Is the D40 the SLR for the rest of us?

Nikon says that its newest model “brings digital SLR cameras to a whole new level of simplicity.”
 

By Jeff Fox

If you're looking to pick up a digital SLR (single-lens reflex) this holiday season, but have balked at high prices, bulk and a confusing array of buttons and dials, Nikon has you firmly in its sights with its recently announced 6-megapixel D40 for (available in December for $600, including the lens).

At 5x2.5x3.7 inches and 1 lb. 1 oz. (without battery, memory card, or lens cap), the D40 is smaller and lighter than most SLRs. Its size and weight are virtually identical to Canon’s new 10-megapixel Digital Rebel XTi -- but that camera sells for about $750 to $900 online, including the lens.

The D40 has been designed to target frustrated owners of compact cameras who want to break away from problems like shutter lag, poor low-light performance and limited lens options, but don't want to deal with the added complexity that can come with owning an SLR. Nikon points out a range of features designed to appeal to first-time SLR owners (many of which, of course, are common to all SLRs):

• On the D40, controls and displays from Nikon’s higher-end cameras have been streamlined and accompanied by an intuitive user interface.
• There are eight preset modes (like those found on compact cameras) that automatically set exposure for subjects like landscapes, sports, and close-ups, including a “flash off” mode that turns off the flash while increasing the ISO setting.
• There are virtually no delays when you power up, after you press the shutter button, or between shots.
• You can shoot continuously for up to 100 shots (for images stored as JPEG files).
• The ISO range is 200 to 1600.
• There’s in-camera image editing that includes red-eye correction, brightening, cropping, and filter effects.
• As with most SLRs, you can do spot metering, save images as RAW files, and use the built-in flash at distances far greater than most compact cameras.

Of course, the D40 does have a few limitations. While most Nikon lenses are compatible with the camera, autofocus will work only with AF-S and AF-I series lenses. And automatic exposure won’t work with some other types of Nikon lenses. And unlike some other Nikon SLRs, there's no status LCD on top of the camera’s body.

From its initial announcement, the D40 appears to be a promising SLR that offers lots of big-camera features at a price and size competitive with sophisticated point-and-shoots. And you shouldn’t agonize over the fact that it doesn’t offer 10 megapixels like the Rebel XTi, Sony’s DSLR-A100 or Nikon's own D80. Having shot with a 6-megapixel SLR for more than three years, I’m certain that, for most people, 6 megapixels is enough.

 

Comments

[Doug Hill]

Have you done a comparison of the D40x and the D80?

[Shannon]

Yes, I too am waiting for info on the new d40x. Any idea how long it will be?

[gary parker]

I hope you get a look at the new D40X (10 megapixel) before long. I was all set to buy the D80 when I found out about it, now I am going to have to wait until there is some unbiased testing befor I invest.

[DPC]

What better starter lens would you reccomend?