I used my first Nikon D40 camera for about 3 years, then I sold it, and a few years later, in 2015 I bought it again. Now I have a lot of practical experience with the Nikon D40, which I share in this review.
Nikon D40 review
The Nikon D40 was introduced on November 16, 2006, and became the fourteenth full-fledged Nikon digital SLR camera. Before its release, the following Nikon D1 cameras already existed, D1h, D1x, D100, D2h, D70, D2x, D2hs, D70s, D50, D200, D2xs, D80 (the list is shown in the order the cameras were released). Nikon D40 has opened a new class of Nikon cameras. Like Nikon D50, Nikon D40 belongs to the line of amateur cameras, but unlike all of the above cameras, the Nikon D40 was taken away from a very important thing - the focusing motor, which is responsible for autofocusing with non-motorized lenses like 'AF'. Thus, all Nikon D40 owners were automatically forced to use more modern and sometimes more expensive lenses such as AF S и AF-I. Many Nikon users cursed the company for taking away the Nikon D40's compatibility with a huge (really very large) fleet of old autofocus optics. On the other hand, the Nikon D40 turned out to be a very cheap camera, which is why it was bought by a huge number of users. Subsequently, Nikon did not pay attention to user complaints and continued the line of cameras, for which it was Nikon D40 that became the basis.
Nikon D40 Camera Setup Display
This camera is the `` youngest '', the slowest, with the worst focusing system and the simplest camera in the lineup of all digital SLR cameras Nikon... Don't expect stunning performance figures from it. If you need a more serious amateur camera for photography, then you should pay attention to the modern, latest and most 'feature-packed' device in this line - Nikon D5600... The Nikon D40 baby remains just a tool for amateur photographers who don't need modern 'gadgets'.
Nikon D40 with lens Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 18-55mm 1: 3.5-5.6GII ED SWM Aspherical
Compared to more advanced cameras, the Nikon D40 does not have the following important functions:
- No built-in focus motor
- There is no front selector for the index finger of the right hand. This makes it difficult to configure many parameters. This selector was first thrown out of Nikon D50.
- There is no high speed sync function with Nikon external flash units.
- There is no function to control external flashes in automatic mode using the creative lighting system Nikon CLS.
- There is no diaphragm rheostat for working with manual optics.
- There is no way to shoot video.
- The camera does not know how to shoot panoramas, HDR, there is no time-lapse function, there is no bracketing, there is no function ADL, there is no control of vignetting, chromatic aberration, distortion and a million modern lotions typical of modern cameras.
But Nikon D40 retains the main thing - a large sensor. Physical matrix size (sensor) the Nikon D40 is the same as on modern expensive Nikon DX cameras: Nikon D7100, D7200, D5500, D5300, D3300 etc. One of the key differences between a DSLR and an ordinary digital compact is matrix size. In ideal shooting conditions, the Nikon D40 allows you to get the result on par with any modern Nikon DX camera.
NIkon D40 with lens Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm 1: 1.4D
Nikon D40 is Nikon's slowest DSLR camera. Maximum burst speed is only 2.5 frames per second... Its predecessor had the same low burst speed - Nikon D50. But not everything is so bad, if you delve into the characteristics of other cameras, you can find that professional cameras Nikon D300 и D300s also lower their speed to a miserable 2.5 frames per second during shooting with 14 bit color depth in RAW format. And also, if you recall that the top legendary Nikon D3X camera reduces the burst speed to meager 1.8 frames per second while shooting in RAW format with 14 bit color depth, the Nikon D40 doesn’t seem so slow at all.
When shooting at ISO HI1 (equivalent to ISO 3200), the burst speed drops to 1 fps, because the Nikon D40 is still the slowest camera in the entire Nikon DSLR family.
