Nikon D40 Owner Manual

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Where to Find It

Find what you’re looking for from:

The Table of Contents See pages v–vi

Find items by function or menu name.

The Q&A Index See pages vii–ix

Know what you want to do but don’t know the function name? Find it from the “question and answer” index.

The Index See pages 123–125

Search by key word.

Error Messages See pages 111–112

If a warning is displayed in the viewfinder or monitor, find the solution here.

Troubleshooting See pages 108–110

Camera behaving unexpectedly? Find the solution here.

Help

Use the camera’s on-board help feature for help on menu items and other topics. See page 3 for details.

Digitutor

Digitutor, a series of “watch and learn” manuals in movie form, is available from the following website:

http://www.nikondigitutor.com/index_eng.html

Introduction

Tutorial Photography and Playback

For Your Safety

To prevent damage to your Nikon product or injury to yourself or to others, read the following safety precautions in their entirety before using this equipment. Keep these safety instructions where all those who use the product will read them.

The consequences that could result from failure to observe the precautions listed in this section are indicated by the following symbol:

This icon marks warnings. To prevent possible injury, read all warnings before using this Nikon product.

WAR NIN GS

Do not look at the sun through the viewfinder

Viewing the sun or other strong light source through the viewfinder could cause permanent visual impairment.

Using the viewfinder diopter control

When operating the viewfinder diopter control with your eye to the viewfinder, care should be taken not to put your finger in your eye accidentally.

Turn off immediately in the event of malfunction

Should you notice smoke or an unusual smell coming from the equipment or AC adapter (available separately), unplug the AC adapter and remove the battery immediately, taking care to avoid burns. Continued operation could result in injury. After removing the battery, take the equipment to a Nikon-authorized service center for inspection.

Do not disassemble

Touching the product’s internal parts could result in injury. In the event of malfunction, the product should be repaired only by a qualified technician. Should the product break open as the result of a fall or other accident, remove the battery and/or AC adapter and then take the product to a Nikon-authorized service center for inspection.

Do not use in the presence of flammable gas

Do not use electronic equipment in the presence of flammable gas, as this could result in explosion or fire.

Keep out of reach of children

Failure to observe this precaution could result in injury.

Do not place the strap around the neck of an infant or child

Placing the camera strap around the neck of an infant or child could result in strangulation.

Observe proper precautions when handling batteries

Batteries may leak or explode if improperly handled. Observe the following precautions when handling batteries for use in this product:

• Use only batteries approved for use in this equipment.

• Do not short or disassemble the battery.

• Be sure the product is off before replacing the battery. If you are using an AC adapter, be sure it is unplugged.

• Do not attempt to insert the battery upside down or backwards.

• Do not expose the battery to flame or to excessive heat.

• Do not immerse in or expose to water.

• Replace the terminal cover when transporting the battery. Do not transport or store the battery with metal objects such as necklaces or hairpins.

• Batteries are prone to leakage when fully discharged. To avoid damage to the product, be sure to remove the battery when no charge remains.

• When the battery is not in use, attach the terminal cover and store in a cool, dry place.

• The battery may be hot immediately after use or when the product has been used on battery power for an extended period. Before removing the battery turn the camera off and allow the battery to cool.

• Discontinue use immediately should you notice any changes in the battery, such as discoloration or deformation.

Observe proper precautions when handling the quick charger

• Keep dry. Failure to observe this precaution could result in fire or electric shock.

• Dust on or near the metal parts of the plug should be removed with a dry cloth. Continued use could result in fire.

• Do not handle the power cable or go near the charger during thunderstorms. Failure to observe this precaution could result in electric shock.

• Do not damage, modify, or forcibly tug or bend the power cable. Do not place it under heavy objects or expose it to heat or flame. Should the insulation be damaged and the wires become exposed, take the power cable to a Nikon-authorized service representative for inspection. Failure to observe this precaution could result in fire or electric shock.

• Do not handle the plug or charger with wet hands. Failure to observe this precaution could result in electric shock.

ii For Your Safety

Use appropriate cables

When connecting cables to the input and output jacks, use only the cables provided or sold by Nikon for the purpose to maintain compliance with product regulations.

CD-ROMs

CD-ROMs containing software or manuals should not be played back on audio CD equipment. Playing CDROMs on an audio CD player could cause hearing loss or damage the equipment.

Avoid contact with liquid crystal

Should the monitor break, care should be taken to avoid injury due to broken glass and to prevent the liquid crystal from the monitor touching the skin or entering the eyes or mouth.

Observe caution when using the flash

Do not operate the flash with the flash window touching a person or object. Failure to observe this precaution could result in burns or fire.

Using the flash close to the subject’s eyes could cause temporary visual impairment. Particular care should be observed when photographing infants, when the flash should be no less than one meter (39in.) from the subject.

Notices

• No part of the manuals included with this product may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language in any form, by any means, without Nikon’s prior written permission.

