Review : 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!

My Score : 8