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Canon 40D vs Nikon D850

The Canon EOS 40D and the Nikon D850 are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in August 2007 and July 2017. Both are DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) cameras that are based on an APS-C (40D) and a full frame (D850) sensor. The Canon has a resolution of 10.1 megapixels, whereas the Nikon provides 45.4 MP.

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

Headline Specifications
Canon 40D
versus
Nikon D850
Canon 40D   Nikon D850
Digital single lens reflex Digital single lens reflex
Canon EF mount lenses Nikon F mount lenses
10.1 MP – APS-C sensor 45.4 MP – Full Frame sensor
no Video 4K/30p Video
ISO 100-1,600 (100 - 3,200) ISO 64-25,600 (32 - 102,400)
Optical viewfinder Optical viewfinder
3.0" LCD – 230k dots 3.2" LCD – 2359k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive) Tilting touchscreen
6.5 shutter flaps per second 9 shutter flaps per second
not weather sealedWeathersealed body
750 shots per battery charge1840 shots per battery charge
146 x 108 x 74 mm, 822 g 146 x 124 x 79 mm, 1005 g
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Check 40D offers at
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Check D850 price at
amazon.com

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Canon EOS 40D and the Nikon D850? 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.

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Body comparison

The physical size and weight of the Canon 40D and the Nikon D850 are illustrated in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three successive views from the front, the top, and the rear are shown. All width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Size Canon 40D vs Nikon D850
Compare 40D versus D850 top
Comparison 40D or D850 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Nikon D850 is notably larger (15 percent) than the Canon 40D. Moreover, the D850 is markedly heavier (22 percent) than the 40D. It is noteworthy in this context that the D850 is splash and dust-proof, while the 40D does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing.

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. A larger imaging sensor will tend to go along with bigger and heavier lenses, although exceptions exist. You can compare the optics available for the two cameras in the Canon EF Lens Catalog (40D) and the Nikon Lens Catalog (D850).

Concerning battery life, the 40D gets 750 shots out of its Canon BP-511A battery, while the D850 can take 1840 images on a single charge of its Nikon EN-EL15a power pack.

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the two cameras alongside a broader set of comparators. In case you want to display and compare another camera duo, you can use the CAM-parator app to select your camera combination among a large number of options.

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Body Specifications
  empty Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Canon 40D 146 mm 108 mm 74 mm 822 g 750 i Aug 2007 US$ 1 299ebay.com
2.
 
Nikon D850 146 mm 124 mm 79 mm 1005 g 1840 i Jul 2017 US$ 3 299 amazon.com
3.
 
Canon 5DS 152 mm 116 mm 76 mm 930 g 700 i Feb 2015 US$ 3 699ebay.com
4.
 
Canon 5DS R 152 mm 116 mm 76 mm 930 g 700 i Feb 2015 US$ 3 699ebay.com
5.
 
Canon 10D 150 mm 107 mm 75 mm 850 g 500 i Feb 2003 US$ 1 999ebay.com
6.
 
Canon 20D 144 mm 106 mm 72 mm 770 g 700 i Aug 2004 US$ 1 499ebay.com
7.
 
Canon 30D 144 mm 106 mm 74 mm 785 g 750 i Feb 2006 US$ 1 399ebay.com
8.
 
Canon 50D 146 mm 108 mm 74 mm 822 g 800 i Aug 2008 US$ 1 299ebay.com
9.
 
Canon 60D 145 mm 106 mm 79 mm 755 g 1100 i Aug 2010 US$ 1 399ebay.com
10.
 
Canon T3 130 mm 100 mm 78 mm 495 g 700 i Feb 2011 US$ 449ebay.com
11.
 
Canon XS 126 mm 98 mm 65 mm 502 g 500 i Jun 2008 US$ 449ebay.com
12.
 
Canon XSi 129 mm 98 mm 62 mm 524 g 500 i Jan 2008 US$ 799ebay.com
13.
 
Canon XTi 127 mm 84 mm 65 mm 556 g 370 i Aug 2006 US$ 799ebay.com
14.
 