• Nikon reserves the right to change the specifications of the hardware and software described in these manuals at any time and without prior notice.

Notices for Customers in the U.S.A.

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Radio Frequency Interference Statement

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.

• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/television technician for help.

Nikon Inc., 1300 Walt Whitman Road, Melville, New York 11747-3064, U.S.A. Tel.: 631-547-4200

Notices for Customers in Canada

CAUTION

This class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference Causing Equipment Regulations.

• Nikon will not be held liable for any damages resulting from the use of this product.

• While every effort has been made to ensure that the information in these manuals is accurate and complete, we would appreciate it were you to bring any errors or omissions to the attention of the Nikon representative in your area (address provided separately).

D40

CAUTIONS

Modifications

The FCC requires the user be notified that any changes or modifications made to this device that are not expressly approved by Nikon Corporation may void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

Interface Cables

Use the interface cables sold or provided by Nikon for your equipment. Using other interface cables may exceed the limits of Class B Part 15 of the FCC rules.

Notice for Customers in the State of California WARNING: Handling the cord on this product may expose

you to lead, a chemical known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm. Wash han ds after handling.

ATTENTION

Cet appareil numérique de la classe B respecte toutes les exigences du Règlement sur le matériel brouilleur du Canada.

Notices iii

Symbol for Separate Collection in European Countries

This symbol indicates that this product is to be collected separately.

The following apply only to users in European countries:

• This product is designated for separate collection at an appropriate collection point. Do not dispose of as household waste.

• For more information, contact the retailer or the local authorities in charge of waste management.

Notice Concerning Prohibition of Copying or Reproduction

Note that simply being in possession of material that has been digitally copied or reproduced by means of a scanner, digital camera, or other device may be punishable by law.

• Items prohibited by law from being copied or reproduced

Do not copy or reproduce paper money, coins, securities, government bonds, or local government bonds, even if such copies or reproductions are stamped “Sample.”

The copying or reproduction of paper money, coins, or securities which are circulated in a foreign country is prohibited.

Unless the prior permission of the government has been obtained, the copying or reproduction or unused postage stamps or post cards issued by the government is prohibited.

The copying or reproduction of stamps issued by the government and of certified documents stipulated by law is prohibited.

Disposing of Data Storage Devices

Please note that deleting images or formatting memory cards or other data storage devices does not completely erase the original image data. Deleted files can sometimes be recovered from discarded storage devices using commercially available software, potentially resulting in the malicious use of personal image data. Ensuring the privacy of such data is the user’s responsibility.

Before discarding a data storage device or transferring ownership to another person, erase all data using commercial deletion software, or format the device and then completely refill it with images containing no private information (for example, pictures of empty sky). Be sure to also replace any pictures selected for preset white balance and for Display format>Wa llpap er. Care should be taken to avoid injury when physically destroying data storage devices.

Trademark Information

Macintosh, Mac OS, and QuickTime are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft corporation. The SD logo is a trademark of the SD Card Association. The SDHC logo is a trademark. Adobe, Acrobat, and Adobe Reader are registered trademarks of Adobe Systems Inc. PictBridge is a trademark. All other trade names mentioned in this manual or the other documentation provided with your Nikon product are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

• Cautions on certain copies and reproductions

The government has issued cautions on copies or reproductions of securities issued by private companies (shares, bills, checks, gift certificates, etc.), commuter passes, or coupon tickets, except when a minimum of necessary copies are to be provided for business use by a company. Also, do not copy or reproduce passports issued by the government, licenses issued by public agencies and private groups, ID cards, and tickets, such as passes and meal coupons.

• Comply with copyright notices

The copying or reproduction of copyrighted creative works such as books, music, paintings, woodcuts, prints, maps, drawings, movies, and photographs is governed by national and international copyright laws. Do not use this product for the purpose of making illegal copies or to infringe copyright laws.

iv Notices

For Your Safety........................................................................ii

Notices..................................................................................... iii

Q& A Index ............................................................................vii

Introduction

Getting to Know the Camera ........................................... 2

First Steps................................................................................8

Attaching a Lens................................................................................ 8

Charging and Inserting the Battery....................................... 9

Basic Setup..........................................................................................11

Inserting Memory Cards.............................................................12

Adjusting Viewfinder Focus......................................................14

Tut or ial

“Point-and-Shoot” Photography ( Mode)............. 15

Creative Photography (Digital Vari-Programs).........18

Basic Playback......................................................................20

Reference

More on Photography (All Modes) ........................22

The Shooting Information Display...............................22

Focus.......................................................................................23

Focus Mode........................................................................................23

AF-Area Mode ...................................................................................24

Focus Area Selection.....................................................................25

Focus Lock...........................................................................................26

Manual Focus ....................................................................................28

Image Quality and Size.....................................................29

Image Quality ....................................................................................30

Image Size ...........................................................................................30

Shooting Mode ...................................................................32

Self-Timer and Remote Control Modes.............................33

Using the Built-in Flash.....................................................34

ISO Sensitivity ......................................................................37

