The Nikon D40 is a 6.1 megapixel entry level DSLR with a 23.7 x 15.6mm RGB CCD sensor. The D40 features 3-AF points, an ISO range of 200-1600, 2.5 inch LCD display, 3D Color Matrix Mettering II, (center weighted and Spot Metering), 2.5 fps continuous shooting, USB 2.0, numerous program modes, measures 126 x 94 x 64mm and weighs 475g (without battery).
ThomHogan compares the Nikon D40X to Nikon D40 and writes;
“Yes, the ratings are the same for both the D40 and D40x. While you get a bit more “performance” from the D40x due to the extra pixels and slightly faster frame rate, it’s not enough to make me give an additional star, especially given the loss of flash sync speed. Likewise, the increase in price for the D40x, while slightly more than justified by the changes, doesn’t warrant losing a full star for the D40x, either. The D40 value rating would be higher, though, if you could get the D40 without the kit lens. Put another way, body only at a lower price I’d give the D40 full marks. It’s likely that at some point in the D40’s lifespan that’ll happen.”
PocketLint reviews the Nikon D40 (rating: 8/10) and writes;
“Noise is kept well under control thanks the fact the camera uses fewer, larger pixels (larger pixels are more sensitive to light so require less signal amplification thus reducing noise issues) and that good in-camera processing….The D40 is an almost perfect DSLR for those first time DSLR buyers on a more modest budget, anyone who wants a compact and lightweight DSLR or those moving across from film or trading up from a compact model. Image quality, the handling, responsiveness and features strike a great balance for its target market and you should not be put off by the 6-megapixel sensor as there’s plenty of detail here, so the D40 really should be high up on your wants list if your about spend money on a budget DSLR. “
Shutterbug reviews the Nikon D40 and writes;
“The D40 is not a camera whose functions you can change easily as you work, although most people using this camera will probably set it up once at the start of a session and keep it there. It’s not that the control for changes of ISO, single and continuous release, and other functions is difficult—it’s that, unlike many Nikon D-SLRs we’ve tested, they are all done here in the LCD menu and not via on-body buttons or switches. But the menu does, as mentioned, have very nice and bright graphics that are easily seen even in fairly bright sunlight. And they are neither complicated nor obscure, with even a Help function that’s always available as you learn the controls. Some who have shot with “externalized” control D-SLRs will find this somewhat awkward and even a step backward into digicam land, while others will not be too bothered by it due to the ease and speed with which you can make changes.”
PCAuthority reviews the Nikon D40 (Rating: 81%) and writes;
“The 18–55mm stock lens is good, but Nikon has done away with the internal focus motor of previous cameras. The upshot is that you’re restricted to either AF-S or AF-I lenses, so the D40 isn’t necessarily a good choice for those who already have a selection of Nikkor lenses – most won’t be able to focus automatically, and some, such as the IX range, won’t work at all. The camera also lacks exposure bracketing, which more advanced users will sorely miss.”
CameraLabs reviews the Nikon D40 (Rating: 5/6) and writes;
“Nikon has certainly succeeded in designing an ideal camera for first-time DSLR owners. The D40 is small, light, very easy to use, rarely fooled by anything and simply delivers great quality pictures. So it’s the perfect entry-level DSLR, right? Well it would be if it weren’t for that pesky Canon 400D / XTi. The D40 may be easier to use and arguably more comfortable to handle, but the Canon’s got numbers on its side: 10 Megapixels compared to the D40’s six…But if you can accept the AF limitation and realise the D40’s resolution is genuinely sufficient for most requirements, it really is a superb option for anyone buying their first DSLR. It’s small, light and easy to use without compromising handling, and confidently delivers excellent results in a wide variety of conditions. A handful of extra Megapixels aside, you couldn’t really ask for more. “
DigitalCameraInfo has a review of the Nikon D40 (4/5) and writes;
“The Nikon D40 is a disappointment. As Nikon has introduced entry-level DSLRs, the company has tended to make them a little more expensive and a little more capable than much of the competition. In this case, it hasn’t. The D40’s auto focus system is old-fashioned. It’s a backward step, which is something that DSLR manufacturers do at their peril these days. The D40’s color is clearly tuned to the snapshot market, which likes eye-popping color, but our results indicate that Nikon went over the top in saturating the reds. The D40 offers plenty of in-camera image editing, but that’s not a distinction that provides a significant advantage over other entry-level DSLRs. The Nikon D40 is affordable with a retail price of $599 and a kit lens included, but there are other entry-level DSLRs with similar prices that offer more. “
PCMag has a review of the Nikon D40 (4/5) and writes;
