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Nikon D40X

Nikon D40X Nikon D40X Review, May 2007, Phil Askey

Review based on a production Nikon D40XThe Nikon D40 was announced just under four months ago, and yet here we are with a new version of that camera. The D40X has the same compact lightweight body and easy to use control layout, in fact the only external physical difference is the badge. Under the bonnet Nikon has swapped out the D40s six megapixel CCD for a ten megapixel unit, this also provides a lower base sensitivity of ISO 100 and must utilize dual readout because continuous shooting frame rate has gone up from 2.5 fps to 3.0 fps. Based on the specs and features this camera is clearly aiming to knock the EOS 400D (Digital Rebel XTi) off its pedestal.Auto Focus only for AF-S or AF-I lenses As with the D40 the D40X doesnt have an built-in focus drive motor which means it can auto focus only with lenses which have their own drive motor (AF-S and AF-I lenses). The lack of a drive motor can be seen by the missing mechanical focus drive pin on the lens mount (see images below).D40 / D40X lens mountD80 lens mount

Nikon D40X key features10 megapixel DX format CCD (1.5x FOV crop)Nikon Image processing engine (as D80 / D200)3D Color Matrix Metering II, 420 pixel sensor (as D80 / D50)New Multi-CAM530 three area AF sensorISO sensitivity range 100 - 1600 plus HI 1 (3200 equiv.)3.0 fps continuous shooting, unlimited in JPEGNo status LCD, new LCD monitor based status / settings screensHelp suggestions on LCD monitor (eg. scene too dark, try using flash)Large 2.5" 230,000 pixel LCD monitorBigger viewfinder view (x0.8 magnification, 95% coverage)Short shutter lag and viewfinder blackoutSupport for SDHC (SD cards over 2 GB in capacity)In-camera retouchingD-Lighting (shadow / highlight enhancement)Red-eye reductionTrimmingMonochromeFilter effectsSmall pictureImage overlayUSB 2.0 with PTP and Mass Storage device supportVery compact, light body (smaller, lighter than D50)Improved menu user interface (as D80 / D200)New EN-EL9 Lithium-Ion battery (7.2V, 1000 mAh)New Version II AF-S DX 18-55 mm kit lensDifferences compared to the D4010 megapixel sensorLower base sensitivity (ISO 100 vs ISO 200)Auto ISO option includes ISO 200Faster continuous shooting (3 fps vs. 2.5 fps)*

Review notes Because of the similarities between the two the first half of this review (up to page 12) is based on our review of the D40.