Nikon D40X Digital SLR - Press Release

[Photo-John]

Nikon D40X Digital SLR Camera

Nikon’s smallest digital SLR combines a 10.2-megapixel CCD with a simple, intuitive operation designed to take great, high-resolution pictures for everyone.

TOKYO – Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the D40X, a new digital SLR incorporating a 10.2-megapixel CCD. The D40X is scheduled to launch worldwide at March 29, 2007 and is a sister model to the D40, which has a 6.1-megapixel CCD.

While maintaining the compact size and portability of the D40 camera body, the D40X produces even more outstanding, detailed pictures thanks to its 10.2-megapixel CCD and cutting-edge digital technologies. Its resolution power makes it easy for users to print up very large sizes or crop aggressively without losing any fine details. The D40X is loaded with everything you need for truly amazing images: a 10.2-megapixel CCD, Nikon’s exclusive 3D Color Matrix Metering II, an improved Image Processing Engine and superb Auto White Balnce. Together with a world-famous Nikkor lens, these features combine to ensure perfect exposure, refined details and natural, vivid colors.

The D40X shares the D40’s ergonomic design and streamlined interface, which means the same intuitive operation that’s simple and fun – even for entry-level users. The bright and clear viewfinder ensures precise composition, while the 2.5-inch large LCD monitor utilizes an easy-to-use menu system and a wide viewing angle so that everyone can navigate their settings and view their images with ease. There is also a handy built-in Help menu: simply press a button and useful information on key features is displayed on the LCD monitor.

The D40X is fast. Its near-instant power-up (0.18 second) and fast, reliable responses help photographers act on the moment, while the continuous shooting mode lets photographers easily capture up to 100 JPEG images of action as fast as 3 frames* per second. The camera’s razor-sharp autofocus ensures crisp images for a wide variety of photographic scenes.
*The fastest frame rates can be achieved by choosing manual focus, rotating the mode dial to S or M and selecting a shutter speed of 1/250 s. or faster, using defaults for all other settings.
Flash photography is simple with the D40X because the camera employs Nikon’s market-leading i-TTL flash control, which evaluates ideal flash exposure automatically and accurately, even in difficult lighting situations.

Eight Digital Vari-Program modes offer creative shooting options that are optimized for common shooting situations. Fun, fast and simple, they are as easy to use as rotating the mode dial. For further control over aperture and shutter speed, P/S/A/M modes are available.

Exclusive in-camera image editing features are available in the Retouch menu. One of the main features is Nikon’s exceptional D-lighting, which brings out details usually lost in underexposed areas of an image while retaining the proper exposure in brighter areas. Photographers can also correct red-eye easily, or use Monochrome effects to change an image to Black-and-white, Sepia tone or Cyanotype.

Some of the D40X’s major improvements include an even longer-lasting battery that allows up to 520 images* per charge (470 images* for the D40), faster continuous shooting at 3 frames per second (2.5 fps for the D40) and a wider ISO sensitivity of 100 to 1600, plus HI 1 (200 to 1600 plus HI 1 for the D40).

* CIPA standards

While it inherits many advanced digital and optical technologies from professional models, the D40X and its sister model, the D40, are Nikon’s smallest, most compact digital SLR cameras. By offering everyone mobility, ease-of-use and incredible pictures with great resolution, the D40X welcomes everyone to the world of Nikon digital SLR photography.

Major features

Intuitive, simple and trouble-free operation

• The most compact Nikon digital SLR ever, featuring intuitive controls and ergonomics designed for everyone
  
• A large 2.5-inch LCD monitor with easy-to-view menus, large fonts and careful color schemes for easy preview and setting changes
  
• Bright and clear viewfinder with 0.8x magnification for precise composition
  
• Long-life rechargeable lithium-ion battery that allows up to 520 images* on a single charge (*CIPA standards)
  
• Handy assist images that help photographers select the right camera settings
  
• Optional Wireless Remote Control ML-L3 for easy remote shutter release

Superior image quality and resolution

• 10.2-effective-megapixel
  
• Nikon DX Format CCD imaging sensor, producing 3,872 x 2,592-pixel images
  
• High-precision digital image processing algorithms for natural-looking pictures with faithful color and tone reproduction
  
• Nikon 3D Color Matrix Metering II for ideal exposures in almost any lighting condition
  
• Variable Center-weighted metering and Spot metering centered on the active focus area
  
• Auto White Balance for natural colors, plus six different manual white balance settings and user-defined preset white balance

Fast and precise responses

• Quick 0.18 second power-up to respond to every photographic opportunity
  
• Fast continuous shooting mode enables up to 100 JPEG images (FINE L-size or smaller) at 3 frames* per second
  
• The fastest frame rates can be achieved by choosing manual focus, rotating the mode dial to S or M and selecting a shutter speed of 1/250 s. or faster, using defaults for all other settings.
  
