Nikon D40 digital SLR review

[JowyPmby]

thanks for the viedo

[MotionStreets]

How do I record a video ?

[MohaMugha]

@MotionStreets no video in D40

[TheKMKProductionz]

Thanks! This helped me a lot!

[bymacorg]

wowww!i love the this camera :)! Do you know you can make Time Lapse Photography with this camera?

These guys have an infrared remote time-lapse device for all cameras: tempusALL.bymac.org

sweet!! :P

[TheAmb1networks]

Hey @cameralabs nice review. I used some point and shoot cameras and now want to learn some DSLR photography. So I am looking for a cheap, used SLR. Should I go for this or Nikon D100? My budget is around £180-200.

[elbeavo11]

You have no hair.

[MrrSpleeeeeeee]

Hey its a great review! Do you know how to edit & access the saturation menu?? I can't find it

[bomberfun1]

guy looks like an albino

[Bradmike111]

lmfao chill guys i was kidding

[maevetaylorkx]

@DumbDoraTheExplorer i feel the gap in between what appears semi professional and pro is little today. d7000 is perhaps all we need. visit... freedsl r . co m remove spaces and take a chance to bring home a new Nikon D7000

[diego9191]

if I had to choose between the D40 and D60, what would you say?

[71shoelover]

@diego9191 I owned a D40 and a D60 ..I sold the D60 on eBay, And still have my D40

[Jenniferxxxx1]

Just bourght this camera, thankyou for information.. just got to work out how to use it :) haha

[klaritydawn]

I thought it was extremely helpful...My problem is I can't retain what I read due to Vasculitis of the Brain & Central Nervous System/& Lupu, I have to watch tutorials. I can learn a lot just playing with it too but I would love some help knowing how to get certain shots. This has been my dream since I was a kid & I'm just now able to play around and see what I can do.

[MieleW3985]

i wanna smash mine off the floor

[Jenniferxxxx1]

@MieleW3985 why?

[MieleW3985]

@Jenniferxxxx1 i wash miffed that it won,t do video

[homemakingwisdom]

I'm looking for an older model DSLR for my daughter. She saved up her money and bought a point and shoot camera and was so disappoint on the quality of the picture. She don't even use the camera anymore. I figure getting her a use older model like the Nikon D 40 will still produce a better quality photo then any new point and shoot camera. I think the 6 mp is good enough for her. I'm getting a nikon D 3100 for me and also thought It would be nice for us to both learn on using a DSLR.

[blaaaaaaaahuiana]

sorry, but i do not find this review very helpful. i thought that you could explain all the nikon features more handy in those 9 min.

[cameralabs]

@blaaaaaaaahuiana Fair comment - let us know when you've done yours and we'll check it out.

[DawnpatrolTrev]

@cameralabs

passive aggressive much?

[DawnpatrolTrev]

@cameralabs

passive aggressive much?

[chonichon07]

@cameralabs and @blaaaaaaaahuiana I fail to see how this video wasn't helpful. I actually thought it was very helpful and it ultimately convinced me to buy this SLR as I am an amateur photographer and have no need for a 16-18 megapixel camera

[blaaaaaaaahuiana]

sorry, but i do not find this review very helpful. i thought that you could explain all the nikon features more handy in those 9 min.

[aalepe]

Very nicely presented, thanks you were very helpful.

[fellolm]

Great video. I enjoyed it. I have a question. With D40X, if I have it in A mode, can I change the Auto Focus Field? If so, can you please tell me how I do that?

Using the 18/55 lens, I try to zoom in and take a picture in Auto mode, but it won't let me? What is causing that? Do I need to change the Mode to something else?

One last question, for Image Setting L-large, M-medium, S-small, when should I consider changing this option?

Thanks in advance for answering these questions.

[Bradmike111]

you pronounced nikon wrong

[cameralabs]

@Bradmike111 No, I pronounced it like the Japanese do - and it is a Japanese company. Only the North Americans pronounce it Nai-kon for some odd reason.

[thomasslaughter93]

@cameralabs Exactly! LOL

[Joelwww7]

@cameralabs Pronouncing it as "NAI-KON" or "Neekon" is irrelevant, your reviews are awesome, thank you!

[diego9191]

@Bradmike111 you must be feeling really stupid.

[NoiDontWantFries]

I have never had an SLR camera before and am going to have photography lessons soon so I need a good beginner one. I was think of this but worried that maybe since it is from 2006 I shouldn't get it. Should I still get it or are they're better beginner SLR cameras?

Please reply soon, thanks.

