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Nikon D40 6.1MP Digital SLR Camera 18-55mm Lens Renewed — main product image
Nikon D40 6.1MP Digital SLR Camera 18-55mm Lens Renewed
Nikon D40 6.1MP Digital SLR Camera 18-55mm Lens Renewed
Nikon D40 6.1MP Digital SLR Camera 18-55mm Lens Renewed
Nikon D40 6.1MP Digital SLR Camera 18-55mm Lens Renewed
Nikon D40 6.1MP Digital SLR Camera 18-55mm Lens Renewed
Nikon D40 6.1MP Digital SLR Camera 18-55mm Lens Renewed
Nikon

Nikon D40 6.1MP Digital SLR Camera 18-55mm Lens Renewed

★★★★★2.9 (7 reviews)
1MP

Learn to see light through Nikon glass — this renewed D40 kit is the classic first DSLR for photographers building their eye on a budget.

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Overview

The Nikon D40 occupies a specific niche in the renewed camera market: it's the entry point for photographers who want to understand DSLR fundamentals with authentic Nikon handling, Nikkor optics, and a CCD sensor that produces color and tonal character distinctly different from the CMOS sensors in every modern camera. For film photographers transitioning to digital, students learning manual exposure, or hobbyists who prioritize image feel over resolution counts, the D40 with its 18-55mm AF-S kit lens is a coherent, capable tool. In clean daylight or controlled light, the 6.1MP CCD captures portraits and still life with a warmth and smoothness that many photographers find immediately likeable.

Ergonomically, the D40 is a small, light body with a grip that fits comfortably for extended shooting sessions. Controls are minimal and logically arranged — mode dial, command dial, and a compact button layout that maps to the same operational logic as current Nikon bodies, making it a practical training camera for those who will eventually upgrade within the F-mount ecosystem. The included EN-EL9 battery provides adequate capacity for a day's shooting, and SD card compatibility is universal. The key practical awareness for any renewed D40 purchase is the AF motor limitation: only AF-S lenses will autofocus, which defines your lens options. Within that constraint, the camera delivers a genuine photographic experience that rewards the shooter who slows down, reads the light, and works within its boundaries.

Key Features

6.1-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 14 x 19-inch prints

Kit includes 3x 18-55mm f3.5-5.6G ED II AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor lens

2.5-inch LCD with three display options; built-in flash and hot shoe

Fast startup with instant shutter response; shoot at up to 2.5 frames per second

Powered by one rechargeable Li-ion battery EN-EL9 (included); stores images on SD memory cards (memory card not included)

Specifications

Brand
Nikon
Model
D40
Sensor
6.1MP CCD
Lens Included
18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED II AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor
LCD Screen
2.5-inch
Burst Rate
2.5 fps
ISO Range
100–1600 (expanded)
Storage
SD memory card
Battery
EN-EL9 rechargeable Li-ion
Flash
Built-in pop-up + hot shoe
Condition
Renewed

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • The AF-S 18-55mm kit lens autofocuses quickly and quietly on the D40 body, covering a practical focal range for portraits, street, and everyday shooting.
  • At 6.1MP, the CCD sensor produces warm, film-like color rendition and smooth tonal gradation in good light that remains visually pleasing for print and web use.
  • The D40's compact, lightweight body makes it easy to carry all day without shoulder fatigue — a genuine advantage for student photographers doing extended walking shoots.
  • Fast startup and immediate shutter response mean you won't miss a candid moment while the camera initializes.
  • As a renewed kit, it represents one of the lowest cost-of-entry paths into genuine Nikon F-mount DSLR photography with a known-quality lens.

👎 Cons

  • The lack of an internal autofocus motor means the D40 only autofocuses with AF-S lenses — a significant limitation if you want to expand into the used Nikon lens ecosystem on a budget.
  • ISO performance degrades noticeably above ISO 800, with visible luminance noise that limits low-light and indoor shooting without flash.
  • The 2.5 fps burst rate and 6.1MP resolution ceiling make the D40 unsuitable for sports, wildlife, or any application where high resolution or fast sequence shooting matters.
  • The D40 has no video capability whatsoever — purely a stills-only camera in an era where video has become a standard DSLR feature.
  • Being a renewed unit, sensor dust, shutter wear, and cosmetic condition vary — thorough inspection on arrival is essential.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes — and this matters specifically with the D40. The camera body has no internal autofocus motor, so it only autofocuses with lenses that have a built-in AF-S (Silent Wave Motor) drive. The included 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED II AF-S lens is designed for exactly this, so autofocus works correctly out of the box. Older AF-D lenses will not autofocus on this body.
The D40 produces excellent results up to approximately 11x14-inch prints at native resolution — Nikon's 14x19 claim holds under good light. The CCD sensor renders color with a warmth and tonal continuity that many photographers still appreciate; it differs from the more clinical look of modern CMOS sensors and remains well-regarded for portrait and natural light work.
The D40 has a built-in pop-up flash and a standard hot shoe. It is not compatible with Nikon's CLS (Creative Lighting System) for wireless iTTL remote flash triggering — the body lacks the commander mode found on higher-end Nikon bodies of the same era. Third-party optical or radio triggers work for off-camera flash but TTL pass-through is not supported.
Inspect the shutter count using free software like PhotoMe or a shutter-count reading service — the D40 shutter is rated for approximately 50,000 actuations. Check the sensor for dust spots by shooting a clear sky at f/16, and verify the rubber grip and LCD for wear consistent with the renewal grade. Battery health is worth testing across a full charge cycle.
For learning composition, exposure, and the fundamentals of DSLR handling, the D40 is entirely viable — the controls map directly to how modern Nikon bodies work, making it an effective training body. Its limitations (6.1MP ceiling, no video, ISO noise above 800, no in-body AF motor) are real, but they're the kind of constraints that build photographic discipline rather than hinder it.

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