Nikon D40 DSLR Camera Instruction Manual

Manual Nikon D40 DSLR Camera Instruction Manual

Nikon D40 DSLR Camera Instruction Manual

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Nikon D40 DSLR Camera

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Nikon D40 DSLR Camera Instructions

Here we offer the Nikon D40 DSLR Camera manual completely free and in English. We have cataloged this manual in the SLR Cameras section on Manualverse, and it has been rated by 1 users with an average rating of 5. If you have any specific questions about Nikon D40 DSLR Camera, we suggest checking the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section of this manual.


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Nikon D40 DSLR Camera Specifications

Feature Specification
Camera Type Single-lens reflex digital camera
Effective Pixels 6.1 million
Image Sensor 23.7×15.6mm CCD; 6.24 million total pixels
Image Size (Pixels) Large: 3,008×2,000; Medium: 2,256×1,496; Small: 1,504×1,000
Lens Mount Nikon F mount with AF contacts
Compatible Lenses AF-S, AF-I Nikkor (all functions); Other Type G or D Nikkor (autofocus not supported); Non-CPU (manual focus in M mode, no exposure meter)
Viewfinder Type Fixed eye-level penta-Dach mirror type
Viewfinder Coverage Approx. 95% (vertical and horizontal)
Viewfinder Diopter –1.7 to +0.5 m-1
Focus Areas 3 focus areas
Autofocus System TTL phase detection by Nikon Multi-CAM 530 autofocus sensor module with AF-assist illuminator (range approx. 0.5–3.0m)
AF-Area Modes Single-area AF, dynamic-area AF, dynamic-area AF with closest subject priority
ISO Sensitivity (Recommended Exposure Index) 200–1600 in steps of 1EV; additional setting one step over 1600 (HI 1)
Metering System Three-mode TTL (Matrix, Center-weighted, Spot) by 420-pixel RGB sensor
Shutter Speed 30–1/4,000s in steps of 1/3EV, bulb
White Balance Auto (TTL with 420-pixel RGB sensor); six manual modes with fine tuning and preset WB
Built-in Flash Guide Number Approx. 17/55 (m/ft) at ISO 200 (manual 18/59); Approx. 12/39 (m/ft) at ISO 100 (manual 13/42)
Flash Sync Speed Up to 1/500s
Flash Compensation –3 to +1 EV in increments of 1/3EV
Monitor 2.5-in., 230,000-dot, low-temperature polysilicon TFT LCD with brightness adjustment
Video Output NTSC and PAL selectable
External Interface Hi-Speed USB
Storage Media SD (Secure Digital) memory cards; supports SDHC
File System DCF 2.0, DPOF compliant
Compression NEF (RAW): compressed 12-bit; JPEG: JPEG baseline-complaint
Power Source EN-EL9 rechargeable Li-ion battery; optional EH-5a AC adapter
Dimensions (W×D×H) Approx. 126×64×94mm (5.0×2.5×3.7in.)
Weight Approx. 475g (1lb. 1oz.) without battery, memory card, or body cap
Operating Temperature 0–+40°C (+32–104°F)

Nikon D40 DSLR Camera Details

The Nikon D40 manual provides a comprehensive guide to using this digital SLR, emphasizing both automatic simplicity and advanced creative control. Beyond raw specifications, it details how users can interact with the camera, from initial setup to sophisticated image manipulation. The intuitive Mode Dial offers a range of options, including various Digital Vari-Program modes like Portrait, Landscape, Child, Sports, Close Up, and Night Portrait, which automatically optimize settings for specific scenes. This allows beginners to achieve great results with a simple "point-and-shoot" approach, while experienced users can delve into Programmed Auto (P), Shutter-priority Auto (S), Aperture-priority Auto (A), and Manual (M) modes for full command over exposure.

Navigating the D40 is made easy with its Multi Selector for menu access and playback, complemented by an on-board help feature accessible via a dedicated button, providing immediate guidance on menu items and troubleshooting. The camera supports both NEF (RAW) and JPEG image formats, with options for image quality and size adjustments. For those who want more control over their images, the Optimize Image function allows fine-tuning of sharpening, contrast, color mode (including Adobe RGB), saturation, and hue. Noise Reduction can be applied to combat mottling in high ISO or long exposure shots, ensuring cleaner images in challenging light.

Playback options are robust, featuring full-frame viewing, thumbnail displays, and Playback Zoom to inspect details. Users can protect individual photographs from accidental deletion or perform batch deletions. The manual also highlights the D-Lighting feature, which brightens underexposed areas to reveal details in shadows without affecting highlights, and Red-Eye Correction for flash portraits. Creative in-camera retouching extends to Trim (cropping), Monochrome conversions (black-and-white, sepia, cyanotype), Filter Effects (skylight, warm, color balance), and even Image Overlay to combine two RAW photographs.

