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Nikon
D40 Digital SLR Camera
First Look Review
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Extraordinary Nikon digital SLR picture quality in a camera
that is
smaller, lighter, easier to use, and more affordable than ever.
Seeing is believing with the Nikon D40
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Nov 16th, 2006
Nikon has today officially introduced the 6.1 megapixel Nikon
D40 digital SLR camera, and a new
companion AF-S
DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G II ED zoom
lens. The entry level Nikon D40 is a successor to the popular
Nikon D50 digital SLR and is mainly geared at first time users
moving from a 35mm SLR, or upgrading from a consumer type digital
camera into the world of digital SLR photography.
Designed for
a broad range of customers, from novices to advanced amateur
enthusiasts, the Nikon D40 digital SLR will allow photographers
to easily adopt D-SLR technology and begin building a system
that will bring ongoing enjoyment in the future.
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Developed
as an ideal match for daily use with the Nikon D40 digital
SLR, while fully compatible with all Nikon D-Series
SLR models, the new AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G
ED II zoom lens looks attractive, is more compact and
provides a practical focal range for most general applications.
The
Nikon D40 employs the same Nikon DX Format sensor and
Nikon F lens mount as the Nikon D50. This allows photographers
to take full advantage of most DX Nikkor lenses which
are optimized to achieve maximum center-to-edge-to-corner
image quality.
To
make the Nikon D40 even lighter Nikon has removed the
AF motor from the camera body so that unlike the Nikon
D50 digital SLR the Nikon D40 only offers AF operation
with Nikon's AF-S type lenses.
The
AF DX 10.5mm Fisheye Nikkor is not auto focus compatible
with the Nikon D40 digital SLR. (AF does work with the
Nikon D50)
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The manufacturer's recommended retail price for the Nikon D40
digital SLR kit with the new DX 18-55mm II zoom lens will be
$749 Canadian. The Nikon D40 body only will have an MSRP of
$649.
The
Nikon D40 digital SLR kit with 18-55mm lens will be priced at
$599 in the US. The camera is expected to be available by Dec.
In some countries, the Nikon D40 digital SLR will also be available
in a silver version. (Black only in Canada)
Nikon D40 DSLR Major Features
- 6.1 effective
megapixel Nikon DX Format CCD imaging sensor that produces 3,008
x 2,000-pixel images with accurate color, high resolution and
sharp details for great pictures capable of significant enlargement,
or cropping for creative effect. File sizes remain manageable,
making it easier to take and store more great pictures
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The
Nikon D40 is a more compact, lightweight Nikon digital SLR
camera than the Nikon D50. New frame construction, mechanical
and electronic mechanisms, and circuitry have been developed
to enable the smaller, more lightweight and power-efficient
design
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The
Nikon D40 features a large 2.5-in, 230,000-dot low-temperature
polysilicon TFT LCD monitor with a 170 degree viewing angle
the same as the Nikon D80 and the Nikon D200. Since the D40
does not feature a top LCD information panel like on the Nikon
D50, D80 and other Nikon digital SLR's, all camera information
and settings are also displayed on the Nikon D40's rear LCD
monitor
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You
can select
from 3 shooting information display formats: "Classic",
"Graphic", and "Wallpaper"
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Classic
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Graphic
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Wallpaper:
select photo or download
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- Fast power-up
time of approximately 0.18 seconds; the Nikon D40 exhibits quick
response for capturing those fleeting and unexpected shots
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The
Nikon D40 supports the full line-up of AF-S Nikkor lenses.
Autofocus is only possible when AF-S or AF-I Nikkor lenses
with a built-in autofocus motor are used.
Manual focus using the in-focus indicator in the electronic
range finder display is possible with most AF Nikkor lenses.
The lens-drive motor built into other camera models like
the Nikon D50 and Nikon D80 has been eliminated.
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Fast
3-area AF system delivers consistent subject acquisition
and focus tracking to capture the action as it happens.
Automatic
AF-assist illuminator helps ensure AF performance in
dark situations.
Focus
Area brackets illuminate in red to show which AF area
is active.
