Nikon D40x 10.2 Megapixel

Strengths: Very nice value for the feature set, gorgeous 2.5" LCD screen, Auto-Flash Off exposure program, Nikon takes their simplest dSLR (the D40) and adds 10.2MP resolution and 3fps!

Cons: Only fully compatible with AF-S lenses, no top LCD, no second command wheel

Like the D40, the D40x is designed to capture the "entry-level" dSLR user and folks migrating from point and shoot cameras. The D40x does a nice job introducing aspiring photographers into the dSLR world. It is powerful enough that it will allow most camera users new to dSLR photography to grow into the features it has. But the D40 can still be used as a super P&S - just put it in P or A mode and start shooting away! I particularly like the Auto-Flash Off feature. Instead of forcing the consumer to fumble with menus to disable the flash (for when you're in a church or museum, for example), this automatic exposure program is an easy one step process.

I continue to be impressed by how Nikon designs its products. Unlike other camera companies, Nikon does not cripple its lower end products by hardwiring limits to high end components. It assembles the best components it has to come up with a complete camera to meet a particular price point. For example, all of Nikon's dSLR cameras today have 2.5" LCDs from their most expensive to their entry level dSLR. Also, the D40x shares the D80's 10.2MP resolution and matches the D80's 3 frames per second performance. Nice.

So why would you buy the D40x instead of the D40? For the higher resolution (10.2MP vs 6.1MP), higher frame rate (3fps vs 2.5fps) and lower starting ISO (100 vs 200). That's it! If you crop your photos a lot, the D40x is what you want. Otherwise, the D40 should suit you just fine.

What do you give up by not going up to the D80? The D80's top LCD, main LCD cover, second command wheel, flash commander mode, depth of field preview button, high speed flash sync, less focus areas, continuous AF engine, and on-demand viewfinder gridlines. Also, only AF-S lenses will have all functions work with the D40x while all AF lenses will work with the D80. Will you miss these features of the D80 by going to a D40x? It depends on the photographer. Ninety percent of photographers will be perfectly happy with the D40x while more advanced/serious photographers will want the D80 or more.

Lots to love about the D40x. Nikon's image quality, as expected, shines through. And ergonomics are top notch. The D40x is Nikon's smallest and lightest dSLR but it manages to feel substantial and solidly built. I would highly recommend this camera. Good luck!

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!

Overview: A phenomenal digital camera from a world-class manufacturer. Rich feature set, light-weight, fairly easy to operate. Despite being sold in Target, Costco and other big box stores, not for the novice.

***Cons:*** You can read about the many, many great features of this camera. I'll point out a few of the "gotcha" factors.

*** Not for a novice.*** This is not the best camera to buy for a novice or someone who wants to shoot snapshots. Even though this camera is now sold at big-box discounters like Target and Costco, it is not a camera for the rank amateur. First, compared to "pocket" digital cameras, the D40x is large. It won't fit in your purse or your pocket. Also, at 10.2 megapixels, the file sizes are huge. Most beginners won't have a clue how to deal with a 3-4 megabyte image file. It means that just 20 images is close to 100 megs. Finally, while there is a pretty easy to use "fully automatic" mode, it it seems pretty ridiculous to spend close to $1000 on a camera just to shoot snapshots.

***Tricky lens kits.*** This camera is often sold with 2 lenses. Two lenses sounds like a great deal, but really for most consumers, 2 lenses is more a pain than anything. Remember, unless you're planning on hauling a camera bag with you everywhere, you are never going to use the second lens. Typically, neither of the lenses in the 2 lens kits are great all-purpose lenses. Rather you get one each of a sold, but more specialized lens. Sounds like a great deal, but I'd avoid a 2 lens kit and just get the one great all-purpose lens that does the job you need.