Two-Button Reset...............................................................38

P, S, A, and M Modes...............................................39

Mode P (Programmed Auto)..........................................40

Mode S (Shutter-Priority Auto) ......................................41

Mode A (Aperture-Priority Auto)..................................42

Mode M (Manual) ...............................................................43

Exposure................................................................................45

Metering ...............................................................................................45

Autoexposure Lock........................................................................46

Exposure Compensation............................................................47

Flash Compensation .....................................................................48

White Balance......................................................................49

More on Playback ..................................................50

Viewing Photographs on the Camera.........................50

Photo Information..........................................................................51

Viewing Multiple Images: Thumbnail Playback ...........52

Taking a Closer Look: Playback Zoom................................53

Protecting Photographs from Deletion............................54

Deleting Individual Photographs..........................................54

......................................................1

............................................................15

.........................................................21

Connecting to a Computer, Printer, or TV .............55

Connecting to a Computer.............................................55

Before Connecting the Camera............................................. 55

Connecting the USB Cable .......................................................55

Printing Photographs........................................................57

Printing Via Direct USB Connection.................................... 57

Viewing Photographs on TV...........................................62

Menu Guide

Using Camera Menus........................................................63

Playback Options: The Playback Menu.......................65

Delete..................................................................................................... 65

Playback Folder................................................................................ 66

Rotate Tall............................................................................................ 66

Slide Show .......................................................................................... 67

Print Set (DPOF)...............................................................................67

Shooting Options: The Shooting Menu .....................68

Optimize Image (P, S, A, and M Modes) ............................68

Image Quality ...................................................................................70

Image Size........................................................................................... 70

White Balance (P, S, A, and M Modes) ................................ 70

ISO Sensitivity.................................................................................... 73

Noise Reduction.............................................................................. 73

Custom Settings..................................................................74

R: Reset..................................................................................................74

1: Beep................................................................................................... 74

2: Focus Mode .................................................................................75

3: AF-Area Mode.............................................................................. 75

4: Shooting Mode........................................................................... 75

5: Metering (P, S, A, and M Modes Only) ...........................75

6: No Memory Card? .................................................................... 75

7: Image Review .............................................................................. 75

8: Flash Level (P, S, A, and M Modes Only) .......................76

9: AF-Assist (All Modes Except and )........................ 76

10: ISO Auto (P, S, A, and M Modes Only) .........................76

11: /Fn Button..............................................................................77

12: AE-L/AF-L.....................................................................................77

13: AE Lock.......................................................................................... 77

14: Built-in Flash (P, S, A, and M Modes Only) ................78

15: Auto off Timers......................................................................... 78

16: Self-Timer..................................................................................... 79

17: Remote on Duration............................................................. 79

Basic Camera Settings: The Setup Menu ...................80

CSM/Setup Menu...........................................................................80

Format Memory Card................................................................... 81

Info Display Format ....................................................................... 81

Auto Shooting Info........................................................................ 83

World Time ......................................................................................... 83

LCD Brightness................................................................................. 83

Video Mode........................................................................................83

Language (LANG)...........................................................................84

Image Comment ............................................................................ 84

USB .......................................................................................................... 84

..................................................... 63

Table of Contents v

Folders....................................................................................................85

File No. Sequence ...........................................................................86

Mirror Lock-Up..................................................................................86

Firmware Version.............................................................................86

Dust off Ref Photo...........................................................................87

Auto Image Rotation ....................................................................88

Creating Retouched Copies: The Retouch Menu.... 89

D-Lighting ...........................................................................................90

Red-Eye Correction ........................................................................91

Trim..........................................................................................................91

Monochrome.....................................................................................92

Filter Effects.........................................................................................92

Small Picture.......................................................................................92

Image Overlay ...................................................................................94

Technical Notes

Optional Accessories.........................................................96

Lenses....................................................................................................97

Optional Flash Units (Speedlights) ......................................99

Other Accessories........................................................................ 102

Accessories for the D40 ........................................................... 103

Caring for the Camera.................................................... 104

Caring for the Camera and Battery: Cautions............ 106

Troubleshooting.............................................................. 108

Camera Error Messages and Displays .............................111

Appendix............................................................................ 113

Specifications.................................................................... 119

Index

............................................................. 123

............................................... 96

vi Table of Contents

Q&A Index

Find what you’re looking for using this “question and answer” index.

General Questions

Question Key phrase Page #

How do I use the menus? Using the menus 63–64 How do I get more information on a menu? Help 3

What do these indicators mean? Monitor, viewfinder

What does this warning mean? Error messages and displays 111–112 How many more shots can I take with this card? Number of exposures remaining 29, 116 How much charge does the battery have left? Battery level 15 What does “exposure” mean and how does it work? Exposure 39 What do I do with the viewfinder eyepiece cap? Self timer, remote control 33 What optional flash units (Speedlights) can I use? Optional flash units 99 What lenses can I use? Lenses 97 What accessories are available for my camera? Accessories for the D40 96 What memory cards can I use? Approved memory cards 102 What software is available for my camera? Accessories for the D40 103 Who can I ask to repair or inspect my camera? Servicing the camera x How do I clean the camera or lens? Cleaning the camera 104

Camera Setup

Question Key phrase Page #

How do I focus the viewfinder? Viewfinder focus 14 How do I keep the monitor from turning off? Stand-by mode 78 How do I set the clock?

