Nikon D40 DSLR

The Nikon D40 DSLR is finally here after a number of high-profile leaks and reports by some of the leading photography websites. We’ve resisted the urge to break any embargoes, instead preferring to bring you news of the D40 in full, along with some exclusive product shots from yesterday’s UK press launch in central London. The Nikon D40 is small, light and undeniably cheap at just £449.99/ €679.99 with the new 18-55mm kit lens (it won’t be sold as body-only), but after trying it out, the D40 importantly still retains the usual high Nikon build-quality. The new Nikon D40 will be available from 1st December 2006.

Nikon UK Press Release

Nikon UK is pleased to announce the D40, a new interchangeable-lens digital SLR that combines brilliant performance with the practicality of a remarkably small and light camera body. The Nikon D40 boasts handling and performance advantages that eliminate the frustrations often associated with compact digital cameras.  The careful design of the D40 allows users to take breathtaking pictures without the need to “learn” photography. The Nikon 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 colours. Nikon’s exclusive 3D Colour Matrix Metering II assures accurate exposure control even in difficult lighting conditions. Using its 420-pixel sensor, the Nikon D40 instantly assesses and compares the brightness, contrast and colour of each scene to set the accurate exposure. Spot metering, centre-weighted metering and exposure compensation are also available for those wanting more control. The Nikon D40 comes kitted with the new 3x 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED II AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor lens assuring superb picture sharpness and optimum contrast, along with the versatility of a wide-angle to medium telephoto lens.

While the AUTO ISO feature automatically sets the ISO, from 200 to 1600, manual setting is also available to enable the photographer to set the ISO at HI 1 (one step over 1600), for use in low-light situations without a flash. The D40 is remarkably quick to respond and incorporates Nikon’s Multi-CAM530 autofocus module and a 3-area autofocus system with a cross-type sensor located in the centre. The refined algorithms that control lens autofocus are inherited from Nikon’s renowned D200 and D80 digital SLRs, delivering impressive results. With a start up time of 0.18 seconds and an impressive shutter release lag time, the D40 is ready to capture the action. The bright, sharp viewfinder with 0.8x magnification ensures precise composition when shooting and previewing images on the bright and sharp 2.5-inch LCD colour monitor is also near instant. Easy navigation is made possible thanks to the specially designed colour menus and the new “assist images” helps users select the appropriate settings by showing an example image typical of that setting. All of this is powered by a new compact, high-capacity rechargeable lithium-ion battery that shoots up to 470 shots on a single charge.

Nikon’s scene-optimized Digital Vari-Program modes allow the photographer to capture almost any type of scene with ease. All eight modes are designed to produce remarkable results by automatically calculating the best settings and ISO-equivalent sensitivity for each scene. The new mode, Auto (Flash Off), prevents the Built-in Flash from popping up while boosting the ISO, thereby allowing the photographer to take pictures in low-light situations. For more advanced creative control, the D40 offers Program auto, Shutter-priority auto, Aperture-priority auto and Manual modes. The Retouch menu offers exclusive in-camera image editing features that provide greater creative freedom without the need for a computer, including D-Lighting, Red-eye Correction and Image Trim. The D40’s transparent technical capabilities include sophisticated white balance control that not only matches white balance to its light source, but also measures the entire scene to produce consistent and colour-true images. Six specific manual settings have also been included, as well as a preset option when using gray or white objects to calibrate under mixed lighting conditions.

One of the most important advantages of using Nikon digital SLR cameras is the wide variety of interchangeable lenses. The D40 is fully compatible with all AF-S/AF-I Nikkor lenses , each providing the exceptional sharpness, image clarity, colour reproduction, and fast, accurate autofocus performance that Nikkor is famous for.

