Nikon D40
The D40 is the least expensive, and most compact[1] member of Nikon's entry-level digital SLR range, announced November 16, 2006.[2] Compared to its predecessor, the D50, the D40 has fewer features and a lower price: US$500 ESP as of April 2008 with the 18-55mm G-II kit lens,[3], positioning it as an entry-level model compared to the D80. The D40x (released March 6, 2007) has a 10 megapixel maximum resolution, up from 6 megapixels of the D40. The D40 and D40x (along with the D60) are notable in being the first Nikon DSLRs that will only autofocus using F-Mount lenses with internal focus motors such as AF-S and AF-I
The Nikon D40 is less expensive than the Canon EOS 400D (also known as Digital Rebel XTi in U.S.), the Pentax K110D, and the Olympus E-400, but is competitively priced against high-end bridge cameras (the D40 and D40x do not have live preview, unlike bridge digitals). It was launched accompanied by a new small kit lens, the AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED II.[4]
Despite having been on the market since early 2006, the D40 holds several important benefits over its newer competition such as the Nikon D40x, D60, and Canon Rebels. The D40 has a higher 1/500 flash sync, useful for daytime fill-flash. This compares to the typical 1/200 sync speed of other entry level and even some semi-pro DSLR cameras such as the Canon 40D with its 1/250 sync speed. Because only 6 megapixels are fit onto the standard Nikon DX format sensor, the sensitivity of each pixel is higher. The default sensitivity on the D40 is ISO 200, and the D40 adds a ISO 3200 speed (listed as "Hi1" in the camera menu), once again absent from its competition.
Nikon D40x
On March 6, 2007,[5] Nikon introduced the D40x, a sister camera to the D40. While identical in external design to the D40, it has a 10.2-megapixel CCD sensor, continuous shooting up to 3 frames per second, and base sensitivity of ISO 100. Its launch was accompanied by the introduction of a new consumer-level telephoto zoom with vibration reduction, the AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6G IF-ED.
References
- ^ Nikon D40x is equally compact, but has higher resolution - 10 mega pixels, and higher price
- ^ "Nikon D40" (Press release). Nikon Corporation. 2006-11-16.
- ^ "D40 from Nikon". Nikon USA.
- ^ "A compact 3x zoom lens featuring Silent Wave Motor Autofocus for Nikon digital SLRs" (Press release). Nikon Corporation. 2006-11-16.
- ^ "Nikon D40x" (Press release). Nikon Corporation. 2007-03-06.
External links
- D40/D50 Users Group at Nikonians Community
- Images at flickr taken with a D40.
- D40/x Users Club at flickr
- D40/x Users group at flickr
- D40 vs. D40x comparison between D40 and D40x
- Nikon D40 Review at DPReview
- D40 user's guide (non-Nikon)