Nikon D40X + 18-55mm lens

The Nikon D40x SLR Digital Camera features astounding resolution and broad ISO sensitivity, while still maintaining a compact and lightweight design. The 10.2-effective megapixel DX format CCD imaging sensor is complimented by Nikon’s exclusive 3D Color Matrix Metering II and an improved Nikon Image Processing Engine that together ensure breathtaking picture quality with precision exposure, wider ISO sensitivity of 100-1600, and natural, accurately rendered colors. The camera can power-up in a near-instantaneous 0.18 seconds, is able to capture images instantly, with virtually none of the shutter delay typically associated with point-and-shoot digital cameras, and can shoot up to 3 pictures per second, non-stop for up to 100 shots. The D40x also features superb power efficiency, allowing up to 520 images per charge. 

The D40x’s automated, scene-optimized Digital Vari-Program modes allow users to capture nearly any type of scene without needing to understand the fine points of photography or fumble with camera settings. The D40x includes eight preset modes, including a Flash Off mode. As users gain experience with the camera, the camera offers advanced controls such as Aperture-priority and Shutter-priority modes that offer greater creative control over the look and feel of their pictures. 

The large and bright 2.5-inch color LCD screen on the back of the D40x displays everything from menu options, pictures in playback mode, the visually-intuitive information display system that presents camera and shooting information in a user-friendly, graphical way, and a built-in help menu with Assist Images that can help you select appropriate settings for many camera features by displaying a sample image illustrating the effect and potential use of the setting in question. 

When you’re done shooting, the Retouch menu offers exclusive in-camera image editing features that provide greater creativity without the need for a computer. Included in the Retouch menu is Nikon’s D-Lighting, which brightens dark pictures and an automated Red-eye correction feature. Other creative features include Image Overlay, Small Picture, Monochrome (Black-and-white, Sepia, and Cyanotype) and Filter Effects (Skylight, Warm filter, Color balance). After you have taken your picture and made all of the desired adjustments, printing that picture could never be easier, since the camera is PictBridge compatible, just connect the camera to a PictBridge compliant printer and print your favorite images – without the need for a computer.