“Color in my test shots, however, was very good and quite vibrant. That said, some of my daylight photos were a little too red, and a few flash photos exhibited a slightly bluish tint. Overall, there was very little fringing. In my flash test shots, I found that the strobe blew out highlights. Moreover, the higher the ISO, the more this problem occurred…The Nikon D40 has some wonderful qualities and certainly keeps pace with most entry-level D-SLRs. Even so, it just misses the EC-winning mark set by the Nikon D50 and the Canon Rebel XTi when it comes to picture quality and performance. “
DigitalTrends has a review of the Nikon D40 and writes;
“The Nikon D40 is a good camera for the money. Photo quality is better than acceptable, in fact, it’s downright fine, especially the 8.5×11 prints I turned out. It’s clearly targeted for first-timer D-SLR buyers who do not have any legacy lenses. If you are one of them, you might give it strong consideration. However, the camera is not as responsive as cameras such as the 10MP Canon Digital Rebel XTi or Sony alpha but those will cost close to $200 more. If you want a more robust camera, I’d spring for the extra green. And if you own Nikon lenses that don’t work with this camera, check out the D70s or D80. Still the D40 will fill most of your photographic needs if you’re taking the leap from point-and-shoot to a “real” camera. “
DCViews reviewed the Nikon D40 and wrote;
“We are pleased to see that the Nikon D40, although a scaled down model from other Nikons in size, does not lack any vital functions. This is a very responsive camera that comes with dynamic, three area TTL phase detection auto focus; three metering options with Nikon’s exclusive 3D colour matrix metering II; an ISO range of 200 to 3200 and extras like flashlight compensation and exposure compensation (without bracketing incidentally). Images can be captured in JPEG or RAW format and there is an extensive in-camera retouch menu with many editing functions for those wanting to get creative. The fact that it is “only” 6-megapixel in today’s market is not a disadvantage as large prints (A3 plus) can still be made with excellent results.”
MacWorld reviewed the Nikon D40 and wrote;
“At $599, the Nikon D40 is a great value, and a great tool for photographers who want to grow. The included help system and aperture displays are fantastic learning tools, and the fact that the camera provides full priority and manual modes, as well as Raw, ensures that you won’t have to compromise as your shooting prowess grows.”
GoodGearGuide reviewed the Nikon D40 where they rated the camera 4/5 and concluded;
“Colour performance was about on par with other SLRs, with Imatest awarding the D40 a score of 9.76. Colours were quite strongly saturated, with reds and blues in particular highlighting this issue. Those after exciting, vibrant shots will be pleased with the colour balance, but image purists may need to do a little correct before they are satisfied….The other thing about the D40 that really stands out is its speed. This is one of the quickest, smoothest cameras we’ve ever used. Auto focusing takes a split second, and is performed with precision and accuracy, while a shutter lag of just .07 of a second, .9 seconds of power up time, and .5 seconds between shots means the D40 is fast enough to keep up with all but the most demanding user.”
PopPhoto reviewed the Nikon D40 wrote;
“The Nikon D40 isn’t for everyone, but it will certainly appeal to first-time DSLR buyers who want an excellent camera with controls and features that they can grow into and eventually master. It outperforms any compact camera in its price range, and while it has competition from other entry-level DSLRs (especially the Pentax K100D with Shake Reduction) it’s a proud member of the Nikon family.”
PCW have reviewed the Nikon D40 where they rated the camera 4/5 and concluded;
“Pros: Usability; price; size; image quality. Cons: No autofocus motor in camera body; no depth of field preview; 6megapixels limits print size and cropping potential. Overall: The D40 costs around £50 less than the D50 and we feel it’s a better camera, despite the lack of internal focus motor and top-mounted status panel. It’s smaller, lighter, has a bigger LCD screen and a host of new features”
ByThom reviewed the Nikon D40 where they rated 4/5 for its performance and wrote;
“Drawbacks: Kit lens blues. The 18-55mm is a more than decent lens, but I’d like to have the option to buy a body only. The D40 would have been killer with an 18-70 VR or 18-135mm VR, by the way. The current purchasing option is a bit limiting, Nother new battery. Did we really need another new battery just because the camera is a smaller size? Not for the late-to-the-party film converts. If you’ve got mostly AI, AI-S, and older AF lenses and are just now getting round to going digital, the D40 isn’t the camera you want, as you’ll be resorting to manual focus. Positives: Small and beautiful. Makes you wonder why 4/3 was necessary. And for a consumer camera, the frame rate, mirror return, shutter lag, and autofocus are fast enough to feel snappy. Most of what you need. While it would have been nice to have a DOF Preview button, everything else you’re likely to want is there, including spot metering. Excellent Image Quality. State of the 6mp art. Enough said.”
