[Steve]

Nikon D40 digital SLR arrives

New lightweight SLR with an ease of use that's aimed at the family photographer and a collection of features from the D80 making it also fine for the enthusiast

Nikon UK is pleased to announce the D40, a new interchangeable-lens digital SLR that combines brilliant performance with the practicality of a remarkably small and light camera body.

The new model boasts handling and performance advantages that eliminate the frustrations often associated with compact digital cameras. The careful design allows users to take breathtaking pictures without the need to "learn" photography. The new model features a high-resolution 6.1-effective-megapixel Nikon DX Format CCD image sensor and a highly advanced Nikon Image Processing Engine. These combine to produce exceptional image detail with true, vivid colours. Nikon’s exclusive 3D Colour Matrix Metering II assures accurate exposure control even in difficult lighting conditions. Using its 420-pixel sensor, the D40 instantly assesses and compares the brightness, contrast and colour of each scene to set the accurate exposure. Spot metering, centre-weighted metering and exposure compensation are also available for those wanting more control. The D40 comes kitted with the new 3x 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED II AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor lens assuring superb picture sharpness and optimum contrast, along with the versatility of a wide-angle to medium telephoto lens.

While the AUTO ISO feature automatically sets the ISO, from 200 to 1600, manual setting is also available to enable the photographer to set the ISO at HI 1 (one step over 1600), for use in low-light situations without a flash. The D40 is remarkably quick to respond and incorporates Nikon's Multi-CAM530 autofocus module and a 3-area autofocus system with a cross-type sensor located in the centre. The refined algorithms that control lens autofocus are inherited from Nikon’s renowned D200 and D80 digital SLRs, delivering impressive results. With a start up time of 0.18 seconds and an impressive shutter release lag time, the D40 is ready to capture the action. The bright, sharp viewfinder with 0.8x magnification ensures precise composition when shooting and previewing images on the bright and sharp 2.5-inch LCD colour monitor is also near instant. Easy navigation is made possible thanks to the specially designed colour menus and the new “assist images” helps users select the appropriate settings by showing an example image typical of that setting. All of this is powered by a new compact, high-capacity rechargeable lithium-ion battery that shoots up to 470 shots1 on a single charge.


Nikon’s scene-optimized Digital Vari-Program modes allow the photographer to capture almost any type of scene with ease. All eight modes are designed to produce remarkable results by automatically calculating the best settings and ISO-equivalent sensitivity for each scene. The new mode, Auto (Flash Off), prevents the Built-in Flash from popping up while boosting the ISO, thereby allowing the photographer to take pictures in low-light situations. For more advanced creative control, the D40 offers Program auto, Shutter-priority auto, Aperture-priority auto and Manual modes. The Retouch menu offers exclusive in-camera image editing features that provide greater creative freedom without the need for a computer, including D-Lighting, Red-eye Correction and Image Trim. The D40's transparent technical capabilities include sophisticated white balance control that not only matches white balance to its light source, but also measures the entire scene to produce consistent and colour-true images. Six specific manual settings have also been included, as well as a preset option when using gray or white objects to calibrate under mixed lighting conditions.


One of the most important advantages of using Nikon digital SLR cameras is the wide variety of interchangeable lenses. The D40 is fully compatible with all AF-S/AF-I Nikkor lenses2, each providing the exceptional sharpness, image clarity, colour reproduction, and fast, accurate autofocus performance that Nikkor is famous for.
The D40’s powerful Built-in Flash employs Nikon’s market-leading i-TTL flash control, achieving greater precision in flash exposure evaluation and better automatic flash balance. For flash photography of subjects at greater distances, the new, light and ultra-compact SB-400 Speedlight provides a simple solution for adding more power and bounce flash capability. Nikon’s Speedlights such as the SB-800, SB-600 and SB-R200 enable the use of simple and consistent wireless flash photography through Nikon’s Creative Lighting System. Nikon’s PictureProject software, included with the camera, makes transferring, organizing and sharing images fun and easy. Capture NX, Nikon’s incredible new photo editing software, offers additional creative control and is available separately. Its simple format allows photographers at all levels to make the most of NEF (RAW) images. The key is the exclusive U PointTM Technology, by Nik Software, Inc.
Major Features of the D40

