Nikon D40 Announced?

[funkybudha]

As of November 16, 2006 1:30AM EST I see on http://www.nikonusa.com/template.php?cat=1 a quick blurb on the announcement of:

Nikon D40
Incredible Pictures...Even Easier
Nikon's smallest digital SLR camera ever!
Packaged with Nikon's superb 18-55mm
f/3.5-5.6G ED II AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor
lens.

There seems to be a new Nikon SB-400 Sppedlight flash as well.

When you click on either one of these links, you jump to Nikon's http://www.nikondigital.com/main.html?page=d40 website, but there's no updated link for the new products...at least, as of this moment.

[funkybudha]

Well, it looks like dpreview.com has the following hands on preview of the D40:

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0611/06...sonpreview.asp

[goofball]

From what it appears, this camera won't support prime lenses properly. That alone, is enough reason to avoid it if you're serious about photography or getting into it with this camera.
The D50 is a better buy. Or the D70s.

[hightech]

The D40 appears to be a poor mans SLR. Personally, I would save up for the D80 with the decent VR lens. This combo should easily give the avg and amateur photographer all they need for a number of years.

I have played with the D50 and it is not too bad, but the D70 is a nicer camera. The new D80 is a step in the right direction for Nikon.

[rubberband]

meh, skip the D40. Pick up a used D50 for under $500 instead and get way more features and proper support for lenses. I love mine.

I did play with a D80 the other day though.. Loving the *HUGE* viewfinder. I'm thinking that might be my next upgrade.

[2000fordfocus]

OMG! D40 is not the biggest announcement~ The new SB400 is!!! Is will do wireless flash(aka CLS) at a low price!!! Damn it!! I can finally go wireless at a affordable price!! letz hope it will do a good job~

[thelefteyeguy]

im waiting for the D300...when it finally has VR built in the camera...eventhough it'd probably reduce the revenue flows from ppl getting new lens.

Nikon really needs to get their act together.

[TenzoR]

The D40 appears to be a poor mans SLR. Personally, I would save up for the D80 with the decent VR lens. This combo should easily give the avg and amateur photographer all they need for a number of years.

I have played with the D50 and it is not too bad, but the D70 is a nicer camera. The new D80 is a step in the right direction for Nikon.

I doubt the avg person or amateur photographer will even utilize the full potential of D50 let alone the D80. I'd skip the D40/D80 and get the D50. The savings from the D80 will allow you to buy a more selection of lenses.

The only thing I wish my D50 has is the lit LCD and more focus point. The second command wheel is useless to me since it takes me a long time to setup a shot anyways.

[warpdrive]

I agree that getting a D50 is still a better bet for most people with more room to grow. I can't imagine most people not being happy with the D50's capabilities (except for those who like to argue)

That SB400 would be a pretty cool addition if you want to build up a CLS system

[cipher]

WTH? Works with AF-S or AF-I lenses only? Also...what's with all these cheap lenses with plastic mounts? Is Nikon going ghetto?

[TenzoR]

WTH? Works with AF-S or AF-I lenses only? Also...what's with all these cheap lenses with plastic mounts? Is Nikon going ghetto?

well considering it's goign to be priced below D50 ...I think its fine that it only works with AF-S/AF-I lenses. Most of the majority buyer will probably use those lenses anyways. As for cheap lenses with plastic mounts? Well cost may be an issue but also weight. Nikon does have well built lens, but the price is quite $$ for some people

[CameraBill]

OMG! D40 is not the biggest announcement~ The new SB400 is!!! Is will do wireless flash(aka CLS) at a low price!!! Damn it!! I can finally go wireless at a affordable price!! letz hope it will do a good job~

The specs look bad. Fairly under powered, only takes 2 AA's. Not much of an upgrade over the pop-up flash. Money would be better spent on 3rd party flashes or older used Nikon flashes.

[robbiex1]

Ok, every take a deep breath and relax....this camera isn't for the hobbyist or serious amateur. It's targeted at drawing people into Nikon's SLR system people who are looking to buy a $400-$500+ point and shoot.

For the rest of us who are more advanced, don't sweat it, Nikon has the great D200, D80 and probably a soon-to-be-released D3H....

As for the SB400, it's enough for some people. If it's not enough for you, get the SB600. No problem.

Remember, Nikon is also trying to get a share of the entry-level SLR market, not just the advanced, pro and semi-pro.

[funkybudha]

Ok, every take a deep breath and relax....this camera isn't for the hobbyist or serious amateur. It's targeted at drawing people into Nikon's SLR system people who are looking to buy a $400-$500+ point and shoot.

For the rest of us who are more advanced, don't sweat it, Nikon has the great D200, D80 and probably a soon-to-be-released D3H....

As for the SB400, it's enough for some people. If it's not enough for you, get the SB600. No problem.

Remember, Nikon is also trying to get a share of the entry-level SLR market, not just the advanced, pro and semi-pro.

Agreed! I think it's a smart move on Nikon's part. The D40 is to Nikon as the Fit is to Honda. There are plenty of feature-rich models in Nikon's current line-up such as the D80 and D200 to meet the needs of the prosumer/enthusiast photographer.

Entry-level is as it should be - entry level features and priced accordingly. I would understand people's complaints about the D40's lack of features if it were to be called a D55 or D60 but it's not. It's meant to be pushed down market and draw in the interest of P&S users.

My only beef is their omission of an internal focus drive motor. I think it would've been really neat to market it to first time dSLR buyers by saying, "Hey, you can still use your father's old AF Nikon lenses." But I guess Nikon's marketing people figured that the majority of their intended D40 users' first (and probably ONLY) lenses will only be AFS.

Does that mean Nikon will come out with an AFS prime?

[klam]

I think the D40 is a good move for Nikon, because despite having a decently capable camera in the D50, the D50 is not the sales leader in the segment. Perhaps a cheaper model slotted under will help grab some additional sales.

Like the others have mentioned, the lack of motor drive reaffirms that Nikon's mount technology is outdated and lacks full compatibility throughout the line.

The Nikon prime lenses are outdated and they don't seem interested in advancing them.

They're selling a pretty bare bones DSLR, but it's not THAT much cheaper than the D50??