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Nov. 2006
The most compact and lightweight Nikon digital SLR ever, combining outstanding picture quality with a design that’s easy for everyone
Tokyo – Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the D40, a new interchangeable-lens digital SLR that combines the brilliant performance of world-famous Nikkor interchangeable lenses and the practicality of a remarkably small and light camera body. The D40 has been designed with handling and performance advantages that do away with the frustrations often associated with compact digital cameras, making it ideal for anyone who wants to capture spectacular digital pictures without complications.
Thanks to Nikon’s leading digital and optical technologies, the D40 makes it amazingly simple to capture beautiful pictures in almost any situation. The D40’s body* is light and compact, making it easy to carry anywhere, and its design incorporates fewer potentially confusing controls and other distractions, allowing anyone to take breathtaking pictures while eliminating the need to "learn" photography.
*The new AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED II lens is included in the D40 Digital SLR Camera Outfit depending on country or area.
The D40 features a Nikon DX Format CCD image sensor with 6.1 effective megapixels and a highly advanced Nikon Image Processing Engine. These combine to produce exceptional image detail with true, vivid colors. Nikon’s exclusive 3D Color Matrix Metering II assures accurate exposure control even in difficult lighting conditions. Using its frame-wide 420-pixel sensor, the D40 instantly assesses and compares each scene’s brightness, contrast and color with its built-in database of information from over 30,000 real-world lighting scenarios, then instantaneously determines and sets the accurate exposure. For those who want more control, alternative exposure control tools such as Center-weighted metering, Spot metering and exposure compensation are also available.
The AUTO ISO feature makes the most of available light by automatically setting the camera’s light sensitivity from the available ISO range of 200 to 1600. The camera’s ISO can also be set manually between this range, plus HI 1 (one step over 1600), allowing you to capture beautiful pictures even in low-light situations without a flash.
The D40 has remarkably fast responses. It incorporates Nikon's Multi-CAM530 autofocus module and a 3-area autofocus system with a cross-type sensor located in the center. The refined algorithms that control autofocus of the lens are inherited from Nikon’s renowned D200 and D80 digital SLRs, delivering more precise focus, faster subject tracking and more accurate autofocus response and detection – even in low light.
The D40 is ready when you are. It takes only 0.18 seconds to power up, and the camera’s nearly imperceptible shutter release lag time does away with the frustrating picture-taking delay common with point-and-shoot digital cameras – assuring that special moments are captured beautifully. Continuous shooting makes it easy to capture the action by shooting at 2.5 frames* per second for up to 100 shots (JPEG FINE L-size or smaller). Images are rapidly processed and recorded to a compact SD memory card, and a USB 2.0 Hi-speed interface supports fast transfer of image data to a connected computer. Even previewing images on the bright and sharp 2.5-inch LCD color monitor is near instant.
*Photographs taken at an ISO sensitivity of HI 1 are automatically processed to reduce noise, increasing recording time by about 1 second per frame.
Nikon’s scene-optimized Digital Vari-Program modes allow the photographer to concentrate on capturing nearly any type of scene without being distracted by camera settings. All eight modes – Auto, Auto (Flash Off), Portrait, Landscape, Child, Sports, Close Up and Night Portrait – 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 museums, concerts, school plays, weddings and other low-light situations where flash photography is prohibited. For more advanced creative control, the D40 offers Programmed Auto, Shutter-Priority Auto, Aperture-Priority Auto and Manual modes.
The D40’s new Retouch menu offers exclusive in-camera image editing features that add to the D40's “fun factor” by providing greater creative freedom without the need for a computer. Included in the Retouch menu is Nikon’s D-Lighting, which automatically brings out detail from the dark areas of a scene, producing a more pleasing exposure balance. Red-Eye Correction locates the red-eye effect sometimes caused by a flash and corrects it automatically. Trim allows for creative cropping of an image and creates smaller files for easy e-mailing. Other creative features include Image Overlay, Small Picture, Monochrome (Black-and-white, Sepia, Cyanotype) and Filter Effects (Skylight, Warm filter, Color balance).
