Could it be that after only 4 months in the market, Nikon’s popular D40 is already showing the signs of old age? The announcement of the new and improved D40x says so by making the D40 look totally out of date. But before we write-off the D40 completely and diagnose those who recently purchased a D40 with a painful case of buyer’s remorse, we first investigated how Nikon’s new budget DSLR ranks beside not only its sibling, but also the latest and biggest models available.
The first thing we noticed was that the similar release dates and minor difference in names were not the only stumbling blocks when it came to telling these two models apart. The D40x is said to share the same exact measurements as the D40, which mean that both cameras fashion a compact, lightweight and intuitive design. In fact, apparently the only external difference between the two is the badge, which is a subtle difference at that.
The D40 and the D40x are both geared at mainly first time digital users moving from a 35mm SLR or people upgrading from a consumer type digital camera into the world of SLR photography. To be honest, the differences between these models are few, but hugely significant. These differences include:
10.2 mega pixels
The biggest lure of DSLRs is the promise of pristine image quality, so the now pretty meagre 6.1 mega pixels of the D40 might just not do it for many of us, especially considering that most compacts are even closing in on the 10-mega pixel range.
Brand new image sensor
The upgrade to a 10-mega pixel unit not only improves image quality, but also provides a lower base sensitivity of ISO 100, vs. the D40’s 200, resulting in a wider ISO sensitivity of 100-1600, plus HI-1.
Longer-lasting battery
The D40x’s superior battery allows up to 520 images per charge, compared to 470 images for the D40, and boosts continuous shooting speed up to 3fps from the 2.5fps rate that the D40 offered.
Perhaps then it’s not really fair to compare the D40x with the slightly sheepish-looking D40. Although based on virtually identical specifications, the developments in the D40x plunge this camera into the same market as the best-selling Canon 400D and the up-coming Olympus E-410*. So we suggest that if a high mega pixel count and a speed bump are important factors for you, it might be time to leave the D40 behind since in our preliminary 10MP DSLR shootout, the D40x fares magnificently well against the top guns in digital imaging.
* The Olympus Evolt E-410 will be available to buy from DigitalRev soon. Please check back regularly for updates on its arrival.
The Nikon D40x is available now! Click here to view purchasing information and further specifications.