Nikon D5 160 mm 159 mm 92 mm 1415 g 3780 i Jan 2016 US$ 6 499ebay.com
15.
 
Nikon D90 132 mm 103 mm 77 mm 703 g 850 i Aug 2008 US$ 1 299ebay.com
16.
 
Nikon D610 141 mm 113 mm 82 mm 850 g 900 i Oct 2013 US$ 1 999ebay.com
17.
 
Nikon D810 146 mm 123 mm 82 mm 980 g 1200 i Jun 2014 US$ 3 299ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
  empty Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
  empty Camera
Model

Any camera decision will obviously take relative prices into account. The listed launch prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The 40D was launched at a markedly lower price (by 61 percent) than the D850, which puts it into a different market segment. 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 tend to have larger individual pixels that provide better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixel-units 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 are more costly to manufacture and tend to lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Canon 40D features an APS-C sensor and the Nikon D850 a full frame sensor. The sensor area in the D850 is 158 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.6 and 1.0. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

Canon 40D and Nikon D850 sensor measures

With 45.4MP, the D850 offers a higher resolution than the 40D (10.1MP), but the D850 has smaller individual pixels (pixel pitch of 4.35μm versus 5.73μm for the 40D). Yet, the D850 is a much more recent model (by 9 years and 11 months) than the 40D, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixel-units. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the D850 has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Nikon D850 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the D850 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 41.3 x 27.5 inches or 104.9 x 69.9 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 33 x 22 inches or 83.9 x 55.9 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 27.5 x 18.3 inches or 69.9 x 46.6 cm. The corresponding values for the Canon 40D are 19.4 x 13 inches or 49.4 x 32.9 cm for good quality, 15.6 x 10.4 inches or 39.5 x 26.3 cm for very good quality, and 13 x 8.6 inches or 32.9 x 21.9 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Canon EOS 40D has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 1600, which can be extended to ISO 100-3200. The corresponding ISO settings for the Nikon D850 are ISO 64 to ISO 25600, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 32-102400.

In terms of underlying technology, the 40D is build around a CMOS sensor, while the D850 uses a BSI-CMOS imager. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

40D versus D850 MP

Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for many cameras. 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. Of the two cameras under consideration, the D850 offers substantially better image quality than the 40D (overall score 36 points higher). The advantage is based on 4.3 bits higher color depth, 3.5 EV in additional dynamic range, and 1.9 stops in additional low light sensitivity. The adjacent table reports on the physical sensor characteristics and the outcomes of the DXO sensor quality tests for a sample of comparator-cameras.

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Sensor Characteristics
  empty Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Canon 40D APS-C 10.1 3888 2592i22.111.370364
2.
 
Nikon D850 Full Frame 45.4 8256 55044K/30p26.414.82660100
3.
 
Canon 5DS Full Frame 50.3 8688 57921080/30p24.712.4238187
4.
 
Canon 5DS R Full Frame 50.3 8688 57921080/30p24.612.4230886
5.
 
Canon 10D APS-C 6.3 3072 2048i21.110.957157
6.
 
Canon 20D APS-C 8.2 3504 2336i21.911.072162
7.
 
Canon 30D APS-C 8.2 3504 2336i21.510.873659
8.
 
Canon 50D APS-C 15.1 4752 3168i21.811.469663
9.
 
Canon 60D APS-C 17.9 5184 34561080/30p22.211.581366
10.
 
Canon T3 APS-C 12.2 4272 2848720/30p21.911.075562
11.
 
Canon XS APS-C 10.1 3888 2592i22.010.971962
12.
 
Canon XSi APS-C 12.2 4272 2848i21.910.869261
13.
 
Canon XTi APS-C 10.1 3888 2592i22.111.066462
14.
 
Nikon D5 Full Frame 20.7 5588 37124K/30p25.112.3234388
15.
 
Nikon D90 APS-C 12.2 4288 2848720/24p22.712.597773
16.
 
Nikon D610 Full Frame 24.2 6016 40161080/30p25.114.4292594
17.
 