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The
Nikon D40 features a retouch menu that offers options for
editing images recorded to the memory card in a number of
ways including adding special effects or reducing size similar
to the options on the Nikon D80 digital SLR. Options include
D-lighting, Red Eye correction, Trim, Monochrome (B&W),
Filter effects, Small Picture, and Image Overlay
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Automatic
control over ISO-equivalent sensitivity from ISO 200
to 1600; can also be set manually to HI 1 (3200 ISO
boost)
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New
Function and menu selection screens with sample images
that make functions easier to understand, even for
beginners
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The
Nikon D40 digital SLR features a setup menu and Custom
Settings that offer a wide variety of settings to
suit individual preferences.
Choose "Simple" to display the most basic
menu items, "Full" to display all menu items,
or "My menu" to display a customized list
of menu items
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- Extensive Anti
Dust Prevention Measures: The following lists the measures taken
to prevent dust or foreign matter on the surface of the optical
low-pass filter (OLPF) on the Nikon D40 digital SLR
The OLPF has
an antistatic design to prevent static electricity from attracting
dust and foreign matter to its surface
The area surrounding
the rear surface of the image sensor is sealed to help prevent
dust and foreign matter from entering from the rear
The Nikon D40
is designed to maintain a space between the imaging surface of
the image sensor and the surface of the OLPF. As dust and foreign
matter on the image sensor do not form a sharp image (degree of
sharpness also varies with aperture value), it is less likely
for such dust and/or foreign matter to have an effect on photographs
The Nikon D40
is designed so that the moving parts such as the shutter and quick-return
mirror produce very little of the dust and particles associated
with mechanical wear of new parts inside a camera
The Nikon D40
offers a "Dust Off" feature with the optional Nikon
Capture NX software that allows you to map out the dust on the
sensor and have the software remove it automatically
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New
compact rechargeable Li-ion battery EN-EL9 and MH-23 battery
charger developed specifically for the Nikon D40 digital
SLR
- Image enhancement
options provide versatile sharpening, tone (contrast), color,
saturation or hue while using Auto Multi Program [P], Shutter-Priority
Auto [S], Aperture-Priority Auto [A], or Manual [M] exposure modes
to help match picture taking situations.
- The Nikon D40
features a convenient "Help" display that provides a
short description on the selected camera feature
- A choice of
three color modes ensures the best match for the shot when operating
the camera manually.
Mode Ia: Renders natural-looking skin tones out of the camera.
(sRGB)
Mode II: Realizes a wider color range suited for processing or
retouching. (Adobe RGB)
Mode IIIa: Renders vivid landscape and flora colors out of the
camera. (sRGB)
- Simultaneous
recording of Compressed RAW (NEF) and JPEG image files for the
same shot helps by providing a smaller JPEG image file that can
be quickly sent via email, along with a Compressed RAW (NEF) file
for more creative flexibility to enhance pictures using Nikon
PictureProject or Nikon Capture software.
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Nikon
D40 Digital SLR 360° View
The Nikon D40
digital SLR features intuitive and familiar operation with ergonomically
designed and sensibly located buttons and controls, including
the handy multi selector and mode dial |
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- Wireless remote
control of the Nikon D40 is available with the optional ML-L3
remote control.
- New Small Picture
function for saving photos within the camera at the reduced sizes
of 640x480, 320x240, or 160x120 for Internet use - either for
mail attachments or placement on web pages.
- In-camera page
setup support makes it easy to print directly from the Nikon D40
to any PictBridge compatible printer via the supplied USB cable.
- Up to 36 alphanumeric
characters can be entered in each image's EXIF header (file information)
for personalized identification when images are viewed on a computer.
- Optional video
cable makes it easy to connect the Nikon D40 digital SLR directly
to a television for playing slideshows or viewing individual images.
- The Nikon D40
supports Nikon's Creative Lighting System when using the new Nikon
SB-400, or either the SB-800 or SB-600 Speedlights mounted on
the D40 flash shoe for longer distance shooting situations.
