Nikon's entry level stunner (Nikon D40x)

Name: JJJJ

Hello doyoo user, You have to be logged in to use these functions... Login or register Close window

Send message to member

Product:	Nikon D40x
Date:	07/09/08 (68 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Picture Quality, ease of use

Disadvantages: No lens autofocus motor

The D40x is an updated version of Nikon's D40. The main differences being the increase from 6 to 10 megapixels, and the ability to shoot at 3 frames per second (compared to the D40's 2.5). There's also an increase in base sensitivity from iso 100 to iso 200.

Whilst not being a major upgrade - the D40x's increase in megapixels at least provides a useful addition to Nikon's entry level DSLR.

The images the D40x is capable of taking can be quite superb - this is especially noticeable if you've just upgraded from a compact camera. The 'auto' mode, which sets shutter speed, aperture and ISO for you, compensates for exposure / white balance in an extremely accurate manner, and can be used if you're overwhelmed with the multitude of options a camera of this type has.

Noise levels are very low at iso 100-400, and even images taken at iso 1600 are more than useable. There is also a 'HI' iso setting which is equivalent to iso 3200 for use in low light situations, but this can be very grainy.

There are a couple of downsides (which were also present with the D40) - firstly, the D40x doesn't have an internal focus motor - which means older lenses won't be able to autofocus when used with this camera. And secondly, the camera only features a 3-point autofocus system (many newer SLR's have over 10).

It's an extremely well designed and fun camera to use, and although the main body is plastic, it's strong and can withstand knocks and bumps. As SLR's go, it's small, lightweight and comfortable to hold, which makes it a joy to use and a very versatile machine.

There are many lenses compatible with the D40x, but as I mentioned earlier, only some allow the use of autofocus - these are the ones with 'AF-I and AF-S ' in their titles. Lenses designated 'AF, AF-D, AF-G, or AF-N' will still work, but will be manual focus only.

The newer 'VR' (vibration reduction) lenses have anti-shake built in - this can prevent blurring at longer focal lengths, and is a very useful addition when shooting in murky conditions.

For the DSLR novice - right through to more experienced users, I would highly recommend this camera - along with the slightly older D40, due to it's fantastic image quality and ease of use.

In Summary, the D40x features:

Maximum resolution: 3,008 × 2,000
Shutter speed range 1/4000 to 30 seconds, bulb
Exposure Metering: 420 segment color meter
Exposure Modes: Manual, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, Program and preset settings: Auto, Portrait, Landscape, Child, Sports, Macro, and Night Portrait
Focus modes: autofocus: single (AF-S); continuous (AF-C); auto selection (AF-A); Manual
ISO range: ISO 100-1600, ISO 3200 in high mode
Rear LCD monitor: 2.5″, TFT, 230,000 pixel, 170° angle of view
Storage: Secure Digital, SDHC up to 4GB
Battery: 1,000 mAh lithium-ion EN-EL9
Weight: 475 g (16.8 ounces) without battery, 126 × 94 × 64mm (5.0 × 3.7 × 2.5 in.)

A great product - 4/5

Summary: Excellent all-rounder

Processing/Quality:
Reliability:
Ease of use:
Features:
Picture quality: