Nikon D40x

** Nikon D40x Digital SLR **

This is my first digital SLR camera I really like taking pictures of mainly our families dogs and cars my main hobbies, my other half had previously had been using a digital SLR that belonged to his dad, so we both went a long to Jessops that is well know for selling really good photography stuff.
We had a look at various models of camera including the Canon Eos 400d which is one of this cameras ...
...we started looking at the Nikon D40x my other half knew someone who had the previous model to this the Nikon D40 which had been really good, the other half had used it previously and found it a really good quality camera. So after a lot of really useful and helpful advice from the shop assistant in Jessops we chose the Nikon D40x it had everything we wanted including a sport mode which was the main feature I wanted, as border collies don't keep still ... more

** Nikon D40x Digital SLR **

This is my first digital SLR camera I really like taking pictures of mainly our families dogs and cars my main hobbies, my other half had previously had been using a digital SLR that belonged to his dad, so we both went a long to Jessops that is well know for selling really good photography stuff.
We had a look at various models of camera including the Canon Eos 400d which is one of this cameras biggest rival models, also looked at four or five other digital SLR models. Then eventually we started looking at the Nikon D40x my other half knew someone who had the previous model to this the Nikon D40 which had been really good, the other half had used it previously and found it a really good quality camera. So after a lot of really useful and helpful advice from the shop assistant in Jessops we chose the Nikon D40x it had everything we wanted including a sport mode which was the main feature I wanted, as border collies don't keep still for very long!
Me knowing absolutely nothing about digital SLR cameras was just happy to have a cool new camera get it home and try it out.

** The Nikon D40x Features **

*Auto-Focus
Just like the previous model (D40) this camera has an auto focus feature all though it does not have a built in focus drive motor, so only works with lenses that have their own built in drive motor, suitable lenses for this feature are AF-S and AF-I lenses.
The auto focus is brilliant for fast moving dogs and cars and anything else that moves so you can get pictures quickly, features of the auto focus include…
Three area TTL phase detection, Nikon Multi-CAM530 auto focus module
Detection range: EV -1 to +19

• 10.2 mega pixel DX format CCD (1.5x FOV crop) which makes pictures come out in an excellent quality showing every detail.
• 3D Colour Matrix Metering II, 420 pixel sensor
• Nikon Image processing engine
• New Multi-CAM530 three area AF sensor
• ISO sensitivity range 100 - 1600 plus HI 1
• 3.0 fps continuous shooting, unlimited in JPEG
• No status LCD, and new LCD monitor based status / settings screens
• Help suggestions on LCD monitor - scene too dark, try using flash)
• Large 2.5" 230,000 pixels LCD monitor
• Bigger viewfinder view (x0.8 magnification, 95% coverage)
• Short shutter lag and viewfinder blackout
• Support for SDHC for use with SD cards with over 2g.b capacity only
• USB 2.0 with PTP and Mass Storage device support
• Very compact, light body
• Improved menu user interface
• New EN-EL9 Lithium-Ion battery New 'Version II' AF-S DX 18-55 mm kit lens
• In-camera retouching which includes…
  D-Lighting (shadow / highlight enhancement)
  Red-eye reduction
  Trimming
  Monochrome
  Filter effects
  Small picture
  Image overlay

** Usability & Looks **Having never had a digital SLR camera before I am still learning about all the features of this camera, for people who have had digital SLR cameras or have used them before this camera is really easy to use my other half took to it straight away being able to use all the features he needs to take amazing pictures with it.
I am working my way through all the little features it has at the moment, it has various settings that can be used when the flash is on so that there is not so much glow back from the flash which makes the pictures quality far better than if you just put the flash on and used it.
I don't use the manual focus very much but once again the other half does and has done so very successfully all though are other cameras that do have a better manual focus function. I much prefer to use the simple option of auto focus.

There are various exposure modes I mainly use sport but the others are

Auto
Flash off
Portrait
Landscape
Child
Sports
Close up
Night portrait
Programmed Auto
Shutter-priority auto
Aperture priority auto
Manual

The Nikon d40x is available in both black and silver, I have the black version which is the most common. The Nikon D40x is very compact looking and well laid out for ease of use and also adds to these cameras good looks.

** Picture Quality **

I have taken loads of pictures with this camera since having it and have always been pleased with them, they are really, really sharp and you can see all the detail of what ever you are photographing.
The Nikon D40x takes brilliant pictures even when the light is not great as long as you use the cameras settings and features correctly to help improve the picture quality. The buttons and dials on the camera are easy to understand and use it is also a very light weight camera being both smaller and lighter than the Nikon D50, it has a safety strap to put around your neck to save your dropping it and damaging it when trying to get pictures. The camera itself it easy to hold with bits at the side to grip perfectly in your hand. The zoom is really easy to use and means you can picture things further away without disturbing them such as wildlife, this can also be made easier by purchasing a bigger lens add on.

Lenses are widely available for this camera as are tripods for taking pictures where you want the camera extra still.

** Price & Availability **

These cameras are around £500 and come with cash back offer that Nikon are doing at the moment, you get a voucher when you get the camera and you send it back to claim money back.
The Nikon D40x is available in most camera shops and catalogues as it has not long been out. You can get various deals when you buy these cameras from new including kits with tripods, lenses and bags to put it away safe it. These are definitely worth while getting as a package as it will safe quite a bit of money in the end.

There is no point me going on any more about features I am sure these can be found out all over the internet personal opinion is where it is all at!

** My and My Other Half's Opinions **

I love this camera it is by far the best I have ever had if you are still using a standard digital camera I really would consider a digital SLR, I have found this brilliant as a first digital SLR I have since having this one used others and they haven't been as good as the Nikon D40x I am really pleased with all the pictures I have taken with this camera, I don't get blurry action shots no matter how fast the thing I am taking a picture of is moving. I am looking forward to getting a big lens for this and taking it to the car shows over the summer, it is easy to carry around taking up no space what so ever and being able to be carried around by the shoulder strap that came with it.
Other half also loves this camera he finds all of the cameras features really useful and is using one or other of them every time he takes pictures.
People we have taken pictures for have always commented on how brilliant the pictures have come out the quality and how sharp they are. Often asking what camera we are using.
Obviously it is never going to be as small and light as some of the normal digital cameras but it is well worth the extra weight, size for such quality pictures.
It helps capture moments and things that we can keep for ever and be proud of and even put them on the walls in frames.

I have also found the instruction book rather usefull I do not normally even bother reading them but it has benefited the picture quality result I get as it has been most helpfull and is not in terms that can not be understood without mass knowledge of digital SLR cameras.

I would definitely recommend this camera to anyone wanting an upgrade from a standard digital camera to a digital SLR or anyone looking for a new digital SLR as I am sure those who have had digital SLR cameras will realise the good quality of this one.
I also see Nikon as a trusted brand with excellent quality products produced and brilliant customer service. 

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