Spot the difference. Can't see it? Check out the badge - one is a D40, the other a D40x. Still don't know what the difference is? Then read on.
[There are some rumours floating round the Internet that the final layout of the camera will change. These are official images released to me by Nikon and yesterday I had the opportunity to try what I believe is a production level D40X. As far as I can tell it's exactly the same body as the D40 with a different badge.]
Camera releases are getting funny. Pretty well everyone knew Nikon were going to announce a DSLR today. Everybody hopes that the D2X will be upgraded to compete with the Canon 1DMkIII and the rumoured 1DSMkIII. The Nikon D3X seemed an obvious announcement. Before the press conference I had seen “leaked” pictures (actually they looked a bit silly) and people were openly criticising Nikon's “decision” to use a 1.1 crop factor sensor. Not that Nikon had announced any such thing. The pictures may be real (though I doubt it), the 1.1 crop factor may even be true but the Nikon D3X remains a rumour. I'm sure there will be a D3X - Nikon remain fairly predictable on their pro range names. But not this week. And not next week either - for anyone watching PMA. If I had to guess I'd expect to see a D3X around August. But that's a guess and anything you read about the D3X is either rumour, speculation or hype. Here are the facts.
Nikon have today announced the launch of the Nikon D40x. I've been asked to stress that this is not a replacement for the D40. It joins the line up sitting nicely between the D40 and D80. Some may find the name bizarre but, well, D50 had already been used. The full Nikon DSLR line up this summer will therefore be: D40, D40x, D80, D200, D2Hs, D2Xs in pretty much that order for features and prices.
The “x” adds the following features to the D40:
- 10 megapixel sensor versus 6MP. The sensor is the traditional 1.5 crop factor like all Nikon DSLRs. Nikon aren't saying but it's highly likely that this is very similar to the D80 sensor.
- ISO 100 - 3200 (vs 200 - 3200). This makes a lot of sense. With more pixels on the chip noise would generally rise. Allowing ISO 100 should level the field. Note that the top ISO of both cameras is sometimes quoted as 1600. This is true but there is a “boost” mode that allows what any other manufacturer would call 3200.
- Slightly faster shooting speed - 3fps vs 2.5fps though 3fps is only achievable in certain modes.
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The body is identical to the D40 so many physical features will be the same. In particular:
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- The D40x takes SD cards and is compatible with SDHC. Forget about using CF cards in an entry level Nikon DSLR.
- The camera is “fully compatible (autofocus is supported) with AF-S and AF-I Nikkor lenses, which are equipped with an autofocus motor”. Just like the D40 you won't be able to use AF-D fit lenses in autofocus. You can fit just about any F mount lens and focus yourself.
- It uses the EN-EL9 battery just like the D40. No super duper new battery with an embedded chip to stop you buying a 3rd party make. Youc an expect over 500 shots on one charge. There's no news yet on a battery grip but it's unlikely. This camera is targeted at people wanting a small light camera rather than pro wannabes.
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Seriously, it's a D40 with more pixels. Nothing more and nothing less.
A very interesting question is what happens next. There is already talk on some pro forums about Nikon “abandoning” professionals and instead concentrating on the more profitable consumer market. That seems rather harsh but Nikon is bringing a lot to the market for the consumer. The D40 is available on the web for £380 with the kit lens. And that's an amazing bargain. The D80 is £530 body only and £680 with kit lens. The D40x will slide right in between them with an RRP of £499 body only, £599 kit. Expect the box shifters to discount that a little and you might find that the range settle down to D40 £375, D40x £525, D80 £675 (all with kit lenses - these are my guesses for early summer pricing). You would have to ask yourself if the extra 4 million pixels were worth an estimated £150. Then ask is the D80 is worth another £150.
To me is looks like a very clever marketing gambit. I'd expect the D40 to be sold by “non camera specialists” (OK, Argos) to people who really want an all singing all dancing compact but will stretch to a DSLR. The D40x will go out through camera shops to enthusiasts who would never buy the bottom specified model. The D80 will be for serious enthusiasts who can be persuaded that it's “only” an extra £150. The D200 will sit above them all as the camera that many people really want but can't afford/justify. Whatever happens, this should give the Canon 400D a run for its money - now Nikon will have both a cheaper camera and one with a very similar spec to compete in this highly competitive area of the market.
| Added as almost an aside at the press launch was the announcement of yet another mid range zoom. The AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6 IF-ED (seriously, can we get some shorted lens names please?) is apparently designed to work with the D80, D40 and D40x. That tells you pretty much what you need to know about it - think small, light cheap travel zoom with VR. It's great to see Nikon building affordable VR lenses now and I can see this lens selling as a great combination kit - my guess is the retailers may offer a D40x with AFS18-55 and the 55-200 VR for about £750 which would be a fantastic kit for anyone wanting to get into digital SLRs. |
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D40x and 55-200 VR will both be available on the 29th of March. D40x RRP with AF-S 18-55 is £599.99. 55-200 VR RRP is £249.99. Nikon also told me that unlike the D40, the D40x will be available body only for £499.99. It's likely this will come later than the kit.
