Overall: 
5/5
Update: Sample shots here
I just recently got something I’ve been interested in for a very long time: a digital SLR camera. After researching and considering the multitude of more consumer-oriented dSLR’s on the market, I ultimately chose the Nikon D40.
In my five days so far with the D40, it has unceasingly proved to be my dream camera. During my research, time and time again comments in reviews suggested that the D40 is a great camera for previous point-and-shoot owners — something I couldn’t agree with more. Like its point-and-shoot 2nd cousins, the D40 is compact, easy to use, and created with consumers in mind. Where Nikon had room to make or break this camera, however, was in whether this was to be an excellent point-and-shoot or, like they fortunately decided, a consumer dSLR somewhere in between. It is in making this decision that Nikon’s D40 shines; for instance, while there are several excellent automatic modes for specific shooting situations, there is also complete manual mode, and while there is quite good autofocus with the great 18-55 kit lens, there is also manual focus. Essentially, the D40 is the camera you, with your specific needs, make it out to be. In my several days of shooting, I’ve tended to lean more towards manual settings, but the D40 suits the vacationers who simply want high quality shots with no fuss, no muss just as well.
As for features, unlike its big brother, the Nikon D50, many of the D40’s settings are accessed via the very easy to use menu system on its large 2.5-inch screen. I can imagine that this would be a hassle for more professional photographers who not only need to change such settings, but are familiar with using tactile means to do so. However, for those whose past cameras were point-and-shoots, if their previous cameras even allowed for the changing of settings like ISO or white balance, it was probably done on the screen as well. With consumers still in mind, one new feature specific to the D40 include various editing capabilities within the camera itself. I’ve yet to try these out, but have heard that certain post-processing effects can actually improve photo quality in some cases. Keep in mind that with a camera so filled to the brim with features and settings to explore, it’s hard to know what all of these are and how to work them within just a few days!
One of the reasons I’ve really enjoyed the D40 so much is because of this exactly: even though I haven’t learned the ins and outs of the camera, I’ve still been able to take great photos. This can also be attributed to the fantastic lens that comes with the kit D40. It has an equivalency of about a 3.5x zoom and provides wonderful depth-of-field and quite good autofocusing (it’s a shame that there are only three points on which to train the lens’ autofocus sensor, though).
On the topic of lenses, it is definitely worth noting that the D40 is not an ideal camera for those with a collection of non AF-S/I lenses from Nikon. One of the reasons the D40 is able to be so compact is due to Nikon deciding to nix an internal motor to drive the autofocus functionality, as found in near all other dSLR’s and all other Nikon dSLR’s. Because of this, a new system of lenses called AF-S/I lenses have been developed with internal autofocus motors. The problem, though, is that these new lenses are few in number. In my opinion, this is probably not an issue for the D40’s target audience of those looking to break into the world of dSLR photography for the first time, versus those already owning lenses. Either way, the collection of AF-S/I lenses is sure to expand over the coming years.
All in all, the D40 has been a joy to use these past few days. What excites me the most about it is that unlike previous point-and-shoot cameras I’ve owned, the D40 gives me room to grow as my knowledge of photography develops. In my experience so far with the D40, taking photos is not a difficult or bothersome task in any way, as it used to be with previous non-SLR cameras. With fast and widely adjustable shutter speed (that’s right, blurriness be gone) and superb photo quality, now photography is fun and very rewarding for me.
Thank you, Nikon, for creating one excellent camera.
Overall: 5/5
excellent review! i’m leaning on the d40 too cause it isn’t as bulky as the d70. ooh i can’t wait till i get my hands on one. reading all these reviews has gotten me really excited about owning one!
Comment by Melissa — May 3, 2007 @ 9:39 pm
I too recently got a D40. I love it, except. It sucks in low light because of the f3.5 lens. Maybe it was me being spoiled by the f2.8 lens w/image stabilization on my Olympus C-2100UZ I got in 2000, but whatever the case I’m only half enthused by the D40. If only Nikon made an affordable f2.8 (or f2.0) lens…
Comment by Mike Schinkel — May 22, 2007 @ 3:52 am
First off, a couple notes.
