Nikon D40x

Nikon D40x features:

• 10.2 megapixel
• 2.5-inch LCD
• 3D color Matrix Metering II
• 0.18-sec. power-up
• Continuous shooting rate of 3fps
• Built-in flash
• In-camera editing

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Read More Reviews - (updated 22 July’08)

Gnyman reviews the Nikon D40X and they write -
“The function “bracketing” does not exist for the D40x. This is sometimes resulting in slightly overexposed images, images, which need a one-step exposure decrease to come out more brilliant and less washed-out. Not always, but there are certain scenes, which the camera did not deal well with. I include some of these scenes that the reader can see what I mean. One point, which was quiet clearly criticized by DPReview in their D40 review, was the white balance performance in automatic mode and incandescent light. I agree - the auto white balancing for incandescent light is not really good - neither on the D40 nor on the D40x. One should use the preprogrammed setting for that color temperature if the warmish and rather pinkish color rendition is an issue.”

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WindowsPhotoStory reviews the Nikon D40X and they write -
“The Nikon D40X is an incredible value and very easy to use for a beginner, but you know you will not be limited should you choose to get more involved with your shots.

The D40X is the best of digital and traditional cameras combined. While using the camera, you think a lot less about what you need to do to get the right shot, and more about your subject. The camera takes care of the rest. Full auto mode is a dream. Just point and shoot. In most lighting conditions, this camera will set the aperture and shutterspeed settings to be just right with respect to the subject and ambient light. I took several hundred pictures using this mode, and was extremely happy with the results.”

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Photography Review - 12 March’08 - reviews the Nikon D40X and felt it would make the perfect backup camera. Here is a summary of their review -
“For such an inexpensive camera the D40x performs like a pro. Features that distinguish it are the quality of its images, high ISO performance, D-Lighting in-camera image processing, and a built in help system that is second to none. The reviewer regularly shoots with the D70 and D200 and she commented the quality of photos of the D40x were comparable.”

PCWorld - 04 February’08 - reviews the Nikon D40X and did not like the lack of exposure bracketing. Here is a summary of their review -
“Nikon really blew it by not include a depth of field preview considering it is a very important photographic tool. Picture quality was nothing less than outstanding, even using ISO settings up to 800. Bottom line - for all its power and sophistication this is one small and easy to handle camera.”

DigicamReview - 03 January’08 - reviews the Nikon D40X and struggled a little accessing the menu system options. Here is a summary of their review -
“For a camera with outstanding image quality and super fast performance Nikon should have made the menu system a little easier to navigate. Trying to get to custom white balance and sharpening features just takes too long and make shooting feel a little awkward. It also lacks lacks exposure compensation bracketing, which by the way most other DSLRs, and even smaller point-and-shoot compact cameras have. If you’re looking for more cutting edge features you probably won’t be satisfied with the D40x.”

Steves Digicams - 30 December’07 - reviews the Nikon D40X and really appreciated its fast performance and spot on image quality. Here is a summation of their review conclusion -
“Two items that hold this camera back are: 1. To access additional custom menus Nikon has made it necessary to go into the setup menu to unlock them. 2. For whatever reason the camera arrives with the file number sequence is factory set to off. Which means that every time you dump your image card the camera starts back at 1.”

WhatDigitalCamera - 24 November’07 - reviews the Nikon D40X and was very impressed how easy it was to scroll through your pictures, even if there were a large number of them. Here is an excerpt from their review verdict -
“The newcomer may have 4 million pixels more, but this isn’t enough to make it a ‘better’ camera; what it gains in resolution it loses in picture quality, which only serves to balance the tally sheet. It ultimately seems that the D40x is trying to be ‘forced’ into a gap in the market that doesn’t currently exist. While it is by no means a bad camera I’d still say that if you want a straightforward entry-level DSLR save yourself a few quid and get a D40. On the other hand, if you want a 10mp sensor, save a bit more and go for the D80 – the overall improvements justify the additional cost.”

PhotographyBlog - 07 November’07 - reviews the Nikon D40X and felt that this camera was less appealing than the Canon Digital Rebel XTi / 400D and the Sony A100. Here is an excerpt from their review conclusion -
“The all-plastic body and 18-55mm kit lens don’t initially inspire that much confidence, although they are fine in actual use, and there are a number of missing features that more experienced photographers will regret not having, such as depth of field preview. The typical D40x user shouldn’t worry too much, though, unless you are already whole-heartedly committing yourself to the Nikon system, in which case the more expensive D80 would be more suitable. Ultimately the Nikon D40x provides almost everything that most photographers need in a camera (digital or otherwise), whilst delivering great ease of use, responsive performance and very impressive image quality.”

