Don't Overpay for Nikon D40 or D40X SD Memory Cards

The Nikon D40 and D40X, from 2006, uses SD memory cards. It can use cards up to 32GB in capacity.

Using a 64GB or larger card will cause an error. The D40 will not be able to format the card.

If you have an older card, it should have a Class 6 speed rating. Cards that are too slow will likely be 2GB or smaller.

Do not buy an expensive UHS-II card. The D40 can used them, but it can’t use the extra speed.

My Nikon D40 Lens Recommendations

Recommended Nikon D40 SD Cards

New SD cards are all very fast and similarly priced.

32GB cars are the best value per GB. 16GB cards are close to the same price.

There are several speeds ratings. A card with UHS-I won’t bottleneck the D40. You’ll also be able to transfer files quickly with a card reader.

Don’t buy a UHS-II card. It will work, but the D40 can’t use the extra speed.

Don’t buy a used card. Flash memory has a finite life. They are more likely to fail or cause corrupted images.

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PNY Elite 32GB

• Sequential read speed of up to 100MB/s
• Class 10, U1 rating delivers speed and performance for full HD photography and HD videography.
• V10 video speed rating to capture uninterrupted HD video at 1920x1080 format
• Compatible with point & shoot cameras, DSLR cameras, standard & advanced HD-enabled video cameras, and more
• Reliable & Durable: Magnet Proof, Shock Proof, Temperature Proof, Waterproof

SanDisk Ultra 32GB

• Quick transfer read speeds up to 90MB/s.
• Write speeds are not capable of recording 4k video.
• Class 10 rating for Full HD video (1080p).
• Waterproof, temperature proof, X-ray Proof, magnet-Proof, and shockproof.

Transcend SDHC 32GB

• UHS Speed Class 1 (U1) supports Full HD video and burst shots.
• Ideal for digital cameras for daily life recording.
• Well-tested to withstand extreme conditions.

Card reader should have tails

Future proof features:

• USB-C 3.1 or 3.2
• UHS-II Compatible
• Has a Tail

It’s super annoying when a card reader blocks other ports. They can also be built-in multi-port dongles or be able to read multiple types of memory cards.

Multi-card readers can do newer memory cards like CFExpress. If you’re into older cameras, a USB 2.0 26-in-1 memory card reader might be for you.

• Memory Stick (Sony)
• xD (Olympus)
• CompactFlash (Old Nikon, Canon, Pentax)

Nikon D40 SD Card Compatibility

The Nikon D40 is compatible with the SD, SDHC, and SDXC standards.

Check to make sure the camera has the latest firmware.

The newest SDXC and SDUC cards will not work with the D40. They are too large.

• SD (Secure Digital) - 128MB to 2GB.
• SDHC (Secure Digital High Capacity) - 4GB to 32GB.
• SDXC (Secure Digital eXtended Capacity) - 64GB to 2TB.
• SDUC (Secure Digital Ultra Capacity) - 4TB to 128TB.

Image Capacity

Here’s the approximate image capacity for high-quality JPEGs from the 6.1 megapixel sensor:

• 4GB - 1,120
• 8GB - 2,240
• 16GB - 4,480
• 32GB - 8,960

Card Speed Class

Class rating is determined by sustained write speed. The rating will be shown as a number inside of a C on the label.

For example, as card that could write data at 5MB/s would get a Class 4 rating.

Class 10 card are likely much faster than 10MB/s. That’s why there are additional ratings for high resolution video.

• Class 2 - 2MB/s
• Class 4 - 4MB/s
• Class 6 - 6MB/s
• Class 8 - 8MB/s
• Class 10 - 10MB/s or faster

Ultra High Speed Bus (UHS)

Don’t pay more for a UHS-II card. The Nikon D40 can’t take advantage the extra read and write speed.

The rating is shown on the card label as a Roman numeral I, II, or III.

• UHS-I - Maximum transfer rate of 104 MB/s
• UHS-II - Maximum transfer rate of 312 MB/s
• UHS-III - Maximum transfer rate of 624 MB/s