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The obvious shortcomings of compact cameras and the shrinking prices of entry-level digital SLRs have spurred a huge growth in the DSLR market. Nikon hopes to continue that trend with the 6.1MP D40 ($560, street, with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 lens). The D40's features and overall performance clearly raise the bar on the "entry-level" DSLR class. But will first-time DSLR owners be satisfied with the D40's overall performance compared with its competitors or similarly priced advanced compacts such as the 10MP Canon PowerShot G7 ($500, street, with built-in 6X optical zoom)? And does it have what it takes to attract 35mm holdouts or current DSLR owners looking for a better camera? Yes and no. First-time DSLR shoppers can't argue with the price of this camera -- priced even lower than the Nikon D50 it replaces, and highly competitive with the 6.1MP Pentax K100D ($590, street, with 18-55mm lens), the older 8.0MP Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT ($600, street, with 18-55mm EF-S lens), and the 8MP Olympus Evolt E-500 ($580, street, with 14-55mm Zuiko lens). But current digital SLR owners who would like to upgrade their equipment will certainly be happier with a newer 10-megapixel DSLR (for some examples, see "10MP Shootout," February 2007), even though they cost a few hundred dollars more. And Nikon 35mm SLR owners who have a bag full of Nikkor lenses and are ready to cross over to digital might ignore the D40, due to its lack of autofocus support for their older lenses. (Only relatively new Nikkor AF-S or lenses, and compatible third-party lenses whose AF motor is located in the lens, work with the D40's autofocus system.) Also comapare to the 10-megapixel Nikon D40x.
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| Slowest Shutter Speed |
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30 |
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| Fastest Shutter Speed |
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4000 |
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| Built-In Flash |
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Yes |
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| Continuous Shooting |
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2.5 images/sec |
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| Flash Sync Speed |
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1/500 |
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| AF Points |
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3 |
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| Lens Mount |
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Nikon AF (digital only) |
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| Screen Size |
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2.5 in |
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| Screen Resolution |
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230,000 |
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| Screen Type |
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LCD |
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| Maximum ISO |
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3200 |
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| Max Continuous JPG |
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100 |
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| Max Continuous RAW |
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5 |
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| Media Type |
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SD |
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| Battery |
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Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL9 |
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| Width |
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5 in |
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| Height |
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2.5 in |
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| Depth |
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3.7 in |
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| Weight |
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17.6 oz |
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| Release Date |
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December 2006 |
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More Nikon D40 Articles
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July/August 2007
Best Buy: Nikon D40 |
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April 2007
How the little Nikon D40 overthrows what you know about Nikons and their lenses. |
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March 2007
It's time to toss your compact and get serious with a feature-rich, entry-level DSLR. |
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January 2007
At just $599 (lens included), Nikon's newest 6.1MP DSLR has a whole lot to love. |
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December 2006
Buyer beware: the D40 isn't fully backward compatible with most older Nikkor lenses. |
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More Digital SLR Articles
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May 2008
This beginner DSLR goes above and beyond. |
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May 2008
The only excess is of good stuff. |
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May 2008
America's top-selling DSLR: Canon's EOS Digital Rebel XTi. Second: Nikon D40. More...
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April 2008
Can't nail that perfect shot? Here are the answers. |
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April 2008
Never be afraid of the dark. |
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User Reviews
Here's how our visitors have reviewed this camera.
RATINGS |
AVERAGE RATINGS |
Overall quality |
9.47
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Ease of use |
9.33
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Fit and finish |
9.53
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Click-to-click speed |
9.47
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Display quality |
9.33
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Flash quality |
8.87
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Image quality |
9.73
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Overall value |
9.73
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RATING SCALE: 1 = WORST 10 = BEST |
Read other reviews
Submit your own review
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