Nikon D810 Full Frame 36.2 7360 49121080/60p25.714.8285397
  empty Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
  empty Camera
Model

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. The D850 indeed provides for movie recording, while the 40D does not. The highest resolution format that the D850 can use is 4K/30p.

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. The 40D and the D850 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 viewfinder in the D850 offers a wider field of view (100%) than the one in the 40D (95%), so that a larger proportion of the captured image is visible in the finder. In addition, the viewfinder of the D850 has a higher magnification (0.75x vs 0.59x), so that the size of the image transmitted appears closer to the size seen with the naked human eye. The following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Canon 40D, the Nikon D850, and comparable cameras.

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Core Features
  empty Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Canon 40Doptical i3.0 / 230 fixed i 1/8000s 6.5/s i i
2.
 
Nikon D850optical i3.2 / 2359 tilting i 1/8000s 9.0/s i i
3.
 
Canon 5DSoptical i3.2 / 1040 fixed i 1/8000s 5.0/s i i
4.
 
Canon 5DS Roptical i3.2 / 1040 fixed i 1/8000s 5.0/s i i
5.
 
Canon 10Doptical i1.8 / 118 fixed i 1/4000s 3.0/s i i
6.
 
Canon 20Doptical i1.8 / 118 fixed i 1/8000s 5.0/s i i
7.
 
Canon 30Doptical i2.5 / 230 fixed i 1/8000s 5.0/s i i
8.
 
Canon 50Doptical i3.0 / 920 fixed i 1/8000s 6.3/s i i
9.
 
Canon 60Doptical i3.0 / 1040 swivel i 1/8000s 5.3/s i i
10.
 
Canon T3optical i2.7 / 230 fixed i 1/4000s 3.0/s i i
11.
 
Canon XSoptical i2.5 / 230 fixed i 1/4000s 3.0/s i i
12.
 
Canon XSioptical i3.0 / 230 fixed i 1/4000s 3.5/s i i
13.
 
Canon XTioptical i2.5 / 230 fixed i 1/4000s 3.0/s i i
14.
 
Nikon D5optical i3.2 / 2359 fixed i 1/8000s 14.0/s i i
15.
 
Nikon D90optical i3.0 / 920 fixed i 1/4000s 4.5/s i i
16.
 
Nikon D610optical i3.2 / 921 fixed i 1/4000s 6.0/s i i
17.
 
Nikon D810optical i3.2 / 1229 fixed i 1/8000s 5.0/s i i
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
  empty Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
  empty Camera
Model

One difference between the cameras concerns the presence of an on-board flash. The 40D has one, while the D850 does not. While the built-in flash of the 40D is not very powerful, it can at times be useful as a fill-in light.

The Nikon D850 has an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

The 40D writes its imaging data to Compact Flash cards, while the D850 uses SDXC or XQD cards. The D850 features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the 40D only has one slot.

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 40D and Nikon D850 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
  empty Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Canon 40Dii / iiii2.0iii
2.
 
Nikon D850istereo / monoiimini3.0iii
3.
 
Canon 5DSimono / monoiimini3.0iii
4.
 
Canon 5DS Rimono / monoiimini3.0iii
5.
 
Canon 10Dii / iiii1.1iii
6.
 
Canon 20Dii / iiii1.1iii
7.
 
Canon 30Dii / iiii2.0iii
8.
 
Canon 50Dii / iiimini2.0iii
9.
 
Canon 60Dimono / monoiimini2.0iii
10.
 
Canon T3istereo / monoiimini2.0iii
11.
 
Canon XSii / iiii2.0iii
12.
 
Canon XSiii / iiimini2.0iii
13.
 
Canon XTiii / iiii2.0iii
14.
 
Nikon D5istereo / monoiimini3.0iii
15.
 
Nikon D90imono / monoiimini2.0iii
16.
 
Nikon D610imono / monoiimini2.0iii
17.
 
Nikon D810istereo / monoiimini3.0iii
  empty Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
  empty Camera
Model

It is notable that the D850 offers wifi support, which can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location. In contrast, the 40D does not provide wifi capability.

