Nikon's entry-level D40 DSLR reviewed

We knew this bad boy was coming, we even got our grubby hands on the thing before it went public, and we've watched the D50s replacement finally get official all within the past few months. Now, however, the discerning folks over at ePhotoZine have subjected Nikon's latest entry-level DSLR to a bevy of tests and deemed it quite the worthwhile successor. Reviewers immediately praised the build quality and smaller size, noting that this was the first DSLR they could "actually get it in a coat pocket comfortably." Also, they were impressed with Nikon's decision to stick with the 6.1-megapixel sensor, insinuating that newcomers to the DSLR world would appreciate "the savings in both hard disc storage and processing speed," regardless of whether they even realized it. The crew found the D40 "easier to use" than its predecessor and admired the "useful additions" to in-camera abilities and menus, many derived from the more expensive D80 model. Noteworthy digs included the lack of a top LCD screen, a new battery that wouldn't play nice with others in the range, and the fact that it only supports SWM motor lenses. Overall, the D40 sports improvements "all in the right areas," and still provides a solid entrance into the endless world of DSLR shooting, and offers a great way to start wallowing out your savings account once you get addicted.

[Via Digital Photography Blog]

[GJP303 @ Nov 26th 2006 4:27PM]

Wish i was you, getting your hands on the stuff b4 it comes out. if you ever are hiring, you know where to find me...

[Jesse S @ Nov 26th 2006 5:11PM]

How much is it going for in the states with a lens?

[engadget @ Nov 26th 2006 5:25PM]

The lenses are 3x as expensive as the 50, forcing people to use a new line of lenses makes this a total rip off camera.

[n3ldan @ Nov 26th 2006 5:56PM]

It only supports silent wave motor motor lenses?

Are you going to pay for it with cash from your automated teller machine machine?

[Pete @ Nov 26th 2006 6:17PM]

I was under the impression that you can still use non-SWM lenses, but you'll be left with manual focus only.

[aka Wombat @ Nov 26th 2006 6:55PM]

Nikon throwing some evil at the noobists. If you're dumb enough to buy this you get all the backdoor you can handle, without a reacharound.

[Mike @ Nov 26th 2006 7:21PM]

A nice camera, to be sure.

First - the price. This camera RETAILS for $599 US. WITH A LENS!

Second - Most new lenses are SWM. If you've got a collection of old glass that you can't part with, well, you've probably already bought your DSLR. This is an EXCELLENT entry point into the DSLR world.

These aren't "New" lenses, and the D50/D70/D200 all use the same lenses. Of course you can use your old AF lenses, you just have to manually focus them.

[shazam @ Nov 26th 2006 7:30PM]

It seems pretty obvious that this is a prelude to a full update of current lenses (which are looking a bit 1990's+ designed for film) to SWM and DX (for the reduced size digital sensor, making everything compatible by the time a D40 owner even considers an upgrade to the kit.

Oh and Engadget, why did you change the D40 competition to US only from international during the competition after I bothered to post.=?? shame on you, throw blighty a bone here.

[natallica @ Nov 26th 2006 8:35PM]

The D40 is tempting me into the DSLR world. I was wondering if it would be able to use my old manual-focus Nikon lenses that I'm not willing to part with (55mm Micro, 24mm)??!? I understand that this would be with full manual mode (including metering), but would they fit?

[Nick @ Nov 26th 2006 9:45PM]

Yes, all Nikon DSLRs are backwards compatible with older lenses.

[nomadicalloy @ Nov 26th 2006 10:14PM]

This is a LAME review. I don't understand why engadget would link a LAME review like this. Nikon marketing is getting better (giving new nikon gear to engagdet)

[Aaron @ Nov 27th 2006 12:33AM]

If you can't use a manual focus then don't waste your money on a DSLR. I have two friends in photojournalism, absolutely LOVE their cameras and being a poor college student would kill to get any DSLR. Also, it doesn't matter the quality of your camera if you can't take good pictures. There are some awesome photographers that make me ashamed to even own the cheap, entry level digital camera I have now.

[Doc. @ Nov 27th 2006 5:31AM]

It's the photographer who takes the picture, not the camera.

For example: Alex Majoli, a Magnum photographer (I assume you've heard of Magnum?), uses an Olympus point and shoot, not a SLR of any kind. And he's one of the best photojournalists in the world. ( http://www.robgalbraith.com/bins/multi_page.asp?cid=7-6468-7844)

People who buy big expensive fancy kits because they think it will make their work better are hiding from the fact that the only way to take better photographs is to practice more and just accept the fact that you're going to take a lot of shit pictures in the process. As one photographer (and my editor) once told me, "Go out and shoot. Then shoot some more. When you're done with that, go out and shoot. After that, shoot some more. Then you should go and shoot."

But, you know, the D40 looks like a nice way to get into the DSLR way of life. I've been loving my D70s ever since I got it, and I like to see everybody getting in on the Nikon goodness.

-Doc.

[Jos?am?z @ Nov 27th 2006 1:44AM]

Other than 200 more grams and a little bigger, the Pentax K100D seems, at least to me, a better deal, is it not? They have a $50.00 rebate right now, which makes it $549.99 with a 18-55mm lens, shake reduction, and 11 point AF!. It does have its weaknesses, though.

[dfgdfgdfg @ Nov 27th 2006 2:26AM]

Imaging Resource had a prototype preview and said that the thing has no auto exposure bracketing. If that's true even for the final version then this ONE LITTLE problem is reason enough to buy Canon... too bad, I was quite attracted to the D40.

[Nuclear @ Nov 27th 2006 12:45PM]

There is no exposure or white balance bracketing, so I agree with dfgdfgdfg that the D40 is missing something important.

re: Doc. I'd rather have a good surgeon with great equipment than the same surgeon with mediocre equipment. Same thing for any profession.

[Nick @ Nov 27th 2006 5:22PM]

Yes, but surgery is different from photography. Death or serious injury can occur if someone operates on you with a rusty spork, but you're not going to die if someone gives you a picture taken with a disposable Kodak camera, are you?