Connectivity is versatile, with Hi-Speed USB for transferring photos to a computer using Nikon Transfer or controlling the camera with optional software like Camera Control Pro. Direct printing to PictBridge compatible printers is also supported, allowing users to print selections or create DPOF print orders without a computer. The camera offers Video Output for viewing photos on a TV, and for self-portraits or to prevent camera shake, the Self-Timer and optional ML-L3 Remote Control are invaluable.

Maintenance and care are thoroughly covered, including instructions for Low-Pass Filter inspection and cleaning, emphasizing the delicate nature of the sensor. The manual details battery usage, storage, and safety warnings, advising against extreme temperatures or improper handling. Key features like the Two-Button Reset for restoring default settings and the Flexible Program in P mode (allowing dynamic adjustment of shutter speed and aperture combinations) underscore the camera's thoughtful design, balancing user-friendliness with advanced photographic capabilities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can't find the answer you need? Here are some frequently asked questions about the Nikon D40 DSLR Camera, and we answer them below.


How do I use the camera's menus?
Press the MENU button, then use the multi selector to navigate through Playback, Shooting, Custom Settings, Setup, and Retouch menus. Highlight an icon for the desired menu, press right, then highlight an item and press right again to view options. Use OK to make selections.

Where can I find help for menu items?
For help on the current mode or menu item, press the ? button. Help information is displayed in the monitor; use the multi selector to scroll. A blinking ? icon indicates help is available for an error or problem.

What does the battery indicator mean?
The battery indicator in the shooting information display and viewfinder shows the battery level. A solid indicator means fully charged, a partial indicator means partially discharged, and a blinking indicator means low battery, prompting you to charge or replace it.

How do I clean the camera sensor (low-pass filter)?
You can inspect the low-pass filter by selecting 'Mirror lock-up' in the setup menu. After raising the mirror, use a blower to remove dust or lint. Nikon recommends having authorized service personnel clean the filter due to its delicate nature.

Can I use any lens with the Nikon D40?
Autofocus is supported only with AF-S and AF-I CPU lenses. Other CPU lenses (Type G or D, AI-P) can be used, but autofocus is not supported. Non-CPU lenses can only be used in Manual (M) mode, without exposure metering.

What are Digital Vari-Program modes?
Digital Vari-Program modes (Auto, Auto (flash off), Portrait, Landscape, Child, Sports, Close up, Night Portrait) are automatic "point-and-shoot" modes that optimize camera settings for specific scenes, simplifying creative photography.

How do I protect my photos from accidental deletion?
In full-frame, zoom, or thumbnail playback, press the AE-L/AF-L button to protect the currently displayed or highlighted photograph. A key icon will appear. Protected files cannot be deleted using the delete button or menu, but will be deleted if the memory card is formatted.

Can I print photos directly from the camera?
Yes, the D40 supports PictBridge, allowing you to connect the camera directly to a compatible printer via USB. You can print individual JPEG photos, multiple selected pictures, or create index prints, and even make DPOF print orders.

What is 'Flexible Program' mode?
In Programmed Auto (P) mode, 'Flexible Program' allows you to rotate the command dial to select different combinations of shutter speed and aperture, while maintaining optimal exposure. This lets you prioritize depth of field or motion blur without changing the overall brightness.

How do I reset camera settings to default?
You can restore many camera settings to their default values by holding the (shooting information) button and (delete) button down together for more than two seconds. These buttons are marked with a green dot.

What is D-Lighting?
D-Lighting is a retouch menu option that brightens shadows in dark or backlit photographs, enhancing detail in underexposed areas. You can choose the amount of correction and preview the effect before creating a copy.

How do I create black-and-white copies of my photos?
From the retouch menu, select 'Monochrome' to create copies in black-and-white, sepia, or cyanotype. You can often adjust color saturation for sepia and cyanotype before saving the new image.

What memory cards are compatible with the D40?
The Nikon D40 uses Secure Digital (SD) memory cards and supports SDHC cards. Specific brands like SanDisk, Toshiba, Panasonic, and Lexar were tested and approved for various capacities at the time of the manual's publication.

Why is my viewfinder blurry?
The viewfinder has a diopter adjustment control. Remove the lens cap and slide this control up and down until the focus brackets in the viewfinder appear sharp. Be careful not to poke your eye while adjusting.

How does the self-timer work?
Select the 10s Self-timer mode via the shooting mode options or Fn button. Frame your shot, press the shutter-release button halfway to focus, then press it down all the way. The self-timer lamp will blink, and the shutter will release after about 10 seconds.

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