Snap-and-shoot digital photographers wanting a bit more functionality from their cameras and who feel the urge to step up to the next best thing might just find the new Nikon D40x is exactly what they’re looking for.

The Nikon D40x is a full featured Digital SLR (single lens reflex) camera that is packed with powerful features but built into light and compact frame.

It boasts of high-end specs like a 10.2 megapixel lens, support for light sensitivities of up to ISO 1600, detachable lens kit and a 2.5-inch LCD plus other features like exposure compensation, 8 vari-program shooting modes, high-speed continuous shooting, vibration reduction, and almost instant startup.

Despite its advanced controls, the camera is built with new users in mind providing easy access buttons and simpler navigation controls.

Other Nikon Exclusive features include:

- 3D Color Matrix Metering II which automatically computes the current shooting situation based on a built-in database of over 30,000 lighting scenarios and adjust the exposure accordingly.

- Multi-CAM 530 AF Sensor Module, a quick focusing system that results in sharp images even if subjects are moving or shooting in dimly lit environments.

- i-TTL Flash Control quickly evaluates and calculates each scene’s ideal lighting, even if you’re taking against the light shots.

The camera sell for $729.95 (w/o lens) or $799.95 (w/ lens).

Type of Camera: Single-lens reflex digital camera

Effective Pixels: 10.2 million

Image Sensor: RGB CCD, 23.7 x 15.6 mm; total pixels: 6.24 million, Nikon DX format

Image Size (pixels): 3,008 x 2,000 [L], 2,256 x 1,496 [M], 1,504 x 1,000 [S]

ISO Sensitivity: 100 to 1600 in steps of 1 EV with additional setting one step over 1600

Storage Media: SD memory card, SDHC compliant

Storage System: Compressed NEF (RAW): 12-bit compression; JPEG: JPEG baseline compliant

File System: Exif 2.21, Compliant DCF 2.0 and DPOF

White Balance: Auto (TTL white balance with 420-pixel RGB sensor); six manual modes with fine tuning and preset white balance

LCD Monitor: 2.5-inch, 230,000-dot, low-temperature polysilicon TFT LCD with 170-degree wide-angle viewing and brightness adjustment

Playback Function: 1 frame; thumbnail (4 or 9 segments); magnifying playback; slide show; histogram indication; highlight point display; auto image rotation

Delete Function: Card format, all frames delete, selected frames delete

Video Output: NTSC or PAL

Text Input: Up to 36 characters of alphanumeric text input available with LCD monitor and multi selector; stored in Exif header

Compatible Lenses*: Nikon F mount with AF coupling and AF contacts Type G or D AF Nikkor: 1) AF-S, AF-I: All functions supported; 2) Other Type G or D AF Nikkor: All functions supported except autofocus; 3) PC Micro-Nikkor 85mm f/2.8D: Can only be used in mode M; all other functions supported except autofocus; 4) Other AF Nikkor*