Both cameras feature a PC Sync terminal to control professional strobe lights, which will be appreciated by studio photographers.

The D850 is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Nikon. In contrast, the 40D has been discontinued (but can be found pre-owned on ebay). As a replacement in the same line of cameras, the 40D was succeeded by the Canon 50D. Further information on the features and operation of the 40D and D850 can be found, respectively, in the Canon 40D Manual (free pdf) or the online Nikon D850 Manual.

Review summary

So how do things add up? Is the Canon 40D better than the Nikon D850 or vice versa? Below is a summary of the relative strengths of each of the two contestants.

ilogo

Arguments in favor of the Canon EOS 40D:

  • Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
  • More compact: Is smaller (146x108mm vs 146x124mm) and thus needs less room in the bag.
  • Less heavy: Is lighter (by 183g or 18 percent) and hence easier to carry around.
  • Easier fill-in: Is equipped with a small onboard flash to brighten deep shadow areas.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (61 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in August 2007).

ilogo

Reasons to prefer the Nikon D850:

  • More detail: Has more megapixels (45.4 vs 10.1MP), which boosts linear resolution by 112%.
  • Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
  • Better image quality: Scores substantially higher (36 points) in the DXO overall evaluation.
  • Richer colors: Generates noticeably more natural colors (4.3 bits more color depth).
  • More dynamic range: Captures a broader range of light and dark details (3.5 EV of extra DR).
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Can shoot in dim conditions (1.9 stops ISO advantage).
  • Broader imaging potential: Can capture not only stills but also 4K/30p video.
  • More complete view: Has a viewfinder with a larger field of view (100% vs 95%).
  • Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.75x vs 0.59x).
  • Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.2" vs 3.0") for image review and settings control.
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (2359k vs 230k dots).
  • More flexible LCD: Has a tilting screen for odd-angle shots in landscape orientation.
  • Fewer buttons to press: Has a touchscreen to facilitate handling and shooting adjustments.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (9 vs 6.5 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
  • Longer lasting: Gets more shots (1840 versus 750) out of a single battery charge.
  • Better sealing: Is splash and dust sealed for shooting in inclement weather conditions.
  • Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (3.0 vs 2.0).
  • Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
  • Easier device pairing: Supports NFC for fast wireless image transfer over short distances.
  • Easier wireless transfer: Supports Bluetooth for image sharing without cables.
  • Greater peace of mind: Features a second card slot as a backup in case of memory card failure.
  • More modern: Reflects 9 years and 11 months of technical progress since the 40D launch.

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the D850 is the clear winner of the contest (23 : 6 points). However, the relative importance of the various individual camera aspects will vary according to personal preferences and needs, so that you might like to apply corresponding weights to the particular features before making a decision 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.

40D 06:23 D850

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Canon 40D and the Nikon D850 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 technical specifications can provide a useful overview of the capabilities of different cameras, it says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the 40D and the D850 in practical situations. At times, user reviews, such as those published at amazon, address these issues in a useful manner, but such feedback is on many occasions incomplete, inconsistent, and unreliable.

Expert reviews

This is why hands-on reviews by experts are important. The table below provides a synthesis of the camera assessments of some of the best known photo-gear review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). 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.

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Expert Camera Reviews
  empty  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Canon 40D..+ +..+ +4.5/54.5/5 Aug 2007 US$ 1 299ebay.com
2.
 
Nikon D8504.5/5+ +5/589/1004.5/55/5 Jul 2017 US$ 3 299 amazon.com
3.
 
Canon 5DS..+..83/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2015 US$ 3 699ebay.com
4.
 
Canon 5DS R5/5+..83/1005/54.5/5 Feb 2015 US$ 3 699ebay.com
5.
 
Canon 10D......+ +.... Feb 2003 US$ 1 999ebay.com
6.
 
Canon 20D......+ +.... Aug 2004 US$ 1 499ebay.com
7.
 
Canon 30D..+ +..+ +o.. Feb 2006 US$ 1 399ebay.com
8.
 
Canon 50D..+ +..+ +4.5/54.5/5 Aug 2008 US$ 1 299ebay.com
9.
 
