Nikon D40X

The Nikon D40X is a DSLR that is sure to be popular with entry level DSLR buyers. It's an update of the previously popular D40 and features a 10.2 megapixel DX CCD sensor (the D40 was 6MP), ISO of 100 to 1600 (extendable to 3200), burst mode of 3 frames per second and a 2.5 inch LCD screen (230,000 pixels).

Apart from the larger megapixel count, extended ISO range and increase burst mode it's largely the same as the D40.

The Nikon D40X measures 126.0 x 94.0 x 64.0mm and weighs 481 grams.

The Nikon D40X will have a retail price of $729.95 USD when it ships in April. Alternatively you can bundle it with a 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED II AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor lens for $799.95 USD.

Get a Price on the Nikon D40x

NIKON INTRODUCES THE D40x - A NEW 10.2 MEGAPIXEL VERSION OF ITS SMALLEST AND EASIEST-TO-USE DIGITAL SLR CAMERA

MELVILLE, NY, MARCH 5, 2007 – Nikon today introduced the new D40x digital SLR camera that is designed to allow users to take spectacular photographs with very high-resolution at the touch of a button. The D40x maintains the same compact size, portability and ease-of-use as its already successful sister camera, the D40, and adds features like higher 10.2 megapixel resolution, faster continuous shooting capability and wider ISO sensitivity. Digital SLR cameras are the tool of choice among the majority of professional photographers but 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 D40 has become a runaway success for Nikon because it effectively addresses so many of the concerns shared by those who take pictures to preserve family memories and for all-around fun. The D40 and the new D40x eliminate common annoyances such as shutter lag and inaccurate viewfinders, while answering our customers’ needs for superb image quality, fast handling, compactness and, most important of all, simplicity. Now with the D40x, anyone has the choice of higher resolution so they can do even more with their pictures,” said Edward Fasano, general manager for Marketing, SLR System Products at Nikon Inc. “Whether people want to make poster-sized prints or make special enlargements from a smaller (cropped) area of a picture, the D40x can produce images that have superb clarity, outstanding detail and vibrant colors. Even regular 4x6 inch prints, and pictures reduced in size for e-mailing, are visibly better when captured with a more capable camera”.

The Nikon D40x is able to capture special moments instantly, virtually eliminating the frustrations of shutter delay typically associated with point-and-shoot digital cameras. The D40x powers-up in a near-instant 0.18 second and can shoot up to 3 pictures per second, non-stop for up to 100 shots. With such great speed, you’ll never need to wait for the camera to get ready for the next shot. The camera reacts instantly when the shutter button is pressed ensuring you never miss a special moment. The images are immediately recorded to the camera's SD memory card.

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.

The increased image sensor capacity of the D40x isn’t its only advantage. In addition to shooting three consecutive shots per second (versus 2.5 pictures per second with the D40), the D40x also features design efficiencies that allows up to 520** images per charge) and wider ISO sensitivity of 100-1600, plus HI-1 (200-1600 plus HI-1 for the D40).

The back of the D40x is dominated by a refreshingly large and bright 2.5-inch color LCD screen that displays everything from menu options, pictures in playback mode and Nikon’s new visually-intuitive information display system that presents camera and shooting information in a user-friendly, graphically represented way. The camera also features a built-in help menu that can be accessed at the touch of a button and new Assist Images that help you select appropriate settings for many camera features by displaying a sample image typical of that setting.

The D40x’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.

The D40x’s new 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 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.

For flash photography of subjects at greater distances, the light and ultra-compact SB-400 Speedlight proves to be a perfect companion to the D40x, providing a simple solution for adding more power and bounce flash capability. Keeping with the D40x’s remarkable ease of use the, SB-400 Speedlight is as simple as sliding it on, turning it on and shooting.

The D40x will be available throughout the United States beginning April 2007 for an estimated selling price of $729.95* for body only or $799.95*, packaged with the 3X zoom 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED II AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor lens. For more information, please visit www.nikondigital.com.

