEG frames (FINE L-size or smaller) High-precision digital image processing algorithms produce natural-looking images with faithful color and tone reproduction 3D Color Matrix Metering II with 420-pixel RGB sensor delivers consistent and dependable automatic exposure for ideal results in most lighting conditions Advanced 3-area AF system and the refined algorithms inherited from the advanced Nikon digital SLR cameras deliver fast, efficient and precise autofocus, while an AF-assist illuminator helps ensure top performance in dark situations Automatic control over ISO-equivalent sensitivity from ISO 200 to 1600 plus HI 1 can also be set manually Eight automated Digital Vari-Programs [Auto, Auto (Flash Off), Portrait, Landscape, Child, Sports, Close Up, and Night Portrait] optimize white balance, sharpening, tone, color, saturation and hue to match the scene Near-instant 0.18-second power-up lets photographers respond to every photographic opportunity Versatile shutter speed control with a range from 30 to 1/4000 s, plus bulb Creative in-camera effects and editing functions consolidated under the new Retouch menu, including D-Lighting, Red-eye correction, Trim, Monochrome settings (Black-and-white, Sepia, Cyanotype), Filter Effects (Skylight, Warm filter, Color balance), Small Picture and Image Overlay Large 2.5-inch LCD monitor with viewing angle of approx. 170 degrees in all directions Innovative information displays can be shown in Classic, Graphic or Wallpaper format “Assist Images” help select the appropriate settings for many camera features by showing an example image typical of that setting Large, bright viewfinder with 0.8x magnification ensures clear view for precise composition Fast image data transfer and recording to SD memory cards of up to 4GB capacity (SDHC compliant) Long-life Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL9 allows up to 470 images* in single-frame shooting mode on a single charge (*CIPA standard, with Built-in Flash used for 50% of the shots) Built-in Flash with i-TTL flash control and full support for Nikon's Creative Lighting System Includes Nikon’s PictureProject software for easy control over image adjustment and management Support for Nikon's new Capture NX software, which provides easier access to powerful and visually intuitive enhancement tools that help tap the full potential of NEF images

Member Reviews

  • Iamdesire_max30
    abvb, Tue, 23 Oct 2007 11:24:54 UTC.
    1st review

    Based on many reviews it is emphasised on responsiveness has been carried through to the more affordable D40.

    Nikon have also obviously worked to ensure that no corners were cut in image processing, after all when you make a digital SLR you are also effectively designing the 'film' that will be permanently locked into it (we have seen very few firmware updates which actually improve image quality; this mostly because the 'heavy processing' has to be done in hardware, not software). Image quality was probably the best of any current six megapixel digital SLR and good enough to question any advantage touted by an eight megapixel.

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  • Draven2008_max30
    ldydraven, Mon, 18 Feb 2008 12:57:23 UTC.

    I have a few different cameras but this is my favorite so far...

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  • Greg_max30
    ggs1066, Thu, 08 May 2008 18:44:11 UTC.

    This is the perfect camera for me. I am not a photographer, I am a painter. This camera handles all my research need with absolutely no difficulty or worry on my part. What I see in the view finder is what I will see in the photo.

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  • Cusophie_max30
    cranbirdie, Tue, 27 May 2008 04:50:28 UTC.

    The Nikon D40 is my first SLR digital camera. It has plenty of options for the serious student photographer with room to grow, while also having the convenience and ease of use for the casual user with discriminating tastes. I love my NIKON. I love the way it cradles in my hand and responds to my touch.

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  • Bw_sl_01_max30
    SunLilly, Sat, 14 Jun 2008 16:56:12 UTC.

    I have this camera and use it in my shoots. The quality of the images are fantastic. I've used several other professional cameras and if you are not completely steady, the image would be blurred. You do not get this with the Nikon D40. It's a great camera for beginners as well. Changing to a better lens really increases the quality. It's about who the photographer is that makes the image, but having a great camera like this, make the image so much better.

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  • Photo_user_blank_big
    Account Removed, Thu, 17 Jul 2008 15:38:41 UTC.

    I absolutely love this camera. Besides being able to shoot high quality pictures and being extremely reliable, it also functions as the perfect artists tool. When ever I need to document progress or take a slide of a new work, its just point, click, and upload. Not to mention its extremely affordable, has awesome battery power!

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  • Bluedemon_max30
    Rolexxx, Fri, 18 Jul 2008 00:44:11 UTC.

