Let's face it; if you've grown accustomed to a diet of point and shoot cameras, switching to a digital SLR can be a daunting prospect. Don't worry; Nikon totally has your back with the D40x. This 10.2-megapixel model has one of the smartest automatic modes we've seen, including accurate measurement of often trouble-prone areas such as ISO setting and white balance. Image quality is top-notch, with great detail and minimal noise even at high ISO settings. More advanced shooters will find a wealth of options for adjusting exposure, color, and contrast. But getting to those options can be a pain, with even basic settings such as resolution and ISO buried under layers of menus. -David Becker
autofocus system misses target sometimes.
- Camera Resolution: 10.2 megapixels (DX format CCD)