Nikon D40 for astro-imaging

Posted by David Mottershead at 12:09 on 2011 May 08

Hello PaulI don’t own, and haven’t used a Nikon D40, but up until last month I did own a Nikon D50, which is very similar to the D40, originally sharing the same 6 megapixel sensor among other components, although a 10.2 megapixel sensor was available later in production in the D40x. I have now purchased the Nikon D5000.Given the commonality of several key components between the D40 and D50, I would suggest that, based on my use of the D50, that the D40 will produce good astrophotographical results. Have a look at my website in the gallery section where there are a couple of examples of astro images that I did with the D50, (I actually have quite a few more, but just haven’t had time to put them on my site yet!!), http://www.dmottershead.co.uk I’m not the worlds greatest photographer and am certain those more capable in these matters would produce far better results than I have with this camera!!The main thing to bear in mind here is that the D40 is a discontinued model, (although as with the D50, it can represent an excellent seconhand buy), and more importantly doesn’t have ‘live view’ mode – that is, you can’t look at what you are imaging using the LCD screen, which can really assist when focusing the camera.For what it’s worth, my opinion is that the Nikons, (D40, D50 etc) were very compentent and usable entry level DSLRs when introduced in 2006 (in the case of the D40), that can produce some really good astrophotograpical results. I hope this is of some help to you.

Posted by Paul A Brierley at 06:50 on 2011 May 10

Thanks David,Roy.I’m going to have ago with this camera and see what it is capable off. But I might decided to buy a 1000D (body only) to use for astro-imaging instead. I’ve seen some excellent work produced by those canon camera’s.And. For the price. They are also, considerably cheaper than a dedicated CCD camera with a similar sized sensor. All I need is a reasonably clear sky, with know Moon interference. Incidentally I used my D40 at the week-end with my William Optics, and imaged a nice Waxing Crescent Moon. You can see the result on my blog…

Posted by Roy Hughes at 11:28 on 2011 May 10

Paul,re CanonsIf you’ve got a stock of old Nikon lenses that you want to use there are a number of cheap Nikon/Canon adapters available on Ebay (some of questionable repute!).Only manual of course but should be OK for astronomy.Roy

Posted by David Mottershead at 19:58 on 2011 May 10

Hello PaulLooking at the image of the moon that you took the other night using your D40 I’d suggest that you’ve answered your own question. Great image!