Canon 60D5/5+..79/1004/54.5/5 Aug 2010 US$ 1 399ebay.com
10.
 
Canon T3..80/100..69/1004/54.5/5 Feb 2011 US$ 449ebay.com
11.
 
Canon XS..82/100..+ +3.5/54.5/5 Jun 2008 US$ 449ebay.com
12.
 
Canon XSi..+ +..+ +4/54.5/5 Jan 2008 US$ 799ebay.com
13.
 
Canon XTi..+ +..+ +o4/5 Aug 2006 US$ 799ebay.com
14.
 
Nikon D5....4/589/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2016 US$ 6 499ebay.com
15.
 
Nikon D90..+ +..+ +4/54.5/5 Aug 2008 US$ 1 299ebay.com
16.
 
Nikon D6104/5+ +..87/1004.5/54.5/5 Oct 2013 US$ 1 999ebay.com
17.
 
Nikon D8105/5..5/586/1005/54.5/5 Jun 2014 US$ 3 299ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
  empty  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
  empty  Camera 
 Model 

The review scores listed above should be treated with care, though. The ratings were established in reference to similarly priced cameras that were available in the market at the time of the review. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and comparing ratings of very distinct cameras or ones that are far apart in terms of their release date have little meaning. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.

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Check 40D offers at
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Check D850 price at
amazon.com

Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you would like to check on the differences and similarities of other camera models, just make your choice using the following search menu. There is also a set of direct links to comparison reviews that other users of the CAM-parator app explored.

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  • Canon SX50
  • Canon SX60
  • Canon SX70
  • Canon SX400
  • Canon SX410
  • Canon SX420
  • Canon SX430
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  • Fujifilm X100F
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  • Fujifilm XP120
  • Fujifilm XP130
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  • Kodak AZ901
  • Kodak S-1
  • Leica C-LUX
  • Leica CL
  • Leica D-LUX Typ 109
  • Leica D-LUX 5
  • Leica D-LUX 6
  • Leica D-LUX 7
  • Leica D-LUX 8
  • Leica Digilux 3
  • Leica M Typ 240
  • Leica M-E Typ 240
  • Leica M Typ 262
  • Leica M8
  • Leica M9
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  • Leica M10-P
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  • Leica Q Typ 116
  • Leica Q2
  • Leica Q3
  • Leica S1
  • Leica S2
  • Leica S3
  • Leica S Typ 006
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  • Leica S Typ 007
  • Leica SL
  • Leica SL2
  • Leica SL2-S
  • Leica SL3
  • Leica SL3-S
  • Leica T
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  • Leica TL2
  • Leica V-LUX 1
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  • Leica V-LUX 3
  • Leica V-LUX 4
  • Leica V-LUX Typ 114
  • Leica V-LUX 5
  • Leica X1
  • Leica X2
  • Leica X Vario
  • Leica X Typ 113
  • Leica X-U Typ 113
  • Leitz Ur-Leica
  • Nikon 1 J4
  • Nikon 1 J5
  • Nikon 1 V1
  • Nikon 1 V2
  • Nikon 1 V3
  • Nikon Coolpix A
  • Nikon A1000
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  • Nikon D1
  • Nikon D1H
  • Nikon D1X
  • Nikon D2H
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  • Nikon D2Xs
  • Nikon D3
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  • Nikon D4
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  • Nikon D5
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  • Nikon D40
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  • Nikon D50
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  • Nikon D70
  • Nikon D70s
  • Nikon D80
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  • Nikon D100
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  • Nikon D500
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  • Nikon D610
  • Nikon D700
  • Nikon D750
  • Nikon D780
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  • Nikon D3000
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  • Nikon D5000
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  • Nikon D5300
  • Nikon D5500
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  • Nikon Z7
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  • Nikon Zf
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  • Olympus E-1
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  • Olympus E-M10
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  • Panasonic FZ80
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  • Panasonic S1H
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  • Panasonic S9
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  • Pentax 645D
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  • Pentax K-1
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  • Pentax K-3
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  • Pentax K-5
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  • Pentax K-30
  • Pentax K-50
  • Pentax K-70
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  • Pentax KP
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  • Pentax MX-1
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  • Ricoh GR
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  • Ricoh WG-6
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  • Samsung NX1
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  • Sigma fp
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  • Sony A7
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  • Sony A9
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  • Sony A58
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  • Sony A99
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  • Sony A850
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  • Sony A6000
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  • Sony A6300
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  • Sony A6500
  • Sony A6600
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  • Sony H200
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  • Sony NEX-3
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  • Sony RX0
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  • Sony WX800
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  • Sony ZV-1F
  • Sony ZV-E1
  • Sony ZV-E10
  • Sony ZV-E10 II
  • YI M1
  • Zeiss ZX1
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Specifications: Canon 40D vs Nikon D850