[trainfreakjunior]

@NoiDontWantFries You don't have to worry.except for videotaking its up to date .If you want a "new 2010 " one,get the 3100

Greets from germany :)

[NoiDontWantFries]

@trainfreakjunior

Thanks for the help.

Thanks from Chicago :)

[Joelwww7]

@NoiDontWantFries I have had a really experience( beginner as I am) with the Canon Xt 8 MP. Have you seen it?

[LifeIsForTheLiving]

I got the D40 for my Bday when I was 14, I really grows with you from beginner to the more professional photography. It's now several years later and I still use it for my photography classes at the academy of art.

[princessbluey]

can this take video?

[42wing]

What do these cost usually now?

[xEvvieAteYourMomx]

i think i will get this for my first dslr.

looks professional and does the job for a photographer fanatic!!

excellent review!

[Blueyedbbrae]

hey, took these with my nikon d40

please let me know what you think!

artsyblogtitlehere.blogspot.co­m/

[xEvvieAteYourMomx]

@Blueyedbbrae omg, i cannot believe your photography on your blog, it is so inspiring and creative!

i love it"

keep up the good work (Y)

[BroccoliBomber]

The review was realy helpful but i cant decide wether to get this or a Canon EOS 400d, because i can find them at almost the same price?

[sweetyvash]

hey thanks for a very accurate review on D40 just bought a 2nd hand D40 im a little bit new to this one and i really learned a lot from your review specially on how to use the filter and the question mark..now im learning on how to use the shutter speed and aperture

[romanticvampira]

is it still advisable to buy this year 2010 or il go to d3000?

[ddksa24]

I have been trying to take football game action shots at night games with my nikon D40 and a Sigma 150-500 telephoto lense. Having lots of problems with blurring. What might be the optimum setting for night football/ All help would be appreciated?

[QueenofInsanity84]

Very helpful video indeed, just received a D40 as a gift (my first ever SLR camera)and had no idea how to use it at all! Thanks :)

[airs0ftman1]

can you record video with this camera if so how

[a3vanzil]

@airs0ftman1 no, it doesn't have video capability. i think the first one with video would be the d90 or the d5000. not sure which one. 

[whiyey]

Thank You, I bought one for my wife and was not sure I made the right move but now I know I did.

[TheMROOP]

Can it take rapid photos? for example a bunch of pics of a car driving?

[matsui2001]

Gordon your reviews are the best..They are 100% honest. You tell it as it is.

I have a D40 and it takes stunning photos for a budget DSLR and is so easy to use.

[Rglenn117]

Great video, and great information. I am basically sold on this model, or the D40x

[marooxify]

i've had my d40 for years and honestly never knew all the options i could use! your video was so helpful! thank you!

[berdokimbo]

theres a little black dot on my lens how do i clean it ?

[leslieeyo]

Whats the difference between a nikon and a canon?

[ttcm1980]

I love taking picture but I know nothing about it lol then last saturday I got the D40 as my b-day gift ... i don't know how to use it at all .

[deumic141]

does the nikon d40 or d60 take videos?

[SingHouse]

just ordered mine, can't wait to get it!!!

[JustinBieberLover087]

does it take video???

[erling41]

@JustinBieberLover087

No

[niefnrokylime]

Can you buy a different lens that with will have more megapixles?

[Callofthezombie66]

@niefnrokylime The lenses dont have megpixels. The megapixel is within the camera :D. But from a Nikon D40 user the 6mp looked wayyy better then my canon digital which was 8mp.

[MsYocool]

Hellooo ! Do you advice a beginner to get a DSLR ?

[jerryf813]

Good info.

I purchased the D40 based on your review ( as well as others).

Very happy with the camera. Just added a Nikkor 35mm, 1:1.8 lens. Works well, easy to use.

Thanks.

[cameralabs]

@jerryf813 you're welcome! I recently reviewed the 35mm at cameralabs . com. Ps - if you'd ike to support me, please shop for anything at the partner stores page at cameralabs . com...

[Joelwww7]

@jerryf813 Hi!

Are the 6 Megapixels an issue?

people tend to believe that any camera above 10 MP is better. I think the lens is what makes a camera better no?

[jerryf813]

@Joelwww7 If you plan on printing larger than 8x10 and can afford the 10 or 12 meg, get it. And yes, a quality lens will make a difference on any SLR. I'm very happy with my D-40, and don't mind spending the extra money on a good fast lens.

Good Luck.

[ayamejin]

Is the camera's megapixel really that important? I mean, the higher the better?

[mannydeguzmanjartist]

@ayamejin

According to some forums, the sensor size is more important than the resolution. The problem is, manufacturers packed more pixels than the image sensor can handle, making the pictures noisier even at moderate ISO's. I have seen those in cheap and tiny point-and-shoots claiming to have 12 mp or higher megapixels.