PhotoReview reviewed the Nikon D40 and wrote;
“The D40 would be a great buy for an amateur photographer who wanted to move up from an advanced digicam to a DSLR or for anyone who wanted to learn more about digital photography. Its graphic display setting and the easy access to text-based help in the camera will give users confidence to try new settings and make it easy for them to improve their picture-taking. Retaining the 6.1-megapixel sensor allows Nikon to offer this camera at a price that is affordable – and competitive. For those making their first ventures into digital SLR photography, the D40 could be the start of a satisfying relationship. “
HardwareZone reviewed the Nikon D40 and wrote;
“The Nikon D40 is an interesting DSLR camera. Despite being small and lightweight, it boasts a good balance of imaging quality and affordability like no other in the market, offering aspiring photographers a decent DSLR camera to start off their photography journey and seasoned photographers using Nikon cameras a capable backup unit. In truth, at USD$599.95 (with kit lens), the D40 is as good as it gets to turning your dream of owning a Nikon camera into reality.”
ComputerActive reviewed the Nikon D40 and wrote;
“Good points: A lot of camera for not a great deal of money, Helpful on-screen guides and user friendly, Lens included in the kit. Bad points: Some pixel fringing visible when images examined in detail, Kit lens could do with being upgraded when you can afford it, Memory card costs extra. Overall: Though not quite matching performance from professional SLRs, the Nikon D40 produces images that are a cut above the best compacts and deserves to do well against closest rival the 400D from Canon. For those who want better-looking pictures without taking out a second mortgage, the great value (particularly with a bit of an internet search), swift performance and solid construction of Nikon D40 ensure it will be high up on any family photographer’s wish list.”
DigitalCameraReview reviewed the Nikon D40 and wrote;
“The Nikon D40 is the “gateway drug” into the world of digital SLRs. The combination of nice price, high quality and ease of use is certain to lead to SLR addiction. With the D40, Nikon wants to make sure that you’re not intimidated by the controls or size of an SLR and I think that they’ve done a good job. Also, by including plenty of “help” features into the camera, it becomes very easy to figure out which setting does what. Besides all of the features th make this a beginner-friendly camera, the D40 takes great pictures. It provides all of the flexibility and creative options that a beginning SLR user will need. The camera performs quickly and takes great shots. Sure, there are things about this camera that you could nit-pick, but I think that a package like this, with the quality and value that it provides, will be responsible for getting more people into using a digital SLR than any previous digital SLR. I would highly recommend this camera to anyone looking for their first digital SLR and aren’t entirely comfortable with all the options that an SLR can offer. When you first get the camera, you can leave it in auto mode and enjoy the quick operation and excellent image quality that you get from an SLR. When you’re ready, you can start using the manual exposure modes and then start thinking about all the cool glass that you could get.”
Steve’sDigicams reviewed the Nikon D40 and wrote;
“Bottom line – Nikon’s D40 is not only an awesome little dSLR that captures great photos with robust performance, it also has a very pleasing price tag of $600 or less (and remember this is for the body and the lens.) In fact, we bought our D40 from B&H Photo for about $572 shipped! The only annoyances I had with the D40 was that you have to enter the Setup menu to “unlock” the rest of the available settings, File number sequence is set to Off from the factory (which means every time you format the SD card, it starts over at image number 1 again — you either have to rename them or make a new folder), and I do miss the data LCD on top like that found on the D80. That said, I feel this model will make an excellent camera for any user who wants a more versatile camera over their consumer digicam, and don’t feel like breaking the bank in the process.”
PhotographyBlog reviewed the Nikon D40 where they rated the camera 4.5/5 and wrote;
“The all-plastic body and 18-55mm kit lens don’t initially inspire that much confidence, although they are fine in actual use, and there are a number of missing features that more experienced photographers will regret not having, such as depth of field preview. Crucially Nikon haven’t shrunk the size of D40 too much, as Olympus and Canon have done with their entry-level models, which makes the camera a lot more useable for people with average to large sized hands. Ultimately the Nikon D40 provides almost everything that most photographers need in a camera (digital or otherwise), whilst delivering great ease of use, responsive performance and very impressive image quality. Highly recommended if you are looking to buy your first digital SLR camera.”
