Nikon D40 Review

Review Date: January 15th 2007

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Conclusion

Ratings (out of 5)
Design	4.5
Features	4
Ease-of-Use	5
Image Quality	4.5
Value for Money	5

The Nikon D40 is an attempt to make DSLR photography accessible to more people than ever before, making it one of the most important models in the company's history. Crucially Nikon haven't simply concentrated on reducing the price by reducing the features. Cost is obviously a key factor in this market, but accessibility also plays a large part, and Nikon have achieved both of these aims. The D40 is an affordable and intuitive camera that meets the main needs of its target audience, whilst still retaining enough complexity to allow your photography to grow and improve in the future. Users of compact digital cameras, especially the bridge-style models, will find the D40 relatively easy to get to grips with. It builds on the success of the older D50 model, whilst cutting the cost significantly and increasing the accessibility.

Nikon obviously had to cut some corners in order to keep the overall price down, but most of those won't actually affect the camera's main audience. Current Nikon DSLR owners will point out the removal of the internal focus drive motor, which means that it is only compatible with newer AF-S/AF-I (which have built-in motors), and they may also mention the lack of a top-panel LCD and the 3-point auto-focus system. The typical D40 user shouldn't worry too much, though, unless you are already whole-heartedly committing yourself to the Nikon system, in which case the more expensive D80 would be more suitable. 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.

PhotographyBLOG is a member of the DIWA organisation. Our test results for the Nikon D40 have been submitted to DIWA for comparison with test results for different samples of the same camera model supplied by other DIWA member sites.

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