Nikon d40 always says poor lighting even outside?

Nikon d40 always says poor lighting even outside?

Its cause you have a nikon, switch to canon and all your problems will be solved. Or use a spotlight

Put it in M: Raise the ISO and lower the aperture.

Raise the ISO and the low-light capabilties will improve. Unless you plan huge prints, ISO 400-800 works well in most situations.
Here's some low-light images shot by a D40.

As for lenses, the 18-55mm lens is an ok optic, but it's not great for low-light. Get a 35mm f/1.8 and you'll be amazed at what your D40 can do.
And some sample photos taken with a D40 and the 35mm f/1.8.
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And as for the Nikon/Canon debate, here's low-light indoor non-flash photos I took indoors with a Nikon, many of them with the 35mm f/1.8.
http://www.sportspagemagazine.com/content/bb/mp-bb/g-mp-bb/sacramento-kings-99-vs-los-angeles-lakers.shtml?39321
http://www.sportspagemagazine.com/content/bb/mp-bb/g-mp-bb/sacramento-kings-104-vs-cleveland-cavaliers-117.shtml?37495

Your Nikon D40, may be an "beginner's", but it is very capable. Practice, and learn from your shots. Feel free to email me if you have any other questions.

Use it on MANUAL setting.

Also, should have got a better camera.