Nikon D40/D40x Digital Field Guide by David D. Busch (2007, Paperback)

The 10 Megapixel Nikon D40x is targeted for those who want a relatively compact and light camera yet having most of the important SLR features. I would also recommend you to also test the D50/D70s/D80 first before deciding to buy the D40x. There are some limitation with the D40x which shouldn't bother most people. Once you understand its limitation, thex D40x is a potent and exciting photography machine

D40x powers on instantly and take pictures with no shutter lag which are the major advantages of a DSLR over a point and shoot camera. With 3 frames per second you can capture movement progress in sports. Also great to photograph your family or child (child mode). The D40 is a great all around camera.

Some notable new features:
1. Auto (no flash) mode.
2. In camera editing capability such as black and white, sepia etc
3. 10.2 Megapixel sensor. enough to print larger than 13 X 19 Inch.
4. 3 frames per second

To date, D40/D40x is the smallest and lightest among all the Nikon DSLR. I believe that choosing a camera that fits comfortably with your hands is important. Therefore, I recommend people to test the camera before buying

About the 18-55mm II AF-S kit lens: A good lens producing sharp photos (though not a very fast lens). Also decent for close-up/macro photography.

Lens compatibility: Notice that with D40/D40x, autofocus function will not work for non AF-S/AF-I lens. If you already have non AF-S Nikon lenses and want a backup or replacement camera, you will be better off buying D50, D70s or D80. If you buy the D40x, it will be convenient to stick with AF-S type lenses.

Image quality of the D40x is very good which is #1 factor that I look for in a digital camera.

Here are the pros and cons of the D40x in my opinion:

Pros:
1. Nice out of the camera result picture quality
2. 10.2 Megapixel sensor
3. Compact size and light weight
4. Large and bright 2.5 inch LCD
5. 3 frames per second
6. B/W, Sepia, several more in-camera editing features.
7. Instant power on, fast autofocus and no shutter lag
8. Noise is acceptable at high ISO settings. Auto ISO settings available.
9. Great battery life (500+ on a single charge. 1000+ if flash is not used).
10. Auto (flash off) mode available

Cons:
1. No direct button to change QUAL, WB and ISO settings
2. Grip comfortably but might be a bit too small for some people
3. No top LCD and no front command dial
4. Autofocus will not work with non AF-S or non AF-I lenses
5. No AF/MF switch
6. Only 3 autofocus point
7. ISO start at 100 which is slower than the D40's 200 ISO
8. No night landscape mode in pre-programmed settings
9. 1/200 flash sync
10. No depth-of-field preview button

Comparing D40x with the D40. I personally prefer the D40 over the D40x. If you do a lot of cropping and print larger than 13 X 19 inch then it might make sense to get the D40x, otherwise use that $200 (price difference) to invest in SB-400 flash or better/more versatile lens (such as upgrading the kit lens to 18-70mm or 18-200mm VR or add the 55-200mm VR zoom lens).

In conclusion, the D40x is perfect for those who want high quality pictures, more control (than a P&S camera), and have a DSLR experience (instant power on and no shutter lag). And unless you are shooting sports/actions professionaly (which faster focusing & frames per second & larger memory buffer might be needed), the D40x is pretty much all you will need.

Happy Photographing

This book was very informative without being over the top with lingo and offical terms. Written in plain english that even the newest novice can understand.
Plenty of good example of setting and shots to accompany those examples.
This will definitly help you if you have just gotten or are thinking of getting either the D40 or D40x.

I love to take pictures, but I'm not great. I purchased this book in order to become more famiiar with my newly purchased D40x digital camera. It has been all that I'd hoped it would be. The text is clear and easy to understand and the pictures are actual photographs. They are larger than in most similar books and clearly labeled.

For me this was just the right purchase!!