The secret in digital photography is in the lens and sensor size/ noise handling and not in megapixel. In my D90, I seldom go to 12 mp unless I shoot for tarpaulin.

[itsscrappycoco]

D40 is better if : Cmos sensor hd recording movie 4 fps

[cameralabs]

@itsscrappycoco Er, that would make it the D90... (with an extra 0.5fps anyway)

[abwlp]

my birthday is coming up and i just saw the Nikon d40 in my parents wardrobe xD!!

I cant wait to get my hands on it! (Im working to become a photographer but im gonna be 16 so im just starting off)

[Cinis16]

Between the D3000 and the D40. Which one would you recommend to a beginner?

[MacChris4691]

@Cinis16 d40 easier to learn on

[jbfan502]

im getting this camera for my birthday :]] yay

[milanx5]

@jbfan502 me to

[RayZahNmetalMouth209]

@jbfan502 me too =] high five.

[jaapman1]

You are great!

Thank you!

[LiquidTurbo]

For me, the 6mp is NOT a negative, its a PLUS! Amazing quality and smaller file sizes!

[Squishyxo]

i got this camera. I love it so much it captures really good pictures and it shows every detail of the object your taking a picture of. I took one of my ex boyfriend when we were dating and it captured his pimples and i was like.. yeahh i might wanna photoshop that out. xD hahaha

[comrad1986]

Thanks for this man ....i was in doubt as to whether i should buy this camera.....you cemented my resolve to get it...thanx

[Squishyxo]

@comrad1986 i have it it is a amazing camera. <3

[paulbolivia]

really good review... !!! :)

[GaMeOvErRules]

i want a camera like that but iam not a expert what should i get, i a rookie and i dont want to be spending like 700$

[hcoll]

You do some nice reviews mate.

[Khemistry101]

Good review.

[trevorskates94]

what should i get? a nikon d3000 or a nikon d40?

[scottishrailfan123]

the d3000 ! much better camera.... plus, the d40 is being discontinued

[baba321123]

whatevers cheaper

[N6600]

gordon, i'm having problems with an AF 50mm f1.8 and the d40 that i use. the camera won't allow me to open up the aperture blades via the aperture adjustment ring in the lens. the d40 won't release the shutter and keeps on warning me to set/lock the blades at the minimum opening (largest f-number) is there something wrong with it? is it normal? or am i doing something wrong?

[cameralabs]

I can't answer questions here, but feel free to ask the guys in the Nikon section of the cameralabs forum...

[DaniilBMX]

@N6600 hold down the AF-L button when you take a picture, what's going on is that the Camera is trying to Auto Focus (which can be toggled in the menu), but if you turn that off, you can manually focus the lens. Keep in mind that you might also have problems with the color meter in the camera, so you might have to revert to BEC (e.i. the Sunny 16) to manually adjust the aperture to better fit the image you are trying to capture.

[N6600]

thanks for the reply bro, greatly appreciated. but during the time i was figuring out how to work it, i looked it up online. i was using the AF 50mm f1.8D. it turns out, it was meant to be like that on the D40. =( oh well... its ok... thanks again.

[deathbydotz]

@N6600 35mm f1.8 allows you to do that

[N6600]

@deathbydotz thank you.

[MacChris4691]

@N6600 this is y ppl like u shouldn't use a DSLR camera

[N6600]

@MacChris4691 photographers. its not like you will learn in a snap. think you know it all? even mr. gordon can agree that even pros are in the middle of a learning process. photography is a never ending learning road, and im just beginning to travel it. if your at the "end" of the road, lucky you.

[janadal86]

@N6600

This is just the case with the AF-D models. You can select the aperture through the camera controls in A and M modes.

[N6600]

@janadal86 thank you very much for the reply. well, my comment regarding this was posted months ago, maybe almost a year now, so since then, i've acquired lots of infos regarding this. again, thanks, and well appreciated.

[funkymonkeylovin]

@N6600 So, the Nikon D40 does NOT have an auto focusing motor in the camera. They did this to keep the body small and light. What this means is, that any older lenses and a number of other modern lenses will work with this camera, but won't autofocus... I own a D40 too, and it can be a real pain in the butt, especially when using telephoto lenses.

Keep an eye out for Nikon's DX lenses. I believe all the DX lenses will autofocus with the D40.