Frame buffer the Nikon D40 is also small and is:
- 4 frames in RAW format with all disabled advanced settings
- 3 frames in RAW + JPEG L BASIC format with all advanced settings disabled
- 8 frames in JPEG, L, FINE format with all advanced settings disabled
- 12 frames in JPEG, L, NORM format with all advanced settings disabled
- 18 frames in JPEG, L, BASIC format with all advanced settings disabled
- 60 frames in JPEG, S, BASIC format with all advanced settings disabled
- 3 frames in RAW format with all advanced settings enabled
- 2 frames in RAW + JPEG L BASIC format with all additional settings included
- 7 frames JPEG, L, FINE with all advanced settings enabled
- 11 frames JPEG, L, NORM with all advanced settings included
- 17 frames in JPEG, L, BASIC format with all advanced settings included
- 59 frames JPEG, S, BASIC with all advanced settings enabled
Please note that the Nikon D40 can only shoot in JPEG L BASIC quality when using RAW + JPEG.
Nikon D40 uses the most primitive Multi-CAM 530 focusing systeminstalled in only 3 cameras: Nikon D40, D40x, D60... In the future, this focusing module was abandoned. Unfortunately, the Nikon D40 has only 3 focusing points, only one center is cruciform. The camera tenaciously holds the subject, but it is quite difficult for it to keep track of moving objects. Also note that the Nikon D40 in focus mode AF-C has focus priority over shutter release priority. This little thing greatly interferes with work and is described by me in a separate article 'Nikon entry-level cameras and focus priority'.
Nikon D40 allows you to manually select only 5 ISO values: 200, 400, 800, 1600, HI (3200) units. Given that the Nikon D40 is the shortest excerpt equals 1/4000 s, sometimes the minimum ISO 200 can play a trick when using high-aperture optics.
Measurement exposure is 420 segment RGB sensor, which is used in a huge number of other cameras (for example, in Nikon D3400, D5100, D90 etc.). But the Nikon D40 froze exposure often carried out with errors, very often the camera likes to overexpose 2/3 steps. I do not know what this may be connected with. Very often you have to make additional adjustments from -0,3 to -1 2/3 steps.
The camera slows down a bit when turning on the display and when corrected exposure (while the display is activated, you can skip the frame).
Helpful advice - Set the programmable button to change the ISO, it will be a little easier to work with the camera. To add charm to the camera, turn off the siren (sound notification), which beeps when focusing. For more set the sharpness and color in the camera to 'Optim. snapshot -> VI '.
And what about Nikon D40x? Nikon D40x was introduced 4 months after the release of Nikon D40. The main difference in D40x there was another sensor for 10 megapixels. The letter 'x' after the name of the Nikon camera just speaks of the increase in the number of pixels on the sensor. In general Nikon D40 and D40x very similar, in something the Nikon D40 is even better than Nikon D40x. All the differences between the Nikon D40 and D40x will find in the Nikon D40x review.
Sample photos without processing
Below is a gallery of shots taken with the Nikon D40 and lens YONGNUO LENS 100mm 1: 2 YN100mm F2N for Nikon. The photos in the gallery below are shown without processing, the conversion of the source RAW files by the original Capture NX-D or ViewNX-I converter or the on-camera JPEG L FINE without any additional adjustments or on-camera JPEG.
Original JPEG photos can be download from this link. Examples of photos on YONGNUO LENS 100mm 1: 2 YN100mm F2N for Nikon with a little processing you can still see in my gallery here.
My experience or what really?
In fact, everything is simple, Nikon D40 is the last camera on the legendary 6-megapixel Sony ICX-453-AQ sensor. A list of all Nikon DSLR cameras and their sensors can be found at this link. Older cameras use the same sensor. Nikon D70, D70s и D50that delight the eye with a nice picture. Older camera Nikon D100 uses a similar matrix, but still different from the one on the Nikon D40. CCD matrices of these old men give a very nice color, for which they are appreciated.
Unlike Nikon D70, D70s, D50 и D100 Nikon D40 camera is the only one that uses a more modern image processor (processor), similar to the processor (processor) in cameras D200, D80, D40x. This processor allows ISO HI1 (ISO 3200 equivalent) and DL function for RAW images (this function was not available on previous models D50, D70, D70s etc.). A list of all the processors used in Nikon cameras can be found at this link.
Working with cameras on old 6-megapixel CCD matrices, I came to the conclusion that on-camera JPEG with Nikon D40 is the most pleasant. The Nikon D40 shots are some of the most enjoyable ones I got right away in on-camera JPEG. Of course, I really love cameras Fujifilm FinePix S5 Pro и Fujifilm FinePix S3 Pro, but with the Nikon D40, sometimes there are much fewer problems to achieve a good result.
