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7.6 out of 10

Nikon D40

6.24 megapixels

Information found in: from 160 sources in 26 countries

Great Deal: $419.00

  • User Score (5627)
    9.2 9.2 from 5627 reviewers
  • Expert Score (52)
    8.1 8.1 from 52 reviewers
  • Design (82)
    6.5 6.5 from 82 reviewers
  • Value for money (164)
    7.6 7.6 from 164 reviewers
  • Features (116)
    6.2 6.2 from 116 reviewers
  • Ease of use (209)
    7.4 7.4 from 209 reviewers
  • Performance (91)
    7.2 7.2 from 91 reviewers
  • Picture quality (243)
    7.5 7.5 from 243 reviewers
  • Durability (86)
    7.1 7.1 from 86 reviewers
  • Reliability (32)
    7.6 7.6 from 32 reviewers
  • Overall quality (54)
    7.6 7.6 from 54 reviewers
  • Playability (67)
    7.9 7.9 from 67 reviewers
  • Battery performance (90)
    7.8 7.8 from 90 reviewers
  • Display (85)
    7.7 7.7 from 85 reviewers
  • Construction (9)
    6.2 6.2 from 9 reviewers
  • Photo quality (2)
    7.5 7.5 from 2 reviewers
  • Video quality (55)
    7.4 7.4 from 55 reviewers
  • Ergonomics (80)
    7.8 7.8 from 80 reviewers
  • Equipment (19)
    6.0 6.0 from 19 reviewers
  • Portability (5)
    5.9 5.9 from 5 reviewers
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  • Score Distribution

Experts:
9-10
(19)
7-8
(30)
5-6
(3)
3-4
(0)
1-2
(0)
Users:
9-10
(3520)
7-8
(1136)
5-6
(121)
3-4
(50)
1-2
(80)
  • Expert Reviews

  1. pixinfo.com

    2 weeks ago

    A digitális tükörreflexes gépek igazi reneszánszukat élik. A történet régebben kezdődött, de 3 éve mérföldkövéhez érkezett, amikor 1000 dolláros D-SLR-t jelentett be a Canon. Őt követte a Nikon a maga 6 Mpixeles APS-C szenzoros D70-ével. Ezt a 6 Mpixeles Sony CCD-t azóta több gyártó is felhasználta, találkozhattunk vele Minolta, Pentax, sőt Samsung tükörreflexesben is. Read more

    • Gyors bekapcsolás, Kis méret, de elégséges méretű markolat, Elenyésző sötétzaj a hosszú expozíciós idejű felvételeken, Gyors memóriakártya kezelés, Akár 100 képig tart...
    • Csak AF-S és AF-I objektívekkel működik az automatikus élességállítás, Nincsenek automatikus sorozatok, Néha problémát okozó moiré és IR hibák, Csak 3 fókuszpont, de e...
  2. Camera Labs

    Camera Labs
    8.1/10
    1 March 2007

    The Nikon D40 is arguably one of the most sensible DSLRs released so far. Nikon’s sensibly targeted first-time DSLR owners with an affordable and easy to use product, and sensibly fitted it with a 6 Megapixel sensor which is more than sufficient for the vast majority of consumers. Anyone who’s into digital cameras understands Nikon’s choice of sensor, and it’s refreshing to find a company step back from the unnecessary upward spiralling of Megapixels. Read more

    • Small, light and comfortable., Very easy to use with helpful menus., Consumer-friendly photos out of the camera., Nikon's legendary metering is rarely fooled.
    • Has 'only' 6 Mpixels, but it's enough for most., No auto-focus with certain, older lenses., Some settings require too many button presses., Basic 3-point AF and no DOF...
  3. Digitaltrends

    Digitaltrends
    7.5/10
    22 February 2007

    The Nikon D40, which we review, comes in at a great price of under $600 for the camera and the lens. This camera is great for those looking to get into the D-SLR game. Read more

    • Affordable; easy-to-use D-SLR
    • 6.1-megapxiel resolution; not as responsive as competition
  4. Imaging Resource

