Nikon D40 - Expert Reviews

Review summary: The D40 is Nikon's new entry-level digital SLR. Priced at just $599 with an 18 - 55 mm lens, the D40 is one of the lowest priced SLRs on the market. Nikon didn't cut a lot of corners to keep the price down, either -- this is a very capable camera. It ...

Pros: Excellent photo quality ; vivid colors and very low noise -- though see issues below ; Well built for its price ; Robust performance ; Large, bright, and sharp 2.5" LCD ; Shooting data well presented on the main LCD ; settings can quickly be changed ...

Cons: Purple fringing with kit lens ; occasional blown highlights ; Limited selection of AF-S lenses means that many Nikkor lenses (mostly primes) will not support autofocus ; Grip could be larger ; No depth-of-field preview ; Included software doesn't ...

Verdict: The D40 and its new battery turn in above average battery life numbers. I suppose I should mention my usual list of "gotchas" about proprietary batteries like the EN-EL9. First, at $45 each, they're expensive. Secondly, unlike with cameras that use AA ...

Review summary: The D40 is Nikon's smallest and lightest DSLR camera yet - and also the easiest to operate. Designed for everyday photographers, it replaces the D50 model and features the same 6.1-megapixel imager but sports a larger 2.5-inch high-resolution colour ...

Verdict: Pictures taken with the test camera were generally well-exposed, sharp and colour accurate but quite severe coloured fringing was found in outdoor shots in bright conditions, particularly towards the edges of the field of view. Barrel distortion was ...

Review summary: We get our hands on the new DSLR from Nikon

Pros: Simple to use, helpful guides built-in to the camera

Cons: Some settings difficult to find

Verdict: Although this may be a budget option DSLR, you wouldn't know it from the build and handling

Pros: Fast start-up ; simple menu ; graphic interface ; light weight

Cons: Older lenses not supported ; no top LCD panel ; plastic lens

Verdict: The D40 is a worthy upgrade from the Nikon D50. Although it has a lower number (probably because Canon's closest competitor is the EOS 400D), it is a definite improvement and makes an excellent entry-level model. It can even be carried in a large pocket