Canon 100D vs Nikon D40X

The Canon EOS 100D (called Canon SL1 in some regions) and the Nikon D40X are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in March 2013 and March 2007. Both are DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) cameras that are equipped with an APS-C sensor. The Canon has a resolution of 17.9 megapixels, whereas the Nikon provides 10 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications

Canon 100D		Nikon D40X
Digital single lens reflex		Digital single lens reflex
Canon EF mount lenses		Nikon F mount lenses
17.9 MP, APS-C Sensor		10 MP, APS-C Sensor
1080/30p Video		no Video
ISO 100-12800 (100-25600)		ISO 100-1600 (100-3200)
Optical viewfinder		Optical viewfinder
3.0" LCD, 1040k dots		2.5" LCD, 230k dots
Fixed touchscreen		Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
4.9 shutter flaps per second		3 shutter flaps per second
380 shots per battery charge		520 shots per battery charge
117 x 91 x 69 mm, 407 g		124 x 94 x 64 mm, 522 g

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Canon EOS 100D and the Nikon D40X? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

Body comparison

An illustration of the physical size and weight of the Canon 100D and the Nikon D40X is provided in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive views from the front, the top, and the rear side are shown. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The 100D can be obtained in two different colors (black, white), while the D40X is also available in two color-versions, but different ones (black, silver).

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Nikon D40X is notably larger (9 percent) than the Canon 100D. Moreover, the D40X is markedly heavier (28 percent) than the 100D. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the 100D nor the D40X are weather-sealed.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete since they do not consider the interchangeable lenses that both of these cameras require. Yet, since both cameras are based around an APS-C sensor, their respective lenses will tend to have similar dimensions and heft. You can compare the optics available for the two cameras in the Canon EF Lens Catalog (100D) and the Nikon Lens Catalog (D40X).

Concerning battery life, the 100D gets 380 shots out of its LP-E12 battery, while the D40X can take 520 images on a single charge of its EN-EL9 power pack.

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the two cameras alongside a broader set of comparators. If you would like to visualize and compare a different camera combination, just use the right or left arrows in the table to switch to the respective camera. Alternatively, you can also navigate to the CAM-parator app and make your selection from the full list of cameras there.

Camera Body Specifications

	Camera Model	Camera Width	Camera Height	Camera Depth	Camera Weight	Battery Life (CIPA)	Weather Sealing (yes/no)	Camera Launch (announced)	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price (USD)	Used Price (USD)	Camera Model
	Canon 100D»	4.6 in	3.6 in	2.7 in	14.4 oz	380	n	Mar 2013	549	-		Canon 100D
	Nikon D40X«	4.9 in	3.7 in	2.5 in	18.4 oz	520	n	Mar 2007	729	-		Nikon D40X
	Canon 4000D« »	5.1 in	4.0 in	3.0 in	15.4 oz	500	n	Feb 2018	399			Canon 4000D
	Canon 200D« »	4.8 in	3.7 in	2.8 in	16.0 oz	650	n	Jun 2017	549	-		Canon 200D
	Canon 7D II« »	5.9 in	4.4 in	3.1 in	32.1 oz	670	Y	Sep 2014	1,799			Canon 7D II
	Canon 1200D« »	5.1 in	3.9 in	3.1 in	16.9 oz	500	n	Feb 2014	449	-		Canon 1200D
	Canon 700D« »	5.2 in	3.9 in	3.1 in	20.5 oz	440	n	Mar 2013	649	-		Canon 700D
	Canon G16« »	4.3 in	3.0 in	1.6 in	12.6 oz	360	n	Aug 2013	549			Canon G16
	Canon 650D« »	5.2 in	3.9 in	3.1 in	20.3 oz	440	n	Jun 2012	849	-		Canon 650D
	Canon M« »	4.3 in	2.6 in	1.3 in	10.5 oz	230	n	Jul 2012	599	-		Canon M
	Canon 600D« »	5.2 in	3.9 in	3.1 in	20.1 oz	440	n	Feb 2011	599	-		Canon 600D
	Nikon D3000« »	5.0 in	3.8 in	2.5 in	18.9 oz	500	n	Jul 2009	599	-		Nikon D3000
	Nikon D5000« »	5.0 in	4.1 in	3.1 in	20.8 oz	510	n	Apr 2009	749	-		Nikon D5000
	Nikon D60« »	5.0 in	3.7 in	2.5 in	18.4 oz	500	n	Jan 2008	629	-		Nikon D60
	Nikon D40« »	4.9 in	3.7 in	2.5 in	18.4 oz	470	n	Nov 2006	499	-		Nikon D40
	Nikon D80« »	5.2 in	4.1 in	3.0 in	23.6 oz	600	n	Aug 2006	999	-		Nikon D80
	Panasonic G6« »	4.8 in	3.3 in	2.8 in	13.8 oz	340	n	Apr 2013	599	-		Panasonic G6
Convert to Metric
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.