    Imaging Resource
    16 August 2007

    Nikon really shocked the market with the D40. We've been pleasantly surprised with its excellent performance in low light and its simple grace as a day-to-day shooter. Then we remind ourselves that all this quality comes at less than $600, and we shake ourselves awake. The Nikon D40 is one great camera! The Nikon D40 is a natural fit in most hands. Read more

    • Smallest Nikon DSLR to date, great for travel and all-day carry, Quiet shutter and AF operation: a very "polite" camera, Good dynamic range, particularly in the shadow...
    • Good dynamic range, but prone to losing highlight detail, In-camera contrast adjustment has almost no effect, Only 3 AF regions, Auto white balance setting doesn't han...
  5. What Digital Camera

    What Digital Camera
    8.7/10
    21 May 2007

    If you're looking to buy your first DSLR then your search is over - the Nikon D40 is it. Whether upgrading from a compact or jumping in at the deep end the Nikon D40 has everything you need, delivers cracking pictures and it's brilliantly easy to use. Better still the D40 delivers point-and-shoot simplicity when you want it and advanced, manual settings to grow into, so this isn't a camera you're going to need to replace in any hurry. Read more

    • Excellent noise control and image quality. Functions to match all experience levels from 'first timer' to enthusiast
    • Basic AF system and AF/lens compatibility issues. Slight fringing with kit lens and over processed JPEGs
  6. LAPTOP Magazine

    LAPTOP Magazine
    9.0/10
    16 October 2007

    Suggested Stories: The Best Digital SLRs Under $800 We put four digital SLR models priced under $800 through the ringer to see which one delivers the best photos for your money. Read more

  7. Bright Hub

    Bright Hub
    7.2/10
    23 July 2009

    Image quality and versatility - that's what you'll get with the Nikon. This a review of the 6.1 megapixel Nikon D40 digital SLR. Read more

  8. consumersearch.com

    16 December 2009

    Nikon is replacing the 6-megapixel entry-level D40 with the 10.2-megapixel Nikon D3000 (Discontinued) , but reviews still recommend the D40 as an excellent budget buy if you can find it. It takes consistently good shots on automatic settings and is very easy to use. The 6-megapixel resolution is plenty for prints up to 8 inches by 10 inches in size. Read more

    • Excellent images with automatic settings, Color metering, Easy to use, Quiet shutter
    • No depth-of-field preview, Uses only autofocus lenses, Three-point autofocus, Lower resolution
  9. Think Camera

    Think Camera
    8.0/10
    8 October 2008

    We're not sure how long the Nikon D40 will keep going in the market, but until it finally drops off the radar, it represents the most fantastic value in DSLR at the moment. Yes it's dated and that shows, but the images are good and the camera is fun to use. Read more

    • The price, Deceptively solid build, Good image quality at high ISO, Potentially good picture quality, That price again!
    • Small LCD, Dated design means no live view, Soft images as standard
  10. REVIEW STREAM

    REVIEW STREAM
    8.0/10
    4 weeks ago

    Nikon is an industry leader. Aftermarket products are easy to find and affordable. I’ve added filters, zoom lenses, digital storage cards, and an aluminum carry case designed as a briefcase. My pictures are very sharp and crystal clear. Even when cropped and resized, the detail in the image is impressive. Read more

  • User Reviews

  1. Backward compatibility warning!

    Amazon
    4.0/10
    Reviewer: C. M. Dobbs, Amazon
    14 December 2011 See Product at Amazon ($619.00)

    It is nice that it is lightweight and is iTTL compatible. I have personally tested exposure with Nikon's Creative Lighting System (CLS) speedlight SB800 and 600. Major con: not backward compatible (for autofocus) with your earlier lenses unless they have their own focusing motor (silent wave motor) such as the lenses provided with it in a kit. Read more or see product

  2. Nikon D40 SLR Digital Camera Kit (6.1MP, 3008x2000, SD/SDHC Slot)

    8.0/10
    Reviewer: eDeals123, pcworld.com
    3 weeks ago

    If you're looking for a low priced digital SLR this is the camera to get. It can be purchased for $560 online or $480 without the telephoto lens. This is at a pricepoint just slightly higher than the ultra compacts with an inferior lens. It has a good size 2.5" LCD display. Read more

    • Low cost, includes two lenses (one telephoto), fairly lightweight.
    • Cannot use older Nikon lenses, 6.1MP is rather low for a camera of this quality, expensive $60 rechargeable battery pack.
  3. "Hoodwinked!"