That said, the most popular standard lens options are not great. The 18-55mm lens is the cheapest and most popular, but 55mm does not give you much telephoto capacity, so I'd avoid this lens. The 55-200mm lens sounds great, but keep in mind that a 55mm lens is not wide angle. A 55mm lens is not nearly a wide enough angle lens for travel photography, to take big landscapes, to shoot large buildings, or even large groups of people at the dinner table. The best single all purpose lenses are the less frequently seen 18-135mm (best value) or the 18-200mm (expensive but great). The 18-135mm at about $240 gives you the great 18mm wide angle you need for snap shots and is a "fast" enough lens to let you shoot indoors with no flash. And the 135mm telephoto is enough for most people to shoot the kids playing soccer from across the field. If you have the bucks, then spend upwards of $750 for the 18-200mm, and get the best all-purpose lens you can get for the D40x. You'll pay more for that lens than the camera body itself.

When you're ready to add a second lens, get the 70-300mm is a great telephoto choice, but no wide angle – this would be a great second lens.

***Won't work with your old Auto-focus Lenses.*** Almost every older Nikon lens will work with the D40x, but most old auto-focus lenses will only work in manual focus mode.

***No LCD Protection.*** There is no plastic LCD screen protector cover, unlike the Nikon D200 and other models. That's a shame, because you'd hate to scratch your nice LCD screen. Look for a product called "Camera Armor", it's terrific. You get a great screen protector and a custom made rubber housing that fits over the camera like a glove.

***Pros:*** Well, this is a great camera and at a great price. The D40x has everything you want out of an SLR camera -- it has a real natural "film camera" feel. Enjoy it.

Extraordinary Nikon Image Quality The D40x's high-resolution image quality is made possible by Nikon's high-performance 10.2 effective megapixel Nikon DX format CCD imaging sensor and exclusive Nikon image-processing engine, assuring stunning sharpness and color.

Nikon's Smallest Digital SLR Ever! Beautifully styled, the D40x makes high-performance digital SLR photography easier and more convenient than ever.You'll be amazed at the power packed into a camera that weighs just over 16 ounces.

High-Performance 10.2 Megapixel Nikon DX Format CCD Imaging Sensor Nikon’s DX Format CCD image sensor delivers vivid color and sharp detail, great for making beautifully detailed enlargements of 24 x 36 inches and beyond. High resolution also provides room for creative cropping.

Fast Startup with Instant Shutter Response A fast 0.18 second startup combined with split-second shutter response and rapid-action shooting at up to 3 frames per second makes it easy to freeze special moments instantly.

Shoot at up to 3 Frames per Second The D40x can fire continuously at a speed of up to 3 frames per second, capturing high-quality action sequences of children in sporting activities such as soccer, baseball and much more.

2.5-Inch, 230,000-Dot Color LCD Monitor with 170-Degree Wide-Angle Viewing Playback images are easy to see and function menus are easier to use with a larger and brighter color LCD monitor. The large 2.5-inch LCD monitor enables image preview at up to 19 times magnification and has large type fonts with easy-to-view menus.

3 Colorful Display Options All new display options: Classic, Graphic and Wallpaper. Carefully designed color schemes help make changing camera settings easier than ever.

Built-in Speedlight with i-TTL Automatic Flash Control Nikon's innovative i-TTL flash control evaluates flash exposure with incredible precision to achieve better automatic flash balance and deliver outstanding results. The built-in Speedlight is always at the ready and brings beautiful exposures in darkened conditions, as well as adding sparkle for fill flash in outdoor situations for enhanced twilight shots or an added impact to daylight images. In low-light or back-light situations, added illumination from the built-in Speedlight can make the difference between an average snapshot and a dazzling picture.

8 Digital-Vari Program Automatic Shooting Modes Eight Digital Vari-Program Modes include: Auto Flash-OFF, Portrait, Landscape, Child, Sports, Close Up and Night Portrait; each of which adjusts automatically for optimal results for everyday shooting situations. Each mode considers lighting conditions and possibilities, aperture, shutter speed, white balance, hue, tone, sharpening and more to make creative photography as simple as rotating the mode dial.

In-Camera Image Editing Highly versatile in-camera editing features through the Retouch Menu include Nikon D-Lighting, Red-Eye Correction, Image Trim, Image Overlay, Monochrome (Black and White, Sepia and Cyanotype) along with Skylight, Warm Tone and Color Balance filter effects. This provides greater creative freedom without the need for a computer, for those who prefer to send pictures directly to a printer.