Megapixel - 09 October’07 - reviews the Nikon D40X and appreciated the fact that Nikon chose to start the cameras ISO at 100 rather than 200 which is the case with the D40.;
“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.”

CEN - 27 September’07 - reviews the Nikon D40X and writes;
“As I said from the start, this isn’t your usual DSLR camera review, but one told from a completely green photographer. I feel the D40x (and by default the D40) is a great camera that is easy-to-use. I recommend using the Nikon School DVDs, along with the Magic Lantern D40 DVD (and book), which covers the controls, menus and other features to the camera. When you start to feel more comfortable, I recommend using full manual settings.”

Shutterbug has reviewed the Nikon D40x and writes;
“In assigning this camera the D40 moniker Nikon has basically stated that it carries the same features and functions of its highly successful sibling, albeit with a twist. That twist in the D40x is a 10.2-megapixel chip. Now that we have 12-megapixel digicams (integral lens cameras) battling the megapixel wars, a D-SLR has to be able to compete with no shutter lag, a range of lenses, additional accessory lighting options, and the fit and finish of a higher caliber camera. While the D40x lacks full compatibility with many Nikon lenses, still has no depth of field preview, and lacks multiple raw+JPEG options, it is a fine, lightweight traveling companion that delivers excellent images in the 11×14 to 13×19 print range. This begs the question is the D40x a bow to the pressures of the megapixel race in a beginner D-SLR body, or is it an advanced amateur D-SLR mainly due to the fact that it now has a 10+ megapixel sensor? The answer from this corner is that it seems a bit of both.”

ThinkCamera has tested 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.

Digital Camera Review has tested the Nikon D40x and writes;
After shooting a D2X with a D200 as my second body for quite some time now, I was curious how the D40x would strike me in comparison. The answer is, it’s a great little camera!

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.

MacWorld has tested the Nikon D40x and was disappointed that Nikon chose to leave off exposure bracketing and that they did not provide a depth of field preview. Another comment was that all the D40x’s competitors have incorporated dust reduction systems and again Nikon chose to leave this feature off.

Bottom Line: In camera D-lighting, cropping and image overlay make the D40x one fun camera to use.

Read the Full Review »

Consumers Electronic - 7/22/ 2007 - reviews the Nikon D40x and offers a different perspective in that the entire review is from a filmaker and writer, in other words a non-professional camera reviewer. The reviewer liked the D40x and thought it was a great camera and most of all it was really easy to use. The camera can handle everything from harsh sunlight, multiple colors, and even shade, all-in-all it’s pretty hard to fool the Nikon sensor. Bottom line: Great camera but pick up a camera training DVD so you can learn all the neat functions without having to muddle through the owners manual.

Read the Full Review »

DC Views - 7/17/2007 - has reviewed 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.”

Imaging Resource - 7/16/2007 - has reviewed the Nikon D40x and writes, “No matter how you look at it, the Nikon D40 stands up well against the competition, with great image quality at all speeds, and near-perfect utility as a family camera. Its very fun to use, polite, attractive, and well-built; just the kind of companion you want to have along on your next family outing. The Nikon D40x doesn’t really obsolete the D40, which we continue to recommend strongly, but it’s a little better in just a few key areas, which is high praise indeed.”

What Digital Camera - 7/15/2007 - has reviewed the Nikon D40x and here’s the verdict, “The newcomer may have 4 million pixels more, but this isn’t enough to make it a ‘better’ camera; what it gains in resolution it loses in picture quality, which only serves to balance the tally sheet. It ultimately seems that the D40x is trying to be ‘forced’ into a gap in the market that doesn’t currently exist. While it is by no means a bad camera I’d still say that if you want a straightforward entry-level DSLR save yourself a few quid and get a D40. On the other hand, if you want a 10mp sensor, save a bit more and go for the D80 – the overall improvements justify the additional cost.”

Personal Computer World - 7/3/2007 - reviews the Nikon D40x and writes, “A noticeable improvement over the D40 in image quality with no reduction in speed. Its excellent usability makes it ideal for beginners who want the best quality.”