    CNET
    1.0/10
    Reviewer: mufn8r, CNET
    2 June 2011

    Very disappointed in the quality of the images and the absence of technology that has existed for almost 10 years in other cameras. I will never get hoodwinked into buying another piece of Ni-Con garbage again! Read more

    • It's black!
    • You cannot view the photo in the LCD screen while taking the picture. The quality of the photos is crap! Megapixels don't mean dick all if the quality of the photo at ...
  4. Great camera, no matter what colonialpara says

    10/10
    Reviewer: kabeyun, epinions.com
    4 weeks ago

    Nikon's new D40 takes point-&-shoot photographers and gives them an outstanding, enabling dSLR camer Read more

    • small size, light weight, ease of use, responsiveness, photo quality
    • limited physical buttons (primarily LCD-driven controls), limited AF zones
  5. I am a proud mother of my Nikon D40!

    J&R
    10/10
    Reviewer: Sandy Mandy, J&R
    9 August 2009

    I am an amateur photographer and this was my first SLR. I was nervous about purchasing it at first because it marks such a huge purchase and I didn't know if it would be worth it, but now, two weeks after I bought my Nikon D40, I adore it and introduce people to my camera as though it were my new baby! The images that I capture are vastly superior to those from my previous digital cameras. However, with the good comes the bad. Read more

    • Bright LCD, Comfortable Controls, Easy To Use, Fast Shutter Speed, Great Image Quality
    • Exposed LCD, Heavy, Poor In Low Light, Slow Focus
  6. Excellent starter DSLR, though built-in flash not great

    10/10
    Reviewer: B T., expotv.com
    10 August 2010

    The Nikon D40 is an excellent starter DSLR. I have taken approximately 18,000 pictures with it, and have had particularly good success with outdoor photography (my favorite). It has enough options to be able to customize your photography without being overwhelming. The auto settings are good for the beginning, and the aperture, manual, and shutter speed settings are excellent for the more advanced (in addition to the various lighting options). Read more

    • Lightweight, comfortable fit, Excellent setting options for beginners, Great value for the money
    • Built-in flash
  7. Amazing Deal

    Newegg
    10/10
    Reviewer: yourmom46, Newegg
    21 October 2009

    I have the stock 18-55mm lense which is lightweight and sharp. I've gotten the thing a little dirty but it still works like a champ. I also got the 55-200mm VR lense that works really well too. Read more

    • I love this camera. If you are using point and shoot cameras and are looking to take a little better quality photos then get this thing. But more than quality, this ca...
    • No depth of field preview, but not sure I would use this anyways. No autobracketing for easily taking HDR photos. The lack of a top LCD for setting doesn't bother me.
  8. Great value, all around package.

    Ebay
    8.0/10
    Reviewer: drewrogers, Ebay
    24 December 2011 See Product at eBay ($699.99)

    This makes a great all around kit for getting serious about taking digital pictures. The Nikon D40 is a real easy to use basic digital SLR. I will plug kenrockwell.com also. He turned me on to this great value camera. In my opinion the gem in this kit is the 18-200mm VR lens. This is really the only lens you need. It does have more weight than the 18-55mm lens but you have almost 2 lenses in one. There are some drawbacks for power users. Read more or see product

  9. I like the camera but...

    8.0/10
    Reviewer: Marlena, Nikon
    7 October 2011

    There are any things I like about D-40 but when I use my Nikon 105 portrait lens I can not use the auto focus, only manual. I use a tripod in this case. Read more

  10. Great camera - easy to use

    Abes of Maine
    8.0/10
    Reviewer: Bing, Abes of Maine
    8 February 2009

    all around a great camera...easy to use lots of features and great images...the only cons I have would be no manual control of F stops, no manual control of shutter speed and no light meter. These three items are a big concern when in manual mode and took some getting used to, I came from a fully manuual camera. Read more

    • Comfortable Controls, Easy To Use, Great Image Quality
  • WikiFreak Description

The Nikon D40’s great resolution and super image quality, made possible by a high performance DX format image sensor and processing engine has some incredibly crisp image with great color.