Intuitive, easy and worry-free operation

The lightest, most compact Nikon digital SLR ever, featuring intuitive controls and an ergonomically designed operation that even first-time SLR users feel comfortable with.
A large 2.5-inch LCD monitor enables image preview at up to 19 times magnification (for L-size images), while large fonts and easy-to-view menus with carefully designed colour schemes help make changing camera settings simple.

Large, bright viewfinder with 0.8x magnification ensures clear view for precise composition.

Long-life rechargeable lithium-ion battery allows up to 470 images* in single-frame shooting mode on a single charge (*CIPA standard, with Built-in Flash used for 50% of the shots). In situations where fewer flash pictures are taken, the number of shots per battery charge can be expected to increase dramatically.

The optional AC Adapter EH-5 allows even longer periods for shooting (an AC Adapter Connector EP-5 is required, available separately).

Handy assist images are available to help the photographer choose the right settings for each scene.

The optional Wireless Remote Control ML-L3 enables an easy remote shutter release.

Outstanding image quality

6.1-effective-megapixel Nikon DX Format CCD imaging sensor produces 3,008 x 2,000-pixel images with high resolution and superbly sharp details.

Inheriting the advanced, industry-leading Imaging Processing Engine of Nikon professional D-SLR cameras, the D40 incorporates high-precision digital image processing algorithms to produce natural-looking images with faithful colour and tone reproduction.

Nikon 3D Colour Matrix Metering II automatic exposure control ensures ideal exposures in almost any lighting condition. The system evaluates each scene for brightness, colour, contrast, selected focus area and camera-to-subject distance, and then compares the information with its expanded onboard database of more than 30,000 actual photographic scenes to instantly and accurately calculate the ideal exposure value for the shot. Variable centre-weighted metering and spot metering centred on the active focus area are also available.

Auto White Balance for natural colouration, plus a choice of six different manual white balance settings, (Incandescent, Fluorescent, Direct Sunlight, Flash, Cloudy, and Shade), or user-defined preset white balance.

Precise, quick response

Near-instant 0.18-second power-up ensures photographers respond to every photographic opportunity.

Continuous shooting at 2.5 frames* per second allows capturing action of up to 100 JPEG images (FINE L-size or smaller).
*Photographs taken at an ISO sensitivity of HI 1 are automatically processed to reduce noise, increasing recording time by about 1 second per frame.

Advanced 3-area AF system and the refined algorithms inherited from the advanced Nikon digital SLR cameras deliver fast, efficient and precise autofocus, while an AF-assist illuminator helps ensure top performance in dark situations.

Versatile shutter speed control with a range from 30 to 1/4000 s, plus bulb.
Fast image data transfer and recording to SD memory cards of up to 4GB capacity (SDHC compliant).

Accurate automated and manual control for predictable results

Eight Digital Vari-Programs adjust settings automatically, controlling ISO sensitivity, white balance, sharpening, tone (contrast), colour, saturation and hue for crisp, vivid and incredible digital photographs faithful to the subject and scene. Selections include Auto, Auto (Flash Off), Portrait, Landscape, Child, Sports, Close Up, and Night Portrait.
For manual controls over shutter and aperture, P (Program auto), S (Shutter-priority auto), A (Aperture-priority auto) and M (Manual) modes are also available.
Automatic control over ISO-equivalent sensitivity from ISO 200 to 1600 plus HI 1 can also be set manually.

