Nikon D40 is an entry level Digital SLR camera (announced 16.11.06) featuring 6 megapixel CCD sensor, 3-AF points, 3D Color Matrix Metering II, 3 metering modes, ISO sensitivity range 200 – 1600, 2.5 fps continuous shooting, In-camera retouching and 2.5″ LCD Screen. The camera is measuring in at 126 x 94 x 64 mm (5.0 x 3.7 x 2.5 in), weighing at 522 g (1.2 lb) (with battery) and should be available in stores for around US $599 (with AF-S DX 18-55 mm lens)Nikon UK is pleased to announce the D40, a new interchangeable-lens digital SLR that combines brilliant performance with the practicality of a remarkably small and light camera body. The Nikon D40 boasts handling and performance advantages that eliminate the frustrations often associated with compact digital cameras. The careful design of the D40 allows users to take breathtaking pictures without the need to “learn” photography. The Nikon D40 features a high-resolution 6.1-effective-megapixel Nikon DX Format CCD image sensor and a highly advanced Nikon Image Processing Engine.
These combine to produce exceptional image detail with true, vivid colours. Nikon’s exclusive 3D Colour Matrix Metering II assures accurate exposure control even in difficult lighting conditions. Using its 420-pixel sensor, the Nikon D40 instantly assesses and compares the brightness, contrast and colour of each scene to set the accurate exposure. Spot metering, centre-weighted metering and exposure compensation are also available for those wanting more control. The Nikon D40 comes kitted with the new 3x 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED II AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor lens assuring superb picture sharpness and optimum contrast, along with the versatility of a wide-angle to medium telephoto lens.
While the AUTO ISO feature automatically sets the ISO, from 200 to 1600, manual setting is also available to enable the photographer to set the ISO at HI 1 (one step over 1600), for use in low-light situations without a flash. The D40 is remarkably quick to respond and incorporates Nikon’s Multi-CAM530 autofocus module and a 3-area autofocus system with a cross-type sensor located in the centre. The refined algorithms that control lens autofocus are inherited from Nikon’s renowned D200 and D80 digital SLRs, delivering impressive results. With a start up time of 0.18 seconds and an impressive shutter release lag time, the D40 is ready to capture the action. The bright, sharp viewfinder with 0.8x magnification ensures precise composition when shooting and previewing images on the bright and sharp 2.5-inch LCD colour monitor is also near instant. Easy navigation is made possible thanks to the specially designed colour menus and the new “assist images” helps users select the appropriate settings by showing an example image typical of that setting. All of this is powered by a new compact, high-capacity rechargeable lithium-ion battery that shoots up to 470 shots on a single charge.
Nikon’s scene-optimized Digital Vari-Program modes allow the photographer to capture almost any type of scene with ease. All eight modes 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 low-light situations. For more advanced creative control, the D40 offers Program auto, Shutter-priority auto, Aperture-priority auto and Manual modes. The Retouch menu offers exclusive in-camera image editing features that provide greater creative freedom without the need for a computer, including D-Lighting, Red-eye Correction and Image Trim. 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 colour-true images. Six specific manual settings have also been included, as well as a preset option when using gray or white objects to calibrate under mixed lighting conditions.
One of the most important advantages of using Nikon digital SLR cameras is the wide variety of interchangeable lenses. The D40 is fully compatible with all AF-S/AF-I Nikkor lenses , each providing the exceptional sharpness, image clarity, colour reproduction, and fast, accurate autofocus performance that Nikkor is famous for.
The D40’s powerful Built-in Flash employs Nikon’s market-leading i-TTL flash control, achieving greater precision in flash exposure evaluation and better automatic flash balance. For flash photography of subjects at greater distances, the new, light and ultra-compact SB-400 Speedlight provides a simple solution for adding more power and bounce flash capability. Nikon’s 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. Nikon’s PictureProject software, included with the camera, makes transferring, organizing and sharing images fun and easy. Capture NX, Nikon’s incredible new photo editing software, offers additional creative control and is available separately. Its simple format allows photographers at all levels to make the most of NEF (RAW) images. The key is the exclusive U PointTM Technology, by Nik Software, Inc.
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