A 6-megapixel camera is something of a rarity these days, with even some cheap cameras sporting 8- or 10-megapixel CCDs. But image quality depends on far more than mere resolution.

Our image tests were everything we’d expect of a top-tier SLR – accurate colours with plenty of detail. Very close up, we noticed some JPEG artefacts, and a second glance also revealed slightly more saturated colours than the D40’s costlier relatives. Even so, the best digital compacts can’t hold a candle to the D40’s image processing.

This isn’t surprising, as both the auto focus sensor and image-processing engine are taken from the D80. So, the D40 has a rich heritage. It’s also kept the D80’s auto-ISO function, upping the ISO only when the shutter drops below a preset speed. Shutter lag and focus times are almost instantaneous, and the camera goes from off to ready-to-shoot in the time it takes to raise it to your eye. In continuous mode, it will shoot best-quality JPEGs until it runs out of SD or SDHC (high-capacity SD, 4GB+) card space.

The screen is a 2.5in, 230,000-pixel unit, which is bright and ideal for reviewing images and displaying information. Making swift changes to settings using the menu system is frustratingly slow, though, due to the laggy interface. First-time SLR users benefit, however: select a setting and the D40 will show you the kind of scene you’d typically shoot with it – select ISO 1600, for instance, and you’re shown a dimly lit concert hall interior.

The 18–55mm stock lens is good, but Nikon has done away with the internal focus motor of previous cameras. The upshot is that you’re restricted to either AF-S or AF-I lenses, so the D40 isn’t necessarily a good choice for those who already have a selection of Nikkor lenses – most won’t be able to focus automatically, and some, such as the IX range, won’t work at all. The camera also lacks exposure bracketing, which more advanced users will sorely miss.

But then the D40 isn’t designed for seasoned SLR users and, while it can be unwieldy, it’s well made, easy to use and has excellent handling and performance. The teach-as-you-go menu system is also particularly good. In addition, it comes in at a price that’s perfect for those willing to stretch their budget just a little further than they would for a top-end digital compact or SLR-wannabe.