What's the difference between a Nikon D40x and a D40.?

Question

Is it worth the extra price.
Do either cameras have macro capabilities?

Answer 1

There are two major differences, four megapixels, the D40x is ten whereas the D40 is six, and the D40x has a wonderful help facility that will assist you a lot in learning photography. Beyond that the two cameras are pretty much the same.

You should also be aware that while Nikon often tells everyone that all of it's lenses work with the digital cameras, that's only true at the higher end. At the entry level there are a variety of older lenses that don't work. If you're starting out this doesn't matter since you'll be buying newer lenses. Later as you upgrade the body you then also open up opportunities to consider older used lenses some of which are incredible in quality.

The only other consideration is that the D40 has been around for quite a while whereas the D40x is relatively new. What that means in practical terms is that the D40x will get you support for a lot longer than the D40. All manufacturers at some point stop supporting older models. That may not be an issue for you if you're looking at upgrading the body in two or three years, but it can become a serious issue if you plan on keeping it for years to come.

Taking everything into consideration and the minor cost difference I'd go with the D40x personally.

One final thought, if cost is not a big issue with you, I'd not get it with the offered 18mm-55mm lens. That's an ok lens but it really doesn't give you any telephoto. A slightly better lens that doesn't cost much more is the 18mm-70mm and later when you're better off you can add the 70mm-300mm which is also reasonably priced. Alternately, my lens of choice is an 18mm-200mm but this option is pricey. On the other hand it offers you the option to use one lens for just about anything you ever want to photograph.

Regarding macro, all the lenses will let you do macro BUT usually only to a 1:2 ratio (half life size). That's not an issue if you're doing a relatively large flower, your picture will come out perfectly. However if you want to do a tiny lady bug you'd need to consider a macro lens that goes to 1:1 (life size). Nikon has a 105mm macro that I use which is just incredible but also expensive. And if you want to magnify, basically go 2:1 (twice life size) in addition to the macro lens you'll need extension tubes too. Now this isn't unique to Nikon, those are simply the facts of life when it comes to doing macro with any camera.

For now I'd say don't worry about it. Get your camera and preferred lens and see what it does. Later if you find that some of your macro subjects aren't large enough in your pictures, that's the time to think about a macro lens and perhaps extension tubes.

I hope this helps a little. Good Luck!

Answer 2

The D40 is a 6-megapixel camera. The X has 10.

At about $US130 difference I'd say go for the X.

Yes, they'll do macro, but you have to buy a macro lens.

Just make sure the lens is an "AF-S" or "HSM" or you won't get autofocus on these cameras..

Hope this helps.