A few days ago we showed you one of the first images of the D40, and today we officially to the public. DPreview has already grabbed a model and given their hands-on preview, and they seem to really like the camera:

On the plus side you get ISO 3200 equiv. (HI 1), the ever useful customizable Auto ISO, a larger viewfinder view, shorter shutter lag and viewfinder blackout, a larger LCD monitor, a considerably nicer user interface, SDHC support, a new image processing engine, unlimited JPEG continuous shooting, in-camera retouching (including D-Lighting) and of course a smaller and lighter body. It would not therefore be fair to describe the D40 as a ‘dumbed down’ D50, far from it, the range of improvements and new features out-weigh those which have been removed or reduce, which would most likely not be missed by the average D40 owner.

I was already considering to buy a new camera this Christmas, and this announcement only helps to convince me to get one even more. The price will revolve around $600 (including the new lens).