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March 6, 2007
Nikon D40X and Nikkor 55-200 DX AFS VR
Nikon surprised the community by rolling out an update to the popular D40 entry-level digital SLR at PMA 2007. Updated with a 10MP sensor and a few other features, the D40X appears to be a refresh move to bring the hot-selling camera into parity with it's larger resolution competitors. Accompanying the new camera was yet another hardware refresh - the much anticipated 55-200mm DX AFS lens with Vibration Reduction.
While D3 fans may be disappointed by the development, the move by Nikon to update the easy-to-use D40 to an X model makes a lot of marketing and engineering sense. The original D40, while immensely popular, was seen by many consumers on the fence as a bit outdated due to it's 6MP CCD sensor. While the D40's performance was a showcase of how to maximize image quality, it was clearly not enough to overcome consumer perceptions. Enter the D40X, sharing the same 10MP CCD that is found in the D200 and the D80. Other improvements include a higher frame rate and a longer life battery.
The 55-200 VR was not as much of a suprise. Eagle-eyed Nikonians were quick to pick up on the existence of the lens when it was accidentally revealed in Nikon's own marketing videos touting the features of the original D40. The new lens is not signficantly different in size or heft from the original telephoto zoom. But with VR Generation II, shutterbugs will appreciate the potential four-stop difference in performance.
Be sure to get more details from our colleagues at LetsGoDigital and the insider perspective from Nikonians Chief Editor Tom Bone.
Posted by covey22 at March 6, 2007 5:15 AM