Nikon D40 Camera Review

Nikon D40 camera has been known as a leader since announced. Nikon’s goal with the D40 was to introduce an affordable digital SLR that is easy to use and compact to address a couple of the reasons why people decide against buying a digital SLR. The D40 features a 6.1 megapixel DX format sensor, a 2.5 inch LCD with a nice Nikon EN-EL9 battery.

Nikon D40 Specifications:

• 6 megapixel DX format CCD (1.5x FOV crop, as D50)


• Nikon Image processing engine (as D80 / D200)


• 3D Color Matrix Metering II, 420 pixel sensor (as D80 / D50)


• New Multi-CAM530 three area AF sensor


• USB 2.0 with PTP and Mass Storage device support


• Very compact, light body (smaller, lighter than D50)


• Improved menu user interface (as D80 / D200)


• New EN-EL9 Lithium-Ion battery (7.2V, 1000 mAh)


• ISO sensitivity range 200 - 1600 plus HI 1 (3200 equiv.)


• Custom Auto ISO (selectable maximum ISO, minimum shutter speed)


• 2.5 fps continuous shooting (as D50), unlimited in JPEG


• No status LCD, new LCD monitor based status / settings screens


• Help suggestions on LCD monitor (eg. scene too dark, try using flash)


• Large 2.5" 230,000 pixel LCD monitor


• Bigger viewfinder view (x0.8 magnification, 95% coverage)


• Short shutter lag and viewfinder blackout


• Support for SDHC (SD cards over 2 GB in capacity)


• In-camera retouching


• D-Lighting (shadow / highlight enhancement)


• Red-eye reduction


• Trimming


• Monochrome


• Filter effects


• Small picture


• Image overlay


• New 'Version II' AF-S DX 18-55 mm kit lens

Power

The camera is powered by a 1000mAh lithium-ion battery. Nikon D40 Battery life for single frame shooting, by CIPA standards is 470 shots. The battery can be charged in about 90 minutes.

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.