Imaging Resource - 6/29/2007 - reviews the Nikon D40x and writes, “No matter how you look at it, the Nikon D40 stands up well against the competition, with great image quality at all speeds, and near-perfect utility as a family camera. Its very fun to use, polite, attractive, and well-built; just the kind of companion you want to have along on your next family outing. The Nikon D40x doesn’t really obsolete the D40, which we continue to recommend strongly and list as a Dave’s Pick, but it’s a little better in just a few key areas, which is high praise indeed.”

Good Gear Guide - 6/27/2007 - reviews the Nikon D40x and writes, “The design is also basically identical, which is not a bad thing in the slightest. The D40x sits very nicely in the hands and is very comfortable to use. It has the usual jutting right hand grip and rubberised surface which will be familiar to anyone who has used an SLR in the past. Despite being constructed mostly of plastic it feels sturdy and is more than strong enough to take on the road with you.”

DCRP - 6/2/2007 - reviews the Nikon D40x and writes, “First, while the camera supports the RAW image format, Nikon doesn’t really give you any software to work with it, instead forcing you to get Capture NX or Photoshop. Second, and perhaps more importantly, the D40x lacks some of the nice features of other cameras in this class, such as dust reduction, depth-of-field preview, and more than 3 focus points. Next, due to the design of its sensor, the camera has a slower flash sync speed than its predecessor, though I doubt that the typical D40x buyer would notice. Finally, it would’ve been nice had Nikon offered a battery grip for the camera, but I guess you can’t have everything.”

DP Review - 5/28/2007 - reviews the Nikon D40x and writes, “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. But is it enough to take the pole position as the ultimate compact ten megapixel DSLR? That’s harder to say, image quality-wise it’s a dead heat with the EOS 400D (except at high sensitivities); it’s quicker and more comfortable to use, but very slightly less featured, especially if you consider lens compatibility. It would be hard to recommend one over the other and the answer would depend solely on your preferences (I’m calling it a draw).”

Lets Go Digital - 5/18/2007 - reviews the Nikon D40x and writes, “We can be brief; 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!”

DP Expert - 5/17/2007 - reviews the Nikon D40x and writes, “So the question for a would-be buyer is: Are those extra pixels worth the $400? 6 million pixels will produce A3 prints. 10 million give some room for cropping without loss of resolution. By comparison with the competition at this price the D40X offers a lot for the money.”

Camera Labs - 5/15/2007 - reviews the Nikon D40x and writes, “The D40x is certainly a very capable camera, but its higher price point makes you more critical of the weaker aspects inherited from the D40. As such it earns a lower rating than the D40, although still comes Recommended. It’s certainly the friendliest 10 Megapixel DSLR around and one of the best choices for ‘pixel-conscious’ beginners. If you are siding with the D40x as your first DSLR though, do ask yourself if you really need 10 Megapixels. If the honest answer’s ‘No’, then go for the D40 and save yourself some money or spend it on a new lens instead.”

CNET - 5/7/2007 - reviews the 10.2 megapixel Nikon D40x and thought it was occasionally slow to focus. They continue to write, “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.”

ePhotozine - 4/26/2007 - has reviewed the 10.2 megapixel 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. The body is light and compact, but this means that all the functions that would otherwise be on dials etc, are hidden away on menus. The lack of a top-mounted LCD is a drawback because the information that is displayed on the rear LCD never stays there for very long. The help system for the beginner is rather packed away and not immediately accessible. 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.”

ByTom - 4/25/2007 - has a comparison review of the 10.2 megapixel Nikon D40x and the 6 megapixel Nikon D40. They write, “While you get a bit more “performance” from the D40x due to the extra pixels and slightly faster frame rate, it’s not enough to make me give an additional star, especially given the loss of flash sync speed. Likewise, the increase in price for the D40x, while slightly more than justified by the changes, doesn’t warrant losing a full star for the D40x, either. The D40 value rating would be higher, though, if you could get the D40 without the kit lens. Put another way, body only at a lower price I’d give the D40 full marks. It’s likely that at some point in the D40’s lifespan that’ll happen.”

TrustedReviews - 4/17/2007 - has reviewed the 10.2 megapixel Nikon D40x and writes, “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.”

PhotoReview - 4/16/2007 - has reviewed the 10.2 megapixel Nikon D40x and writes, “Potential buyers must decide for themselves whether they really need 10-megapixel resolution from their DSLR because, in terms of image quality, there’s little to choose between the D40 and the D40X. Both cameras are better suited to users with small hands and both cameras would be an excellent choice for photographers upgrading from a digicam to a DSLR. But, if you’ve a suite of older Nikkor lenses you wish to keep using, neither of these cameras is suitable; you’d be better off with a D70s or D80.”