Nikon D40X Reviews

PopPhoto has a review of the Nikon D40x and writes, "Even with combined RAW + Basic JPEG capture, the biggest gulp of data the camera can make, you can take a shot about once a second. So expect to get the shot when you want it. The economy-model status of the D40x doesn't show in picture quality, either. At ISO 100, the D40x turned in an average resolution of 2075 lines, slightly behind the Nikon D80 and Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi. ... So if you want a tougher camera, or if you have a bagful of older Nikon AF lenses, spend $925 (street, body only) for a D80. If not, the D40x provides the best imaging performance for the buck you can get in a 10MP camera. Expect long lines at the camera store."

Photography Press has a review of the Nikon D40x and writes, "The image quality, handling, responsiveness and features strike the same great balance for its target market as on the D40 but, I for one don’t feel the extra £100 for the higher resolving sensor makes total sense for you, the buying public. Yes, it means Nikon has a camera that can go head to head with Canon’s EOS 400D, but this is more a marketing ploy than trying to bring a better product to market for the photographer. But to be fair, just like the D40, the D40x is a slightly more expensive but still excellent D-SLR for the first time D-SLR buyer on a more modest budget and for those that feel they really do need the extra resolution over the D40. It’s compact and lightweight too, and ultimately an excellent choice."

PixInfo has a review of the Nikon D40X and writes, "The Nikon D40X is the next logical step from Nikon. They have had the well designed and successful body of the Nikon D40, and had the proven sensor from the D80. By putting them together they could easily cover the gap between their entry level low resolution DSLR and the semi professional Nikon D80. Those who are happy with the 6 megapixel resolution can choose the Nikon D40, while the megapixel maniacs can go for the new Nikon D40X. The D40X corrects some of the problems we have seen at it's smaller sibling (sensitivity to infra red and moiré), while keeps the same body with the limited number of buttons and the lack of automatic dust removal system. Honestly, we would have expected a few extra features over the higher resolution to justify the higher price tag, but this camera is not bad either."

Trusted Reviews has a review of the Nikon D40x and writes, "Of course the key criterion for a digital SLR is image quality, and here the D40x really shines. The 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED II lens is significantly better than the lens supplied with the EOS 400D, and combined with the improved image processing of the D40x it provides a fantastic level of fine detail, superb contrast and flawless colour reproduction. ... In the D40x Nikon may finally have got the entry-level DSLR that can give Canon a run for its money while holding off Sony’s advance. It is, by an admittedly narrow margin, a better camera than the EOS 400D in many respects, including the crucial area of overall image quality. It is easy to use, has Nikon’s traditional fantastic build quality, and performs superbly well. If you’re looking for an SLR for under £500 the D40x should be near the top of your list."

Thom Hogan has a review of the Nikon D40x and writes, "the D40x does a bit better than the D80 in the noise department, apparently due to slightly more aggressive noise reduction, as the level of detail is slightly lower at ISO 1600 on the D40x than it is on the D80. But again, ISO 100 to 1600 produced very usable images. ... The D40x retains all the things that are likeable about the D40 and gives you a 10mp sensor that produces images that are arguably slightly better than the D80 can produce (at least for JPEG files). You pay for that extra resolution two ways: extra dollars up front and reduced flash flexibility due to the all-mechanical shutter. I don't expect to use my D80 much any more with the D40x being smaller and lighter. But someone with older AF lenses or who needs one of the D80's additional features might choose differently."

ePhotoZine has a review of the Nikon D40x and writes, "While the D40x lacks some of the more sophisticated options of bigger cameras, it's certainly well specified in the budget market and readily capable of taking on the Canon EOS 400D. ... While the shooting speed of the camera is a long way off the marketing claims, with just modest performance, it's the ease of use of the camera and the results that count the most in this marketplace. On that score, the D40x is easy to pick up and start shooting with because the more advanced functions are kept out of the way initially, and the results, while lacking a great deal of sharpness thanks to the kit lens, are generally pleasing."

CNET has a review of the Nikon D40x and writes, "Nikon's D40x is a very impressive camera. While not quite as fast as the Canon Rebel XT, it does offer a higher resolution, though the Rebel is less expensive. If you're considering the D40x with the 18mm-135mm kit lens, and you've shot with an SLR before, you'll probably prefer the control system of the D80, which also includes a coupling pin, so you can use it with older Nikon AF lenses and retain the autofocus capability. If you're stepping up to your first dSLR and don't have a stash of old lenses, the D40x is a good choice. ... The Nikon D40x makes a very nice first dSLR, though experienced SLR shooters looking for a Nikon should spend the extra cash for the D80."

