Nikon today took the wraps off their new entry-level D40 digital SLR. If you keep up on camera rumors then you probably already know a lot about it. Well, below are the official details. The Nikon D40 DSLR is primarily meant for consumers who want a digital SLR, but one that is more compact than its siblings. DPReview also has a Nikon D40 hands-on preview. LetsGoDigital has a full review.

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.

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

The D40 camera and the new 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED II AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor lens will be packaged together and made available beginning December 2006 for an estimated selling price of $599.95**. For more information, please visit www.nikonusa.com.