Subjectively - Nikon D40 is my favorite camera... I've had about 5 different Nikon D40s over the years. The last one already has mileage more than 150.000.
Nikon D40 body on the secondary market can be found for 70-100 USD - it is one of the cheapest SLR cameras of all time. For 80-100 USD you can find a pretty super-zoom to it Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 18-135mm 1: 3.5-5.6G ED SWM IF Aspherical or Nikon AF-S Nikkor 18-70mm 1: 3.5-4.5G ED DX SWM IF Aspherical and shoot for your own pleasure. My practice has shown that the cheapest and most functional set is just a bunch of Nikon D40 and Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 18-135m 1: 3.5-5.6G ED SWM IF Aspherical.
Low-priced lenses are great for creative shooting. Nikon 35 / 1.8G DX, Nikon 50 / 1.8G, Yongnuo 35 / 2 и Yongnuo 50 / 1.8.
More sample photos on Nikon D40
- Video about Nikon D40
- More videos about Nikon D40
- examples on Nikon N AF-S Nikkor 300mm 1: 4E PF ED VR
- examples on Carl Zeiss Makro Planar 2/50 ZF.2 T *
- examples on Nikon Nikkor 105mm 1: 1.8
- examples on Sigma ZOOM 18-50mm 1: 2.8-4.5 DC OS HSM Optical Stabilizer
- examples on Milvus 2/35 ZF.2 (Zeiss distagon 2 / 35 T *)
- examples on Nippon Kogaku Japan Nikkor-S Auto 1: 1.2 f = 55mm
- examples on Sigma DC 17-70mm 1: 2.8-4 MACRO HSM Optical Stabilizer
- examples on Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 35mm 1: 1.8G SWM Aspherical
- examples on Tamron 180mm 1: 3.5 LD DI SP AF [IF] MACRO 1: 1
- examples on Nikon ED AF-S VR-Nikkor 70-200mm 1: 2.8G (Vibration Reduction SWM IF)
- examples on yongnuo LENS 100mm 1: 2 (YN100mm F2N, for Nikon)
- examples on Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm 1: 1.8G SWM Aspherical
- examples on Carl zeiss distagon 2.8 / 21 T * ZF.2
- examples on Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm 1: 1.4G SWM
- examples on Sigma 30mm 1: 1.4 DC A (Art)
- examples on Nikon AF-S Nikkor 20mm 1: 1.8G ED N (Nano Crystal Coat SWM RF ED Aspherical)
- examples on Tamron SP 70-200mm F / 2.8 Di VC USD G2 A025
- examples on Nippon Kogaku Japan Nikkor-P Auto 1: 2.5 f = 105mm
- examples on Telear-N 3.5/200
- examples on Nikon AF-S Nikkor 80-400mm 1: 4.5-5.6G Super ED VR IF N Nano Crystal Coat
- examples on Irix 150mm f / 2.8 Macro 1: 1 Dragonfly
- examples on Nikon N AF-S Nikkor 24mm 1: 1.4G ED (SWM RF Aspherical Nano Crystal Coat)
- examples on Carl zeiss distagon 2/28 ZF.2 T *
- examples on Nikon N AF-S Nikkor 300mm 1: 2.8G II ED VR
- examples on SMC TAKUMAR 1: 1.8 / 55 ASAHI OPT. CO., JAPAN
- examples on Jupiter-11A 4/135
- examples on Nippon Kogaku Japan NIKKOR-UD Auto 1: 3.5 f = 20mm
- examples on Industar-26m 1: 2.8 F = 5cm P
- examples on SMC PENTAX 1: 1.8 / 55 ASAHI OPT. CO., JAPAN
- examples on Industar-50 1: 3,5 F = 5cm P
- examples on 7Artisans 60mm 1: 2.8 Macro II
- examples on SMC PENTAX-M 1:2.8 100mm ASAHI OPT. CO., JAPAN
- examples on Sigma Zoom 18-50mm 1:3.5-5.6 DC D
More examples of photos (selections of 10 photos) on Radozhiva's social networks:
- Autumn 2020 on Nikkor 50/1.8G
- Autumn 2021 on different versions of Helios-81, many photos
- Autumn 2022 on Nikon Nikkor 105mm 1:1.8
- Autumn 2023 on Sigma Zoom 18-50mm 1: 3.5-5.6 DC D
- Nikon D40 features with a pretty Zeiss Makro-Planar
- Summer 2021 on Nikon D40 and Tamron 70-210 / 2.8
- My 500px gallery
- 04-06-2021
- 11-06-2021
- 13-06-2021
- 16-06-2021
- 17-06-2021
- 01-07-2021 and they are here on club photo en