    Great camera for the real amateur simple and easy to use, great files to work with...Not a Pro camera thogh

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  • Photo_user_blank_big
    ronin, Thu, 14 Aug 2008 19:12:36 UTC.

    I only can compare to Canon rebels D300, XT and XTI because I have the most experience with these cameras.
    This is the first generation of the lower budget end line, in Nikons arsenal of quality cameras. The ones fallow the D40x, D60. Have little improvement other than megapixel count. Nikon D40 is the better deal for the price difference.
    I have used Canon Rebel which I found really hard to fit in my hand, way too small of a grip to control or even hold because of the shallow grip seems to hurt my fingers. D40 is a smaller overall camera compared to all canon rebels but what it lacks in size it compensates for way better ergonomics and its very well balanced in my opinion. The size is nice also because I can easily take it with me every ware without feeling like I’m held down. I walk and bike a lot so this really counts for me. The big thing Rebel is better in that it the battery grip which would have been a great addition if you want to use bigger lenses, but it would compromise its compact size. Even without the battery grip I hardly ever have to change and charge my batteries. It takes me four days with heavy use to wear down the battery. The buttons are sensibly placed and are big enough for my hands to use even with winter gloves on.
    The controls are so easy and it is easy to start out with and is much less intimidating than other cameras. The best style of the rear display is classic mode the rest are almost useless, but the graphic interface is good for learning exposure and aperture. The help menus are really helpful for me and have learned a lot, and will keep on learning. Some say the controls are TOO simple which to a point I have to agree, but to us that are new to DSLR’s it’s a great camera to learn on. I haven’t completely out grown it yet because I have difficulty with manual controls, not the cameras fault, it’s just learning curb for me and I need to take time to learn.
    The picture quality is great for the price. I only use raw nef. files, which gives me the most control and flexibility I love. JPEG is great but I rather have more control. The picture quality drops when the iso is set past 200 but the pictures are still usable.
    Nikon D40 is missing a auto focus lens motor to keep down size and weight, and price, so that means you have to buy AF-S lenses which are the new generation of Nikon lenses so few people will have a problem. The lens is great for a kit lens. It is a lot better quality than canons, which is horrible so much distortion and noise, its ridicules. Nikons lens weakness in my opinion is when taking night pics.

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  • Who_am_i_by_tegrofreven_max30
    TegrofReven, Sun, 16 Nov 2008 21:54:52 UTC.

    I love my D40 and have basically no complaints towards it. The only problem I have encountered is when shooting in low-light or at night. The picture quality drops and becomes incredibly grainy.

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  • Photo_user_blank_big
    Account Removed, Fri, 26 Dec 2008 01:29:50 UTC.

    For an entry level camera I think it is one of the easiest I have used and I can still do all the manual mode I like. The lens that comes with this body is a good all round and close up zoom. It is light but has enough grip for hand held stability. There is pleanty od pixels to satisfy even the pro and the cost is about as gentle on the pocketbook you can get for this quality of camera.

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  • 12_max30
    keturahk, Fri, 09 Jan 2009 21:33:30 UTC.

    out of all the cameras i've used, Nikon's in general are the best and the D40 is excellent!Never failed me...

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  • Me_002_max30
    tterlep197, Sun, 15 Mar 2009 20:09:53 UTC.

    Maybe I'm predjudiced, but I love this camera. It is my first digital SLR and I have so much fun and take some great pictures with it. My telephoto lens is a bonus, too. Easy to use. Great product.

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  • Photo_user_blank_big
    rlwally, Sun, 22 Mar 2009 18:02:36 UTC.

    Love It ! Best Bang for the Buck!

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  • Dsc_0005_max30
    iAvis, Thu, 09 Apr 2009 20:27:22 UTC.

    the d40 is a reliable yet highly functional camera, for its size, it packs a wide variety of features for modern photographers. great product

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  • Wooo_max30
    nikkivee, Tue, 19 May 2009 02:03:29 UTC.

    My favourite cameras out of all my cameras it may be the most expensive one but this is a good starter camera if you want to have a career in photography

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  • Photo_user_blank_big
    Account Removed, Wed, 15 Jul 2009 22:07:49 UTC.

    I have had this camera for over two years now and I have taken thousands of pictures with it. I absolutely love the Nikon D40. It is extremely durable and has even survived a snowball attack! My only complaint is that after two years of much use a quiet rattling noise has developed in the lens.

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  • Photo_33_max30
    artblue, Fri, 04 Sep 2009 04:03:21 UTC.

    I love my D40 wont change it! :)

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