The D40’s powerful Built-in Flash employs Nikon’s market-leading i-TTL flash control, achieving greater precision in flash exposure evaluation and better automatic flash balance.  For flash photography of subjects at greater distances, the new, light and ultra-compact SB-400 Speedlight provides a simple solution for adding more power and bounce flash capability. Nikon’s Speedlights such as the SB-800, SB-600 and SB-R200 enable the use of simple and consistent wireless flash photography through Nikon’s Creative Lighting System. Nikon’s PictureProject software, included with the camera, makes transferring, organizing and sharing images fun and easy. Capture NX, Nikon’s incredible new photo editing software, offers additional creative control and is available separately. Its simple format allows photographers at all levels to make the most of NEF (RAW) images. The key is the exclusive U PointTM Technology, by Nik Software, Inc.

Major Features of the D40

Intuitive, easy and worry-free operation
- The lightest, most compact Nikon digital SLR ever, featuring intuitive controls and an ergonomically designed operation that even first-time SLR users feel comfortable with.
- A large 2.5-inch LCD monitor enables image preview at up to 19 times magnification (for L-size images), while large fonts and easy-to-view menus with carefully designed colour schemes help make changing camera settings simple.
- Large, bright viewfinder with 0.8x magnification ensures clear view for precise composition.
- Long-life rechargeable lithium-ion battery 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). In situations where fewer flash pictures are taken, the number of shots per battery charge can be expected to increase dramatically.
- The optional AC Adapter EH-5 allows even longer periods for shooting (an AC Adapter Connector EP-5 is required, available separately).
- Handy assist images are available to help the photographer choose the right settings for each scene.
- The optional Wireless Remote Control ML-L3 enables an easy remote shutter release.

Outstanding image quality
- 6.1-effective-megapixel Nikon DX Format CCD imaging sensor produces 3,008 x 2,000-pixel images with high resolution and superbly sharp details.
- Inheriting the advanced, industry-leading Imaging Processing Engine of Nikon professional D-SLR cameras, the D40 incorporates high-precision digital image processing algorithms to produce natural-looking images with faithful colour and tone reproduction.
- Nikon 3D Colour Matrix Metering II automatic exposure control ensures ideal exposures in almost any lighting condition. The system evaluates each scene for brightness, colour, contrast, selected focus area and camera-to-subject distance, and then compares the information with its expanded onboard database of more than 30,000 actual photographic scenes to instantly and accurately calculate the ideal exposure value for the shot. Variable centre-weighted metering and spot metering centred on the active focus area are also available.
- Auto White Balance for natural colouration, plus a choice of six different manual white balance settings, (Incandescent, Fluorescent, Direct Sunlight, Flash, Cloudy, and Shade), or user-defined preset white balance.

Precise, quick response
- Near-instant 0.18-second power-up ensures photographers respond to every photographic opportunity.
- Continuous shooting at 2.5 frames* per second allows capturing action of up to 100 JPEG images (FINE L-size or smaller).
*Photographs taken at an ISO sensitivity of HI 1 are automatically processed to reduce noise, increasing recording time by about 1 second per frame.
- 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.
- Versatile shutter speed control with a range from 30 to 1/4000 s, plus bulb.
- Fast image data transfer and recording to SD memory cards of up to 4GB capacity (SDHC compliant).

Accurate automated and manual control for predictable results
- Eight Digital Vari-Programs adjust settings automatically, controlling ISO sensitivity, white balance, sharpening, tone (contrast), colour, saturation and hue for crisp, vivid and incredible digital photographs faithful to the subject and scene. Selections include Auto, Auto (Flash Off), Portrait, Landscape, Child, Sports, Close Up, and Night Portrait.
- For manual controls over shutter and aperture, P (Program auto), S (Shutter-priority auto), A (Aperture-priority auto) and M (Manual) modes are also available.
- Automatic control over ISO-equivalent sensitivity from ISO 200 to 1600 plus HI 1 can also be set manually.
- Simultaneous recording of NEF (RAW) and JPEG (Basic) data for the same shot helps optimize and accelerate workflow
- Built-in Flash features reliable iTTL flash control, working accurately even with backlit subjects or reflective objects in the background. Four flash modes are supported: Auto flash, Red-eye reduction, Slow sync and Rear curtain sync. Flash exposure compensation is also available.

