Nikon D40: 2008 Review

Launched two whole years ago, the Nikon D40 was the controversial stripped-to-the-bone DSLR. It was controversial because it still used the 6.1 megapixel sensor seen in the D50, D70 and even the D100 - which dates back to 2002. It was also controversial because the Nikon D40 was the first camera to lose the internal focus motor found in every AF-equipped Nikon since the 1980s. This means any AF or AF-D lenses (that do not feature the AF-I or AF-S built-in motors) will not autofocus with the Nikon D40. As there are still many AF-D lenses in the Nikon catalogue, some were justifiably upset at this move. However, two years on, we are beginning to see key AF-D lenses being replaced by AF-S models and we suspect that most prospective Nikon D40 owners would not find this limitation a problem. Especially today. So, it's possible we are seeing the beginning of the end of the AF-D lens line.

Despite the low cost, the Nikon D40 does not seem built down to a price. It feels nicely robust in the hand; light and plastic, but solid polycarbonate. The 2.5" rear LCD is bright and doesn't seem small unless you compare it to later designs. The menu system is also typical Nikon - easy and intuitive. And the button layout of this camera followed the trend set by the Nikon D100, standardising things to this day. That said, previous models lacked the Retouch menu to post-process images in camera. The Nikon D40 also lacks a top LCD, instead using a mode dial in its place, and sports just three AF points in the viewfinder. The rear-mounted LCD screen doubles up to show exposure details in shooting mode, however. Age shows itself by things like the lack of live view, but price is a great leveller.

The camera lacks the front sub-command dial, using instead the rear main command dial for adjusting aperture or shutter speed. Those fixated on manual mode and who have learned the push-me/pull-you finger and thumb motion to adjust settings on previous film Nikons will find this hard to get on with. The rest will just stick the camera in one of the auto modes and enjoy. The Nikon D40 has a pop-up flash, but this doesn't provide control over CLS external Nikon flashes.

Most will buy the Nikon D40 with the AF-S 18-55mm II kit lens, which is a good starting place. It's got a plastic barrel and lens mount and lacks VR, but the lens itself is good and weighs, well, almost nothing. The two fit together snugly and feel inherently right - the whole package is small and light enough to be carried virtually everywhere. It's not quite as tiny as the Olympus E420, though.

Alan Sircom


more : thinkcamera