World time 11, 83How do I set the clock for daylight savings time? How do I change time zones when I travel? How do I adjust monitor brightness? LCD brightness 83 How do I restore default settings? Two-button reset 38 How do I turn off the light on the front of the camera? AF-assist illuminator 76 How do I keep the shutter speed and aperture displays

from turning off? How do I change the self timer delay? Self timer 33 How do I change the remote delay? Remote control 33 How do I keep the camera from beeping? Beep 74 How do I view all the items in the menus? CSM/ setup menu 80 Can I display the menus in a different language? Language 84 How do I keep the file number from being reset when I

insert a new memory card? How can I prevent the same file name from being

assigned to different photographs?

Stand-by mode 78

File number sequence 86

5–6,

81–82

Q&A Index vii

Taking Photographs

Question Key phrase Page #

Is there an easy way to take snapshots? Auto mode 15 Is there an easy way to take more creative shots? Digital Vari-Program modes

What do I do if flash photography is prohibited? Auto (flash off) mode How do I bring out a portrait subject? Portrait mode How can I get good landscape shots? Landscape mode How do I take snapshots of my kids? Child mode How do I “freeze” a moving subject? Sports mode How do I take close ups of small objects? Close-up mode Can I include night backgrounds in my portraits? Night portrait mode

How do I change camera settings using the shooting information display?

How do I take a lot of photographs quickly? Can I shoot a self-portrait? 33 Is there a remote control for this camera? 33 How do I adjust exposure? Exposure; P, S, A, and M modes 39

How do I freeze or blur moving objects? Mode S (shutter-priority auto) 41 How do I blur background details? Mode A (aperture-priority auto) 42 Can I make photos brighter or darker? Exposure compensation 47 How do I make a time exposure? Long time-exposures 44

How do I use the flash?

How do I keep the flash from firing? How do I prevent red eye? Red-eye reduction 35 Can I take pictures under low light without the flash? ISO sensitivity 37

Can I control how the camera focuses? Autofocus 23

How do I focus on a moving subject? Focus mode 23 How do I choose where the camera focuses? Focus area 25

Can I change the composition after focusing? Focus lock 26 How do I improve image quality? How do I take bigger photographs? How can I get more photos on the memory card? Can I take photos at a reduced size for e-mail?

Shooting information display 22

Shooting mode

Flash photography, flash mode 34Can the flash fire automatically when needed?

Image quality and size 29–30

viii Q&A Index

Viewing, Printing, and Retouching Photographs

Question Key phrase Page #

Can I view my photographs on the camera? Camera playback 50 Can I view more information about photos? Photo info 51 Why parts of my photos blink? Photo info, highlights 52 How do I get rid of an unwanted photo? Deleting individual photos 54 Can I delete several photos at once? Delete 65 Can I zoom in on pictures to make sure they’re in focus? Playback zoom 53 Can I protect photos from accidental deletion? Protect 54 Is there an automatic playback (“slide show”) option? Slide show 67 Can I view my photos on TV? Television playback 62 How do I copy photos to my computer? Connecting to a computer 55 How do I print photographs? Printing photographs 57

Can I print photos without a computer? Printing via USB 57

Can I print the date on my photographs? Time stamp, DPOF 59, 61

How do I order professional prints? Print set 61 How do I bring out details in shadows? D-lighting 90 Can I get rid of red eye? Red-eye correction 91 Can I crop photographs on the camera? Trim 91 Can I create a monochrome copy of a photograph? Monochrome 92 Can I create a copy with different colors? Filter effects 92 Can I make a small copy of a photograph? Small picture 92 Can I overlay two photos to make a single image? Image overlay 94

Q&A Index ix

Life-Long Learning

As part of Nikon’s “Life-Long Learning” commitment to ongoing product support and education, continually-updated information is available on-line at the following sites:

• For users in the U.S.A.: http://www.nikonusa.com/

• For users in Europe and Africa: http://www.europe-nikon.com/support

• For users in Asia, Oceania, and the Middle East: http://www.nikon-asia.com/ Visit these sites to keep up-to-date with the latest product information, tips, answers to frequentlyasked questions (FAQs), and general advice on digital imaging and photography. Additional information may be available from the Nikon representative in your area. See the following URL for contact information: http://nikonimaging.com/

Introduction

Thank you for your purchase of a Nikon D40 single-lens reflex (SLR) digital camera with interchangeable lenses. This manual has been written to help you enjoy taking pictures with your Nikon digital camera. Read this manual thoroughly before use, and keep it handy when using the product.

