Nikon D40 Digital Camera Review

Nikon D40

Digital Camera Review

3.7 The 6.1-megapixel Nikon D40 retails for $599 with its 18-55mm kit lens. The price indicates a modest step down from previous Nikon entries, and the D40 shows the effects of that cost-cutting. Most notably, it only has 3 auto focus sensor zones, and it does not accept all Nikkor auto focus lenses. Still, Nikon has included a range of features that will appeal to beginners such as in-camera editing and an increased number of scene modes. There are many choices for snapshooters looking to spend $599. Read on to see if Nikon has put together a compelling package for the price.
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Nikon D40
Ken Rockwell
Nikon D40


Connectivity
Software (7.0)
The Nikon D40 comes with PictureProject software that includes options to download, sort, catalog, edit, print and share images. PictureProject reads .NEF files, and can save them as TIFFs or JPEGs, which are compatible with other software and printers. PictureProject offers a range of editing tools in a clear interface and allows the user to add keywords to images so that large collections of images can be searched.
 
Jacks, Ports, Plugs (7.5)
The D40 offers analog video out for slide shows, USB 2.0 for printing and data transfer, a hot shoe for Nikon dedicated flashes, an infrared port for wireless remote control, and an external power supply connection.

Direct Print Options (7.5)
The D40 can create DPOF print orders, selecting JPEG images for printing, specifying the number of copies to print, and whether or not to imprint the capture date, f-stop and shutter speed. The order is saved on the SD card and can be downloaded to a commercial lab. The D40 can be connected to PictBridge compatible printers and allows the user to set the print size, number of prints, date imprint, and whether to print borders. It also allows cropping.
 
Battery (7.25)
The D40 has a lithium-ion battery and comes with a charger for it. The 7.4-volt, 1000mAh EN-EL9 is much smaller than the batteries in the mid-range Nikons and has a lower capacity. The battery lasted through our testing without a recharge though.

Memory (3.0)
The Nikon D40 accepts SD memory cards, which are the most popular memory format for cameras. The cards are very small and come in a range of prices and capacities. Most users will be happy with a 1 GB card. The D40 and D50 are the only Nikon DSLRs to be compatible with SD cards, which are typically used in point-and-shoot cameras. Nikon’s other DSLRs use CompactFlash media, which is the traditional format for the heavyweight DSLRs.

Other Features (7.0)
Analog Display – seeing a graphic representation of the lens aperture and shutter speed may give users an insight into the function of their camera.
 
Image Overlay – The option of combining two images may be fun for some users. This can only be done with NEF files – not JPEGs.
 
File Folder Management – Users will be able to organize their images on their memory cards by creating named folders.
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