PCmag reviewed the Nikon D40 where they rated the camera 82/100 and wrote;
“The D40 comes with every feature that most users in this market will want, including adjustable ISOs, raw mode, scene modes, and all of the image-processing features built in to the D80. Nikon’s excellent D-Lighting feature for brightening images–plus in-camera red-eye correction, monochrome conversion, and more–is readily accessible from the camera’s menus. The only conspicuously missing feature is a depth-of-field preview option. At $600, the D40 is a great value, and a great tool for photographers who want to grow. The included help system and aperture displays are fantastic learning tools, and the fact that the camera provides full priority and manual modes, as well as RAW, ensures that you won’t have to compromise as your shooting prowess grows.”
Photoxels reviewed the Nikon D40 and wrote;
“The Nikon D40 is not too expensive or big, and set to P mode, is easy enough to use for P&S photographers (provided someone knowledgeable customizes it for them first). I like the excellent ergonomics, quality build & feel, and compact size of the Nikon D40. A thorough read of The Nikon Guide to Digital Photography with the D40 (aka User Manual) is necessary to make the most of this versatile camera..The Nikon D40 DSLR is the smallest Nikon DSLR to date but don’t take that to mean there has been compromises in image quality. With 6.1 megapixel resolution on an APS-sized (23.7 x 15.6mm) CCD image sensor, Nikon has shown the wisdom of leaving behind the futile megapixel race and concentrate on image quality instead…..”
Megapixel reviewed the Nikon D40 where they rated the camera 9.5/10 and wrote;
“The ergonomic design of the D40 is excellent. In hand, the camera is a bit of a surprise because of its small size and feather weight (with the kit lens). The layout of controls is intuitive and very quickly comfortable to use. Moreover, the Shooting Information Display can be customized if desired, useful since it is the only means of verifying settings on the D40, and the monitor is bright and very legible. However, two small regrets can be expressed: there is no viewfinder composition grid, and there is no Depth of Field Preview….”
ImagingResource reviewed the Nikon D40 and wrote;
“Though the Nikon D40’s kit lens is pretty good, and also fast and quiet, we were a little disappointed with the significant flare we see in its images with high contrast elements out toward the corners, even in the middle of its zoom range. Its chromatic aberration was also fairly high at wide angle, but none of these minor problems were significantly different from other comparably priced offerings. The lens performed very well in most circumstances, so it’s well worth the price. The Nikon D40 stands up well against the competition — even those with higher resolution — with great image quality at all speeds, and near-perfect utility as a family camera. It’s tough to ask for more. The Nikon D40 lives up to our expectations, and even exceeds them. There’s no question that the Nikon D40 is a Dave’s Pick.”
Let’sGoDigital reviewed the Nikon D40 and wrote;
“One of the strongest plus points is the simple, straightforward operation, which makes good use of the fantastic screen on the back of the camera. You can change the most important settings very easily…Normally I’m not much impressed by entry-level models, but I really enjoyed testing the Nikon D40 SLR. It’s not often that I’m this enthusiastic about a camera. It’s a nice looking camera, wonderfully compact but still sturdy. Above all, it’s a great camera to operate, and produces fantastic pictures. The settings have a lot of possibilities, without being bewildering. If you are thinking about taking the step from a compact camera to a SLR, you should absolutely go for the D40. If you do, don’t forget to buy a Nikon SB-400 flash. Any photographer could easily fall in love with this set. It’s absolutely wonderful! “
KenRockwell reviewed the Nikon D40 and wrote;
“My D40 is easy and fast to use. I figured out how to set the clock and add my contact information and copyright notice to every image automatically and have never opened the manual. Actually, I’ve learned everything you read here I still haven’t opened the manual…I’m suggesting the D40 to my friends who just want great pictures of family, kids and friends. The D40 is for normal people who just want great pictures, not photographers who want fancy cameras. “
DCRP reviewed the Nikon D40 and wrote;
“Photo quality was also very good. Nikon has tweaked the camera to produce what I’d call “consumer friendly” photos, with high color saturation and higher sharpness than on more expensive D-SLRs. Noise levels are very low, even at ISO 800. ISO 1600 is still usable, especially if you do some noise reduction in software. I’d probably save ISO 3200 for desperation only…If you’re ready to enter the world of digital SLRs, the Nikon D40 is a great way to do it. It offers a compact, truly portable body, great performance and photo quality, and a really user friendly interface for not a lot of dough. I can recommend the D40 without hesitation. I would say that the Canon Digital Rebel XTi is a somewhat more capable camera, but it also costs nearly $200 more. With that in mind, try both if you can, but don’t think that you’re giving anything up by getting the D40 — you’re not. “