Simultaneous recording of NEF (RAW) and JPEG (Basic) data for the same shot helps optimize and accelerate workflow

Built-in Flash features reliable iTTL flash control, working accurately even with backlit subjects or reflective objects in the background. Four flash modes are supported: Auto flash, Red-eye reduction, Slow sync and Rear curtain sync. Flash exposure compensation is also available.

Retouch Menu for creative in-camera image edits and effects

D-Lighting pulls out colour and detail from shadowy areas of images. Since it doesn't affect the properly exposed parts of the picture, the resulting images are more balanced and visually pleasing. D-Lighting is ideal for correcting backlighting, insufficient flash or other situations that produce under-exposed images.

Red-eye correction automatically detects and compensates for the red-eye effect frequently seen in flash pictures.

Trim allows for creative cropping of an image and produces smaller files for easy sharing and more efficient use of file space.

Monochrome (Black-and-white, Sepia, Cyanotype)
Filter effects (Skylight, Warm filter, Colour balance)

Small picture saves photos at the reduced sizes, convenient for Internet use.
Image overlay merges a pair of selected RAW (NEF) files taken with the D40 to create a new composite image that can be saved in RAW or JPEG format.

Seamless integration with Nikon Total Digital Imaging System

Compatibility with world famous, high-quality Nikkor lenses* with Nikon F mount with AF coupling and AF contacts (*Autofocus is supported only with AF-S and AF-I CPU lenses, which are equipped with built-in motors).

Supports Nikon Creative Lighting System when using the SB-800, SB-600, SB-400, SB-R200 or the R1C1 Wireless Close-Up Speedlight system, delivering accurate exposures via iTTL flash and versatile wireless operation.

Nikon’s PictureProject software lets photographers share, organize and edit their pictures with ease. Intuitive controls and design templates make it simple to print pictures, burn a CD/DVD and send pictures via email. Photographers can also get creative, making impressive photo albums and slideshows with special effects and their favorite music. PictureProject helps people make quick work of it all, including locating pictures by name, keyword or date.

Capture NX (available separately) is Nikon’s revolutionary new photo editing software. Its versatile interface is remarkably easy to use, making it possible for anyone to explore the full potential of NEF (RAW) images. The key is U Point™ technology, by Nik Software, which simplifies the editing and enhancement procedures to a few sliders and clicks of the mouse. Capture NX handles the complicated procedures for photographers to ensure extensive creative options and photo image processing and editing tools also available to JPEG and TIFF files.

[Steve]

Nikon Digital SLR Camera D40 Specifications

Type of Camera Single-lens reflex digital camera

Effective Pixels 6.1 million

Image Sensor RGB CCD, 23.7 x 15.6 mm; total pixels: 6.24 million, Nikon DX format

Image Size (pixels) 3,008 x 2,000 [L], 2,256 x 1,496 [M], 1,504 x 1,000 [S]

ISO Sensitivity 200 to 1,600 in steps of 1 EV with additional setting one step over 1600

Storage Media SD memory card, SDHC compliant

Storage System Compressed NEF (RAW): 12-bit compression, JPEG: JPEG baseline compliant

File System Exif 2.21, Compliant DCF 2.0 and DPOF

White Balance Auto (TTL white-balance with 420-pixel RGB sensor), six manual modes with fine-tuning and preset white balance

LCD Monitor 2.5-in., 230,000-dot, low-temperature polysilicon TFT LCD with brightness adjustment

Playback Function 1 frame; Thumbnail (4 or 9 segments); Magnifying playback; Slide show; Histogram indication; Highlight point display; Auto image rotation

Delete Function Card format, All frames delete, Selected frames delete

Video Output NTSC or PAL

Interface USB 2.0 (High-speed): Mass Storage and PTP selectable
Text Input Up to 36 characters of alphanumeric text input available with LCD monitor and multi selector; stored in Exif header

