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July 17, 2007

Nikon D40x digital SLR camera

The Nikon D40x is a mid-range digital SLR camera from Nikon that updates its acclaimed predecessor, the Nikon D40.

There were furrowed brows at the launch of Nikon's latest consumer level DSLR, not least among its UK employees. Concern centred on the Nikon D40x's flouting of the product-naming convention that sensibly suggests a new model should be identifiably different to its predecessor. The natural assumption here was that this was a rush-released upgrade to the Nikon D40.

Not so, Nikon apologetically explained, the Nikon D40x is a new model in its own right that will sit between the entry-level and still-current Nikon D40 and the enthusiast-targeted and pricier Nikon D80.

We have only one thing to thank for the Nikon D40x being a potentially customer-confusing move – Nikon's desire to increase its share of the lucrative D-SLR market (the fastest growing photography sector).

So what exactly is the Nikon D40x's 'x' factor? Outwardly there are few clues, with, badge aside, diminutive dimensions and a control layout identical to its near-namesake. Inside is where the differences start, most importantly its internal chip (or CCD) now offers an extra four million pixels to raise the D40x's resolution to a competitive 10Mp (importantly the same as that provided by Canon's best-selling Canon EOS-400D).

The Nikon D40 boasted 'only' 6Mp, but still largely bettered the performance of its higher-priced 10Mp rivals, so the suspicion here is that the extra pixels in the Nikon D40x serve only to add numbers to the packaging. For, despite the fact that lens quality and internal processor have equally important roles to play, pixel count is still king when it comes to making a sale.

Where the Nikon D40 offered a camera that delivered the best possible results for the minimum effort, offering best quality RAW and jpeg capture alongside regular jpeg, the Nikon D40x maintains that user friendliness, upping continuous shooting speed for capturing action from 2.5fps to three - an improvement so slight as to be literally blink-and-you'll-miss-it. Battery life is also now good for up to 520 single shots or 2,000 continuous images.

You also get the choice of three styles of shooting information display via the high-resolution 2.5in LCD: classic, graphic or wallpaper; the former being the least fussy and so easiest to read in a hurry. This is automatically displayed by the Nikon D40x on start-up and can be quickly recalled to check your settings with a press of the 'info' button behind the main shutter, itself handily encircled by the on/off switch.

There's also a familiar mode-dial atop the Nikon D40x with access to eight pre-optimised settings that allow you to merely point and shoot to begin with, and then switch to the grown-up likes of program, aperture priority, shutter priority and manual modes as your confidence grows.

The same 18-55mm (3x zoom) kit lens is bundled with the Nikon D40x as the plain old Nikon D40, which, in the absence of an optical image stabilisation or built-in antishake, threatens the odd blurry shot at maximum telephoto. The Nikon D40x is an adequate all-rounder that still manages to better most of its rivals' alternatives in this price bracket, even if those with deeper pockets will want to upgrade or supplement it at some point in the near future. Luckily Nikon has just introduced a 55-200mm VR (Vibration Reduction) lens at £249 for those who do.

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Independent customer reviews from

Nikon D40x scored:
9.1 out of 10 100% real reviews

The 2 most helpful reviews based on 376 reviews:

10 Mar 2008 Martin, Bath, England.

9

Good Points

So easy to use, No risk if you buy this Nikon. I have read loads of online reviews & magazines before buying this camera for my wifes birthday, and it Just does what it says on the can. Just make sure you shop around for the best deal. Prices for this camera do come with big differences. Also check with the nikon web site for cash back deals as well.This is my own personal view, but i do not think it is worth spending extra money on the Nikon D 40X, I have friend who has bought this upgrade but we both say you can't tell the diffrence between my 6 mil pixcells and his 10 mil pixcells.

Bad Points

I think Nikon's range of camera bags are very limited / poor,i could not find a a good nikon case for this camera which suited. Shame i had to buy a unbranded product to put this D40 in.

24 Jan 2007 Rob, Lancashire

9

Good Points

Easy to use - in fact, my wife fell in love with it on our recent holiday and ended up taking most of the pictures! But still has enough 'advanced' features for all but the most hardened professional. Image quality excellent with the kit lens, impressive performance at low light levels. A major step up from a compact digital. Overall, I'm glad I bought it.

Bad Points

A little bulky to carry around, but all SLRs have that problem. This is outweighed by the fact that people are impressed by your abilities as a photographer (even if you don't have any!)

See more Nikon D40x reviews on Reevoo.com

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User Reviews

Friday, 27 July 2007

Reviewed by Steele66

Star Rating: rating of 5

Duration of ownership: 6 weeks

Strengths:
I am a first time slr user and I am very impressed with this camera. I find it easy to use and the quality is very good.

Weaknesses:
I'm not sure there is any.

Overall Evaluation:
Great value for the money.

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Total reviews: 4,313

  • www.nikon.co.uk
  • 0845 450 0155
  • Nikon
  • £499 inc VAT
  • £599 when bought with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED II AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor lens standard kit lens

See product specs

expert rating

Build quality

4.5/5

Features

4.5/5

Value for money

4/5

Overall

4.5/5

expert rating

PC Advisor Reader Ratings

5/5

Nikon D40x digital SLR camera

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