To make it easier to find the information you need, the following symbols and conventions are used:

This icon marks cautions, information that should be read before use to prevent damage to the camera.

This icon marks notes, information that should be read before using the camera.

This icon marks settings that can be adjusted using camera menus.

Lens

Autofocus is supported with AF-S and AF-I lenses only. An 18–55 mm f/3.5–5.6GII ED AF-S DX Zoom Nikkor lens ( 122) is used in this manual for illustrative purposes.

This icon marks tips, additional information that may be helpful when using the camera.

This icon indicates that more information is available elsewhere in this manual or in the

Quick Start Guide.

This icon marks settings that can be finetuned from the Custom Settings menu.

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1. Focal length scale 2. Focal length scale index 3. Mounting index: 8

4. Rear cover: 8 5. CPU contacts: 45 6. A-M mode switch: 8, 28

7. Zoom ring 8. Focus ring: 28 9. Lens cap

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Introduction 1

Getting to Know the Camera

Take a few moments to familiarize yourself with camera controls and displays. You may find it helpful to bookmark this section and refer to it as you read through the rest of the manual.

Camera Body

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1 Infrared receiver..............................................................33 10 Accessory shoe cover................................................. 99

2 Power switch.......................................................................4 11 Accessory shoe (for optional flash unit).......... 99

3 Shutter-release button...............................................17 12 (flash mode) button............................................. 34

4 (exposure compensation) button................ 47 (flash compensation) button ...................... 48

(aperture) button....................................................43 13 Eyelet for camera strap................................................. 7

Flash compensation.....................................................48

5 (shooting information) button......................22 15 Video connector............................................................ 62

z (reset) button..............................................................38 16 Reset switch ...................................................................108

6 AF-assist illuminator..................................................... 23 17 USB connector.........................................................55, 58

Self-timer lamp................................................................33 18 (self-timer) button ................................................. 33

Red-eye reduction lamp ...........................................35 (function) button .................................................. 77

7 (focal plane mark)...................................................28 19 Lens release button........................................................ 8

8 Mode dial...............................................................................4 20 Lens mounting index.................................................... 8

9 Built-in flash.......................................................................34

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14 Connector cover.............................................55, 58, 62

2 Introduction: Getting to Know the Camera

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6 Eyelet for camera strap................................................. 7

7 Multi selector

8 Memory card slot cover............................................ 12

9 (delete) button ..................................................20, 54

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10 Memory card access lamp ...................................... 12

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11 Power connector cover for optional AC

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adapter connector .....................................................103

12 Battery-chamber cover latch................................. 10

13 Battery-chamber cover ...................................10, 103

14 Tripod socket

15 Monitor....................................................................6, 50, 82

16 (playback zoom) button..................................... 53

(setting) button ..................................................... 22

1 DK-16 viewfinder eyepiece cup...............................7 z (reset) button............................................................. 38

2 Viewfinder eyepiece ...............................................5, 14 17 (thumbnail) button................................................ 52

3 Diopter adjustment control....................................14 (help) button

4 (AE-L/AF-L) button...........................................46, 77 18 (menu) button.......................................................... 63

(protect) button....................................................... 54 19 (playback) button ............................................20, 50

5 Command dial.............................................................. 115

* Multi selector

The multi selector is used for menu navigation and playback.

View more photo info Playback ( 51)

Move cursor up Menus/shooting info ( 22, 63)

Press up

View previous photo Press right

Return to previous menu

View next photo

Cancel Press left Display sub-menu

Press down

Retouch photo ( 89)

View more photo info Make selection

Move cursor down

Help

For help on the current mode or menu item, press the button. Help is displayed in the monitor while the button is pressed; to scroll the display, press the multi selector up or down. A blinking icon indicates that help on an error or other problem can be viewed in the monitor by pressing the button.

Introduction: Getting to Know the Camera 3

The Mode Dial

The D40 offers a choice of the following twelve shooting modes:

Advanced Modes (Exposure Modes)

Select these modes for full control over camera settings.

P— Programmed auto: 40

S —Shutter-priority auto: 41

A—Aperture-priority auto: 42 M—Manual: 43

Point-and-Shoot Modes (Digital Vari-Programs)

Selecting a Digital Vari-Program automatically optimizes settings to suit the selected scene, making creative photography as simple as rotating the mode dial.

—Auto: 15 —Auto (flash off): 18 —Portrait: 18 —Landscape: 18

—Child: 19 —Sports: 19 —Close up: 19 —Night portrait: 19

The Power Switch

The power switch is used to turn the camera on and off.