Retouch Menu for creative in-camera image edits and effects
- D-Lighting pulls out colour and detail from shadowy areas of images. Since it doesn’t affect the properly exposed parts of the picture, the resulting images are more balanced and visually pleasing. D-Lighting is ideal for correcting backlighting, insufficient flash or other situations that produce under-exposed images.
- Red-eye correction automatically detects and compensates for the red-eye effect frequently seen in flash pictures.
- Trim allows for creative cropping of an image and produces smaller files for easy sharing and more efficient use of file space.
- Monochrome (Black-and-white, Sepia, Cyanotype)
- Filter effects (Skylight, Warm filter, Colour balance)
- Small picture saves photos at the reduced sizes, convenient for Internet use.
- Image overlay merges a pair of selected RAW (NEF) files taken with the D40 to create a new composite image that can be saved in RAW or JPEG format.
Seamless integration with Nikon Total Digital Imaging System
- Compatibility with world famous, high-quality Nikkor lenses* with Nikon F mount with AF coupling and AF contacts (*Autofocus is supported only with AF-S and AF-I CPU lenses, which are equipped with built-in motors).
- Supports Nikon Creative Lighting System when using the SB-800, SB-600, SB-400, SB-R200 or the R1C1 Wireless Close-Up Speedlight system, delivering accurate exposures via iTTL flash and versatile wireless operation.
- Nikon’s PictureProject software lets photographers share, organize and edit their pictures with ease. Intuitive controls and design templates make it simple to print pictures, burn a CD/DVD and send pictures via email. Photographers can also get creative, making impressive photo albums and slideshows with special effects and their favorite music. PictureProject helps people make quick work of it all, including locating pictures by name, keyword or date.
- Capture NX (available separately) is Nikon’s revolutionary new photo editing software. Its versatile interface is remarkably easy to use, making it possible for anyone to explore the full potential of NEF (RAW) images. The key is U Point™ technology, by Nik Software, which simplifies the editing and enhancement procedures to a few sliders and clicks of the mouse. Capture NX handles the complicated procedures for photographers to ensure extensive creative options and photo image processing and editing tools also available to JPEG and TIFF files.

Nikon Digital SLR Camera D40 Specifications

Type of Camera
Single-lens reflex digital camera

Effective Pixels
6.1 million

Image Sensor
RGB CCD, 23.7 x 15.6 mm; total pixels: 6.24 million, Nikon DX format

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

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-in., 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 2.0 (High-speed): 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 f/2.8D: 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 Colour 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 f/5.6 or faster
*1. IX Nikkor lenses can not be used
*2. Excluding lenses for F3AF

Picture Angle
Equivalent in 35mm [135] format is approx. 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
Approx. 95% (vertical/horizontal)

Viewfinder Magnification
Approx. 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 0.5-3.0m/1ft. 8in.-9ft. 10in.); Detection range: -1 to +19 EV (ISO 100 at 20°C/68°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 Colour Matrix Metering II (type G and D lenses); Colour Matrix Metering II (other CPU lenses); metering performed by 420-segment RGB sensor
2) Centre-weighted: Weight of 75% given to 8mm circle in centre of frame
3) Spot: Meters 3.5mm circle (about 2.5% of frame) centred on active focus area

Exposure Metering Range
1) 0 to 20 EV (3D Colour Matrix or centre-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: approx. 2.5 frames per second*, 3) Self-timer mode, 4) Delayed remote mode: 2 s. delay, 5) Quick-response remote mode
*Approx. 1.7 frames per second with Noise reduction turned on and approx. 1 frame per second with ISO HI 1

Shutter
Combined mechanical and CCD electronic shutter, 30 to 1/4000 s. in steps of 1/3, bulb

Sync Contact
X-contact only; flash synchronization at up to 1/500 s.