- 25-07-2021
- 26-07-2021 (Meike 85mm 1: 1.8 AF)
- 29/07/2021 (photo from christening)
- 02-08-2021 (Tamron 70-300 VC)
- 03-08-2021 (ginger paradise, Tamron 70-300 VC) facebook | club photo en | VK | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube
- 05-08-2021 (Nippon Kogaku Japan Nikkor-S Auto 1: 1.2 f = 55mm)
- 07-08-2021 (Jupiter-8 1: 2 F = 5cm P, facebook) | VK
- 14-09-2021 (autumn, MC HELIOS-81H 2/50, Instagram) | VK
- 01-10-2021 (autumn, MC HELIOS-81M 2/53 club foro ru) | VK | Facebook | Instagram | Youtube
- 01-11-2021
- 09-12-2021 (portraits)
- 24-04-2022 (Sigma 85/1.4 ART)
- 30-07-2022 ('MACRO' for $3)
- 04-09-2022 ('Macro' on TV LENS f=50mm 1:1.4)
- 10-09-2022 (various on TELEAR-N 3.5/200)
- 13-10-2022 (Nikon Nikkor-S Auto 1:1.2 f=55mm)
- examples on video here
- examples on video here
- many photos on Nikon D40 and different lenses in the group here
Results
The Nikon D40 is Nikon's simplest DSLR, but its simplicity doesn't stop it from taking good pictures and having simple, straightforward controls. Nikon D40 lacks a huge number of useful functions and capabilities, however, it can handle 90% of standard photo tasks. One of my Nikon D40 cameras has already run over 150.000, the other has 120.000 shots and continues to shoot. Now Nikon D40 is considered morally obsolete, since after its release Nikon released a whole series of similar 'cut-down' cameras: Nikon D40x, D60, D3000, D3100, D3200, D3300, D3400, D3500, as well as slightly more advanced D5000, D5100, D5200, D5300, D5500 и D5600. Now Nikon D40 is of interest to budget enthusiasts who want to join the world of SLR cameras.
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Material prepared Arkady Shapoval. Training/Consultations | Youtube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Telegram
Arkady, tell me which camera is better for a beginner: Nikon D40x or Sony DSLR-A300! It is possible to choose from this repertoire. I take for myself the first SLR! For family, relaxation, and just to try creative opportunities.
Thanks in advance!
In general, the Sony DSLR-A300 will be easier to control and the camera itself is better than a very trimmed d40x
Chi Varto buy this for 2500 UAH coring? Digital, you can tell, before not browning. Potrіbna camera for normal photos.
Model D40x.
I think not Warto. For 1350 I can add Danish subject, I think. The camera is morally stuck.
Selling for 1300. I have a new one - by "inheritance" got D80. Write lamba@ukr.net
However, the camera is small and unpretentious, but as far as a mirror camera is not small, then you don't see it or remember. It's a hundred hundred thousand miles to cope with your employees - robust garnishing photos.
Good day. I'm going to buy this device as the first DSLR. Interested in such a moment. Is it possible to turn off the display in it so that during shooting it does not shine in the eyes?
Yes, you can.
Good afternoon. I will sell for 1 300,00 UAH. lamba@ukr.net
Lamba, I will gladly purchase this device from you)
Of course, subject to good preservation
Hello, who else can sell this unit? If in good condition and at a low price - I'm ready to discuss! shadchin79@mail.ru
People, are the answers in the comments relevant here? Or is nobody coming here already? There is a question!
sometimes they come in, but they quickly turn away in questions and answers
Please tell me how to shoot video on d 40x Nikon?
fasten it with tape to the camcorder and take it off.
