Nikon D40X
- Highly Rated
Recommend a Camera
I recently had the chance to review the Nikon D40X camera. This is a 10.2 Megapixel SLR which is up from its D40 cousin's resolution of 6.1 Megapixels.
Standards Support and Compatibility
One of the first things you will notice outside of it being an incredibly high resolution SLR is that it is fully supported by Windows Vista, sporting the certification logo on the box, along with other certifications and programs like Quicktime, USB, and SD support. You know that out of the box, this camera is ready to roll with the latest standards.
What's In the Box
The Nikon D40X includes a 18-55mm f.3 5-5.6G ED II AF-S DX Zoom/Nikkor Lens. That's a moutful, but it means incredible picture quality. For more on f-stop and lens settings, please check out the Definitive Guide to Windows Photos. Also included are the shoulder strap, lens caps, USB cable, quick charger, battery, and quick start guide. Please note that in order to start shooting pictures, you're going to need to have your own SD card on hand, as one is not included. However, most standard SD cards will work. This camera had no trouble recognizing and using my 2GB Sandisk SD card. Software is included on CD rom, as well as a very detailed manual.
First things First:
In order to use the camera, you have to make sure the battery is charged. It took less than 90 minutes to charge. While it was charging, I examined the contents and decided to attach the lens. It attached easily and intuitively. The lens allows you to switch between manual and auto-focus with a handy switch on the side.
Once the is charged, you're ready to go! The first time you turn the camera on, you are guided through a series of questions such as your language, time zone, and date and time (even daylight savings time is supported).
Ready, Aim, Fire!
The D40X is the best of digital and traditional cameras combined. While using the camera, you think a lot less about what you need to do to get the right shot, and more about your subject. The camera takes care of the rest. Full auto mode is a dream. Just point and shoot. In most lighting conditions, this camera will set the aperture and shutterspeed settings to be just right with respect to the subject and ambient light. I took several hundred pictures using this mode, and was extremely happy with the results.
It gets better, though. You can decide to take control and use the camera's features for the absolute best shots.
The LCD Display
I was in awe at the design of the LCD display. Most consumer cameras use this display during the shot to display what the camera is about to shoot. The D40X gives the photographer much more useful information, and in a very visual and intuitive way.
For example, the aperture is a visual "ring" to show you just how much light you're about to let in. This setting is where you'll look to decide how you want to show depth of field, among other effects.
Surrounding the aperture iris ring is the shutter speed ring. If you must be in low light settings without a flash, a slower shutter speed can let you shoot incredible photos providing you can remain very still (or have a tripod).
One of my favorite indicators is the exposure bar. It helps you see if you are over or under exposed, and has a digital meter to help you find zero (the perfect exposure).
The Modes
The camera has several shooting modes to choose from. Manual Mode lets you adjust shutter speed and aperture independently. Aperture mode lets you pick the aperture, and it will pick the proper shutter speed for you. This is the mode you'll want to use if you want to capture depth-of-field.
Shutter priority is next on the dial. You choose the shutter speed, and the camera sets the aperture. Got a sporting event or other fast-motion objects (or slow-motion!) you need to capture? This is the mode for you.
Programmed Auto Mode will allow you to shoot in low-light settings without forcing a flash. It also allows you to shoot in Flexible Program by rotating the command dial and selecting presets.
The Formats
The Nikon D40X allows you to shoot in many formats including JPEG FINE, JPEG NORMAL, JPEG BASIC, NEF (RAW), and NEW(RAW) + JPEG. RAW format is an exciting format as it records voltage and not RGB color values like JPEG. With RGB, you can lose detail because some colors fall outside of gamut, and are "closely estimated." This is fine in most cases, but when you need to adjust brightness and contrast, you are much better off using RAW so that you have the best chance of a brighter original instead of a grey mess. Luckily, this camera supports both modes.
Connecting to Windows
I connected the camera to a Windows Vista computer. It was recognized and required no driver installation for me to browse the camera for my photos. I didn't have to install the included software.
Windows Vista noticed that some images were in NEF (RAW) format. This was something it did not "understand" however it did know that it needed to check the internet for a photo gallery plugin. Within minutes it had transparently installed this plugin and gave me new hope that I could see my RAW images. Incredible! I was, however, slightly disappointed to have trouble using Windows Photo Gallery on the RAW images as I had hoped to play with AutoFix and other brightness/contrast controls, while it worked like a charm on JPEG. However, most people who are going to shoot in RAW format, will likely have a photo editing tool like Photoshop for that purpose.
Bottom Line
The Nikon D40X is an incredible value and very easy to use for a beginner, but you know you will not be limited should you choose to get more involved with your shots. At $999, this camera is well worth it.
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