I had the D50 and have looked at the D40. Personally, I was rather unimpressed that the LCD on the camera’s right shoulder was removed and the functionality moved to the display on the back. Quick settings changes are greatly reduced even by the delay in the menus popping up on the screen.
Furthermore, the lack of the focusing motor makes things tough for people like Mike Schinkel (previous commenter). With the D50 (and the D80 that I have now), I use the 50mm f/1.8 prime lens (~$110 on Amazon) — a very fast lens, even if it doesn’t have the zoom range. Unfortunately, you can only MF this lens with the D40.
Melissa: seriously consider picking up a used (or new) D50 — it’s not quite as small as the D40, but is certainly less bulky than the D70, and for about the same price, is a better camera, IMO.
-kb
Comment by kb — May 23, 2007 @ 9:47 pm
The most often mentioned criticism of the D40 is the limitation on autofocus lens compatability for those with a collection of lenses.
The thing is, the camera is positioned for new DSLR owners, primarily casual users. If you have a collection of Nikon lenses, you probably want to go with the D80 anyway because you are probably a more sophisticated photographer.
My film SLR is a Minolta with no autofocus, so I don’t have to worry about computability with my existing lenses. They aren’t AF and won’t fit. When I decide to buy a new lens, I can buy one that will AF with the camera. Nikon will no doubt roll out new lenses as time goes by, including prime lenses.
I guess I am just the kind of buyer Nikon made the D40 for. I’ve been using a P&S digital for years and missed the feel and superior imaging of a SLR.
I suppose if money was no object I’d have considered the D80, but I could justify buying the D40 and I love it. I bought the one lens kit, and am looking at the 55-200 VR lens as a future purchase. Buying it this way is only a little more than the two lens kit, which includes the older non VR lens.
As far as the LCD on top, since I’m not used to having one, I don’t miss it. I’m not having any trouble navigating the menus either, and as I use the camera, I’ll get better at it.
Finally, the camera just feels great in my hands and is nice and light to carry around all day. I spend 5 hours in Washington DC last week and took about 200 pictures. The camera was a joy to tote around.
Comment by ILG — October 19, 2007 @ 2:20 am
@ILG: I purchased the 55-200mm VR lens a few months ago and couldn’t be happier. Sample shots that I’ve taken with this lens can be found here on my Flickr photostream
Comment by Henry — October 19, 2007 @ 3:11 pm
Thanks for this blog henry.
I just bought the D40 yesterday (at a store called Henry’s, no less) and I must say I am impressed. I like the feel, even though it is light. I have never used a DSLR before so this is perfect for me to develop my craft with. I don’t mind having to fiddle around with options because I won’t be doing anything professional yet… I don’t know what inconvenience i’m missing out on so I’m more than pleased. The image quality in the shots I have been testing with are far better than the quality of my Fuji P&S which was 5.1MP.
I will probably upgrade within a year, as my love and knowledge for photography grows. the 18-135mm Nikkor Lens I got has plenty of range and the autofocus works with it. Either way I am still getting more lenses and I am probably going to get another Nikon soon, sounds like the D80 would be a good choice in the next year or two.
Comment by PJ — January 14, 2008 @ 12:25 am
@PJ: Glad to hear you’re enjoying your D40. The D80 would be a great natural progression as you find yourself wanting a more feature-heavy camera and more lenses.
I suppose there’s something to be said about weighing out if more money upfront for a D80 is worth it instead of buying a D40 if you plan to get more serious about photography. For me, the issue of a small selection of lenses compatible (read: auto-focus) with the D40 has been bothersome, and I don’t think this is likely to change; with the D40, Nikon has really aimed for the audience that will never change lenses or outgrow the camera.
Comment by Henry — January 14, 2008 @ 12:53 am
sick, cheers i have been lookin at gettin an SLR camera, i love skatboarding n want a camera for “casual use” as someone mentioned above, u have convinced me 2 get the D40, dont want 2 spend loads and loads for the most perfect stuff, the D40 seems pretty chilled! cheers!
safe
Comment by ben — May 11, 2009 @ 2:18 pm