On Off

4 Introduction: Getting to Know the Camera

The Viewfinder Display

2 3 54 6 7 8 9 10 11

15 16

1 Focus brackets (focus areas)....14, 16, 24, 25, 26 10 Number of exposures remaining.............. 15, 116

2 Focus indicator....................................................... 16, 26 Number of shots remaining before

3 Focus area display..........................14, 16, 24, 25, 26

memory buffer fills............................................. 32, 116

AF-area mode.................................................................. 24 Preset white balance recording indicator ......71

4 Autoexposure (AE) lock............................................. 46 Exposure compensation value.............................. 47

5 Flexible program indicator...................................... 40 Flash compensation value.......................................48

6 Shutter speed ..........................................................39–44 PC connection indicator ...........................................56

7 Aperture (f/-number)..........................................39–44 11 Flash-ready indicator...................................................17

8 Flash compensation indicator............................... 48 12 Battery indicator.............................................................15

9 Exposure compensation indicator..................... 47 13 Electronic analog exposure display....................43

Exposure compensation...........................................47

14 ISO AUTO indicator.......................................................76

15 “K” (appears when memory remains for

over 1000 exposures)

16 Warning indicator..................................................3, 111

The Viewfinder

The response time and brightness of the viewfinder may vary with temperature. This is normal and does not indicate a malfunction.

Large-Capacity Memory Cards

When enough memory remains on the memory card to record a thousand or more pictures at current settings, the number of exposures remaining will be shown in thousands, rounded down to the nearest hundred (e.g., if there is room for approximately 1,160 exposures, the exposure count display will show 1.1K).

Introduction: Getting to Know the Camera 5

The Shooting Information Display

To view camera settings, press the button. The following shooting information will be displayed in the monitor. See page 22 for information on changing camera settings.

1 Focus area display ......................... 14, 16, 24, 25, 26 13 Metering mode.............................................................. 45

AF-area mode .................................................................. 24 14 AF-area mode.................................................................. 24

2 Shutter speed.......................................................... 39–44 15 Focus mode...................................................................... 23

3 Electronic analog exposure display ...................43 16 Shooting mode.............................................................. 32

Exposure compensation...........................................47 17 ISO sensitivity................................................................... 37

4 Aperture (f/-number) ......................................... 39–44 18 White balance mode.................................................. 49

5 Mode........................................................................................4 19 Image size.......................................................................... 30

6 Shutter-speed display 20 Image quality................................................................... 30

7 Aperture display 21 Battery indicator............................................................ 15

8 Flash compensation value....................................... 48 22 “Beep” indicator.............................................................. 74

9 Flash sync mode.............................................................35 23 Optimize image indicator........................................ 68

10 Exposure compensation value..............................47 24 Auto ISO sensitivity indicator................................. 76

11 Help indicator .....................................................................3 25 Manual flash control indicator.............................. 78

12 Number of exposures remaining..............15, 116 Flash compensation indicator for

Preset white balance recording indicator...... 71

optional Speedlight..................................................... 99

PC mode indicator........................................................56

22212324

Note: Above display is shown when Graphic is selected for Info display format. See page 81 for other display formats.

The Shutter-Speed and Aperture Displays

These displays provide a visual indication of shutter speed and aperture.

Fast shutter speed, large aperture

(small f/-number)

Slow shutter speed, small aperture

(large f/-number)

6 Introduction: Getting to Know the Camera

Supplied Accessories

The DK-5 Viewfinder Eyepiece Cap

Attach the DK-5 viewfinder eyepiece cap for self-timer ( 33) or remote control photography ( 33). Before attaching the DK-5 or other viewfinder accessories ( 102), remove the DK-16 viewfinder eyepiece cup. Hold the camera firmly when removing the cup.

The Camera Strap

Attach the camera strap as shown below.

The MH-23 Quick Charger ( 122)

The MH-23 is for use with the supplied EN-EL9 battery.

CHARGE lamp AC adapter plug

AC inlet Wall plug (shape varies with country of sale)

The EN-EL9 Rechargeable Li-ion Battery ( 103, 121)

The EN-EL9 is for use with the D40.

The use of third-party rechargeable Li-ion batteries not bearing the

Negative terminal

Signal contact

Positive terminal

Terminal cover

Nikon holographic seal shown above could interfere with normal operation of the camera or result in the batteries overheating, igniting, rupturing, or leaking.

Introduction: Getting to Know the Camera 7

First Steps

Attaching a Lens

Autofocus is supported with AF-S and AF-I lenses only. Care should be taken to prevent dust from entering the camera when exchanging lenses.

Turn the camera off and remove the body cap.

Remove the rear lens cap from the lens.

Keeping the mounting index on the lens aligned with the

mounting index on the camera body, position the lens in the camera’s bayonet mount and rotate the lens in the direction shown until it clicks into place.

If the lens is equipped with an A-M or M/A-M switch, select A (autofocus) or M/A (autofocus with manual priority).

Detaching Lenses

Be sure the camera is off when removing or exchanging lenses. To remove the lens, press and hold the lens-release button while turning the lens clockwise. After removing the lens, replace the camera body cap and rear lens cover.

Aperture Ring

If the lens is equipped with an aperture ring, lock aperture at the minimum setting (highest f/-number). See the lens manual for details.