Compatible Lenses*1 Nikon F mount with AF coupling and AF contacts
Type G or D AF Nikkor 1) AF-S, AF-I: All functions supported, 2) Other Type G or D AF Nikkor: All functions supported except autofocus, 3) PC Micro-Nikkor 85mm f/2.8D: Can only be used in mode M; all other functions supported except autofocus, 4) Other AF Nikkor*2/AI-P Nikkor: All functions supported except autofocus and 3D Colour Matrix Metering II, 5): Non-CPU: Can be used in mode M, but exposure meter does not function; electronic range finder can be used if maximum aperture is f/5.6 or faster.
*1. IX Nikkor lenses can not be used
*2. Excluding lenses for F3AF
Picture Angle Equivalent in 35mm [135] format is approx. 1.5 times lens focal length
Viewfinder Fixed-eyelevel penta-Dach mirror type; built-in diopter adjustment (-1.7 to +0.5m-1)

Eyepoint 18mm (-1.0 m-1)

Focusing Screen Type B BriteView Clear Matte screen Mark V with superimposed focus brackets

Viewfinder Frame Coverage Approx. 95% (vertical/horizontal)

Viewfinder Magnification Approx. 0.8x with 50mm lens at infinity; -1.0 m-1

Viewfinder Information Focus indications, AE/FV lock indicator, Shutter speed, Aperture value, Exposure/Exposure compensation indicator, Exposure mode, Flash output level compensation, Exposure compensation, Number of remaining exposures, Flash-ready indicator

Autofocus TTL phase detection by Nikon Multi-CAM530 autofocus module with AF-assist (range approximately 0.5-3.0m/1ft. 8in.-9ft. 10in.); Detection range: -1 to +19 EV (ISO 100 at 20°C/68°F)

Lens Servo 1) Autofocus (AF): Instant single-servo AF (AF-S); continuous servo AF (AF-C); auto AF-S/AF-C selection (AF-A); predictive focus tracking automatically activated according to subject status, 2) Manual focus (M)
Focus Area Can be selected from 3 focus areas

AF Area Modes 1) Single Area AF, 2) Dynamic Area AF, 3) Dynamic Area AF with Closest Subject Priority

Focus Lock Focus can be locked by pressing shutter-release button halfway (single-servo AF) or by pressing AE-L/AF-L button

Exposure Metering System TTL full-aperture exposure metering system
1) 3D Colour Matrix Metering II (type G and D lenses); Colour Matrix Metering II (other CPU lenses); metering performed by 420-segment RGB sensor
2) Centre-weighted: Weight of 75% given to 8mm circle in centre of frame
3) Spot: Meters 3.5mm circle (about 2.5% of frame) centred on active focus area
Exposure Metering Range 1) 0 to 20 EV (3D Colour Matrix or centre-weighted metering), 2) 2 to 20 EV (spot metering)

Exposure Modes Digital Vari-program (Auto, Auto [Flash Off], Portrait, Landscape, Child, Sports, Close Up, Night Portrait), Programmed Auto (P) with flexible program; Shutter-Priority Auto (S); Aperture Priority Auto (A); Manual (M)

Exposure Compensation ±5 EV in increments of 1/3 EV

Exposure Lock Exposure locked at detected value with AE-L/AF-L button

Shooting Modes 1) Single frame shooting mode, 2) Continuous shooting mode: approx. 2.5 frames per second*, 3) Self-timer mode, 4) Delayed remote mode: 2 s. delay, 5) Quick-response remote mode
*Approx. 1.7 frames per second with Noise reduction turned on and approx. 1 frame per second with ISO HI 1

Shutter Combined mechanical and CCD electronic shutter, 30 to 1/4000 s. in steps of 1/3, bulb

Sync Contact X-contact only; flash synchronization at up to 1/500 s.

