Nikon D40 now officially released! Finally

Two weeks after all the information was unofficially released, Nikon has finally announced the release of the new Nikon D40 DSLR. This is another step by Nikon to bring in a budget DSLR for those wanting to upgrade from their compacts or those DSLR like cameras. Now it's only time before Canon announces their budget model (3000D).



Anyhow, with the release of the new D40, there are two other new products from Nikon that compliments the new DSLR. They are:

1. A new lens, the AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED II. The major features are:

*Offers the popular focal range of 18-55mm (picture angle equivalent to a 27-82.5mm lens in the 35mm format) for use in a variety of situations
*Compact SWM (Silent Wave Motor) for quiet and smooth auto focusing
*An ED glass element minimizes chromatic aberration, and a hybrid aspherical lens element minimizes astigmatism and other forms of distortion while ensuring high resolution and contrast
*Compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry
*Optical performance highly complements Nikon digital SLR cameras
*Ideally complements the D40 kit
*The seven-blade rounded diaphragm opening makes out-of-focus elements appear more natural
Click here for more info



2. A new flash, the Nikon Speedlight SB-400. The major features of the SB-400 are as follows:

*Compatible with i-TTL and D40’s M mode
*Flash head can be tilted in 4 steps; horizontal, 60, 75 and 90 degrees
*Flash shooting distance range: 0.6m - 20m (depends on the ISO setting)
*Guide number: 30 [ISO 200, m, 20°C]
*Angle of coverage: 18mm (with Nikon-DX format cameras), 27mm (with Nikon F6)
8Depending on the camera in use, the following flash modes are available: Slow Sync, Red-eye Reduction, Red-eye Reduction with Slow Sync, *Rear-curtain Sync, FV Lock, exposure compensation, M (manual, only with D40 camera)
*Power source: two AA-size 1.5V batteries (also compatible with lower voltage batteries)

Unfortunately, the SB-400 cannot be used with cameras not compatible with Nikon Creative Lighting System and is not compatible with Advanced Wireless Lighting. Click here for more info