• Advanced three-area AF system and refined algorithms for fast, efficient and precise autofocus
  
• Versatile shutter speed control ranging from 30 to 1/4000 s., plus bulb

Accurate automated and manual control for predictable results

• Eight Digital Vari-Programs that adjust camera settings automatically for incredible scene-specific pictures. Selections include Auto, Auto (Flash Off), Portrait, Landscape, Child, Sports, Close Up, and Night Portrait
  
• Manual controls over shutter and aperture: P (Programmed Auto), S (Shutter-priority Auto), A (Aperture-priority Auto) and M (Manual)
  
• Automatic and manual control over ISO sensitivity from ISO 100 to 1600, as well as HI 1 (manual only)
  
• Simultaneous recording of NEF (RAW) and JPEG basic data for the same image
  
• Built-in Flash with Nikon’s dependable i-TTL flash control, supporting Auto flash, Red-eye reduction, Slow sync, Rear curtain sync and Flash exposure compensation

Retouch Menu for creative in-camera image edits and effects

• Selections include D-lighting, Red-eye correction, Trim, Monochrome (Black-and-white, Sepia, Cyanotype), Filter effects (Skylight, Warm filter, Color balance), Small picture and Image overlay

Seamless integration with Nikon Total Digital Imaging System

• Fully compatible (autofocus is supported) with AF-S and AF-I Nikkor lenses, which are equipped with an autofocus motor (Also compatible with most of the world-famous F-mount Nikkor lenses when in manual focus mode)
  
• Supports the Nikon Creative Lighting System when using the SB-800, SB-600, SB-400, SB-R200 or the R1C1 Wireless Close-Up Speedlight system for accurate exposures via i-TTL flash and versatile wireless operation
  
• Nikon’s PictureProject software to share, organize and edit pictures with ease.
  
• Capture NX software (available separately) for creative photo editing with NEF (RAW), JPEG and TIFF images. Thanks to U Point™ technology, by Nik Software Inc., radical and subtle image enhancements are as easy as a few clicks

Related Nikon content:
Nikon Cameras Forum >>
Nikon Digital SLR Camera Reviews >>
Nikon Cameras Resource Page >>
All Nikon News >>
Nikon Web Site >>

[Photo-John]

