The Nikon D40 is positioned to be an entry level camera for those who are making the transition from a point and shoot or from a film SLR camera. At the heart of the D40 is a modest 6 megapixel sensor with a wide range of user friendly features to make the switch to an SLR camera easier for the first timers. Menu options are easily customized to suit individual needs and include several interface options. Users can choose between the wallpaper, graphical and classic interfaces and view them on the 2.5 inch LCD.

Standout Features

• Easy to use menu
• Compact size - only 16.8 ounces
• 6 mega pixels
• 1/500 second flash synchronization

Features
Users who are new to the SLR camera market will appreciate the D40’s small size and ease of use. While it is an entry level camera, it offers many of the settings of higher end cameras so that you can grow into it as you get more comfortable with the settings. The D40 offers the usual range of exposure settings from full automatic to manual and bulb.

Nikon switched out the old viewfinder in favor of the larger 0.8x magnification and 95% coverage of the actual image. Also built into the D40 are help suggestions on the LCD. While the D40 has only 3 autofocus points versus the 5 points on its predecessor, average users likely won’t mind the difference. Nikon has included in camera retouching in the D40 with red-eye reduction, trimming, D-lighting, monochrome and several filter setting available for more creativity and control.

The D40 does not have an internal focus drive motor, therefore only AF-S and AF-I lenses, which have a motor built into them, are capable of autofocus with this camera. This shouldn’t be a large inconvenience as the camera is aimed toward new users. Users should research third party lenses to make sure they are compatible. It should be noted that the older lenses and off brand lenses will work with the camera, they just have to be manually focused.

For more savvy users, the RAW image option is available though you will have to spend a little more for the software to handle the RAW file format.

Summary of Reviews from across the Internet

Experts have appreciated the size of the camera as well as the easy to use menu options. The D40 showed good image quality even up to ISO 3200. Reviewers were also pleased with the color reproduction of the D40 but suggest using a custom white balance setting when in varied lighting situations. Nikon could improve the start up time a bit on this camera, but if you are waking it from sleep mode, the D40 is ready almost instantly.

Summary

Users have generally liked the D40 as an entry level DLR. One user especially liked the automatic setting option that allows one to keep the flash turned off. While most users have liked the camera, it should be of note that many have found it to lag when trying to shoot sports or fast moving objects. Some have found the kit lens to be a bit slow, but then again, it is a kit lens. When you become comfortable with using the camera, you can upgrade the lens.

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