Nikon D40 review
Review Date : Mon, 1 Jan 2007
Author : Jamie Harrison
- Product Shots: view product shots of the Nikon D40
- Sample Photos: view sample shots of the Nikon D40
The Nikon D40 DSLR owes more to the entry enthusiast-level D80 than the entry-level D50 it succeeds. Our Nikon D40 review tests it out...
| Pros: | Excellent noise control and image quality. Functions to match all experience levels from 'first timer' to enthusiast |
|---|---|
| Cons: | Basic AF system and AF/lens compatibility issues. Slight fringing with kit lens and over processed JPEGs |
The Nikon D40 is the first ‘sub-£500' entry level DSLR kit from Nikon. Yet, despite its bargain-basement list price, the Nikon D40 still packs in a lot of Nikon's latest technologies, with a host of features handed down from the D80, the D200 and even the D2x. It's pretty obvious that the Nikon D40 will appeal to a wide range of photographers, whether it's as an upgrade from a digital compact, a switch from film, or simply a budget based decision. What Digital Camera Nikon D40 review...
Nikon D40: Features
Nikon D40 Review - the D50 Sensor
Although the Nikon D40 shares many features with the Nikon D80, the sensor isn't one of them - with the D40 using the same 6.1mp DX format CCD as the Nikon D50. And although it doesn't contain as many pixels as the Nikon D80, the D40's 23.7x15.6mm imaging chip still produces images up to 3008x2000 pixels in size; so you can expect a 10x6.6in print at 300ppi, or a full-bleed A4 print at roughly 250ppi. Both Raw and JPEG capture is possible with the Nikon D40 - with a simultaneous Raw and ‘basic' JPEG option - and the resulting files are whisked away to SD or SDHC media.
Nikon D40 Review - Lens Compatibility, which lenses have
auto focus?
For the Nikon D40's focusing, Nikon's MultiCAM-530 module provides a basic 3-point AF configuration with closest subject, dynamic and single area AF options, although to keep the size (and perhaps price) of the camera to a minimum there's no autofocus motor in the body. So, unlike previous models, the Nikon D40 only provides automatic focusing using AF-S and AF-I lenses - as these types have a focus motor built-in to the lens itself. While you can readily fit older ‘G' and ‘D' F-mount lenses to the Nikon D40 these will be limited to manual focus only, which also means you have to be careful buying third-party optics - only Sigma's HSM lenses will provide AF functionality for the Nikon D40, for example.
However, some lens-related things remain unchanged: the Nikon DX format sensor still, in effect, applies a 1.5x focal length factor to lenses - so a 50mm lens gives a 75mm equivalent viewing angle.
Nikon D40 Review - AF Modes
Provided that you have a compatible lens plugged in to the Nikon D40, both single-shot and continuous AF is possible. For sports/action photographers the Nikon D40's continuous AF can be used in conjunction with the continuous drive to deliver 2.5 frames per second for up to 100 large, fine JPEGs; dropping to 1.7fps when noise reduction is activated, and one frame per second when you select the Hi-1 ISO setting. High ISO is a welcome inclusion on the Nikon D40, in effect adding an ISO 3200 equivalent to the ISO 200-1600 range.
Nikon D40 Review - Shooting Modes
Because the Nikon D40 is aimed at the ‘first time' or entry level DSLR user the emphasis is clearly on ease of use - and this is reflected by the shooting modes, which include a fully automatic option as well as eight preset Digital Vari-program settings for landscape, portrait, sport and the like. In addition to this the Nikon D40 offers a new ‘auto flash off' setting, delivering ‘point and shoot' simplicity, but increasing the ISO in low-light conditions rather than popping up the flash and potentially destroying an otherwise atmospheric shot.
Yet, despite the Nikon D40's ‘entry level' status the camera provides a lot of growing room, so as you gain experience you can dabble with the PASM modes (program, aperture priority, shutter priority and manual) found on professional cameras and take your photography to the next level.
Nikon D40 Review - Image Processing
To help ensure you aren't disappointed with your Nikon D40's results a host of processing technology has been shipped in from the Nikon D80, with the same 420-pixel RGB sensor used for white balance and exposure. Exposures are determined using either 3D Colour Matrix Metering II, centreweighted or spot patterns and with the addition of ±5EV compensation in 1/3 EV steps, there's no reason why you should get your exposures wrong, regardless of the lighting. Nor should you suffer from the wrong colours in an image, with the D40's automatic white balance augmented by six preset values (which can be fine-tuned) and a custom WB option. In both cases there are again ‘simple' and ‘advanced' options to exploit as your knowledge grows.
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Latest comments
April 10 22:10
Doug Sinnott
I have had a Nikon D40 for a while now,and am surprised how good its 6MP chip is. Big enlargements or crops are no bother with the Nikon,and after using a Fuji S9500 previously,which has a 9MP sensor,the difference in the quality and speed of operation of the D40 is quite noticeable. With the standard lens,it's a nice compact package,and most things can be handled with this combination,and the quality of the photoes are so good,and noise none existent,that distant objects(when you don't have your tele lens with you!) can be zoomed in and cropped and still produce good A4 prints. It does everything most people need,and I find the focussing fast and accurate,(who really needs a multitude of focussing points),and the exposures are usually spot on. Its a nice,solid little DSLR,better than my previous Canon 300d,and with the 55-200 DXVR lens,a great combination. 6 Mega Pixels are good for cracking A4 prints,and plenty for most people,and I thoroughly recommend the D40 to any keen photographer. I have been a keen photographer for 40 years,had many cameras,and I like to think that I know a good camera by now!
April 10 22:42
Amelia
I was bought a D40 as an 18th birthday present, iand ive not looked back. Ive never owned a DSLR before, although ive taken pictures on some, but i took to this one really well, and I must admit, its the best camera ive ever used. I dont see the 6.1MP as a problem to be perfectly honest my pictures are never going to be on exibition, but even blown up as far as A3 (biggest my printer will do) the pictures still look good. i would recommend it to anyone who wants a good DSLR at a good price whether they are just a beginner(like me) or someone more experienced who wants a new camera.
January 11 08:06
kamal
sir I want to learn a professional digital photography by your
May 29 23:44
Nostaw
After years of sticking to my 35mm SLR I eventually took the plunge into the Digital world in 2008 with a D40 and have never looked back. Compact and lightweight the camera is easy to use with its single control wheel right under your thumb. To change metering, ISO and focus setting the well laid out menu system can be quickly accessable via the rear LCD which is clear in even the strongest light. The 6.1MP sensor may seem meger by today's standards but it is good enough to print upto A4 or display photos on a 1080p TV. Put a decent size 8Mb memory card in and you can shoot away all day in RAW mode without worrying about space, in Fine JPEG there's enough space for shots from a 2 week holiday. The only thing I miss from my 35mm days is a B setting for the shutter speed for night time shots but with the camera going down to 30 seconds it's good enought for most work. After using the camera for three years I've been so impressed when a my local camera shop got a pre-used D40 I've snapped it up as a second camera. This one has been fitted with the newer 18-55mm VR lens which makes it even better.