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
AUTO, Portrait, Child, Close Up: Auto, auto with red-eye reduction; fill-flash and red-eye reduction available with optional Speedlight
Night portrait mode: 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, Sport mode: 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 mode: Auto flash with auto pop-up
P/S/A/M: Manual pop-up with button release
Guide number (ISO 200/ISO 100, m [ft.]): approx.17 [55]/12 [39] (manual full 18 [59]/13 [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 (MH-23 quick charger): 7.4V DC, AC Adapter EH-5 (available separately; requires optional AC Adapter Connector EP-5)

Tripod Socket
1/4 in. (ISO1222)

Body Colour
Black (Silver version is also available depending on country or area.)

Dimensions (W x D x H)
Approx. 126 x 64 x 94mm (5.0 x 2.5 x 3.7 in.)

Weight
Approx. 475g (1lb. 1oz.) without battery, memory card or body cap

Supplied Accessories*
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

Optional Accessories
Wireless Remote Control ML-L3, Capture NX, Camera Control Pro, AC Adapter Connector EP-5, AC Adapter EH-5, Video Cable EG-D100, Semi Soft-Case CF-DC1, Speedlight SB-800/600/Sb-400/R1C1

*Supplied accessories may differ depending on country or area.

Specifications and equipment are subject to change without any notice or obligation on the part of the manufacturer. November 2006
©2006 NIKON CORPORATION

Published: Thursday, November 16, 2006

Reader Comments

1. Interesting that the internal AF motor has been eliminated. AF only from AFS and AFI lenses! Backward compatibility obviously not a major consideration with the D40, which is a shame but I suppose inevitable. I only have the 18-70DX and 18-55DX that will work, in spite of having around 20 nikkor lenses.

   FG at 04:19am on Friday, November 17, 2006

2. Nikon dropped the internal motor in order to make the body smaller and more compact, and because the typical D40 user probably won't have any vested interest in the system. Certainly not 20 lenses anyway!

   Mark Goldstein at 10:09am on Friday, November 17, 2006

3. I think Nikon plays a risky game, as AF-S lens selection is very limited. For the price you could buy a Pentax K100d with much better feature set, plus stabilized CCD. 3 point autofocus in a 2006 year DSLR? I have a Nikon D70s and I love it, but a smaller body doesn't sounds right to me. I looking for a backup DSLR, but for budget reason I already checked out the Pentax, but it is just too small. Sacrificing the lens compatibility between bodies is a big price, but I already do this (my real wideangle lens only works on my 35mm film body)

   George at 10:16am on Friday, November 17, 2006

4. It's an introductory, beginners' camera, people....... calm down, why don't you? It's a perfecy little SLR, for people who want to start looking thru-the-lens and learn how to shoot that way, and it's damned cheap to boot!
   
   You pseudo-experienced types need to back off and realize there are plenty of people that this camera will suit.

   Shudp at 02:59am on Saturday, November 18, 2006

5. Okay, it is cheap for a Nikon But if it is a shrunk down, beginners camera, then compare it to other small size DSLRs, like Canon 350D or Pentax, and maybe except the lens those had a lot more to offer even to a beginner. From marketing standpoint it is a great step, as it means more coverage in the lower segment. (However I hate this shrinking stuff down, you can't comfortably use the next model if it is smaller - that is for D70 to D80, but also was true in N70 to N75 times) Manufacturer trends are small beginner DSLR, big pro cameras, no other option. You have to change brand to break it (if you could)

   George at 06:54am on Saturday, November 18, 2006

6. "But if it is a shrunk down, beginners camera, then compare it to other small size DSLRs, like Canon 350D or Pentax"
   --- No, DUH! THAT's the whole point, isn't it? And why would you want EXACT same specs from all these companies? It behooves them to tinker and make their camera stand out a little bit from their competitors.
   
   Manufacturer trends are small beginner DSLR, big pro cameras, no other option. You have to change brand to break it (if you could)
   ---- HUH? Do you even hear what you're saying? So, if you did not want a small form factor DSLR, you can always buy a slightly more tricked out point-n-shoot, which, these days, have as much function and quality as any mid-range digital camera out there. Some people wouldn't want to carry extra lenses and go through all the trouble of swapping them around all the time. And then if you wanted to take a step up, by all means, there are plenty of bigger machines out there. And then beyond just these run-of-the-mill DSLR, you could even go serious Pro and get medium-format cameras wih digital backs - that'll run you a few thousand bucks.
   
