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Product Review: Page (1) of 3 - 07/21/07

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Nikon D40x

Entry level D-SLR

By Heath McKnight

The Nikon D40x is a fun, easy-to-use DSLR that is virtually identical to the D40, but packs a 10.2 megapixel (mp) sensor vs. the D40?s 6.1 mp.  I haven?t used an SLR-style camera since my Pentax K1000 film days 12 years ago, but I had no problems going from a digital point-and-click to the D40x DSLR.  It?s powerful and with some practice, you can take some excellent photos.

Nikon has been positioning the D40x for people such as me, long-time users of digital point-and-clicks, and in my case, long-time users of disposable film point-and-clicks.  I?m sure you?ve seen the commercials and ads, and you may have even stopped by www.stunningnikon.com/picturetown to check out the photos taken by residents of Georgetown, South Carolina.  As major consumer-style camera manufacturers, including Nikon, are in a battle over whose point-and-click is best, Nikon decided to create the D40 DSLR; its purpose is to bring more professional features to the average, casual photographer.

When the cinematographer and gaffer on my film 9:04 AM showed up in October 2006 with Canon 20D and 30D DSLRs, respectively, it made me realize how much I missed photography. My Canon PowerShot A60?s a great little camera, but can?t give the kind of image a DSLR can. One month later, in November 2006, Nikon released the D40, and I realized, as many others did, that this would be a great entry into DSLR photography.

Within a few short months, Nikon introduced the D40x, with pretty much the same features, only a faster burst rate of 3 pictures per second versus 2.5, lower ISO (ISO 100 v. ISO 200) a smaller flash sync speed (1/250 vs. the D40?s 1/500) and 10.2 mp vs. 6.1.  Otherwise, it?s an identical unit.

When I received the D40x, I went out and bought the Magic Lantern D40 Training DVD, which helped me determine what the buttons, camera functions, menu structure, etc., are for, and how to use them. This training DVD and its accompanying book are excellent to get to know your camera, and help move you from using the full auto mode of the camera. You can find Magic Lantern products at major online retailers. 

I also found Ken Rockwell?s excellent website,  to be very educational, not just with his D40 guide , but also with his discussions about photography, technology and more.  If you?re not on Ken?s site, you?re missing out!
One thing that won?t be found often in most camera technical training sites, DVDs, books and more, is how to actually take great photographs.  That comes with just getting out there and taking pictures, and also finding books, DVDs, magazines, websites and more, about the art and techniques of photography. One book I highly recommend is THE CAMERA by Ansel Adams, one of America?s greatest photographers and teachers. Though we?re now using digital vs. film, I found so many great things about composition, lighting, using the shutter, aperture, flash and more in this great book, I noticed my skills improving.

However, Nikon School has put out two excellent DVDs that do just that, ?Understanding Digital Photography: Release Your Digital SLR?s Potential? and ?Fast, Fun & Easy: Great Digital Pictures? (with the D40 and D40x), both hosted by award-winning photographer Bob Krist, who works for National Geographic Traveler. They?re excellent and have really helped me out. Go to any major online retailer to find these great DVDs!

But nothing beats just going out and taking pictures, whether it?s inside or out, during the day or at night, whether its people, nature, etc., all these different scenarios will help you to become a better photographer.