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Rechargeable
Li-ion Battery EN-EL9
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Nikon
Quick Charger MH-23
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Accessory
Shoe Cover BS-1
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Viewfinder
Eyepiece Cap DK-5
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Nikon
D40 Quick Start Guide
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Nikon
D40 instruction manual
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2
year Warranty in Canada
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123
of Digital Imaging CD Full Version
by
Vincent Bockaert (in Canada)
- Nikon
PictureProject Software
- A video output
cable is optional with the D40
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Nikon
D40 Digital SLR Silver Model (Not sold in Canada)
Nikon D40 Digital SLR Specifications
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Specifications
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Nikon
D40 Digital SLR
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Effective
Pixels
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6.1
million
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Image
Sensor
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RGB
CCD, 23.7 x 15.6 mm; total pixels: 6.24 million, Nikon
DX format
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Image
Size (pixels)
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3,008
x 2,000 [L], 2,256 x 1,496 [M], 1,504 x 1,000 [S]
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ISO
Sensitivity
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200
to 1,600 in steps of 1 EV with additional setting one
step over 1600
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Storage
Media
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SD
memory card, SDHC compliant for use with larger size
memory cards
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Storage
System
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Compressed
NEF (RAW): 12-bit compression, JPEG: JPEG baseline compliant
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White
Balance
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Auto
(TTL white-balance with 420-pixel RGB sensor), six manual
modes with fine-tuning and preset white balance
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| Fast
Response |
0.18
sec start up |
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LCD
Monitor
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2.5-in.,
230,000-dot, low-temperature polysilicon TFT LCD with
brightness adjustment
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Playback
Function
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1
frame; Thumbnail (4 or 9 segments); Magnifying playback;
Slide show; Histogram indication; Highlight point display;
Auto image rotation
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| Retouch
Menu for creative in-camera image editing and effects |
Included
in the Retouch menu is Nikon's D-Lighting, which automatically
brings out detail from the dark areas of a scene, producing
a more pleasing exposure balance. Red-eye correction locates
the red-eye effect sometimes caused by a flash and corrects
it automatically. Image Trim allows for creative cropping
of an image and creates smaller files for easy e-mailing.
Other creative features include Image Overlay (combine
two RAW images), Small Picture (resize image), Monochrome
Effects (Black-and-white, Sepia, Cyanotype) and Filter
Effects (Skylight, Warm filter, Color balance). |
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Delete
Function
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Card
format, All frames delete, Selected frames delete
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Video
Output
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NTSC
or PAL
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Interface
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USB:
Mass Storage and PTP selectable
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Text
Input
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Up
to 36 characters of alphanumeric text input available
with LCD monitor and multi selector; stored in Exif
header
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Compatible
Lenses*1
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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*2/AI-P Nikkor:
All functions supported except autofocus and 3D Color
Matrix Metering II, 5): Non-CPU: Can be used in mode
M, but exposure meter does not function; electronic
range finder can be used if maximum aperture is f/5.6
or faster *1.
IX Nikkor lenses can not be used *2.
Excluding lenses for F3AF
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Picture
Angle
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Equivalent
in 35mm [135] format is approx. 1.5 times lens focal
length
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Viewfinder
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Fixed-eyelevel
penta-Dach mirror type; built-in diopter adjustment
(-1.7 to +0.5m-1)
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Eyepoint
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18mm
(-1.0 m-1)
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Focusing
Screen
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Type
B BriteView Clear Matte screen Mark V with superimposed
focus brackets
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Viewfinder
Frame Coverage
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Approx.
95% (vertical/horizontal)
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Viewfinder
Magnification
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Approx.
0.8x with 50mm lens at infinity; -1.0 m-1
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Viewfinder
Information
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Focus
indications, AE/FV lock indicator, Shutter speed, Aperture
value, Exposure/Exposure compensation indicator, Exposure
mode, Flash output level compensation, Exposure compensation,
Number of remaining exposures, Flash-ready indicator
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Autofocus
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TTL
phase detection by Nikon Multi-CAM530 autofocus module
with AF-assist (range approximately 0.5-3.0m/1ft. 8in.-9ft.