PixInfo - 4/12/2007 - has reviewed the 10.2 megapixel 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.”

Pocket-lint - 4/10/2007 - has reviewed the 10.2 megapixel 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 £150 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.”

CNET Asia - 3/26/2007 - has a first take preview of the 10.2 megapixel Nikon D40x and they write, “Point-and-shoot users who are trading up would be content with the layout of the D40X as there are few new buttons to deal with as opposed to a full-fledged dSLR. However, seasoned pros would hate the fact that it’s clunkier since there are more steps to be taken in order to tweak the settings.”

Ken Rockwell - 3/8/2007 - has gotten his hands on the 10.2 megapixel Nikon D40x and he writes, “For now, I’d pass on the D40x and get a D40 instead. They are the same camera, and the D40x costs much more for no significant change in quality or performance. My two favorite Nikons are my D40 and my D200; I’d pass on the D40x and D80 to save my money to step up directly to the D200 to see any real improvement.”

PopPhoto - 3/7/2007 - has reviewed the 10.2 megapixel Nikon D40x and they write, “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.”

LetsGoDigital - 3/7/2007 - has a preview of the 10.2 megapixel Nikon D40x and they write, “The Nikon D40x has been made according to a concept that has proved itself within a very short space of time. A digital SLR camera with the emphasis on user-friendliness which takes an extremely simple approach to digital photograph, something that used to be too technical for a lot of people. This simple approach plus the intelligent software has made high quality photography possible in a simple way. The Nikon D40x is handily compact, without losing its stability. It is perfect for taking along somewhere quickly and is ideal for day trips and holidays. I think that Nikon has come up with an extremely strong and convincing concept and I can imagine that we are looking at yet another success after the D80, D200 and D40. I notice that top technology from semi-professional and professional photography is being quickly integrated into amateur DSLR cameras. Nikon is in control and it looks as if it is going to stay that way. Impressive! As soon as a full-production model becomes available, we will do a complete review with the Nikon D40x.”

DPReview - 3/6/2007 - has a a hands on pre-production preview of the 10.2 megapixel Nikon D40x and they write, “The D40/D40X are the most compact Nikon digital SLRs to date. They are proof that you can build a compact digital SLR without compromising comfort or ergonomics (well at least if your lens mount isn’t too large). Built to the high standards we’ve come to expect from Nikon the D40X uses high grade plastic in its construction (wrapped around a metal frame) and has tight seams with no rattles or creaks.”

Sample Test Photos

[Sample Test Photos at Photography Review]
[Sample Test Photos at DigicamReview]
[Sample Test Photos at Steves Digicams]
[Sample Test Photos at WhatDigitalCamera]
[Sample Test Photos at PhotographyBlog]
[Sample Test Photos at Megapixel]
[Sample Test Photos at CEN]
[Sample Photos at Consumers Electronics]
[Sample Photos at Imaging Resource]
[Sample Photos at What Digital Camera]
[Sample Photos at Imaging Resource]
[Sample Photos at DCRP]
[Sample Photos at DP Review]
[Sample Photos at Lets Go Digital]
[Sample Photos at Camera Labs]
[Sample Photos at TrustedReviews]
[Sample Photos at PixInfo]
[Sample Photos at Pocket-lint]
[Sample Photos at LetsGoDigital]
[Sample Photos at PopPhoto]

[Sample Photos at flickr]

Videos

[Video Tour at Camera Labs]
[Video Tour at Quesabsde]

Audio Review

D40x & Nikkor 18-200mm VR lens Audio Review at Digital Camera Tracker

Specifications

[Official Nikon Specifications]

Owners Manual

[Owners Manual]

Press Release

Nikon is pleased to announce the D40x, a Digital SLR camera that embodies a wide range of innovative features in a compact, stylish design.

The new model boasts a 10.2 megapixel CCD image sensor that combines with Nikon’s exclusive 3D Colour Matrix Metering II and auto white balance to produce quality shots that capture the vivid detail and true colour of the subject matter. The D40x is equipped with the compact, lightweight 3x 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED II AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor lens to provide superb picture sharpness and optimum contrast. The new D40x is also compatible with the 55-200mm VR Zoom-Nikkor telephoto and is ideal for extending the focal range as the user develops their photography skills. The new lens is fitted with an ED glass element, making it easier to achieve images with higher resolution and high contrast. The Silent Wave Motor offers quiet and smooth auto focusing.

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See also: Nikon, Nikon Review Roundups