While wonderfully easy to use, 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 color-true images. Advanced Auto White Balance handles most lighting situations, but the D40 also offers six specific manual settings, as well as a preset option when using gray or white objects to calibrate under mixed lighting conditions. Features like this further prove how an easy-to-use digital SLR can also provide features and technologies that help users grow in photography if they decide to.
One of the most important advantages of using Nikon digital SLR cameras is the wide variety of interchangeable lenses available. The D40 is fully compatible with all AF-S/AF-I Nikkor lenses*, each providing the exceptional sharpness, image clarity, color reproduction, and fast, accurate autofocus performance that Nikkor is famous for.
*Autofocus is supported only with AF-S and AF-I CPU lenses, which are equipped with an autofocus motor.
The kit lens for the D40 is the new AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED II lens*, assuring superb picture sharpness and optimum contrast, along with the versatility of a wide-angle to medium telephoto lens.
*The lens is included in the D40 Digital SLR Camera Outfit depending on country or area.
The D40 brings the fun, excitement and superior image quality of digital SLR photography to everyone. Its compact size and ideal ergonomics make it the digital SLR solution for pictures anytime, anywhere. Its bright and sharp viewfinder with 0.8x magnification ensures precise composition. After shooting, the camera’s large 2.5-inch high-resolution color LCD monitor provides a clear view for checking sharpness, exposure and focus by enlarging the picture up to 19 times. The monitor is also ideal for simply sharing new images with family and friends, while the operating menus have been carefully designed with color schemes and large fonts for quick, easy navigation through the camera’s setting options. Also, the newly introduced “assist images” help you select the appropriate settings for many camera features by showing an example image typical of that setting. D40’s innovative information displays can be shown in Classic format or with the new Graphic and Wallpaper formats for Digital Vari-Program modes and Program Auto, Shutter-priority Auto, Aperture-priority Auto and Manual (P/S/A/M) modes. All of this is powered by a new compact, high-capacity Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL9 that shoots up to 470 shots* on a single charge.
*In single-frame shooting mode at 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 powerful Built-in Flash of the D40 employs Nikon’s market-leading i-TTL flash control. This means greater precision in flash exposure evaluation and better automatic flash balance, even for scenes with backlit subjects or reflective objects in the background. For flash photography of subjects at longer distances, the new, light and ultra-compact SB-400 Speedlight provides a simple solution for adding more power and bounce flash capability. If you want even more system versatility, Nikon 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.
Included with the camera, Nikon’s PictureProject software makes transferring, organizing and sharing images fun and easy. Just follow the design templates to correct Red-eye, produce prints, create slideshows with your favorite music or adjust images for use in e-mail or creative album layouts.
For more creative control, there’s Capture NX (available separately), Nikon’s incredible new photo editing software. This is post-processing power for everyone, its simple format allowing photographers of every level to make the most of NEF (RAW) images. The key is the exclusive U PointTM Technology, by Nik Software, Inc. – Capture NX does all the calculations for you, making it the first editing imaging software that even novices can navigate with ease.
Inheriting Nikon’s cutting-edge digital and optical technologies, the compact D40 offers mobility, easy operation and beautiful pictures to even first-time digital SLR users, making it ideal for anyone ready to experience the difference of Nikon digital SLR photography.
Major 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.
| 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 Color 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 (-1.0m-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; -1.0m-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 Areas | 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 Color Matrix Metering II (type G and D lenses); Color Matrix Metering II (other CPU lenses); metering performed by 420-segment RGB sensor 2) Center-weighted: Weight of 75% given to 8mm circle in center of frame 3) Spot: Meters 3.5mm circle (about 2.5% of frame) centered on active focus area |
| Exposure Metering Range | 1) 0 to 20 EV (3D Color Matrix or Center-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, Sports 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 (Quick Charger MH-23): 7.4V DC, AC Adapter EH-5 (available separately; requires optional AC Adapter Connector EP-5) |
| Tripod Socket | 1/4 in. (ISO 1222) |
| Body Color | Black (Silver version is also available depending on country or area.) |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | Approx. 126 x 94 x 64mm (5.0 x 3.7 x 2.5 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 / 400 / R1C1 |