Nikon has a new D40 digital SLR camera designed specifically for higher-quality photographs. The compact camera features in-camera editing and built-in help features. The lightweight, 6.1-effective-megapixel digital camera has a redesigned visually intuitive menu system.

It comes packaged with the new 3x zoom 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6GED II AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor lens, but is also compatible with Nikon's AF-S or the AF-I Nikkor lens. Ready to shoot almost the instant the camera is turned on, it is capable of taking 2.5 pictures per second nonstop for up to 100 shots.

Photos can be viewed on the 2.5-inch color LCD screen and easily re- corded with the SD memory card. The screen also has menu options, pictures in playback mode and a display system that presents the shooting information in a clear and precise way.

Built-in help is accessible by the push of a button, and the new Assist Images function aids in selecting appropriate settings. The D40 has eight preset modes, including a new Flash Off mode that shuts off the camera's flash and boosts its ISO, aperture priority and shutter priority modes.

The Retouch menu allows for in-camera image editing, including Nikon's D-Lighting to brighten dark photos and remove red-eye. The menu also offers Image Trim, Image Overlay, Small Picture, Monochrome and Filter effects.

The D40 digital SLR camera sells for $599.