Nikon D40 (2006–2009)

Name: Nikon D40
Brand: Nikon

A compact 6.1-megapixel digital SLR, built as Nikon’s entry-level DSLR and released in late 2006.

Overview

Nikon introduced the D40 in November 2006, and it shipped starting November 30, 2006. It replaced the D50 as the entry-level DSLR and sat below the D80 and D200 in the lineup. It was Nikon's smallest DSLR at the time, and it added on-screen tips for novice photographers. There is no in-body autofocus motor, so you need AF-S or AF-I lenses to get autofocus. The Nikon D60 replaced it in 2008, but the D40 stayed on the market until late 2009.

Specifications

Sensor resolution	6.1 megapixels
Sensor pixel dimensions	3,008 x 2,000 pixels
Continuous shooting speed	2.5 frames per second
ISO range	200 - 1600 (Hi 1 mode: 3200)
Flash sync speed	1/500 second
Battery	EN-EL9
Kit lens	AF-S DX Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G II
LCD screen	2.5-inch, 230,000-dot TFT-LCD
Autofocus points	3 AF points
Metering	Matrix, Center-weighted, Spot (420-segment 3-D Color Matrix)
Exposure modes	Program, Shutter-priority, Aperture-priority, Manual, Auto, Auto (Flash Off), Portrait, Landscape, Kid, Sports, Close-Up, Night Portrait
Shutter speed	1/4,000 - 30 seconds, Bulb
File formats	JPG, NEF (12-bit compressed)
Storage media	SD cards
Connectivity	USB 2.0
Remote control	Wireless ML-L3
Viewfinder magnification	0.44x (with 28mm lens)
Viewfinder coverage	95%
Lens mount	Nikon F-mount
Dimensions	126 mm × 94 mm × 64 mm
Weight (body only)	475 g (16.8 oz)

Design

Context

Nikon announced the D40 on November 16, 2006, as its new entry-level DSLR. The D40x came in 2007 with a 10.2MP sensor and base ISO 100, and it was announced to compete with the Canon Rebel XTi on banner specifications. The D40x has the higher resolution, but some reviewers still preferred the D40 for its lower cost, faster flash sync speed, and higher base ISO.

Market

Reported problems include lens attachment trouble, unresponsive shutter buttons, memory card errors, broken LCD screens, and autofocus motor failure. In current resale markets, body-only units sell for $40-50, and kits with a lens typically fetch $70-80.