The Nikon D40x is neither an upgrade for the 6-megapixel D40 model, nor a replacement for the D80. Instead, it sits slightly uncomfortably between the two models, further expanding Nikon's range of budget and enthusiast SLRs. Essentially it's a D80 sensor in a D40 body. A curious road for Nikon to have gone down and a confusing choice for the first-time buyer of a DSLR.

Examine the D40x and the only obvious difference between it and the D40 is the increased sensor resolution. The camera's design, controls and functions appear to be identical to Nikon's entry-level model in every other respect.

There's a substantial price difference of £200 for that extra resolution, so the D40x has a lot to prove. And we mustn't forget that one of the Nikon 40x's chief rivals, the Canon EOS 400D, is now selling for around £100 less than the D40x.

So, let's start with the picture quality, since the sensor's resolution will probably be one of the main reasons for anyone choosing the D40x over the D40. Are the images a really big improvement?

Well, the definition of the JPEGs from the D40x is definitely as good as anything we've seen from any 10-megapixel DSLR on the market, though the chromatic aberration that's sometimes shown by the 18-55mm kit lens, towards the edges of the frame, is a reminder that this is a camera that's definitely been built down to a price. So, yes, the pictures do have more definition, but it's unlikely to be very obvious in prints of A4 size or smaller.

The Nikon D40x manages to see off the Canon 400D on the definition front, but that's mainly because the Canon's JPEGs are oddly 'soft' (if you shoot RAW files, however, it becomes an entirely different matter).

The D40x's colour rendition is impressive. The colours are exceptionally rich, saturated and yet very natural looking. However, backlit images can lose saturation because the D40x attempts to expose for the shadows, and this can lead to some noticeable highlight blow-out in backlit or sidelit photos, but this is common problem with all digital cameras.