Why is the Nikon d40's battery life so short compared with others like the Nikon d50?

Answer 1

The Nikon D40 camera is an entry level model in the nikon line up of digital SLR's. It was made with the the intention of capturing an audience of consumers that would conventionally purchase a point and shoot camera. In other words this camera was not designed for rigorous and serious Photography, hence the reason for its short battery power. As a matter of fact you may notice that the battery life of a D40 actually is shorter than a comparable point and shoot camera. This is because the battery nikon used in the D40 has the same "lithium strength" as most high end point shoot cameras but will perform more battery draining functions because it is in essence an SLR.

The D50's, D70's etc were not designed for the same consumer market as the D40. If you compare these cameras to the D40 you will notice they are physically bigger, have a stronger built quality, they have a top LCD etc. all to show that these cameras were made for an amateur photographer market as opposed to the point and shoot consumer.

Furthermore, batteries that are used in higher end cameras like the D80 and D200 can also be used in a D50 but not in a D40. Further showing that the D40 is rather like a 'stepchild' in the nikon DSLR family, than a bona fide nikon DSLR. There are other issues like lens compatibility that are a problem with the D40 when compared with its bigger siblings.