Tore))))))
Creative!
I'm sorry, but what about in the menu> settings> video mode - to select the NTSC or PAM mode to connect to a TV or video? What is this for?
d40x video does not shoot. No way.
What, Lynx, nothing to cover? Of course, he doesn’t shoot the video, but where does the item come from in the menu?
for viewing photos on TVs of old systems that still had options for pal-sec.
elementary.
To display pictures on a TV or projector
I probably turned down the projector
Projector yes, the menu says “for connecting to a TV or VCR” (?)
Hello, someone else can sell this unit? If in good condition I would buy (nataliya_sonechko@mail.ru)
http://zaporozhe.zap.olx.ua/obyavlenie/prodam-luchshuyu-zerkalnuyu-kameru-d-40-nachalnogo-urovnya-IDeGfw8.html I will sell Nikon D-40.
If anyone else sells this or another DSLR which I would buy only at the average price naomika8@gmail.com
This was my first DSLR in 2006 =)
Many pleasant moments connected with it =)
And my third in 2015. I was pleasantly surprised that the faces of the children with her are like those of the surgeons (after 3100 and 5100, with the same lens).
Thank you for the detailed description of this dinosaur) I continue to use it already from 2007) Subsequently, 35DX, 18-55VR, 55-200VR, SB400 were purchased. Everything except the 35 DX is periodically used when shooting. The latter, albeit round-robbed, lies on a shelf. Largely because at home the 18-55VR + SB400 works much more conveniently and with good results. Outside kit 18-55VR + 55-200VR. 35DX rarely turned out to be in demand with me.
Probably, you got a very high quality 18-55 - since there is no difference from 35 / 1,8, I have a difference. And the aperture ratio is 4-6 times - from 2 to 4-5,6.
I also have a D40 with 18-55 and 35 1,8. I had d300s, d5100 and d80. The D40 has the nicest JPEG. In the end, he sold everything and again with him. As for the lenses, there is a difference. 35 is much better. Although I want to give credit to the 18-55 - it is very good and I would say that it is the most balanced lens in terms of price and quality.
It depends on which 18-55 (there are four of them, not counting the new electronic). 18-55VR is not very good for me - unstable, 18-55ED 2nd seemed better, maybe ED is playing.
Well, I got hold of this miracle of the last decade - Nikon D40 :-)
After my soap dish, this unit impressed me with the ability to shoot a series of pictures and zoom (although the zoom is to the lens).
As for the color rendition, it was not just disappointment, but just bewilderment, because it turned out that my ancient cheap Canon A470 soap dish in color rendition is slightly inferior to the D40: -O
Of course, the image in the soap box is not so clear, but otherwise the image is pretty decent, but I expected much more from the D40. Of course, I do not invent anything, I tell it as it is.
This is a preamble, and now a request. I want to purchase the optimal universal lens for the D40.
I must say right away that I have read many of the owners' advice on various forums, including our Arcadia.
But it will not be superfluous to listen to you again. Because if there were a lot of money, I would buy the Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 18-200 or Nikon 18-105mm 1: 3.5-5.6G ED Nikkor VR AF-S SWM DX IF Aspherical there.
But the fact is that the matrix in the D40 is only 6 MP, so there is apparently no sense in taking a super-sharp lens, since it will not appear on such a matrix.
This means that you can take a less sharp and less expensive lens, which is why I wrote “optimal”.
I hope for your creative advice :)
Super budget 18-135 or 18-70
but 18-55 has a stub and it is smaller in size
The color is wound in the lightroom, if you shoot in raw. You can wind up to the extent that you like, so that further creativity is up to you. And so, the color of the camera is beautiful, it is neutral and pleasant, without any distortions.
Yes, I forgot - of course, VR must be present!
Or maybe something from Sigma is more optimal?
what does “optimal” mean? does not suit Nikon (of the proposed models)? what focal range do you need? I don't think sigma has anything better than nikon, well, only 17-50 is good - fast and inexpensive, but will the zoom range be enough for you?
The optimal one in my understanding is the balance between the result and the cost.
