First Look: Nikon D40 digital camera

Nikon’s D50, along with Canon’s 350D, helped bring affordable digital SLR (D-SLR) photography to the masses, so its replacement – the 6.1-megapixel D40 – is eagerly awaited.

Not only does it retain the best of its predecessor’s features, it adds newer technology introduced on the more expensive D80 (including that model’s internal processor), which stands it in good stead for going up against Canon’s new 400D (the 350D’s own upgrade) this Christmas.

We were lucky enough to get an early hands-on with the Nikon D40 at an exclusive touch-and-try session.

Despite being compact, and at a price of £450 including its budget option 18-55mm (3x zoom) lens, the body feels reassuringly rugged and solid to the touch, and in its black housing gives an impression of seriousness and sophistication that belies its D-SLR family user group.

It’s also very responsive, powering up near instantaneously for the first shot (officially 0.18/sec), displaying no perceivable shutter delay – spot on in finding its target even when attempting focus under low tungsten light – and committing images swiftly to memory (an optional SD card).

We weren’t able to download shots, but viewing them on the 2.5in screen (half an inch larger than the D50’s screen) they appeared sharp and colourful.

The fact that we were able to get down to business so quickly with the camera confirms that the D40 is not only very intuitive, it also builds on the heritage of previous generations of Nikons, meaning that not only would it be a good option for those looking to upgrade from a digital compact, but for Nikon film SLR owners also.

The camera even features an on-screen guide to explain what the various functions do, while common subject and scene modes ranged around a mode dial allow you to point and shoot to begin with.

Its list of features has most points covered: standard JPEG or best quality RAW capture, light sensitivity ranging from ISO200 up to ISO1600 (with a ISO3200 booster setting if needed), with noise reduction at higher settings. Nikon claims the rechargeable battery is good for up to 1,000 shots if you don’t use flash, so budget for a high capacity card.

Expected to hit the shops this December, we hope to bring you a more comprehensive review of the D40 later in the year.

Also consider
Canon EOS 350D
Overall: Expensive but but for keen photographers it's well worth the money
Rating: 3
Price: £799

Olympus E-330
Overall: Innovative, but also expensive. If you can manage without the live preview, there are good digital SLR and pro-sumer alternatives
Rating: 4
Price: £900

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