Nikon D40
Template:Infobox Digicam The D40 is a Nikon F-mount entry-level digital SLR, announced November 16, 2006.[1] Compared to its predecessor, the D50, the D40 has several features removed, a few added, and a lower price: US$499.95 ESP as of November 2009 with the 18–55 mm G-II kit lens,[2] positioning it as an entry-level model compared to the D80. The D40x (released March 6, 2007) has a 10 megapixel maximum resolution, up from 6 megapixels of the D40.
The D40 was the first Nikon DSLR that has no in-body focus motor. Autofocus requires one of the 138 lenses with integrated autofocus-motor.[3]
Features
The Nikon D40 is less expensive than the Canon EOS 400D (also known as Digital Rebel XTi in the United States), the Pentax K110D, and the Olympus E-400, and is competitively priced against high-end bridge cameras (the D40 and D40x do not have live preview, unlike bridge digitals). It was launched accompanied by a new small kit lens, the AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18–55 mm f/3.5-5.6G ED II.[4]
Despite having been on the market since late 2006, the D40 holds some benefits over its newer competition such as the Nikon D40x, D60, and Canon Rebels. Because only 6 megapixels are fit onto the standard Nikon DX format sensor, the sensitivity of each pixel is higher. The default sensitivity on the D40 is ISO 200, and the D40 adds a ISO 3200 speed (listed as "Hi1" in the camera menu). The D40 has a very fast 1/500 flash sync, useful for daytime fill-flash. This compares to the typical 1/200 sync speed of other entry level and even some semi-pro DSLR cameras such as the Canon 40D with its 1/250 sync speed.
The D40 lacks a built in autofocus motor, which means that only Nikon lenses designated with AF-I, AF-S or compatible focus motors can be used in autofocus mode.[5]
Reception
The Nikon D40 was tested by various independent reviewers, receiving generally very favorable comments for its ergonomics and image quality.[6] It received some criticism for some of the compromises its designers made to keep the D40's price and size competitive. For example, Digital Photography Review, among many others, noted the loss of the screw-drive autofocus motor and the top LCD panel.[7]
Nikon D40x
On March 6, 2007, Nikon introduced the D40X, a sister camera to the D40.[8] While identical in external design to the D40, it has a 10.2-megapixel CCD sensor, continuous shooting up to 3 frames per second, and a base sensitivity of ISO 100 (as noted above, each pixel in the 10.2-megapixel sensor receives less light than the pixels in the D40 sensor). It has a flash sync speed of 1/200 seconds compared to the D40's 1/500 seconds. It is otherwise identical.
The launch was accompanied by the introduction of a new consumer-level telephoto zoom with vibration reduction, the AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6G IF-ED.
Nikon ceased production of the D40X in December 2007, shortly before they introduced its successor, the Nikon D60.
References
- ^ "Nikon D40" (Press release). Nikon Corporation. 2006-11-16.
- ^ "D40 from Nikon". Nikon USA.
- ^ Rockwell, Ken. "Nikon Lens Compatibility". Kenrockwell.com. Retrieved 2009-10-25.
- ^ "A compact 3x zoom lens featuring Silent Wave Motor Autofocus for Nikon digital SLRs" (Press release). Nikon Corporation. 2006-11-16.
- ^ Rockwell, Ken. "Nikon Lens Compatibility". Kenrockwell.com. Retrieved 2009-10-25.
- ^ "Digitalcameratracker.com: Nikon D40 Review".
- ^ Askey, Phil (December 2006). "Nikon D40 Review". Digital Photography Review. Retrieved 2 January 2010.
- ^ "Nikon D40x" (Press release). Nikon Corporation. 2007-03-06.
See also
