March 6, 2007 – Nikon launched the successor to its entry-level D40 DSLR with today’s announcement of the D40x. Sharing the name of its sister camera, the new D40x comes with a higher 10.2-megapixel resolution, a faster burst rate, and an expanded sensitivity range. The D40x will retail for $799.95 for the kit with a 18-55mm lens or $729.95 for the body alone when the camera enters the market in April.
“The D40x maintains the same compact size, portability and ease-of-use as its already successful sister camera, the D40,” stated a company press release today. Modeled after their smallest DSLR in company history, the new D40x measures 5.0 x 2.5 x 3.7 inches and weighs 1lb. 1oz.
For $200 more than the introductory kit price of the D40, users will gain a higher 10.2-megapixel count on the D40x, up from the 6.1-megapixel CCD in the D40. The new DSLR also upgrades to a faster continuous shooting rate at 3 frames per second like the next tiered Nikon D80, over the 2.5 fps rate on the D40. Additionally, users of the D40x will gain an expanded sensitivity range of 100-1600 ISO, over 200-1600 ISO on the D40.
While the D40x improves upon megapixel resolution, continuous shooting, and ISO range, the DSLR still maintains the 3-area AF system of its predecessor. The D40x also borrows the 2.5-inch, 230,000 pixel LCD.
“The D40 and the new D40x eliminate common annoyances such as shutter lag and inaccurate viewfinders, while answering our customers’ need for superb image quality, fast handling, compactness and, most important of all, simplicity,” stated the release.
The D40x carries over other features including the 3D Color Matrix Metering II system. Geared for new SLR users, the D40x uses many functions from the D40 such as the Help function accessed through a dedicated camera button, graphic user interface, and Retouch menu for in-camera editing.
The D40x is capable of full manual and automatic modes including 8 preset Digital Vari-Programs for JPEG and NEF shooting. The camera includes Nikon’s standard feature set of D-lighting and built-in red-eye correction. The D40x is compatible with all Nikon AF-S and AF-I lenses, according to the release.
The D40x kit price includes 3x zoom 18-55m f/3.5 – 5.6 ED II AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor lens, the same lens offered on the D40.
Key Features:
10.2 MP image sensor
Burst rate of 3fps
Sensitivity of 100-1600
Help Button
Built-in Retouch menu