8Introduction: First Steps

Charging and Inserting the Battery

The supplied EN-EL9 battery is not charged at shipment. Charge the battery using the supplied MH-23 battery charger as described below.

Charge the battery.

1.1 Remove the terminal cover from the battery.

1.2 Connect the power cord to the charger and plug it in.

1.3 Place the battery in the charger. The CHARGE lamp will blink

as the battery charges. About 90 minutes are required for an exhausted battery to fully charge.

1.4 Charging is complete when the CHARGE lamp stops blink- ing. Remove the battery from the charger and unplug the charger.

The Battery and Charger

Read and follow the warnings and cautions on pages ii–iii and 106 warnings and instructions provided by the battery manufacturer.

Do not use the battery at ambient temperatures below 0 °C (32°F) or above 40°C (104°F). During charging, the temperature should be in the vicinity of 5–35°C (41–95°F). For best results, charge the battery at temperatures above 20°C (68°F). Battery capacity may drop if the battery is charged or used at lower temperatures.

–107 of this manual, together with any

Introduction: First Steps 9

Insert the battery.

2.1 After confirming that the power switch is in the off position, open the battery chamber cover.

2.2 Insert a fully charged battery as shown at right. Close the battery chamber cover.

Removing the Battery

Turn the camera off before removing the battery. To avoid shorting the battery, replace the terminal cover when the battery is not in use.

10 Introduction: First Steps

Basic Setup

3456789

The first time the camera is turned on, the language selection dialog shown in Step 1 will be displayed in the monitor. Follow the steps below to choose a language and set the time and date. No photographs can be taken until the camera clock has been set.

Turn camera on. Select language.

Display map of world time zones.* Select local time zone.

* UTC field shows time difference between selected time zone and Coordinated Universal Time

(UTC), in hours.

Display daylight saving time options. Highlight On if daylight saving time is in effect.

Display date menu. Press multi selector left or right to select item,

up or down to change.

To reset the camera clock, choose a new time zone, turn daylight saving time on or off, or choose the order in which the year, month, and date are displayed, use the World time option in the setup menu ( 83).

Exit to shooting mode.

Using Camera Menus

The language menu is only displayed automatically the first time the camera is turned on. See the Menu Guide ( 63) for information on normal menu operation.

Introduction: First Steps 11

Inserting Memory Cards

The camera stores pictures on Secure Digital (SD) memory cards (available separately).

Insert a memory card.

1.1 Before inserting or removing memory cards, turn the cam- era off and open the card slot cover.

1.2 Slide the memory card in as shown at right until it clicks into place. The memory card access lamp will light for about a second. Close the memory card slot cover.

Front

Removing Memory Cards

1. Confirm that the access lamp is off.

2. Turn the camera off and open the memory card slot cover.

3. Press the card in to eject (

(d).

c). The card can then be removed by hand

12 Introduction: First Steps

Memory cards must be formatted in the camera before first use. Note that formatting

memory cards permanently deletes all photographs and other data they may contain. Be sure all data you wish to keep have been copied to another storage device before formatting the card.

2.1 2.2

Turn camera on. Display menus.*

* If menu item is highlighted, press multi selector left to highlight icon for current menu.

2.3 2.4

Highlight . Position cursor in setup menu.

2.5 2.6

Highlight Format memory card. Display options.

2.7 2.8

Highlight Ye s . Format card. Do not turn camera off or

remove card or battery until formatting is

complete and setup menu is displayed.

Formatting Memory Cards

Use the camera Format memory card option to format memory cards. Performance may drop if cards are formatted in a computer.

The Write Protect Switch

SD cards are equipped with a write protect switch to prevent accidental loss of data. When this switch is in the “lock” position, the camera will display a message to warn that photos can not be recorded or deleted and the memory card can not be formatted.

Write-protect switch

Introduction: First Steps 13

Adjusting Viewfinder Focus

Photographs are framed in the viewfinder. Before shooting, make sure that the display in the viewfinder is in clear focus.

Remove the lens cap and turn the camera on.

Slide the diopter adjustment control up and down until the

focus brackets are in sharp focus. When operating the diopter adjustment control with your eye to the viewfinder, be careful not to put your fingers or fingernails in your eye.

Focus brackets

Auto Meter Off

At default settings, the viewfinder and shooting information display will turn off if no operations are performed for about eight seconds (auto meter off), reducing the drain on the battery. Press the shutter-release button halfway to reactivate the display in the viewfinder.

Exposure meters on Exposure meters off Exposure meters on

The length of time before the exposure meters turn off automatically can be adjusted using Custom Setting 15 (Auto off timers; 78).

14 Introduction: First Steps

Tutorial

Photography and Playback

“Point-and-Shoot” Photography ( Mode)

This section describes how to take photographs in (auto) mode, an automatic “pointand-shoot” mode in which the majority of settings are controlled by the camera in response to shooting conditions.

Turn the camera on.