Nikon Digital SLR Camera D40X Specifications

Type of camera		Single-lens reflex digital camera
Effective pixels		10.2 million
Image Sensor		RGB CCD, 23.6 x 15.8 mm; total pixels: 10.75 million, Nikon DX format
Image Size (pixels)		3,872 x 2,592 [L], 2,896 x 1,944 [M], 1,936 x 1,296 [S]
ISO Sensitivity		100 to 1,600 in steps of 1 EV with additional setting one step over 1,600
Storage Media		SD memory card, SDHC compliant
Storage System		Compressed NEF (RAW): 12-bit compression, JPEG: JPEG baseline compliant
File System		Exif 2.21, Compliant DCF 2.0 and DPOF
White Balance		Auto (TTL white-balance with 420-pixel RGB sensor), six manual modes with fine-tuning and preset white balance
LCD Monitor		2.5-in., 230,000-dot, low-temperature polysilicon TFT LCD with brightness adjustment
Playback Function		1 frame; Thumbnail (4 or 9 segments); Magnifying playback; Slide show; Histogram indication; Highlight point display; Auto image rotation
Delete Function		Card format, All frames delete, Selected frames delete
Video Output		NTSC or PAL
Interface		High-speed USB: Mass Storage and MTP/PTP selectable
Text Input		Up to 36 characters of alphanumeric text input available with LCD monitor and multi selector; stored in Exif header
Compatible Lenses*1		Nikon F mount with AF coupling and AF contacts Type G or D AF Nikkor 1) AF-S, AF-I: All functions supported, 2) Other Type G or D AF Nikkor: All functions supported except autofocus, 3) PC Micro-Nikkor 85mm f/2.8D: Can only be used in mode M; all other functions supported except autofocus, 4) Other AF Nikkor*2/AI-P Nikkor: All functions supported except autofocus and 3D Color Matrix Metering II, 5): Non-CPU: Can be used in mode M, but exposure meter does not function; electronic rangefinder can be used if maximum aperture is f/5.6 or faster *1. IX-Nikkor lenses can not be used *2. Excluding lenses for F3AF
Picture Angle		Equivalent in 35mm [135] format is approx. 1.5 times lens focal length
Viewfinder		Fixed-eyelevel penta-Dach mirror type; built-in diopter adjustment (-1.7 to +0.5m-1)
Eyepoint		18mm (-1.0m-1)
Focusing Screen		Type B BriteView Clear Matte screen Mark V with superimposed focus brackets
Viewfinder Frame Coverage		Approx. 95% (vertical/horizontal)
Viewfinder Magnification		Approx. 0.8x with 50mm lens at infinity; -1.0m-1
Viewfinder Information		Focus indications, AE lock indicator, Shutter speed, Aperture value, Exposure/Exposure compensation indicator, Exposure mode, Flash output level compensation, Exposure compensation, Number of remaining exposures, Flash-ready indicator
Autofocus		TTL phase detection by Nikon Multi-CAM530 autofocus sensor module with AF-assist illuminator (range approximately 0.5-3.0m/1ft. 8in.-9ft. 10in.); Detection range: -1 to +19 EV (ISO 100 at 20°C/68°F)
Lens Servo		1) Autofocus (AF): Instant single-servo AF (AF-S); continuous servo AF (AF-C); auto AF-S/AF-C selection (AF-A); predictive focus tracking automatically activated according to subject status,2) Manual focus (M)
Focus Areas		Can be selected from three focus areas
AF Area Modes		1) Single Area AF, 2) Dynamic Area AF, 3) Dynamic Area AF with Closest Subject Priority
Focus Lock		Focus can be locked by pressing shutter-release button halfway (single-servo AF) or by pressing AE-L/AF-L button
Exposure Metering System		TTL exposure metering system 1) 3D Color Matrix Metering II (type G and D lenses); Color Matrix Metering II (other CPU lenses); metering performed by 420-pixel RGB sensor 2) Center-weighted: Weight of 75% given to 8mm circle in center of frame 3) Spot: Meters 3.5mm circle (about 2.5% of frame) centered on active focus area
Exposure Metering Range		1) 0 to 20 EV (3D Color Matrix or center-weighted metering), 2) 2 to 20 EV (Spot metering)
Exposure Modes		Digital Vari-program (Auto, Auto [Flash Off], Portrait, Landscape, Child, Sports, Close Up, Night Portrait), Programmed Auto (P) with flexible program; Shutter-Priority Auto (S); Aperture Priority Auto (A); Manual (M)
Exposure Compensation		±5 EV in increments of 1/3 EV
Exposure Lock		Exposure locked at detected value with AE-L/AF-L button
Shooting Modes		1) Single frame shooting mode, 2) Continuous shooting mode: approx. 3 frames per second*, 3) Self-timer mode, 4) Delayed remote mode: 2 s. delay, 5) Quick-response remote mode*The fastest frame rates can be achieved by choosing manual focus, rotating the mode dial to S or M and selecting a shutter speed of 1/250 s. or faster, using defaults for all other settings.
Shutter		Electronically controlled vertical-travel focal plane shutter, 30 to 1/4000 s. in steps of 1/3 EV, bulb
Sync Contact		X-contact only; flash synchronization at up to 1/200 s.
Flash Control		1) TTL: TTL flash control by 420-pixel RGB sensor. i-TTL balanced fill-flash for digital SLR and standard i-TTL fill-flash for digital SLR available when CPU lens is used with built-in flash, SB-800, SB-600, and SB-400, 2) Auto aperture: Available with SB-800 with CPU lens, 3) Non-TTL Auto: Available with Speedlights such as SB-800, 80DX, 28DX, 28, 27, and 22s , 4) Range-priority manual: Available with SB-800
Flash Sync Modes		AUTO, Portrait, Child, Close Up: Auto, auto with red-eye reduction; fill-flash and red-eye reduction available with optional Speedlight Night portrait: Auto, auto slow sync, auto slow sync with red-eye reduction; slow sync and slow sync with red-eye reduction available with optional Speedlight Landscape, Sport: Fill-flash and red-eye reduction available with optional Speedlight P, A: Fill-flash, rear-curtain with slow sync, slow sync, slow sync with red-eye reduction, red-eye reduction S, M: Fill-flash, rear-curtain sync, red-eye reduction
Built-in Flash		AUTO, Portrait, Child, Close Up, Night Portrait: Auto flash with auto pop-up P/S/A/M: Manual pop-up with button release Guide number (ISO 100, m /ft.): approx. 12/39 (manual full 13/42)
Flash Compensation		-3 to +1 EV in increments of 1/3 EV
Accessory Shoe		Standard ISO hot-shoe contact with sync, signal, and ground contacts and safety lock
Self-timer		Electronically controlled timer with duration of 2, 5, 10 or 20 s.
Remote Control		Via Wireless Remote Control ML-L3 (optional)
Power Source		One Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL9; charging voltage (Quick Charger MH-23): 7.4V DC, AC Adapter EH-5 (available separately; requires optional AC Adapter Connector EP-5)
Tripod Socket		1/4 in. (ISO 1222)
Dimensions (W x D x H)		Approx. 126 x 64 x 94mm (5.0 x 2.5 x 3.7 in.)
Weight		Approx. 495g (1lb. 1oz.) without battery, memory card or body cap
Supplied Accessories*		Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL9, Quick Charger MH-23, USB Cable UC-E4, PictureProject, Rubber Eyecup DK-16, Camera Strap, Body Cap BF-1A, Eyepiece Cap DK-5, Accessory Shoe Cap BS-1
Optional Accessories		Wireless Remote Control ML-L3, Capture NX, Camera Control Pro, AC Adapter Connector EP-5, AC Adapter EH-5, Video Cable EG-D100, Semi Soft-Case CF-DC1, Speedlight SB-800, SB-600, SB-400 and R1C1