Wired Blogs has a review of the Nikon D40x and writes, "This 10.2-megapixel model has one of the smartest automatic modes we've seen, including accurate measurement of often trouble-prone areas such as ISO setting and white balance. Image quality is top-notch, with great detail and minimal noise even at high ISO settings."

Camera Labs has a review of the Nikon D40x and writes, "If you’re a beginner or buying your first DSLR, the D40x is a much friendlier proposition. It guides you along while featuring a superb metering system which is rarely fooled. It’s definitely the better 10 Megapixel DSLR for beginners, but more experienced photographers will almost certainly prefer using the Canon or Sony – although it has to be said if you’re after even greater sophistication, the Nikon D80 is comfortably better still. So ultimately if you’re a beginner who loved the D40 but wished it had higher resolution, then go for the D40x. If however you want a technically more sophisticated DSLR for roughly the same money, then the Canon 400D / XTi and Sony A100 have more going for them, although if you can stretch a little further, Nikon’s own D80 offers even more still."

The Age has a review of the Nikon D40X and writes, "The essential functions are generally good: fast and accurate auto-focus (but only with lenses that have an inbuilt focus motor), perfect exposure and wide dynamic range. The auto white balance leaves something to be desired and there is no dedicated white balance button on the camera body but the Function button can be programmed for white balance. This model feels as fast and responsive as the more expensive Nikons. ... Are those extra pixels worth the $400? Six million pixels will produce A3 prints; 10 million give room for cropping without loss of resolution. Compared to the competition this model offers a lot for the money."

Let's Go Digital has a review of the Nikon D40x and writes, "the Nikon D40x is a very fine and smart DSLR camera that offers a lot of quality for a low price. The D40 camera was welcomed enthusiastically and quickly left its competition behind. The different camera reviews almost always showed a positive conclusion, also with our DIWA colleagues, who awarded the D40 with a DIWA Gold Award nearly unanimously. Because the Nikon D40x is identical to the D40, I expect again a big success for this model. Once more, Nikon shows what its good at. The production of a serious SLR camera with an excellent image quality, but not forgetting what it's all about: hassle free and pleasant photographing for everyone. For these reasons, the Nikon D40x is absolutely highly recommended!"

DPExpert has a review of the Nikon D40X and writes, "The essential functions are generally good: fast and accurate auto-focus (but only with lenses that have an inbuilt focus motor); perfect exposure and wide dynamic range. The auto white balance leaves something to be desired and there is no dedicated white balance button on the camera body but the Function button can be programmed for white balance. The D40X feels as fast and responsive as the more expensive Nikons. Even the viewfinder, which uses mirrors rather than a prism, is large and bright. The LCD review screen is brilliant but it doesn’t come with Nikon’s customary clear plastic protector. The D40X shares its image processor with the D80 and D200. Image quality is excellent."

SMH.com.au has a review of the Nikon D40X and writes, "The essential functions are generally good: fast and accurate auto-focus (but only with lenses that have an inbuilt focus motor), perfect exposure and wide dynamic range. The auto white balance leaves something to be desired and there is no dedicated white balance button on the camera body but the Function button can be programmed for white balance. This model feels as fast and responsive as the more expensive Nikons. ... Are those extra pixels worth the $400? Six million pixels will produce A3 prints; 10 million give room for cropping without loss of resolution. Compared to the competition this model offers a lot for the money."

DPReview has a review of the Nikon D40X and writes, " Handling aside, everything else that I said about the D40 remains true with the D40X. Good image processing ekes about as much detail out of the image as heavier RAW conversion can, although the limits of the smaller photosites become clear at higher sensitivities, and good dynamic range means softer roll-offs in highlights - and more likelihood of getting a nice blue sky in a landscape shot. So in conclusion, the D40X really is just as good as the D40, with the added benefit of a little bit more resolution and slightly faster continuous shooting."

