Nikon D40x SLR Digital Camera (Camera Body)

Comments about Nikon D40x SLR Digital Camera (Camera Body):

I got this camera for the purpose of taking clearer/ better shots in hopes of advancing my photography skills. This camera was in excellent condition when I received it and has worked perfectly. It is perfect for almost any photos that a family member would shoot. Birthdays, action, even night time photos. The light at my apartment was out but to prove it I took a photo during the evening to show the landlord. The photo took wonderfully (and got my light fixed)

Comments about Nikon D40x SLR Digital Camera (Camera Body):

Nice little camera that takes great pics. Easy to operate and more than enough flexibility. The only small inconvenience is the three spot AF grid, but not a big deal.

Comments about Nikon D40x SLR Digital Camera (Camera Body):

I bought this as my first DSLR on my brother's recomendation. I have to say, I didn't know what I was getting. Now that I've learned a little more, I'm very pleased with this camera. Takes beautiful pictures. It's easy to change the settings on the LCD. I can't think of anything that's not accessible right there by hitting the "i" button twice then using the d-pad to navigate. Shutter and aperture are adjustable via a wheel. Too easy. I love the Aperture and Shutter priority modes, and the Programmed mode does a pretty good job as well. I'm getting into the manual mode more, and I don't think I'll ever use the presets, but I'm sure they're great for those that don't care to learn how to set up for every shot.This camera might be bad if you're a big fan of AF. The AF-S lenses you'll need for AF to work are more expensive. (This due to no AF motor in the camera body). The sensor gets lost in open areas... (I was in a helicopter with my kit lens on over Baghdad trying to take a shot of the sister ship. I ended up having to manually focus, because the sensor just kept searching due to the wide open sky). I primarily use the 70-300mm non-AF-S lens that sells for a little over [$], so I manually focus anyway. I prefer manual even with the 18-55mm kit lens I got when I bought it. The three points for AF just aren't that good. I'll be trying my brother's D200 to compare, and see what good AF is really like.

Comments about Nikon D40x SLR Digital Camera (Camera Body):

I have been using Nikon products since 1975 when I purchased my first Nikon camera, the F2. Since then I have owned an FE which lasted 25 years and thousands of rolls of film. Next came the N90s, and my first digital camera, the CoolPix 5700. Now to my first digital SLR, the D40x. I was going to buy the D80 because it can use just about all Nikon lenses, but for my requirements, I didn't need to spend more than I could use.

I chose the D40x because it fits my needs, and I purchased the 18-200 VR lens and the SB-800 flash along with the D40x. For me, this is an excellent combination. I am a serious ameteur photographer and I am very pleased with the operation of the D40x. The LCD is bright and can be customized to your liking, there is plenty of information on the LCD to satisfy my needs, and the camera will alert you if something is not set properly.

In the old days I was very into doing all my own settings, now I rarely change much, unless the subject requires it. My range of photography is vast, from family to wildlife, to still life and portraiture, I try to dabble with all subjects. The D40x is small and light, easy to operate, and is well constructed. About the only item I feel could be improved is the three area auto-focus, I feel it should have more areas to focus on like the more serious Nikon camera's. I find myself using manual focus at times, but that's just my preference and what I am used to. I used many manual lenses over the last 33 years!

For the price, you get a very good, easy to understand and easy to operate camera, built in the Nikon tradition of ruggedness. I trust Nikon products and I know they stand behind them. To me, it is great to see a manufacturer who really cares and listens to their clients. You cannot go wrong with Nikon products, and they last a very long time. I sold my old F2 to a cousin in 1978 and he still owns it today and still brags about the quality of his photo's!

Comments about Nikon D40x SLR Digital Camera (Camera Body):

This D40x has been remarkable in all places. The camera's features have always worked and Are just stunning. The product is a very simple to use and requires very common knowledge to function. The 10.2 mega pixels is an amazing extra. Compared to the D40 in price and quality you can't beat it.