*Supplied accessories may differ depending on country or area.

Specifications and equipment are subject to change without any notice or obligation on the part of the manufacturer. March 2007

[deckcadet]

An interesting release- this seems to be aimed right at a few of those cameras that were inhabiting the gap between the D40/50 and D80. By retaining most of the D40's components, they have lower costs, and let's not forget the economic benefits of using that same 10mp sensor. (incidentally, the press release is worded in such a way that indicates to me the D40 will continue to sell at its low price point, with this as a higher end model, contrary to some rumors).

It does indicate to me, however, that Nikon will be liable to introduce some more AF-S lenses very soon, as now they aren't just targeting the low low end.

[dante]

this seems to be going squarely after the XTi, but seems to fall flat. priced similarly, but with 3 AF points, no ISO/WB buttons on the back, limited lens compatibility, etc.

[Photo-John]

this seems to be going squarely after the XTi, but seems to fall flat. priced similarly, but with 3 AF points, no ISO/WB buttons on the back, limited lens compatibility, etc.

I don't know if you've looked at our PMA coverage at all. But we got a demo of the D40x at the Nikon booth and what sets it apart is the user interface. I don't think it's directly aimed at the XTi. It's targeted for the person that doesn't necessarily want to be a Photographer (note the capital "P"), but wants the power and quality of a digital SLR. The menu interface has informational prompts that tell the user what each setting does, similar to the kind of menus we've been seeing in compact digital cameras for the last year or two. Take a look at the demo video we shot at the Nikon booth:

Nikon D40x User Interface Video >>

And if you like that, you should take a look at the rest of our PMA blog and the other videos from the show floor:

2007 PMA Blog >>

[Ashton K.]

I was considering getting a D70s to replace my old broken SLR. But now that this is coming out, my interest is piqued. I'll wait to see the reviews, but it looks like this could be close to, or maybe better than the D70s. And if so, I'll look into getting one.

[Photo-John]

I was considering getting a D70s to replace my old broken SLR. But now that this is coming out, my interest is piqued. I'll wait to see the reviews, but it looks like this could be close to, or maybe better than the D70s. And if so, I'll look into getting one.

The image quality should be pretty much the same as the D80. I believe it uses the same sensor.