10in.); Detection range: -1 to +19 EV (ISO 100 at 20°C/68°F)
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Lens
Servo
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1)
Autofocus (AF): Instant single-servo AF (AF-S); continuous
servo AF (AF-C); auto AF-S/AF-C selection (AF-A); predictive
focus tracking automatically activated according to
subject status, 2) Manual focus (M)
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Focus
Area
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Can
be selected from 3 focus areas
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AF
Area Modes
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1)
Single Area AF, 2) Dynamic Area AF, 3) Dynamic Area
AF with Closest Subject Priority
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Focus
Lock
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Focus
can be locked by pressing shutter-release button halfway
(single-servo AF) or by pressing AE-L/AF-L button
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Exposure
Metering System
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TTL
full-aperture exposure metering system
1)
3D Color Matrix Metering II (type G and D lenses); Color
Matrix Metering II (other CPU lenses); metering performed
by 420-segment RGB sensor
2)
Center-weighted: Weight of 75% given to 8mm circle in
center of frame
3)
Spot: Meters 3.5mm circle (about 2.5% of frame) centered
on active focus area
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Exposure
Metering Range
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1)
0 to 20 EV (3D Color Matrix or center-weighted metering),
2) 2 to 20 EV (spot metering)
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Exposure
Modes
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Digital
Vari-program (Auto, Auto [Flash Off], Portrait, Landscape,
Child, Sports, Close Up, Night Portrait), Programmed
Auto (P) with flexible program; Shutter-Priority Auto
(S); Aperture Priority Auto (A); Manual (M)
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Exposure
Compensation
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±5
EV in increments of 1/3 EV
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Exposure
Lock
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Exposure
locked at detected value with AE-L/AF-L button
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Shooting
Modes
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1)
Single frame shooting mode, 2) Continuous shooting mode:
approx. 2.5 frames per second*, 3) Self-timer mode,
4) Delayed remote mode: 2 s. delay, 5) Quick-response
remote mode *Approx.
1.7 frames per second with Noise reduction turned on
and approx. 1 frame per second with ISO HI 1
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Shutter
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Combined
mechanical and CCD electronic shutter, 30 to 1/4000
s. in steps of 1/3, bulb
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Sync
Contact
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X-contact
only; flash synchronization at up to 1/500 s.
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Flash
Control
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1)
TTL: TTL flash control by 420-segment RGB sensor. i-TTL
balanced fill-flash for digital SLR and standard i-TTL
fill-flash for digital SLR available when CPU lens is
used with built-in flash, SB-800, SB-600, and T041,
2) Auto aperture: Available with SB-800 with CPU lens,
3) Non-TTL Auto: Available with Speedlights such as
SB-800, 80DX, 28DX, 28, 27, and 22s , 4) Range-priority
manual available with SB-800
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Flash
Sync Modes
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AUTO,
Portrait, Child, Close Up: Auto, auto with red-eye reduction;
fill-flash and red-eye reduction available with optional
Speedlight
Night
portrait mode: Auto, auto slow sync, auto slow sync
with red-eye reduction; slow sync and slow sync with
red-eye reduction available with optional Speedlight
Landscape,
Sport mode: Fill-flash and red-eye reduction available
with optional Speedlight
P,
A: Fill flash, rear-curtain with slow sync, slow sync,
slow sync with red-eye reduction, red-eye reduction
S,
M: Fill flash, rear-curtain sync, red-eye reduction
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Built-in
Flash
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AUTO,
Portrait, Child, Close Up, Night Portrait mode: Auto
flash with auto pop-up
P/S/A/M:
Manual pop-up with button release
Guide
number (ISO 200/ISO 100, m [ft.]): approx.17 [55]/12
[39] (manual full 18 [59]/13 [42])
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Flash
Compensation
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-3
to +1 EV in increments of 1/3 EV
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Accessory
Shoe
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Standard
ISO hot-shoe contact with sync, signal, and ground contacts
and safety lock
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Self-timer
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Electronically
controlled timer with duration of 2, 5, 10 or 20 s.
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Remote
Control
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Via
Wireless Remote Control ML-L3 (optional)
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Power
Source
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One
Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL9; charging voltage
(MH-23 quick charger): 7.4V DC, AC Adapter EH-5 (available
separately; requires optional AC Adapter Connector EP-5)
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Tripod
Socket
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1/4
in. (ISO1222)
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Body
Color
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Black
(Silver version is also available depending on country
or area.)
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Dimensions
(W x D x H)
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Approx.
126 x 64 x 94mm (5.0 x 2.5 x 3.7 in.)
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Weight
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Approx.
475g (1lb. 1oz.) without battery, memory card or body
cap
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Supplied
Accessories*
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Rechargeable
Li-ion Battery EN-EL9, Quick Charger MH-23, USB Cable
UC-E4, PictureProject, Rubber Eyecup DK-16, Camera Strap,
Body Cap BF-1A, Eyepiece Cap DK-5, Accessory Shoe Cap
BS-1
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Optional
Accessories
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Wireless
Remote Control ML-L3, Capture NX, Camera Control Pro,
AC Adapter Connector EP-5, AC Adapter EH-5, Video Cable
EG-D100, Semi Soft-Case CF-DC1, Speedlight SB-800/600/T041/R1C1
*Supplied
accessories may differ depending on country or area.
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