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Tamron)
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CNET Networks)
Nikon has released a firmware update to its D40 6MP DSLR. The firmware update, v1.11, is a minor update that corrects an issue where shooting times were not always accurately recorded within the image data for images captured in bursts of continuous shooting.
We generally recommend installing the latest firmware updates for your camera, so you can get the most out of your gear. For more information on firmware updates for a specific camera, visit the manufacturer's Web site. Before installing any firmware upgrade, always take the time to read through all of the documentation and follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.
Nikon's new 10.2-megapixel D40x dSLR.
(Credit: Nikon)Just in case the D40's 6-megapixel sensor was keeping you from making the plunge into the world of digital SLRs, Nikon has just announced the D40x, which sports a 10.2-megapixel sensor. Despite the larger pixel count, Nikon still manages to bump the new camera's continuous shooting speed up to three frames per second for up to 100 shots, compared to the D40's 2.5fps. If you often shoot in very bright conditions, you'll appreciate the D40x's wider range of ISOs, which stretches from ISO 100 to ISO 3200 (Nikon calls it H-1). The D40 also goes to H-1, but starts at a low of ISO 200.
Other than the changes mentioned above, the D40x is essentially the same as the D40. That might be a good thing for Nikon, since the D40 scored quite well in our review. However, if you own older Nikon lenses which rely on a pin in the camera body for autofocus, you should know that neither the D40 nor the D40x are compatible with such lenses. Of course, if you're starting from scratch, or only own Nikon AF-S and AF-I lenses, then you've got nothing to worry about, since both cameras are still compatible with a very wide array of Nikon lenses.
Speaking of lenses, Nikon has announced a new one called the 55-200mm f/4-5.6G IF-ED AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor. When it becomes available this April at a price of $249.95, this new lens will be Nikon's least expensive lens to include Vibration Reduction (VR) technology, which shifts lens elements to compensate for camera shake.
Nikon plans to start shipping the D40x in April at prices of $729.95 (body only) and $799.95 in a kit with the same 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED II AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor lens that shipped with the D40. However, Nikon will also offer a second kit for $1,029.95, which will substitute the 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor as the kit lens. That's the same high-quality lens Nikon shipped with the popular 10.2-megapixel D80. At that price, it will make you think twice about whether you should just step up to the D80 after all.
Confirming what the blogosphere so graciously leaked over a week ago, Nikon has officially announced its new entry level digital SLR, the 6.1 megapixel D40. A followup to the company's D50, the D40 includes the same processing engine as the D200 and the same 420-pixel sensor 3D Color Matrix Metering II metering system found in the D80, while sporting a body that makes it the smallest Nikon dSLR to date.
One of the most interesting things about this camera is its new graphical user interface. Rather than the usual text-centric interface, Nikon has developed a cute and intuitive interface that incorporates tiny images to show you how changes to various settings, such as exposure compensation or white balance, will affect your images. For example, as you move exposure compensation from zero to +1, you can see the example image on the camera's LCD become brighter.
Other features include a sensitivity range that covers equivalents of ISO 200 through ISO 3200, 0.8x viewfinder magnification, a 2.5-inch 230,000-pixel LCD screen, and in-camera editing capabilities, such as Nikon's D-Lighting, red-eye reduction, cropping, resizing, and a handful of filter effects. As always with Nikon, all these in camera editing options let you keep the original image, so you can always revert back to the original image if you change your mind later on.
Users stepping up from compact cameras will appreciate the D40's Vari-Program modes. Like the scene modes found in digital compacts, they automatically set the D40 to handle various shooting conditions, such as sports or portraits. Of course, the D40 also includes program, shutter-priority, aperture-priority, full manual, and full auto shooting modes. In continuous shooting mode, Nikon says the D40 will be able to capture up to 100 consecutive JPEGs (in Normal mode) at a rate of 2.5 frames per second.
Owners of older Nikon lenses should note that the D40 has no coupling pin, so it will only accept Nikon's AF-S and AF-I lenses. Also, while the camera is compatible with Nikon's iTTL flash system, it doesn't include commander mode, so you'll have to add a wireless commander, or use a flash with a commander mode with you want wireless control over off-camera Speedlights. In other non-wireless-Speedlight news, Nikon is also introducing the relatively-inexpensive SB-400 AF Speedlight. This tiny flash sports a guide number of 98 feet at ISO 200 (or 68 feet at ISO 100), can tilt up for bounce flash but can't swivel, is powered by two AA batteries, and is compatible with Nikon's iTTL control, but can't be operated wirelessly. The new flash is expected to sell for about $150.
Nikon expects to ship the D40 to stores by the first week of December where they're expected to sell for about $600 in a kit with the new Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 G ED II AF-S DX zoom lens. According to Nikon, the D40 will only be available as a kit, at least initially.
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