- Average user rating: 4.0 stars out of 21 reviews Back to product review
- My rating: 0 stars
Full user review
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27 out of 27 people found this review helpful
4.5 stars
"Excellent camera for the price range"
Pros: Best images in class (rated by several pros)
Cons: None for me - the quality of the images are amazing!
Summary: I shopped for some time over the past month reading anything I could get my hands on and e-mailing pro photographers about entry-level SLR or SLR cameras under $1200 (w/ a lens) and was consistently led to the Canon XT or the Nikon DX40 and D80 at first. then a few tidbits of info surfaced on the XTi and the D40X. Since I am not a professional photographer I had to rely on other info for a decision and interpret it. Basically I came away with the D40X as a best in class choice for my needs - a prosumer moving into SLR. Here are some points that I uncovered in my research on the net about the D40x that may be useful. The D40x is a great choice if you do not have old auto focus lenses - the screw drive AF will not work; currently the camera does not have an AF lens below 2.8 aperture so dim quck-action shot opportunities will not be optimized; the camera does not have a mirror lock setting for macro shot optimization (??don't know about this but it does take macro shots!); The consumer grade Nikon lenses are far superior to Canon's - supposedly even the shots of the Nikon D40X brochure were taken with a consumer grade 55-200 lens vs. the Canon Rebel brochure taken with an expensive pro lens; the overall image quality of the Nikon is better; the speed of shooting is better; the focus is quick; it is lighter and smaller; the noise level on high ISO settings is very low and that is about it. When I considered these things the pros wrote(one of them said they have started using this as their daily pack camera) I was easily swayed to purchase one. To me, the most important factor is image quality. I am less interested in experimental shooting although I understand the D40x will do that too. I wanted to write this to tell others because this is one fine camera. I ordered the 55-200 VR AF (auto focus anti-shake lens) they used for the brochure for $223 and cannot believe the results. The final outcome of the compiled ratings I read indicated that the D80 at the top of the heap but the D40X was right there with it in image quality in nearly every aspect. I submit to you that this camera should be on your shopping list.Updated
Another point I recently found is that the d40x has built in metering that the the competition apparently does not have. According to the info, it is a very important advantage Nikons have and very difficult to trick in difficult lighting situations. I continue to read reviews and comparisons and find that complaints are focused on no RAW software, no depth of field preview, no old AF lens use, 3pt autofocus and I understand all of these have consideration for some but I would rather have a better lens included than software as Nikon chose to do, I don't have old lens, 3 ratings showed the focus speed was better with the 3 point and sharp focus is easily attained, and all those extra settings are great for play. As I become more familiar I am finding that I see a well thought out design where I go one place for most all changes outside of the 8 auto preset picture categories. It is obvious that the camera is designed for a lot of auto use with fantastic results and nearly all play toys (detailed settings- experimental) are in the LCD menu. I think it is a smart idea to simplify and separate the interface for users. If you are swinging between the D40 and the D40x, consider that you can get the x now for about $100 difference - its worth it for the D80-like benefits. Canon Rebel xti? Software included but the Canon consumer lens are not rated good (see many reviews), the rebel has more pic noise but there are more buttons for you to punch and play with (separated functions) Thanks to all those people who wrote about the cameras and I hope I too have helped someone out.
- 4 replies to this review
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very appreciative for the heads up information. very helpful. Thanks.
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I'm waffling between the two cameras you were, the Canon and the Nikon. Going to head to the store to check them out for feel but you definitely have me leaning towards the Nikon.
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I am faced with the exact same decision and am happy to see someone who has put a lot of research into this like me has arrived at the same decision, including the 55-200 VR AF lens! I can't wait to get mine!
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That was grate info. I have been trying to decide what camera to buy between this three canon rebel xti ,nikon D80, Nikon D40x but I am really debating between the Nikon D40x and the D80 I dont know if its worth spending the extra money since.Thanks!
Where to buy
Nikon D40x (with 18-55mm lens):
$567.00 - $899.99
| store | price | in stock? | rating |
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Amazon.com Marketplace
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$899.99 | See Site |
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$567.00 | Yes |
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