Any camera decision will naturally be influenced heavily by the price. The retail prices at the time of the camera’s release place the model in the market relative to other models in the producer’s line-up and the competition. The 100D was launched at a somewhat lower price (by 25 percent) than the D40X, which makes it more attractive for photographers on a tight budget. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down.

Sensor comparison

The imaging sensor is at the core of digital cameras and its size is one of the main determining factors of image quality. A large sensor will generally have larger individual pixels that offer better low-light sensitivity, provide wider dynamic range, and have richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Furthermore, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more possibilities to use shallow depth-of-field in order to isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.

Both cameras under consideration feature an APS-C sensor, but their sensors differ slightly in size. The sensor area in the D40X is 12 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have format factors, respectively, of 1.6 (100D) and 1.5. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

Despite having a smaller sensor, the Canon 100D offers a higher resolution of 17.9 megapixels, compared with 10 MP of the Nikon D40X. This megapixels advantage comes at the cost of a higher pixel density and a smaller size of the individual pixel (with a pixel pitch of 4.31μm versus 6.11μm for the D40X). However, it should be noted that the 100D is much more recent (by 6 years) than the D40X, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that make it possible to gather light more efficiently.

The resolution advantage of the Canon 100D implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the 100D for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 25.9 x 17.3 inch or 65.8 x 43.9 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 20.7 x 13.8 inch or 52.7 x 35.1 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 17.3 x 11.5 inch or 43.9 x 29.3 cm. The corresponding values for the Nikon D40X are 19.4 x 13 inch or 49.2 x 32.9 cm for good quality, 15.5 x 10.4 inch or 39.3 x 26.3 cm for very good quality, and 12.9 x 8.6 inch or 32.8 x 21.9 cm for excellent quality prints.

The 100D has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.

The Canon EOS 100D has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 12800, which can be extended to ISO 100-25600. The corresponding ISO settings for the Nikon D40X are ISO 100 to ISO 1600, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 100-3200.

For many cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. This service assesses and scores the color depth ("DXO Portrait"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports") of camera sensors, and also publishes an overall camera score. The Overall DXO ratings for the two cameras under consideration are close, suggesting that they provide similar imaging performance. The table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar cameras.

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. The 100D indeed provides movie recording capabilities, while the D40X does not. The highest resolution format that the 100D can use is 1080/30p.

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The 100D and the D40X are similar in the sense that both have an optical viewfinder. The latter is useful for getting a clear image for framing even in brightly lit environments. The viewfinders of both cameras offer the same field of view (95%), but the viewfinder of the 100D has a higher magnification than the one of the D40X (0.54x vs 0.53x), so that the size of the image transmitted appears closer to the size seen with the naked human eye. The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Canon 100D and Nikon D40X in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.

One differentiating feature between the two cameras concerns the touch sensitivity of the rear screen. The 100D has a touchscreen, while the D40X has a conventional panel. Touch control can be particularly helpful, for example, for setting the focus point.

The 100D writes its imaging data to SDXC cards, while the D40X uses SDHC cards. The 100D supports UHS-I cards (Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 104 MB/s), while the D40X cannot take advantage of Ultra High Speed SD cards.

Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Canon EOS 100D and Nikon D40X and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

Both the 100D and the D40X have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on eBay. The D40X was replaced by the Nikon D60 , while the 100D was followed by the Canon 200D. Further information on the two cameras (e.g. user guides, manuals), as well as related accessories, can be found on the official Canon and Nikon websites.