Hope that helps :)

[N6600]

@funkymonkeylovin hey, thank you sir for the reply. it was almost a year ago since i posted my comment regarding that, and from then on, i have been looking up on lots of infos about that issue. i know now sir. but a lot of thanks still for your answer. much appreciated. :) keep shooting! :)

[Autokanon]

The d40 dont have a live view feature. To get that, u have to go atleat a d90 and above.. I guess..

[ihopeyougethitbyacar]

PLEASE HELP!

i got my nikon d40 and i love it! But whenever he took a picture of his self, how do you change the settings to look through the screen instead of the little window? please help

thank you

[geedunk13]

sorry buy you can't do that. I have a Nikon D40, only the higher up models have that, the only reason why you saw him in the screen was because it was just the camera showing off the photo after he took it. But you don't need live views, and I am totally use to not having it now

[ihopeyougethitbyacar]

oh ok thanks. i guess im jsut tired of getting my screen messed up from the oils on my face x]

but thank you:)

[aquirios]

This camera is as good as an entry-level dslr gets. It's small, fast and takes awesome pictures at a more than fair price on the second hand market.

If having the most megapixels on your camera is your top priority I suggest you google "the megapixel myth".

[0714boskittles]

Hey as a beginner, I wanted to says thanks for bringing up the megapixel myth. I figured my photos with my D40 would improve over time and they have. I bet manufactures will start selling new cameras with superdupper megapixelation lol my stupid attempt at humor. As far as the myth thanks for the info.

[papermariob]

100% AGREE. I own 2 DSLR cameras. I also own a "Point and shoot" just to carry anywhere so I never miss a shot. My point and shoot is 12 Megapixel and my D40 is 6.1 Megapixel. The D40 takes pictures 10x BETTER than the point and shoot. The colours on the D40 are more punchy. It will be a LONG time before a point and shoot takes pictures as good as a Nikon D40. I also own a D60. The pictures it produces are almost identical to the D40. You can blow the pictures up just a little bit bigger.

[ysn370]

@papermariob So owning both the D40 and D60, which would you recommend buying? Would you recommend an upgrade from a D40 to a D60 or D90?

[veritassecreto]

@ysn370 I highly recommend the D40. I bought a second hand D60 from a friend and wound up pretty much wishing I had the D40. The D40's basic ISO of 200 over the D60's ISO of 100 dictates that the D40 is more sensitive to light and thus a better instrument.

[ohadaridan1]

i just bought my first dslr the d40 :D

[DeadlyChill207]

d5000

[numanuma20]

Anyone relies if you put "d40" backwards you get a better camera the 40D.

[electrickennyland]

@numanuma20

actually, you get 04d

[magicmark1292]

I wonder if you realise that you don't need a 800 dollar camera to take excellent pictures.

[papermariob]

I wonder if you realise I can afford to buy a 800 Dollar camera!!!!!

[magicmark1292]

Yes but not everyone can. And I hope you realise that you a 800 dollar camera doesn't make you a good photographer.

[papermariob]

Fair point, But I have FULL control of the photo I am about to take with my DSLR camera. If you are happy to press a button and "Hope for the best" with your point and shoot, Then I am cool with that.

[magicmark1292]

I respect that aspect but I'm not the kind of person that puts my camera in auto and just shoots anything and everything with hopes of getting a good shot. I rarely have my camera in auto. Every once in a while when I'm at a family gathering do I slap it in auto. Sure the D40's takes a bit more time to get good control over a photo but once you do it does take some awesome pictures.

[Forkroute]

That's true

[consentida97]

I love mine it is easy to use and practical

[dudedudedude94]

can you film THROUGH using the screen or do you have to look through the lens?

[EFS64]

You can't film with this camera at all and you must look through the viewfinder to frame your shot.

[mossytreehead]

@dudedudedude94 you have to look through the viewfinder;

you can use the screen for pictures youve taken

[aspire5583wxmi]

i'm using this camera. and i love it. but i want to upgrade to d90 or d5000. which one is better?

[Anonymouz1337]

D90.

[blackReader19]

@aspire5583wxmi there a bit different. the D90 is a sharper picture. more features. and i believe more megapixels at 12.5

[sabbathThebat]

i love the buttons so touchy*

[CubanPaintballer]

if you got the money. d90 all the way!

[UnderAlpha]

im searchin for a good cam for fast movements..

for like, skateboard or snowboard but also for shooting some nice nature pics...

what kinda cam should i get??

[CubanPaintballer]

this one

[assai74]

I carry it al lot around, because it´s cheap and light. It´s not very sophisticated concerning handling and buttons. The worst photo is the one you do not capture.

[assai74]

I owned the D40 8 month ago along with the kit-lens 18-55mm for 250 Euro and I love it. So there is much money left for Speedlight and aditional, frankly a bit more expensive AF-S lenses.