   Who cares what you think, anyways? The D40 now exists, there are plenty of people in the world who are going to finally be able to try out this whole SLR thing and look through the lens to learn that aspect of photogaphy - at a cheaper price. Of course, you could always buy a used camera from a few years ago too, if you don't want a nice, small, NEW camera.
   
   You make me laugh.

   Shudp at 03:38am on Sunday, November 19, 2006

7. Shudp, you probably missed the whole point why I wrote the comment... I don't want every company produce the same features, but I cannot recommend wholeheartedly the D40 for any of my friends, because it so stripped down it is closer to a P&S;with its limited functions. I have recommended a D50 to one of my old friend who used Nikon years ago, but in the digital era he first bought a megazoom P&S;due to the high price of DSLRs. He now can use his old lenses, third party no-motor lenses, everything available. However with AF-S only you cant even use fully Nikon high quality 50mm lenses! (For D40 the cheap 1.8 AF would be a good companion). If you are a beginner, the AF is definitely a must. Standing out by having the smallest feature set is ridiculus. When boatload of cheap AF-S lenses will be present on the market, I will change my view...You can laugh now again if it pleases you.

   George at 08:59am on Sunday, November 19, 2006

8. So, will my 35-70 and 70-210 AF Nikkors from my F601 fit the D40 or D50?
   Which 'D'should I get to match the quality of my 35mm kit?

   Fivish at 06:29pm on Tuesday, November 21, 2006

9. Fivish, your lenses work fully on D50, but on D40 you can use only manual focusing, as it contains no motor to drive those...

   George at 08:55pm on Tuesday, November 21, 2006

10. D40 looks great for those who want to step up to a proper camera - one which actually takes a pic when you press the button - but without all the bells and whistles! Any one who criticises Nikon is really missing the point - perhaps misplaced arrogance? Even the best point & shoots and SLR lookalikes have significant lag (as well as image noise issues due to small sensor). I love my D50 for these reasons, and the intuitive manual controls and ability to use legacy lenses. However, my only concern is that I have heard Nikon will discontinue the D50 - will they replace it with a similar cheap enthusiasts camera? I want the more comprehensive features of the D50 compared to D40, but cannot afford the jump to the D70/D80 level. If Nikon fails to plug the gap they may force me to switch to Canon. That would not be such a smart move by Nikon.

    David at 12:56pm on Friday, December 01, 2006

11. Also Fivish, if your current lenses are not AF 'D', then the matrix light meter will not work. The older AF lenses only work with spot or centre weighted metering. I think the D50 would be better if you have other nikkor lenses.

    kalki at 03:53pm on Sunday, December 03, 2006

12. I find it interesting to read all the semi "pro" people not liking this camera for one reason or another, but as one of those people looking to break into the DSLR market, I liked it so much I bought one.
    
    Its aimed at us you see, those of us who have been using point and shoot little 1.3 mega pixel Olympus cameras and want to move up. The Canon 350D was nice, but out of my price range, as were all the other 8 and 10 MP DSLR cameras.
    
    The Nikon fell in just at the top end of my budget, but I am so happy with it I have not stopped playing with it since I bought it, and that's the point is it not? to make people like me happy with a decent camera to play with.
    
    People can talk all day about this and that, and all the other technical stuff that's above my head, at the end of the day I wanted a simple to use new camera, that would allow me to adjust settings as I got to know it, and so far this is the only camera that allows me to do that in my price range. I'm more than happy with it, as it is actually complicated and expensive enough looking to stop other members of my family using it, and that suits me fine

    Brian at 02:42pm on Saturday, January 20, 2007

13. Brian, congratulation for your new camera I have critizied only because if you really fall in love with photography and want to buy a tele lens you will pay much more for it than the initial kit price suggests.

