The Nikon D40 is a small, entry-level DSLR introduced in late 2006 for photographers upgrading from point-and-shoot cameras. It offers a 6.1MP DX CCD, a 2.5" rear LCD, and simplified controls, but lacks an internal focus motor (requiring AF-S/AF-I lenses) and several advanced DSLR features. Discontinued and modest by modern standards, it remains a practical used option for beginners.
Overview
The Nikon D40 is a compact, entry-level DSLR that Nikon introduced in late 2006. It targeted photographers moving up from point-and-shoot cameras who wanted the handling and image quality of an SLR without a heavy, complex body. The D40 was notable at launch for being one of Nikon's smallest and lightest DSLRs.
Design and handling
The D40 uses a lightweight plastic body but feels solid for its class. Nikon simplified controls to make the camera approachable for beginners: there is no top LCD panel, so exposure and status information appear on the 2.5-inch rear LCD. Seasoned DSLR users will notice some omitted features - for example, no depth-of-field preview - but the layout and menus suit newcomers learning core SLR skills.
Autofocus and lens compatibility
A major design change versus earlier Nikon entry models was the removal of the internal focus drive motor. The D40 relies on lenses with built-in motors (AF-S and AF-I) for autofocus. That means many older AF lenses without integrated motors will only focus manually on the D40. This tradeoff helped keep the body small and reduced cost, but it also changed which lenses you could use with full AF functionality.
Image system and performance
At its core the D40 uses a DX-format 6.1-megapixel CCD sensor and produces JPEG and NEF (compressed RAW) files. Its native ISO range starts at ISO 200 and extends to ISO 1600, with a high-sensitivity setting that boosts to the equivalent of ISO 3200. Shutter speeds span long exposures to 1/4000s.
By today's standards the D40's resolution and high-ISO performance are modest. However, in 2006 the camera delivered good image quality for typical everyday and travel work, particularly with sharp AF-S lenses.
Power, storage and other notes
The D40 uses Nikon's EN-EL9 rechargeable lithium-ion battery and accepts SD/SDHC cards. It lacks some advanced metering and custom controls found on larger bodies, but it offers 3-point AF, 3D Color Matrix Metering II, and basic exposure modes that teach the fundamentals of exposure and composition.
Where the D40 fits today
The D40 has been discontinued for many years and is superseded by modern mirrorless and higher-resolution DSLRs. It remains a useful, low-cost option on the used market for beginners who want a simple SLR experience or for photographers who collect Nikon bodies. If you buy one used, check lens compatibility (AF-S/AF-I requirement) and battery/camera condition.
Key specifications (summary)
- Sensor: DX-format 6.1 MP CCD
- Autofocus: 3-point AF (requires AF-S/AF-I lenses for AF)
- ISO: 200-1600; HI-1 ≈ ISO 3200
- Rear LCD: 2.5 inches
- Shutter: 30s to 1/4000s
- Storage: SD / SDHC
- Battery: EN-EL9
1 Confirm maximum flash sync speed for the D40.
- Confirm the Nikon D40 announcement date (exact day/month in 2006) and initial retail price at launch.
- Verify the maximum flash sync speed (X-sync) specification for the Nikon D40.