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.

Camera Specifications
Camera Model Canon 40D Nikon D850
Camera Type Digital single lens reflex Digital single lens reflex
Camera Lens Canon EF mount lenses Nikon F mount lenses
Launch Date August 2007 July 2017
Launch Price USD 1,299 USD 3,299
Sensor Specs Canon 40D Nikon D850
Sensor Technology CMOS BSI-CMOS
Sensor Format APS-C Sensor Full Frame Sensor
Sensor Size 22.3 x 14.9 mm 35.9 x 23.9 mm
Sensor Area 332.27 mm2 858.01 mm2
Sensor Diagonal 26.8 mm 43.1 mm
Crop Factor 1.6x 1.0x
Sensor Resolution 10.1 Megapixels 45.4 Megapixels
Image Resolution 3888 x 2592 pixels 8256 x 5504 pixels
Pixel Pitch 5.73 μm 4.35 μm
Pixel Density 3.03 MP/cm2 5.30 MP/cm2
Moiré control Anti-Alias filter no AA filter
Movie Capability no Video 4K/30p Video
ISO Setting 100 - 1,600 ISO 64 - 25,600 ISO
ISO Boost 100 - 3,200 ISO 32 - 102,400 ISO
Image Processor DIGIC 3 EXPEED 5
DXO Sensor Quality (score) 64 100
DXO Color Depth (bits) 22.1 26.4
DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 11.3 14.8
DXO Low Light (ISO) 703 2660
Screen Specs Canon 40D Nikon D850
Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder Optical viewfinder
Viewfinder Field of View 95% 100%
Viewfinder Magnification 0.59x 0.75x
Top-Level Screen Control Panel Control Panel
LCD Framing Live View Live View
Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 3.2inch
LCD Resolution 230k dots 2359k dots
LCD Attachment Fixed screen Tilting screen
Touch Input no Touchscreen Touchscreen
Shooting Specs Canon 40D Nikon D850
Focus System Phase-detect AF Phase-detect AF
Continuous Shooting 6.5 shutter flaps/s 9 shutter flaps/s
Shutter Life Expectancy100 000 actuations200 000 actuations
Time-Lapse Photographyno IntervalometerIntervalometer built-in
Fill Flash Built-in Flash no On-Board Flash
Storage Medium CF cards SDXC or XQD cards
Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot Dual card slots
Connectivity Specs Canon 40D Nikon D850
External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
Studio Flash PC Sync socket PC Sync socket
USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 3.0
HDMI Port no HDMI mini HDMI
Microphone Port no MIC socket External MIC port
Headphone Socket no Headphone port Headphone port
Wifi Support no Wifi Wifi built-in
Near-Field Communication no NFC NFC built-in
Bluetooth Support no Bluetooth Bluetooth built-in
Body Specs Canon 40D Nikon D850
Environmental Sealingnot weather sealedWeathersealed body
Battery Type Canon BP-511A Nikon EN-EL15a
Battery Life (CIPA)750 shots per charge1840 shots per charge
Body Dimensions 146 x 108 x 74 mm
(5.7 x 4.3 x 2.9 in)
146 x 124 x 79 mm
(5.7 x 4.9 x 3.1 in)
Camera Weight 822 g (29.0 oz) 1005 g (35.5 oz)
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