    George at 07:50pm on Saturday, January 20, 2007

14. Hi. Tried out the Nikon D40 2 days ago. Feels and handles absolutely beautifully. Took a few test shots outside the camera shop, Jessops, and compared to identical shots from my Canon A710is. I can not tell them apart at 7 by 5 inches. At A4 the D40 shots are slightly smoother. Should I ditch my F80 film SLR and go fully digital? Both cameras are superbly engineered and the D40 is just a superb piece of kit.

    John H2007 at 08:52pm on Saturday, January 27, 2007

15. So the D50 looks a better bet for me with my aged F601 lenses. How about the new D80 then? Nikon advert says its the one 'I' have been waiting for!
    
    Does anyone know when digital will actually better the results from film? My 8Mp on 2/3 CCD is still not up to my F601 on Fuji at 200asa. I have read that a £2.99 throw away is better than most point and shoot digitals. And no shutter lag!

    Fivish at 05:29pm on Sunday, January 28, 2007

16. Fivish. I have the Nikon F80 with Nikon lenses and it gives good results, but I have taken identical shots with it and the Nikon D40. There is just no comparison. The D40 dynamic range is astounding. The film shots are contrasty and soft in comparison. Fine details are spoilt by film grain. Colour balance is poor on film in comparison and of course once the shot is taken you are stuck with it. I love the D-lighting and warm up filters on the D-40. So I am now going out to buy one. I'm afraid my Nikon F80, good as it it will have to spend the rest of its life in the cupboard unless I can get a few pounds for it on trade in. I'm afraid film is dead for me.

    John H2007 at 12:45pm on Monday, January 29, 2007

17. Bought D40 giving 30yr old FM in part exchange. Very pleased with it. Can I force it to flash even if it doesn't want to? 2nd question: So far I can't look at the screen until after the photo is taken. Is there a way of previewing on the screen? My only criticism is the instruction book which is poor to those of us new to digital.

    James 56092 at 03:50pm on Friday, February 02, 2007

18. Woah!
    Just about all digital cameras have TTL viewfinders, not just SLRs, and have preview which SLR's dont. There are two factors in favour of the SLR - big CCD (cmos is clearly inferior - do not buy) and interchangeable lens. For extra money they give you a faster processer and a big buffer.
    With image files in raw of 15MB you need a fast processer. My Oly8080wz takes 9 seconds to write 11MB to Xd and thats with a 1GB 'H' type!
    Oh for an SLR with preview.

    Fivish at 04:17pm on Tuesday, February 20, 2007

19. Help!
    Bought a D40 which i thought was ok but then found out about the lens problem,wanted a longer lens but not at that cost for AF. Shop admited problem and sales mistake. Have an option to change straight to a Canon 400D.
    
    1. should i go to Canon?
    2. Should i get the 70-200 dx lens for the Nikon.

    Nigex lens at 09:32pm on Tuesday, February 20, 2007

20. meant 55-200 dx

    Nigex lens at 09:47pm on Tuesday, February 20, 2007

21. i too bought a nikon d40 and man i'm stuck badly really badly the other lenses jst dnt focus and tell u what the bloody af-s nikon lenses cost a bomb as compared to the other d or g type lenses.
    wat do i do
    i want to do a lot of wild life styff man ?
    pls suggest me any other lens 70-300mm brand which can work on mt d40(i just hae it nw) the results are just amazng but......help me

    michelangelo at 05:14am on Monday, March 05, 2007

22. Hi, Just so you all know Sigma have a full range of compatible lenses please see:
    
    http://www.sigmaphoto.com/news/news.asp?nID=3289
    
    Slimes

    Slimes at 02:22pm on Monday, March 19, 2007

23. PLEASE - do not buy Cannon or Sigma, you will regret it. I have used non Nikon lenses and they are all soft compared to the Nikons.
    Cannons are cheap bits of plastic from China with even cheaper cmos imaging chips. The D40 apparently wont take any of the non-digital lenses. So you need to buy a D-Nikkor.
    PS. My F601 with 35-70 and 70-210 Nikkors are for sale and open to offers!