Comments about Nikon D40x SLR Digital Camera (Camera Body):

Let me start by saying that this is a great camera. The picture quality is gorgeous, beaten only by the anti-chromatic aberration in the D300 and higher pro cameras. The size is fantastic, the SD format speedy, the battery life better than expected, and I have no problems with the controls.
I wouldn't mind a second wheel, but it hasn't really held me up. My first caveat, no LCD protector, is kind of baffling, since what could it have cost to give this camera one? Do they want this screen to look like an amateur hobo after a few months? I've bought protectors, but they're not convenient.
Now to the really most important caveat - the three AF focus points. Simply not enough of these guys. You really notice
it when you want to compose an image with no center, or a horizontal image focussed above or below center. I dont know what Nikon was smoking when they kneecapped their coolest, most portable dSLR body with deliberately borderline AF performance. Its not overwhelming until you're really trying to catch action, and then it gets difficult. I want another body, but I'll be waiting for the next small-body or jump up to another level. Too bad, otherwise I would have bought another D40x. Despite that, this is still a very cool camera
and a good deal.

Comments about Nikon D40x SLR Digital Camera (Camera Body):

I really regret not getting the D80 in terms of lens autofocus compatibility. There are 5 times as many Digital/Film Interchangeable lenses sold here as Digital-only. Somehow when I was making my decision I did not realize that stepping up to the D80 would solve this problem.Usability-wise, not having a separate wheel to control the aperture really hurts. There is a wheel for shutter speed, but for aperture you have to hold down this tiny button while turning the wheel - very awkward. Mainly a problem for manual shutter/aperture mode only.Not enough assignable buttons. There is one button that can be assigned to any of { ISO, White Balance, Image Quality, Self Timer }. Good button, but having to go to the menu for the remaining 3 out of 4 is painful.No way to turn the display off permanently. It always at least comes on when the camera is turned on. Also comes on when the flash release button or the assignable function button is pressed. Very annoying for night photography. Actually, even annoying for day photography - you'd be looking through the viewfinder, hit a button to adjust something, and be blasted by a massive glare coming from below your eye. Ow.NEF (raw) mode is a little disappointing. I hoped it would mean extra 4 bits of resolution for dark areas, but it doesn't - it gives maybe 1 extra bit of resolution there. Strangely, that seems to be true even for the D200 (whose NEF mode is supposedly quantized linear).I suspect people like me are supposed to buy a higher-end camera, but I was not able to figure that out from the feature lists and specs.Basic image quality is very good. A friend has D200 - we compared side-by-side, they look the same.This also seems to be the cheapest Nikon featuring ISO 100, which I really like for limiting noise during post-processing.

Expertise: New-to-photography techie

Problems Encountered: Can't autofocus with 80% of the lenses on the market.No way to turn the display off and have it stay off.Awkward aperture / exposure compensation control.Not enough assignable buttons for quick access to ISO, WB, etc.

Previous Equivalent Item Owned: None - this is my first SLR

Items I Recommend: 18-55 DX lens

Comments about Nikon D40x SLR Digital Camera (Camera Body):

I actually ordered the D40X and then ordered the D80 after thinking the D40X was too small and not enough camera for my purposes. After using both cameras for a weekend, I returned the D80 and kept the D40X.When I first picked up the D40x, it felt very small and foreign in my hand. I freaked. It felt smaller than my Coolpix 995 swivel-lens camera. Only after handling it and the D80 for some period of time (the whole weekend), did I see the genius of the D40x design. The D40 is small, light, and fit like a glove. I could reach all the control buttons without repositioning my hand. I am average size. Now I know I will bring my camera with me more because it will not be burdensome to carry. (Just keep in mind how we freaked out at small cell phones. How could one possible use something this small? Yet through great design, we all use cell phone comfortably and efficiently.)There are a couple of settings on the D40x that are not surfaced as control buttons, so you must use the menu to change them. The menu system is so fast and easy to use and the LCD display is so well arranged, that within seconds I can change ISO, focus, and metering settings. Changing these settings is probably not much slower than toggling through settings with button pushing and wheel turning on the D80.Further, I have 52-year-old eyes that need reading glasses. I don't shoot with my reading glasses obviously. On the D80, many of the setting icons on the top-mounted LCD status screen were unreadable to me. It was very frustrating to make changes and not be able to read them. On the D40X, the status of all settings is displayed on the 2.5 display on the back. Very easy to read with the push of one button and without reading glasses.Finally, the menu systems, settings, and photo editing are comparable on both cameras. There just is not much difference in my opinion.Consider the D40x. Learn about the lens limitations that are not a problem for me as I am starting out D-SLR and have no existing lenses. Learn about the less sophisticated focusing system on it. But know that it takes photos equal to or better than the D80. Also know the view finder is smaller and has less magnification than the D80. It does have a diopter adjustment. I found the view finder on the D40X to be as bright as the D80 and perfectly fit for use. This could be a compromise, but given the good stuff, it was one I was willing to make.If photography is your hobby or even your avocation--not your life--the D40X could be the right camera. Then, in two years, after Nikon perfects the 3 live view LCD screens on the new generation of cameras, you will be ready to buy one of those and feel good that you did not blow a lot of money on your first D-SLR. After you buy your new live view camera, you will also have in the D40x a great backup camera for travel and causal use. The greatest benefit of the D40x is the size. It is easy to carry around and use.