DCResource has a review of the Nikon D40x and writes, "Photo quality was very good, though I'd tweak a few settings if I owned the camera. The D40x took well-exposed photos, with extremely vivid colors (which I'd want to tone down). Images are a bit soft -- typical of a D-SLR -- and if you agree you may want to adjust the in-camera sharpening. Purple fringing will vary depending on what lens you're using, and I noticed it on both the 18-55 and 55-200 lenses that I tested. Redeye wasn't a problem, but if it was, you could use the tool in the camera's playback mode to remove it. ... If you're ready to enter the world of digital SLRs, the Nikon D40x is a great way to do it. It offers a compact, portable body, great performance and photo quality, and a really user friendly interface. I wouldn't write off the original D40 either -- it offers the same features, just with fewer pixels and slightly weaker performance, for around $200 less."

Imaging Resource has a review of the Nikon D40x and writes, "It's the Nikon D40x's excellent image quality that makes recommending this little digital SLR so easy. See the Exposure and Optics tabs for the detailed breakdown. I'm most impressed that they were able to improve on the D40's already stellar high ISO performance. Hoping to catch my son napping in the afternoon this week like I did when I reviewed the D40 last Fall, I instead found him up and watching a movie with his brother. It was a good moment, so I pressed the Function button to select ISO 1,600, extended the 18-135mm lens to 75mm, and snapped off a few shots handheld. It's no great art, but it's a cute picture of two brothers cooling off on the futon after playing one hot Summer afternoon. This is just the kind of photo most D40x owners want from their new camera: a candid indoor shot without flash. It's a little soft and grainy, but still natural looking."

DCViews has a review of the Nikon D40x and writes, "Why Nikon decided to release this upgrade so soon we can only guess, but rumour has it that the immensely popular Canon 400D might have played a role here. The new D40x - on paper at least - is meant to face the competition head on, with matching features to the Canon bar the anti-dust function. Whether it succeeds in surpassing the 400D however only time will tell, but current owners of the older camera do not have to trade in their D40 for the D40X just for a few megapixels more, as we found no significant change in image quality or performance. Both cameras are equally good and highly recommended in our view and their full compatibility with Windows Vista only adds to their appeal."

ThinkCamera has a review of the Nikon D40x and writes, "Nikon's D40x takes great pictures, there are plenty of controls and it comes in at a terrific price. However, it's essentially a D40 with more megapixels (one could say almost the same of the Canon 400D, too). More isn't necessarily better; unless you print large or crop heavily, you may as well save yourself the £100 difference and go for the D40. That aside, if you pick up a D40x then you'll be happy with the results."

DigitalCameraReview has a review of the Nikon D40x and writes, "Focus speed is a bit slower than the pro and semi-pro Nikons, but not bad at all. Shutter performance isn’t quite as quick, but also not bad. Image quality is first rate with the kit lens and there are a bunch of fully compatible Nikon lenses to expand out from the 18-55mm focal range of the kit lens; the camera can be had as a body only if you don’t care for the 18-55. Colors are rich at default settings and there are a bunch of internal image optimizing settings to tweak the color if default is not your cup of tea. There’s a decent continuous shooting capability, and ISO performance is good. Folks moving into a DSLR from a P&S will feel right at home with the auto and scene program modes. I haven’t shot other entry-level DSLRs, but after living with the D40x for about three weeks I’d be very surprised if it doesn’t hold its own with the competition. At the entry level, this camera does a lot of things very well."

PCWorld has a review of the Nikon D40x and writes, T"he camera's image quality is superb, especially from ISO 100 to ISO 800; color noise increases when you shoot at ISO 1600 or 3200, but that's a normal trait of digital SLRs in this price range. Noise became most evident when we used zooming or printed images out at sizes larger than 11 inches by 17 inches. ... The D40x's only downsides will seem minor to most inexperienced digital SLR users."

Megapixel reviews the Nikon D40X and writes - "Clearly, any serious amateur photographer searching for a general-purpose camera that is both compact and economical should inspect the D40x. Barely more expensive than a number of bridge cameras, it offers greater flexibility and is only marginally bigger."

Get a Price on the Nikon D40x

Posted by Darren in our Nikon category on March 06, 2007

Comments

Love it! Second body, here we come, happy to manually focus all my non afs lenses, have to get the Katzeye screen upgrade. for this... Bring it!

Posted by: Big Bad Benny at March 9, 2007 06:36 PM

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