Nikon D40x SLR Review

Click to take a QuickTime tour of the D40x

The Nikon D40x digital SLR maintains the same compact size, portability and ease-of-use as its already successful sister camera, the D40, but adds features like higher 10.2-megapixel resolution, faster continuous shooting capability (3fps vs. 2.5fps on the D40) and wider ISO sensitivity (100 - 1600). While dSLRs are the tool of choice among the majority of professional photographers, some people have found them to be complex or bulky. With the D40x, consumers don't have to sacrifice the quality of their pictures anymore. The D40x inherits many advanced technologies from Nikon's professional models, but was designed specifically to make taking outstanding pictures easy and fun for everyone.

The D40x's 10.2-effective megapixel CCD imaging sensor is complimented by Nikon's exclusive 3D Color Matrix Metering II and an improved Nikon Image Processing Engine that together, ensure breathtaking picture quality with analyzed exposure, refined details and natural, accurately rendered colors.

This model's automated, scene-optimized Digital Vari-Program modes allow users to capture nearly any type of scene without needing to understand the fine points of photography or fumble with camera settings. The D40x includes eight preset modes, including a new Flash Off mode that shuts off the camera's flash and boosts its ISO so users can easily take pictures in places where flash photography is not allowed, inappropriate or when they prefer the look of naturally lit pictures. As users gain experience with the camera, the D40x offers advanced controls such as Aperture-priority and Shutter-priority modes that offer greater creative control over the look and feel of their pictures.

Like the D40, the D40x's innovative information display can be shown in Classic format or with the new Graphic and Wallpaper formats for Digital Vari-Program modes and Program Auto, Shutter-priority Auto, Aperture-priority Auto and Manual (P/S/A/M) exposure modes.

The D40x's 3-area autofocus system also adds to the camera's overall speed, delivering fast and precise focus under varying shooting conditions. Incorporating Nikon's advanced Multi-CAM 530 AF Sensor Module, the three-area AF system, with central cross-type sensor operation, adds effective new focusing options and ensures greater ability to capture that perfect shot.

The Retouch menu offers exclusive in-camera image editing features that add to the D40x's "fun factor" by providing greater creativity without the need for a computer. Included in the Retouch menu is Nikon's D-Lighting, which brightens dark pictures and Red- eye correction that automatically detects and corrects red eye - a common condition that occurs in flash photography. Image Trim allows for creative cropping of an image and creates smaller files for easy e-mailing. Other creative features include Image Overlay, Small Picture, Monochrome (Black-and-white, Sepia, and Cyanotype) and Filter Effects (Skylight, Warm filter, Color balance).

The D40x dSLR Kit comes packaged with the new 3X 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED II AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor lens that assures superb picture sharpness and optimum contrast, along with the versatility to capture everything from candid portraits to wide-angle landscapes. The D40x is also compatible with all of Nikon's AF-S and AF-I Nikkor lenses***, including the remarkably versatile 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor lens and the new 55-200mm f/4-5.6G IF-ED AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor lens.

Nikon D40x Features:

• 10.2-Megapixel CCD imager yielding 3008 x 2000 pixel images
• Kit includes 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED II AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor lens
• Slimmer and compact body
• Accepts Nikon F mount with AF coupling and AF contacts Type G or D AF
• Compatible with Nikon i-TTL technology enabled Speedlights
• Digital Vari-Program (8 modes), Program w/shift, Shutter priority, Aperture priority and Manual exposure modes
• Exclusive Nikon 3D-Color Matrix II metering
• Compressed RAW and JPEG formats in three quality levels and sizes, including RAW+JPEG (Basic)
• TTL auto white balance, presets and custom set
• Shutter speeds from 1/4000 to 30 seconds, flash sync to 1/200
• Continuous drive at 3.0fps up to 100 frames
• 3 area AF with Single Area AF, Dynamic Area AF or Closest Subject Priority
• 2.5-inch color LCD with 230,000 pixels
• Onscreen menu for Playback, Shooting, Custom functions and Setup
• Retouch menu for in-camera editing of stored photos
• Review with zoomed-playback & pan, RGB histogram and highlights
• ISO sensitivity from 100 to 1600 (200-1600 on D40)
• Noise Reduction circuitry for long exposures
• SD/SDHC memory card storage
• Selectable video output with NTSC or PAL format
• USB 2.0 (High-speed) data and control interface
• High-capacity EN-EL9 battery and compact MH-23 Quick Charger

The D40x Camera Kit includes the 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED II AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor lens and is available now for an estimated price of US$699.

Nikon D40x Specifications