You never get lower noise-level from any DX camera with more mpixel.

A full-HD Plasma shows only 2 Megapixel no matter what resolution your gear can take. The noise is always visible.

1/500s shutterspeed with flash is incredible. You don´t get that syncspeed even from the D3 ;-)

[thunder1205]

what is its continues shooting speed

[VanessaB1233]

I wanna thankyou again for showing me what cameras you suggested for me! I got this camera today, and im excited to work with it

:)

[Xcokedav096]

how bout the 6 megapixels? versus every compact camera having at least 10 or 12 now, i'm just wondering if there's really a day-to-day difference between 6 and 10.

thanks

[howtomakeyourown]

megapixels arent the best representation for image detail.

[N6600]

@howtomakeyourown and this is why people like you shouldn't call yourselves photographers. its not like you will learn in a snap. think you know it all? even mr. gordon can agree that even pros are in the middle of a learning process. photography is a never ending learning road, and im just beginning to travel it. if your at the "end" of the road, lucky you.

[N6600]

@howtomakeyourown oop! sorry, wrong person.

[katzubento]

hi guys just want to know if this camera is a good buy at 560 australian dollars?

brandnew with single lens

[quirky524]

If you are a begginer you can try buying a second hand/new from ebay.

[RadioBoiiMusic]

so do you think the canon rebel t1i would be better?

[JPMan909]

way better

[Liuxs69]

way Better

[xMandalorex]

A, Nikon D40 6.1 Mega pixel sensor is much larger than your 8.0 Mega Pixel Point & shoot sensor..... it's all about the lens etc in these DSLR's.....

[rock962000]

this guy is my favorite on cameras

[javierdoppler]

i have a nikon d40.. it´s posible take pictues in 16:9 with this camera?? how?

[rckid2200kv]

i wanted the d40 till i saw it was only 6mps cuz my plimpus sp is old but 7.1 mps

[pacmanghostx]

All megapixels mean is how much the picture can be blown up.

It has no bearing on image clarity or overall quality.

Some of the crappiest point-and-shoot cameras on the market have more megapixels than the D40.

Oh, and 6 megapixels is enough for a 32" print... That's not small.

[rckid2200kv]

oh ok thanks

[pacmanghostx]

Don't mention it.

I just wanted to put that out there because many people think that megapixels is the only measure of a good camera.

[BarricadeSlade]

I have a 4MP camera. It sure as hell ain't a dSLR, but it is pretty goood considering I got it for $37.

It takes AMAZING pictures, when people see the big "4.0MP" printed on the side, they're like wtf??? And i show them pictures on it the best i can, and lecure them about how megapixels is just a measure of how big the picture is.

[howtomakeyourown]

point and shoot.

[beemdabolyu]

yes, an 12x18 print is even too large...

if anyone wanted to print really large pics then try creating a 2-shot, 2-row pano...its still the same pic but way larger than a single shot...

[LindsayLux]

great video! I just got my D40 today and am trying to learn as much as a I can about it, I will def be reading the review on the site:)thank you!

[dimebagdarel]

hey i am an amatuer on photography already posses cannon 8mp digital cam. interested in nikon slr series budget not issue, want cam which can click pics at fast pace, not to big, n has good picture results, n functions tat are easy to use. please recommend thanks in advance

[lawrencezig93]

You need a night end SLR if you want over 2FPS

[DoongoanF]

I want one soooooooooooooooooooooooooo bad :(

[reeseslady1]

same :c

[tadej172]

sony a200 is alot better.

[berdokimbo]

the sony a200 is wackk , i sold it to buy my nikon d40

[tadej172]

lol xD

They don't make the d40 anymore... omg.

Ur such a liar, hahaha

[ahmadzaatar]

Great information thanks

i just got a new D40 i'm looking for a book or cd for learing if you cna help me

[cameralabs]

Check out my tutorials at dslrtips . com!

[raisforte]

Thank you so much for the info.. is it possible for you to email the details.

[cameralabs]

If you want more details on the D40, please check out my full review at cameralabs - there's a link to the right of the video above.

[bawwyoa]

I took photography classes, for 3 years. With 36 millimeter camera. I was just whondering if that would be a manual. And if so is that bad?

[paullandig23]

Try to research on Megapixel Myth Mcphlee, you will not be ignorant anymore.=) its all about ISO sensitivity, shutter, etc that makes excellent pictures, not megapixels, which the camera companies are advertising as they know that lay people are ignorant about this. Just for your info.=)

[Mcphlee]

6 MGPX? Really? That's not too great.