Nikon D40 Key Features

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 can enjoy.
  • 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 color schemes help make changing camera settings simple.
  • Large, bright viewfinder with 0.8x magnification ensures clear view for precise composition.
  • Long-life Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL9 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
  • Nikon DX Format CCD image sensor with 6.1 effective megapixels produces 3,008 x 2,000-pixel images with high resolution and superbly sharp details.
  • Inheriting the advanced, industry-leading Image Processing Engine of Nikon professional D-SLR cameras, the D40 incorporates high-precision digital image processing algorithms to produce natural-looking images with faithful color and tone reproduction.
  • Nikon 3D Color Matrix Metering II automatic exposure control ensures ideal exposures in almost any lighting condition. The system evaluates each scene for brightness, color, 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 Center-weighted metering and Spot metering centered on the active focus area are also available.
  • Auto White Balance for natural coloration, 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 lets 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), color, 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 (Programmed 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 i-TTL 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 color 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 annoying 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, Color 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’s Total Imaging Systems
  • 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 i-TTL 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. No calculations, no guesswork. Capture NX handles the complicated procedures for photographers, with all its photo image processing and editing tools available to JPEG and TIFF files as well, ensuring them a wide set of creative options. Creative photo editing has never been this easy.