It’s operations are easy, with the intuitive controls, making it simple for even the first time user of an SLR to get a brilliant sharp image.

Weighing in at just over a pound, its the smallest Nikon digital and is easy, lightweight and very convenient so far as SLR’s go,which, coupled with the awesome images makes …

See more

The Nikon D40’s great resolution and super image quality, made possible by a high performance DX format image sensor and processing engine has some incredibly crisp image with great color.

It’s operations are easy, with the intuitive controls, making it simple for even the first time user of an SLR to get a brilliant sharp image.

Weighing in at just over a pound, its the smallest Nikon digital and is easy, lightweight and very convenient so far as SLR’s go,which, coupled with the awesome images makes it well worth your time to check out.

Shooting at speeds up to 2.5 frames per second it can rapid fire for you, taking some great quality sequences of such things as sports, play time or just about any type action images. With a 2 and a half inch LCD, and several color display options you can easily see your playback images and the function menus are far easier to see.

Auto focus is fast and accurate,while focus tracking gives you consistently crisp clean images. At a price of about 549 USD, for a first time SLR user, this is a super way to go in digital SLRs.

Review Summary

Nikon D40 is an entry-level single lens digital reflex camera. The product is ideally suited for photographers who wish to graduate from the advanced ‘point and shoot’ digital camera level to digital SLR. Compared to other dSLRs, D40 is smaller in size and lighter in weight. The CNet review indicates that D40 is a typical budget dSLR, which provides basic features. The resolution level of six mega pixels is on the lower side. The camera supports ISO levels from 200 to 1600 and additionally a HI 1 level which is nearly equal to an ISO 3200 range. The review gives high scores for photo quality. The noise levels and lens distortion are low. The picture colors are good and pleasing. D40 is equipped with many components recycled from old models. This may be a cautious effort to keep the price low. The navigation provided is easier to operate for snap-shot camera users.

The Consumer Reports review highlights that D40 is favorably priced when compared to other entry level dSLRs. D40 offers the flexibility to use interchangeable lenses and a manual operation option for shutter and aperture settings. The camera also supports eight preset modes for selecting the control parameters automatically. The LCD in the camera displays a sample image when the preset mode options are selected. The camera also provides an editing tool for on-camera editing of the picture. The edited image is stored as a different file, thus preserving the original unedited image. The review indicates that the D40 is comfortable to use up to ISO 800. The Neo Camera review indicates that D40 is quite fast and responsive. The image quality is considered below average by this review, with over saturated colors. With adequate lens, sharp pictures can be produced. But D40 does not provide support to the prime lenses. D40 is favorably priced and will be an attractive camera for people who wish to make an entry into creative photography with digital SLRs.

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  • Manufacturer's Description

Great pictures used to require complicated and cumbersome equipment along with years of experience. Not any more. The D40 is compact, lightweight and designed specifically for ease of use, yet contains top-quality, high-performance technologies that you expect from a Nikon digital SLR. And with world-famous Nikkor lenses, you know you have a sharp and reliable optical performance. All in a camera light enough to carry with you everywhere. Beautiful photography has nev…

Specifications

  • Format
    SLR
  • Max resolution
    3008 x 2000
  • Low resolution
    2256 x 1496, 1504 x 1000
  • Image ratio w:h
    3:2
  • Effective pixels
    6.0 million
  • Sensor photo detectors
    6.3 million
  • Sensor size
    23.7 x 15.5 mm (3.67 cm²)
  • Pixel density
    1.6 MP/cm²
  • Sensor type
    CCD
  • Sensor manufacturer
    Sony

Release Date

  • First seen
    16 November 2006

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