A review of the Nikon D40 Digital Camera

There are many comments and reviews on the Nikon D40. Here are a few of them from multiple web sites across the internet.

Pros : Easy to operate. Menus easy to use, many custom set ups. Smaller and lighter than most DSLRs. Very good image quality. Decent performance. Inexpensive. Noise is very well controlled at higher ISOs. Auto focus is exceptionally fast.

Cons : While the AF is fast, the Nikon D40 is slightly slower than competitors to focus on moving objects. Only 6 megapixels, so not the highest resolution - picture resolution not as high as Canon Rebel XT. LCD does not include live-view capabilities. Shoots only 2.5 frames per second. No automatic sensor cleaning.

Comments : The general consensus is the Nikon D40 is a awesome transition camera for going from a regular digital camera, sometimes called a point-and-shoot, to being your first DSLR camera. Easy to use. The Nikon D40 has an intuitive interface that even includes help features. Since it is an older camera model, it does not come with some of the newer technologies, like live view. It also offers a variety of post-editing modes, such as contrast adjustments and image cropping.

Average reviews and ratings for the Nikon D40:

Megapixels : 10

Image Quality : Very good

Versatility : Good

Viewfinder : Good

Dynamic Range : Good

Ease of Use : Good

Max. ISO with best quality : 3200

Battery Life : 470 shots

Weight : 19.2 oz

Additional Nikon D40 review comments :

-The Nikon D40 is a borderline perfect DSLR camera for those first time Digital SLR buyers who are looking to buy on a more modest budget. It is also a great buy for anyone who wants a lightweight and compact DSLR. Handling, image quality, responsiveness, price and other features all come together to create a great balance for its target market. You should not be concerned by its 6-megapixel sensor as there is still plenty of detail in the photos. This is a great entry level or budget DSLR camera.

-If you accept that the Nikon D40s resolution is sufficient for most settings, and accept the auto focus limitations, this DSLR is a superb option for anyone buying their first DSLR. It is light, small, and very easy to use. It delivers excellent quality photos in a wide variety of conditions.

Compare to the Canon EOS 400D.The Canon 400D XTi would be the Nikon D40s biggest rival.

Compare to the Nikon D60. The Nikon D60 is the DSLR camera one level above the D60.

Additional features to point out on the Nikon D40 from various DSLR camera reviews.

-The D40 has user friendly editing tools that will enhance your pictures by providing functions such as cropping images to smaller sizes, removing redeye, and adding special effects to your pictures. The effects include converting images to black and white, or even sepia tones. Also, your converted images are stored as separate files on the Nikon D40, so the original, unedited photo you took remains available on the SD memory card.

-The Nikon D40 also comes with eight preset modes that will automatically adjust the DSLR camera controls for certain environments or subjects, such as landscape, night-shooting, sports, or portrait.

Manufacturer :

The Nikon D40's high resolution, positively reviewed image quality is made possible by Nikon's high performance 6.1 megapixel  DX format CCD imaging sensor as well as an exclusive Nikon image processing engine which assures stunning color as well as sharpness. It is designed exclusively for use with Nikon DX-format digital SLRs. DSLR Camera review shows that this DSLR cameras ultra compact 3x zoom offers high quality Nikon sharpness and versatility in a wide variety of shooting situations.

While the picture quality may not be as high as the Rebel XT, there are more features, and you can find this DSLR camera at a better price.

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