    Fivish at 04:07pm on Monday, March 19, 2007

24. Thanks for that - I will follow your advice, they look a bit pricey for third party in any case.

    Slimes at 05:39pm on Monday, March 19, 2007

25. Fivish, my experiments and opinion is different! Third party lenses in lower range are usually equal or even better than comparable original ones (be it a Nikon or Canon) see Sigma 70-300 APO for example, as Nikon own 70-300G is a plastic joke. Yes, at a certain level it is possible true, but if you calculate the 2x price difference then it is a hard call. Quality Control that usually dooms the third parties, that's why someone praise some loath Sigma and the other two (Tamron, Tokina. Also Nikon lens selection in itself is a big limitation, where are any beginner/semi-pro digital lens except D40 own kit one?

    George at 10:55pm on Monday, March 19, 2007

26. Ho! So Easter is here with offers on the D40. The basic package and a Nikon 55-200 lens thrown in all at £399. Is that a bargain or not! Anyway, I've just had a tax refund so here goes. Could I so better?

    Graham Peacock at 07:55pm on Sunday, April 08, 2007

27. HI, im planning to buy a DSLR between Nikon D40 or Canon 350D, i prefer the D40 but people are saying that you can fit other lenz on the D40, or something, what does that mean? and you know they give a bundle lenz, 18-55mm one is that good enough for photography, im a pure begginger so i don't know anything about DSLR's plz help.

    DK at 12:10pm on Wednesday, May 09, 2007

28. Yes, DK the Nikon D40 with the 18-55mm lens is a great starter pack and will allow you to devolop your photography. You can set it on to Auto, which will enable you to just point and shoot. When you get better, then you can buy another lens which will let you take (say) telephoto or very close-up pictures. This camera is the nearest you will get to a professional camera at this price. I've had mine only since Easter and I am delighted with the results. Good luck.

    Graham Peacock at 03:24pm on Wednesday, May 09, 2007

29. I'm using the D40 as a D50 replacement, and in fairness, I'm getting better images. I don't know why, but the autofocus makes fewer mistakes, with 3 points (instead of skipping around 5 points before getting it right), and the images are on the overexposure side, instead of under with the D50, I prefer the former. And don't be too put off by the button pushing D40 to change settings. If you're fast at texting on a mobile, button pressing is a doddle, and you'll set the camera up quickly because you're not looking at a top plate LCD.
    
    But, the D50 has a phenomenal battery life, the D40 doesn't compare. Also, the use of other lenses is a bonus, but I found my old AF 35mm lenses rather clunky, slow, and very soft.
    
    If you have good lenses, not budget 35mm, then I'd advise saving and getting DX replacements. They'll be less bulky, sharper, and faster.

    pauly b at 09:00pm on Sunday, May 13, 2007

30. Only a novice at the moment, fancied improving my skills, can handle the digital/pc side of things etc, but having stepped up to slr (nikon D40) the camera's kinda scary... got some photos to shoot of an up and coming special occasion and I dont want to mess 'em up,any tips for a novice, in particular 'portrait' would be welcome...

    Jim W at 07:05pm on Tuesday, May 22, 2007

31. Hi Everyone,
    
    I've been reading opinions, and more opinions, all the pros and cons.
    
    I purchased my first DSLR today! online, so i don't have it yet.
    it comes with an extra 55-200 VR lens.
    
    I have been shooting since I was about 11 years of age, i'll be 45 this year.
    
    In my life I have used all sorts of cameras, and had a couple of PnS nikons, and I just miss the Nikon feel.
    
    Shot with Mamiyas 665, Minolta SLR, Pentax and Nikon. I am sorry, but I am here to declare that in my own personal opinion, nothing beats the Nikon.
    
    Thanks to everyone for all of your input.
    
    PhotoRig

    PhotoRig at 09:54pm on Sunday, June 29, 2008