Review summary

So what is the bottom line? Which of the two cameras – the Canon 100D or the Nikon D40X – has the upper hand? Is one clearly better than the other? Below is a summary of the relative strengths of each of the two contestants.

Reasons to prefer the Canon EOS 100D:

• More detail: Offers more megapixels (17.9 vs 10MP) with a 34% higher linear resolution.
• Better low-light sensitivity: Requires less light for good images (0.7 stops ISO advantage).
• Broader imaging potential: Can record not only still images but also 1080/30p movies.
• Better live-view autofocus: Features on-sensor phase-detection for more confident autofocus.
• Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.54x vs 0.53x).
• Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.0" vs 2.5") for image review and settings control.
• More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1040k vs 230k dots).
• Fewer buttons to press: Is equipped with a touch-sensitive rear screen to facilitate handling.
• Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (4.9 vs 3 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
• Less heavy: Is lighter (by 115g or 22 percent) and hence easier to carry around.
• Faster buffer clearing: Has an SD card interface that supports the UHS-I standard.
• More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced segment (25 percent cheaper at launch).
• More modern: Reflects 6 years of technical progress since the D40X launch.

Advantages of the Nikon D40X:

• Longer lasting: Gets more shots (520 versus 380) out of a single battery charge.
• More heavily discounted: Has been around for much longer (launched in March 2007).

If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the 100D is the clear winner of the match-up (13 : 2 points). However, the relevance of individual strengths will vary across photographers, so that you might want to apply your own weighing scheme to the summary points when reflecting and deciding on a new camera. A professional wildlife photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a family photog, and a person interested in architecture has distinct needs from a sports shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Canon 100D and the Nikon D40X place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best DSLR Camera listing whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the 100D and the D40X in practical situations. User reviews that are available, for instance, at amazon can sometimes shed light on these issues, but such feedback is all too often partial, inconsistent, and inaccurate.

Expert reviews

This is why expert reviews are important. The following table reports the overall ratings of the cameras as published by some of the major camera review sites (cameralabs, dpreview, ephotozine, imaging-resource, and photographyblog). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

Review Scores

	Camera Model						Camera Launch (announced)	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price (USD)	Used Price (USD)	Camera Model
	Canon 100D»	+	78/100	4/5	4/5	4/5	Mar 2013	549	-		Canon 100D
	Nikon D40X«	79/100	+ +	4/5	o	4/5	Mar 2007	729	-		Nikon D40X
	Canon 4000D« »	o	-	3.5/5	-	3.5/5	Feb 2018	399			Canon 4000D
	Canon 200D« »	+ +	78/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jun 2017	549	-		Canon 200D
	Canon 7D II« »	+	84/100	4/5	5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2014	1,799			Canon 7D II
	Canon 1200D« »	+	-	4/5	4/5	4.5/5	Feb 2014	449	-		Canon 1200D
	Canon 700D« »	-	76/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Mar 2013	649	-		Canon 700D
	Canon G16« »	+	-	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Aug 2013	549			Canon G16
	Canon 650D« »	+ +	77/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jun 2012	849	-		Canon 650D
	Canon M« »	+	-	4/5	3.5/5	4/5	Jul 2012	599	-		Canon M
	Canon 600D« »	o	77/100	4.5/5	5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2011	599	-		Canon 600D
	Nikon D3000« »	+	72/100	4/5	3.5/5	4.5/5	Jul 2009	599	-		Nikon D3000
	Nikon D5000« »	+ +	75/100	4/5	5/5	4.5/5	Apr 2009	749	-		Nikon D5000
	Nikon D60« »	80/100	+ +	4/5	o	4.5/5	Jan 2008	629	-		Nikon D60
	Nikon D40« »	81/100	+ +	o	5/5	4.5/5	Nov 2006	499	-		Nikon D40
	Nikon D80« »	+	+ +	o	4.5/5	4.5/5	Aug 2006	999	-		Nikon D80
	Panasonic G6« »	+ +	-	5/5	-	4.5/5	Apr 2013	599	-		Panasonic G6
Notes: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (-) not available.

Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The ratings were established in reference to similarly priced cameras that were available in the market at the time of the review. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.

Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you are interested in seeing how other cameras pair up, just make your choice using the following search menu. As an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool.

Specifications: Canon 100D vs Nikon D40X

Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

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