Expertise: Serious amateur

Problems Encountered: No problems after two weeks of use.

Previous Equivalent Item Owned: Canon FTB (film) Coolpix 995, used high end Nikon (film) for work

Comments about Nikon D40x SLR Digital Camera (Camera Body):

I purchased my D40x about six weeks ago and have had the opportunity to compare it to my friends' D80, which costs about $300 more.- The D40x and D80 both share the same outstanding 10.2 megapixel image processor, so image quality equal. Both also support 3fps in burst mode.- The D80 has a noticeably larger and brighter viewfinder than the D40x, and it allows the user to select grid lines which really help in composition.- The D40x uses a 3-area AF system, whereas the D80 uses an 11-area AF system. Both work great, but under demanding fast-moving conditions, the D80 has an edge.- The D40x has a more user friendly menu system, with all critical functions readily accessible on the default shooting information screen. The D80 has every concievable feature, but the menu system is relatively complex.- The D40x is solidly built but noticeably more compact. It can feel somewhat nose heavy with larger lenses. Those with large hands will likely prefer the size and feel of the D80.Bottom line: both the D40x and D80 produce beautiful images. In my opinion the only feature that may justify the additional $300 cost for the D80 is the viewfinder and the AF system.

Expertise: Serious Amateur

Previous Equivalent Item Owned: Nikon D50

Items I Recommend: Nikon SB-400 speedlight

Comments about Nikon D40x SLR Digital Camera (Camera Body):

I purchased the D40X about a month a go for a trip to Alaska. Fell in love with it. I have the 18-135, 55-200VR and the 70-300VR. All take great, sharp pictures. This is great for someone just getting into a DSLR or a person who had the Canon Reb and got fed up, sold it but decided 2 yrs later to get back in.

Expertise: Experienced Amature.

Problems Encountered: I really have not encountered any problems.

Previous Equivalent Item Owned: Canon Reb + a ton of point and shoot cameras.

Items I Recommend: 18-135 lens, SB 400 flash

Comments about Nikon D40x SLR Digital Camera (Camera Body):

I figured the D40x was the best bang for the buck. Sofar I was right. You take care of it, and it'll take care ofyou. This is my first DSLR, and my first Nikon. I found itvery easy to program, which is a good thing cause the manualis not so good. I gave up on the manual and just started pushingbuttons. Had it the way I like in about 10 minutes. The AFis right on the money, though manual is good as well. Pairedit up with the 55mm-200mm F4-5.6 VR zoom. That will workfor now. The feel of it may seem a bit off the first timeyou pick it up. Shoot a few frames and it'll make a believerout of you. This, I can get used to.

Problems Encountered: The manual is not so good barely readable. Just start pushingbuttons, far easier. Keep the manual for reference.

Previous Equivalent Items Owned: No film camera only, Yashica FX-3 bought from B&H 13 years ago

Items I Recommend: nearly any Nikon lens.

Comments about Nikon D40x SLR Digital Camera (Camera Body):

bought a d40 a few months ago and love it easy to use great picture quality. package lens not horrible, have more fun with the 80/200 f2.8 that i have now. a little disappointed this camera came out so soon. was going to buy a d80 but was told it would be replaced very soon, bought the d40 to learn on and buy the d80 replacement in a few months(hey the d40 would be a nice back up camera and easy to travel with) my only problem is the fact i feel a bit ripped off with the d40x coming out so soon, had i known i would have waited and bought it. 3 fps, 10.2 megapixels +more and same light weight, why not wait..... feeling a bit hosed! guess i'll just have to get a d2x and hope it's not replaced in a month. love the d40 great starter camera, i will give the d40x 5 stars because i'm sure it will be fantastic..... i only ask to have vendors let people know when new cameras are being released so people can make more informed decisions.

Problems Encountered: D40- no problems

Previous Equivalent Items Owned: Nikon d40

Items I Recommend: 80/200 f2.8 lense, monopod or tripod