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Autumn means two things for camera gear. One is that new cameras, lenses, and accessories will be introduced in time for the holiday shopping season. The other is that you can find great buys on the existing stock of photo equipment. So we've made a selection of what we think are the very best buys in cameras and lenses right now.
Star Tenner: Nikon D40x
Who? Wannabe pros who don't wanna spend. What? Nikon D40x. Why? We were doubtful when Nikon introduced this 10MP version of its entry-level D40 DSLR -- how good could it be for that price? But after testing and shooting with the camera, we're believers. In Pop Photo Lab tests, it produced image-quality ratings among the best for 10MP cameras at any price. It also has image controls nearly as extensive as its upscale sibling the D80, and burst rates that defy the category: In our tests, it could do 100 highest-resolution JPEGs at faster than 3 fps with high compression. This translates into very quick single-frame capture. Yes, the polycarb body is hardly designed for expedition use, the menus can get awfully dense, and the camera will autofocus only with AF-S lenses, but it's still legal larceny. Now! $700, street, with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED II AF-S DX zoom; $650, body only.
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