1.1 Remove the lens cap and turn the camera on. The monitor will turn on and the viewfinder display will light.

1.2 If the monitor is off, press the button to display shooting information. Check the battery level as described below.

Monitor Viewfinder Description

— Battery fully charged. — Battery partially discharged.

Low battery. Prepare to charge battery.

(blinks)

Shutter release disabled. Charge battery.

If shooting information is not displayed when the button is pressed, the battery is exhausted. Charge the battery.

1.3 The number of photographs that can be stored on the memory card is shown in the shooting information display and viewfinder. Check the number of exposures remaining.

If there is not enough memory to store additional photographs at current settings, the display will flash as shown at right. No further pictures can be taken until the memory card has been replaced or photographs have been deleted ( 20, 65).

Rotate the mode dial to (auto mode).

Tutorial: “Point-and-Shoot” Photography ( Mode) 15

Frame a photograph in the viewfinder.

3.1 Hold the camera as shown.

Holding the Camera

Hold the handgrip in your right hand and cradle the camera body or lens with your left. Keep your elbows propped lightly against your torso for support and place one foot half a pace ahead of the other to keep you upper body stable.

3.2 Frame a photo in the viewfinder with the main subject positioned in any of the three focus areas.

Using a Zoom Lens

Use the zoom ring to zoom in on the subject so that it fills a larger area of the frame, or zoom out to increase the area visible in the final photograph (select longer focal lengths to zoom in, shorter focal lengths to zoom out).

Focus area

Zoom in

Zoom out

Focus and shoot.

4.1 Press the shutter-release button halfway. The camera will automatically select the focus area containing the subject closest to the camera and focus on this subject. If the subject is dark, the AF-assist illuminator may light to assist the focus operation and the flash may pop up. The monitor will turn off.

When the focus operation is complete, the selected focus area will be highlighted, a beep will sound, and the infocus indicator (z) will appear in the viewfinder. The number of exposures that can be stored in the memory buffer (“r”; 32) is shown in the viewfinder display while the shutter-release button is pressed halfway.

16 Tutorial: “Point-and-Shoot” Photography ( Mode)

4.2 Smoothly press the shutter-release button the rest of the

way down to release the shutter and record the photograph. The access lamp next to the memory card slot cover will light. Do not eject the memory card or remove or

disconnect the power source until the lamp has gone out and recording is complete.

Turn the camera off when shooting is complete.

The Shutter-Release Button

The camera has a two-stage shutter-release button. The camera focuses and the monitor turns off when the shutter-release button is pressed halfway. To take the photograph, press the shutter-release button the rest of the way down.

Focus Take photograph

The Built-in Flash

If additional lighting is required for correct exposure in mode, the built-in flash will pop up automatically when the shutter-release button is pressed halfway (to prevent the flash from firing when lighting is poor, select Auto (flash off) mode). Flash range varies with aperture and ISO sensitivity ( 117); remove lens hoods when using the flash. If the flash is raised, photographs can only be taken when the flash-ready indicator ( ) is displayed. If the flash-ready indicator is not displayed, remove your finger briefly from the shutter-release button and try again.

To save battery power when the flash is not in use, return it to its closed position by pressing it gently downward till the latch clicks into place. For more information on using the flash, see page 34.

Tutorial: “Point-and-Shoot” Photography ( Mode) 17

Creative Photography (Digital Vari-Programs)

In addition to , the D40 offers a choice of seven Digital Vari-Program modes. Selecting a program automatically optimizes settings to suit the selected scene, making creative photography as easy as rotating the mode dial.

Mode Description

Auto (flash off) For pictures that do not use the flash. Portrait For portraits. Landscape For natural and man-made landscapes. Child For pictures of children. Sports For moving subjects Close up For close up shots of flowers, insects, and other small objects. Night portrait For portraits taken under low light.

To take photographs in Digital Vari-Program modes:

Rotate the mode dial to select a Digital Vari-Program mode.

Frame a photograph in the viewfinder, focus, and shoot.

Digital Vari-Program modes are described below.

Auto (Flash Off)

The built-in flash turns off. Use where flash photography is prohibited, to photograph infants without using the flash, or to capture natural lighting under low light. The camera selects the focus area containing the closest subject; the AF-assist illuminator will light to assist the focus operation when lighting is poor.

Portrait

Use for portraits with soft, natural-looking skin tones. The camera selects the focus area containing the closest subject. If the subject is far from the background or a telephoto lens is used, background details will be softened to lend the composition a sense of depth.

Landscape

Use for vivid landscape shots. The camera selects the focus area containing the closest subject; the built-in flash and AF-assist illuminator turn off automatically.

18 Tutorial: Creative Photography (Digital Vari-Programs)

+ 109 hidden pages

Nikon D40 Owner Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Where to Find It

For Your Safety

Notices

Table of Contents

Q&A Index

Introduction

Getting to Know the Camera

First Steps

Tutorial

Creative Photography (Digital Vari-Programs)