For Nikon D40 with its 6 megapixels, it makes no sense to take a super-expensive lens, because on a small-pixel matrix, its sharp quality still does not appear.
Now I am balancing between 18-105 and 18-140.
I like the first one, but I'm still trying to understand whether it makes sense to take 18-140, especially since the weight differs slightly (420 and 490 grams).
You do not quite understand that the pricing of lenses is determined not only by sharpness.
if you shoot in JPEG in D40, then 18-105 may be better than 18-140. Is D40 able to remove chromaticity?
and 18-140 chromatite is noticeably stronger (which is fixed in more modern carcasses)
http://www.dxomark.com/Lenses/Compare/Side-by-side/AF-S-DX-NIKKOR-18-105mm-f-3.5-5.6G-ED-VR-on-Nikon-D40X-versus-Nikon-AF-S-DX-NIKKOR-18-140mm-F35-56G-ED-VR-on-Nikon-D40X__205_514_1208_514
So I do not claim it. But still, sharpness is one of the essential characteristics.
Tell me, how to shoot on it with an external flash during the day in the absence of high-speed synchronization (FP-sync) with i-ttl flashes?
flash transfer to M, tape the contacts except for the central (large) and forward! Up to 1/3000 exactly works, and then how lucky
To work, it works, only the dimming from the closing curtain will not disappear. I can assume that there will be no dimming somewhere until 1/640.
There will be no dimming. D40 works as fast shutter as a soap dish
That is, at 40-ke the shutter is "for show", and the shutter speed is worked out by the "electronic shutter"?
the long one works just the zartvor, and
farther……
I don’t remember what values I need to look at
And yes. As an owner, I can “assume” that it works up to 1/4000 without any complaints
Set the mode M, S, P with a shutter speed of 1/500, abut against the allowable aperture and shoot.
it is the shutter that works on the long ones, and then ...
I don’t remember what values I need to look at
In the D40 manual, the eyepiece accessory section has the following description.
Tell me which of the following you need to choose if vision requires help - only corrective lenses, or other described accessories too?
And if only corrective lenses, then which of these are needed in case of hyperopia - "minus" or vice versa - "plus"?
And where can they usually be sold? So far, Google has not helped.
---
• Corrective lenses for the viewfinder eyepiece: lenses are provided with
the following diopter values: –5, –4, –3, –2, 0, +0,5, +1, +2, and + 3m –1.
Corrective lenses should only be used if clear
images using the built-in diopter adjustment knob (from –1,7
up to + 0,5m –1) impossible. Before buying, check corrective lenses and
make sure they get the right focus.
Accessories • DG-2 Eyepiece Magnifier: Enlarges the image displayed in the center for the viewfinder eyepiece when macro shooting, copying, using telephoto lenses and the viewfinder for other tasks that require extra precision. You must use the adapter for the viewfinder (optional).
• Viewfinder adapter: designed to fit the DG- eyepiece magnifier
2 to the D40.
• Right angle sighting device DR-6: device
DR-6 is mounted on the viewfinder at right angles and
Question to the owners of D40. When choosing a spot focus mode, for some reason I cannot select one of the three focus points. All three dots are highlighted in the same way, no changes are made to the viewfinder when using the arrow buttons (left or right). I found out that focusing in this case is carried out at the midpoint, but in the viewfinder the midpoint is not highlighted in red, as it happens in the “close object” mode. The camera seems to be as simple as a rake, but I can't figure out how to manually select the focus point. Maybe someone knows what I am doing wrong?
What kind of lens?
Tried with 18-55 and 50mm f / 1.8G.
Half a morning picking the settings, I could not. is it always like that or suddenly
Bought a D40 for a penny. Shabby, with dust in the viewfinder, but the mileage is 112)) Apparently, they twisted or changed the shutter. Nevertheless, it is a sin to complain for this money. I'll try to reset the settings - it might help.
at the same time update the firmware
KalekseyG, thanks a lot for the advice! After updating to 1.12, the zone backlight appeared, in the viewfinder and on the LCD screen, the selected point began to be displayed.
By the way, a two-button reset before it was flashed before 1.12 did not give a result.