Looks like it’s for real. Nikon has introduced their D40 entry-level DSLR. I’ve got a couple of friends with D50s, and they’re very nice cameras but I’m not sure I could recommend this one. Most of the features cut from the D50 to make this one aren’t a big deal, but the inability to autofocus with non AF-S lenses is a problem. For me this would mean 3/5 of my lenses would only be operational in manual focus mode, which would be fine, but I doubt the viewfinder on this camera is really up to the task. What’s more problematic for most potential buyers of this camera is that Nikon doesn’t have any primes that are AF-S, except for their high-dollar super-telephoto lenses. So if you buy this body expect to upgrade fairly soon if you get serious about it and start buying more lenses.

On the other hand, it’s possible that this means that Nikon is planning on updating their entire lens lineup with AF-S motors. Which would be good news indeed; AF-S lenses are a lot quicker and quieter than the old screw-drive AF lenses, and it’s obvious from the D40 that taking the motor out of the camera allows them to make it quite a bit smaller…