The D40's high-resolution image quality is made possible by Nikon's high-performance 6.1 megapixel Nikon DX format CCD imaging sensor and exclusive Nikon image processing engine which assures stunning sharpness and color. Designed exclusively for use with Nikon DX-format digital SLRs, this ultra-compact 3x zoom offers Nikkor sharpness and versatility in a wide variety of shooting situations.
Price Range: $419 - $850
Amazon Rating: 
(414 Reviews)
Epinions Rating: 
(82 Reviews)
The lightest, most compact Nikon digital SLR ever, featuring intuitive controls and an ergonomically designed operation that even first-time SLR users can enjoy. Advanced 3-area AF system Automatic control over ISO-equivalent sensitivity from ISO 200 to 1600 with manual override Eight automated Digital Vari-Programs [Auto, Auto (Flash Off), Portrait, Landscape, Child, Sports, Close Up, and Night Portrait] optimize white balance, sharpening, tone, color, saturation and hue to match the scene Near-instant 0.18-second power-up Versatile shutter speed control with a range from 30 to 1/4000 s, plus bulb Creative in-camera effects and editing functions consolidated under the new Retouch menu, including D-Lighting, Red-eye correction, Trim, Monochrome settings (Black-and-white, Sepia, Cyanotype), Filter Effects (Skylight, Warm filter, Color balance), Small Picture and Image Overlay Large 2.5-inch LCD monitor Information displays can be shown in Classic, Graphic or Wallpaper format Assist Images help select the appropriate settings for many camera features by showing an example image typical of that setting Large, bright viewfinder with 0.8x magnification Fast image data transfer and recording to SD memory cards of up to 4GB capacity Exposure Metering System - TTL full-aperture exposure metering system Electronic-Flash - Auto, Portrait, Child, Close Up, Night Portrait modes Uses Nikon AF-S Lenses Unit Dimensions (W x D x H) - Approximately 5.0 x 2.5 x 3.7 inches; Weight - Approximately 1lb. 1oz.
without battery, memory card or body cap Nikon USA 1-Year Warranty.
Family Line: Nikon D
Weight: 1.06 lb.
Image Sensor Type: CCD
Resolution: 6.24 Megapixel
Optical Zoom: 3x
Camera Type: SLR/Professional
Interchangeable Lens: Interchangeable Lenses
Optical Zoom: 3x
35mm Zoom Lens: 18 - 55 mm
Focus Type: Autofocus&Manual Focus
Awesome starter camera
Author's Rating:
I have been shooting with a DSLR for almost a year and the first 10 months were with the Nikon D40. This camera is a great starter camera. It is really easy to learn on, and works great for those who just want to shoot on auto. Plus you can't beat the price!
I recently updated to the nikon d80, and wish I had my D40 back. The D80 underexposes everything.
The reason I got rid of my D40 was because there were only 3 focusing points, and it can't auto focus with some lenses. I really wanted the Nikkor 50mm 1.8 and it wouldn't auto focus with the D40.
I would buy the D40 again and hold on to it until I could afford the D300 if I were to do it all again.
Also, the resale price was good. I bought this camera for a really good deal at $450 almost a year ago and sold it recently for $400. That is only a $50 loss for a whole year worth of pictures- Awesome!
Nov 14, 2008
Awesome entry level DSLR
Author's Rating:
Awesome camera! Takes amazing pictures for any level of photographer. The camera is quick to take the shot, and once you become familiar with its functions and operations, its quick and easy. Good price for an entry level DSLR camera that comes with an all around "day to day" lens. Please, read reviews and make sure that this camera is what you want. The camera is not the important piece for quality shots, its shot composure. Ive taken shots with a lowend 3MP point and shoot that blow this camera away. The biggest thing to remember if you want great photographs is to remember to compose your shot; think about lighting, background, foreground and most importantly what is in focus. Take the shot and you will be amazed with what you get. This camera takes huge resolution pictures and outputs them in JPG or NEF (Raw format). I would suggest shooting in Nikon Raw format (NEF) and then converting it to whatever format you need.
90% out of 100 for this camera. 10% minus because in my opinion they should give you a 4GB SDHC card with the camera considering how much it cost and how little the SDHC cards do cost.
Nov 11, 2008
Awesome entry level DSLR
Author's Rating:
Awesome camera! Takes amazing pictures for any level of photographer. The camera is quick to take the shot, and once you become familiar with its functions and operations, its quick and easy. Good price for an entry level DSLR camera that comes with an all around "day to day" lens. Please, read reviews and make sure that this camera is what you want. The camera is not the important piece for quality shots, its shot composure. Ive taken shots with a lowend 3MP point and shoot that blow this camera away. The biggest thing to remember if you want great photographs is to remember to compose your shot; think about lighting, background, foreground and most importantly what is in focus. Take the shot and you will be amazed with what you get. This camera takes huge resolution pictures and outputs them in JPG or NEF (Raw format). I would suggest shooting in Nikon Raw format (NEF) and then converting it to whatever format you need.
90% out of 100 for this camera. 10% minus because in my opinion they should give you a 4GB SDHC card with the camera considering how much it cost and how little the SDHC cards do cost.
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