ePhotozine reviewed the Nikon D40 and wrote;
“As an entry-level camera, the improvements over the D50 are all in the right areas. Sticking with the 6.1MP sensor is a sensible move, as most folk do not need the resolution offered by higher pixel counts and the saving in both hard disc storage and processing speed will be appreciated by many, even if they don’t know it. The image quality from it is good enough to beat most compacts anyway. The size and weight will appeal too, as there is virtually no weight penalty over the larger bridge cameras and, for the first time with an SLR, I could actually get it in a coat pocket comfortably. Positive points of the Nikon D40 dSLR are: Easier to use than its predecessor, Useful additions to in camera abilities and menus, No weight penalty over prosumer with kit lens, Good noise control. Negative points are: Loss of top, screen, although increased rear screen compensates, New battery not compatible with others in the range, Only supports SWM motor lenses, No optional vertical grip. “
CNET reviewed the Nikon D40 where they rated the camera 7.5/10 and wrote;
“However, raw and JPEG shot-to-shot time is an excellent 0.6 second (lower than the shutter lag because the camera doesn’t need to focus a second time), as is the flash time, which only adds 0.3 second. In continuous-shooting mode, the D40 outshines the rest of its class with 2.5fps; the Canon EOS Rebel XTi is a mite faster, but the D40 can keep it up for far more frames. If you’re just looking for a great, cheap dSLR, the faster, higher-resolution Canon EOS Rebel XT is probably a better bet; and if you’re an experienced shooter, you might want to spend more for the Nikon D80. But if you’ve got a budding photographer in the family or want to step up to your first dSLR, the Nikon D40 is a great choice. The bottom line: The Nikon D40 is a great transition camera for going from point-and-shoot to your first dSLR. “
Let’sGoDigital reviewed the Nikon D40 and wrote;
“Nikon D40 digital SLR camera – Absolute wonderful!Normally I’m not much impressed by entry-level models, but I really enjoyed testing the Nikon D40 SLR. It’s not often that I’m this enthusiastic about a camera. It’s a nice looking camera, wonderfully compact but still sturdy. Above all, it’s a great camera to operate, and produces fantastic pictures. The settings have a lot of possibilities, without being bewildering. If you are thinking about taking the step from a compact camera to a SLR, you should absolutely go for the D40. If you do, don’t forget to buy a Nikon SB-400 flash. Any photographer could easily fall in love with this set. It’s absolutely wonderful! “
ePhotozine have published a hands-on review of the Nikon D40 where they write;
“Although a lower numerical denominator has been used (and I wouldn’t for one moment think that was to upset Canon’s 10D, 20D, 30D sequence) the new model is an improvement on the existing D50 in it’s ease of use, and the number of features inherited from the D200 and D80, help it to work much faster too. Nikon aim to capture 40% of the dSLR market over the next three years and by getting their entry level offering so intuitive, they will make inroads into the target with this model.”
ImagingResource have published a preview of the Nikon D40 where they write;
“The second thing that struck me about the D40 was that it clearly feels like a camera, and a Nikon camera at that. It doesn’t have quite as many external controls as its big brothers, the D80 and D200, but the user interface and its feel in your hand are both very comfortable. While it’s aimed at novice users, it in no way comes across as a “dumbed down” camera – The D40 is clearly all Nikon; its heritage is apparent throughout. The body itself has a very nice feel to it. As you’d expect in a low-priced camera, it’s largely made of plastic, but nonetheless manages to escape the cheap, plasticky feeling of many plastic-bodied DSLRs I’ve handled in the past. Its huge 2.5 inch display is very bright and readable: I didn’t have a chance to play with it outdoors in the sun, but it appears to be the same display as used on the D80, which is quite good. In even bright indoor lighting though, it’s very readable.”
DPNow have published a preview of the Nikon D40 where they write;
“It goes rather like this: on the one hand, the D40 should be a good thing as its lower resolution specification should validate our argument that too many pixels can be unhealthy. In theory, the D40 should benefit from superior noise and dynamic range performance compared to 8 and 10 megapixel rivals. But will the theory prove correct and are buyers going to be convinced with gleaming 10MP logos beckoning them? “