Flash Control 1) TTL: TTL flash control by 420-segment RGB sensor. i-TTL balanced fill-flash for digital SLR and standard i-TTL fill-flash for digital SLR available when CPU lens is used with built-in flash, SB-800, SB-600, and SB-400, 2) Auto aperture: Available with SB-800 with CPU lens, 3) Non-TTL Auto: Available with Speedlights such as SB-800, 80DX, 28DX, 28, 27, and 22s , 4) Range-priority manual available with SB-800

Flash Sync Modes AUTO, Portrait, Child, Close Up: Auto, auto with red-eye reduction; fill-flash and red-eye reduction available with optional Speedlight
Night portrait mode: Auto, auto slow sync, auto slow sync with red-eye reduction; slow sync and slow sync with red-eye reduction available with optional Speedlight
Landscape, Sport mode: Fill-flash and red-eye reduction available with optional Speedlight
P, A: Fill flash, rear-curtain with slow sync, slow sync, slow sync with red-eye reduction, red-eye reduction
S, M: Fill flash, rear-curtain sync, red-eye reduction
Built-in Flash AUTO, Portrait, Child, Close Up, Night Portrait mode: Auto flash with auto pop-up
P/S/A/M: Manual pop-up with button release

Guide number (ISO 200/ISO 100, m [ft.]): approx.17 [55]/12 [39] (manual full 18 [59]/13 [42])

Flash Compensation -3 to +1 EV in increments of 1/3 EV

Accessory Shoe Standard ISO hot-shoe contact with sync, signal, and ground contacts and safety lock

Self-timer Electronically controlled timer with duration of 2, 5, 10 or 20 s.
Remote Control Via Wireless Remote Control ML-L3 (optional)

Power Source One Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL9; charging voltage (MH-23 quick charger): 7.4V DC, AC Adapter EH-5 (available separately; requires optional AC Adapter Connector EP-5)

Tripod Socket 1/4 in. (ISO1222)

Body Colour Black (Silver version is also available depending on country or area.)
Dimensions (W x D x H) Approx. 126 x 64 x 94mm (5.0 x 2.5 x 3.7 in.)
Weight Approx. 475g (1lb. 1oz.) without battery, memory card or body cap

Supplied Accessories*
Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL9, Quick Charger MH-23, USB Cable UC-E4, PictureProject, Rubber Eyecup DK-16, Camera Strap, Body Cap BF-1A, Eyepiece Cap DK-5, Accessory Shoe Cap BS-1

Optional Accessories
Wireless Remote Control ML-L3, Capture NX, Camera Control Pro, AC Adapter Connector EP-5, AC Adapter EH-5, Video Cable EG-D100, Semi Soft-Case CF-DC1, Speedlight SB-800/600/Sb-400/R1C1



Price and availibility
RRP D40 and 18-55mm lens: £449.99
Sales Release date: 1st December 2006

[Soupdragon]

Not much of any interest really.
No huge price difference between that and the 50 (if any)
I guess first time DSLRers may be attracted by its simple operation.

[Rob Barron]

I am not a Nikon man but can't say I get the point of this one. Is it an upgrade of the D50? Seems strange to go down in the numbering but hey, Canon did rom the D60 to the 10D, guess it happens. But is this going to replace the D50, surely they are not going to have both of them on the market.

If it is an upgrade to the D50, is it enough for a D50 owner to want to upgrade? I can't see much in it that would make it wirth the money.

The 40D is the one I am interested in but general concensus is that it is likely to come out around February to Easter time. I'll be up for that when it comes but till then, my 20D will do more than nicely :o)

Any D50 owners got any thoughts on the relative merits of the D40?

Cheers,
Rob

[stepheno]

This has now been added to Equipment Reviews

[rselenis@hotmail.com]

Any recommendations on how to find a Nikon D40? On-line stores are starting to take orders, but with no indication of availability.

[Steve]

Availabilty for the UK is supposedly from Dec 1st according to Nikon.

So I guess if you are going to place an order now you would be pretty much guaranteed one of the first batch?

HTH

[Foxesbrew]

I went for the D50 Because it feels good to handle,so the weight factor does not impress me.I believe that while the present body is working well,any serious money i have to spend would be better used on a goog lens.