Canon 5D Mark III vs Nikon D40X
The Canon EOS 5D Mark III and the Nikon D40X are two digital cameras that were officially introduced, respectively, in March 2012 and March 2007. Both are DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) cameras that are based on a full frame (5D Mark III) and an APS-C (D40X) sensor. The Canon has a resolution of 22.1 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.
Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Canon EOS 5D Mark III 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 5D Mark III and the Nikon D40X is provided 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 dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.
The D40X can be obtained in two different colors (black, silver), while the 5D Mark III is only available in black.
If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Nikon D40X is considerably smaller (34 percent) than the Canon 5D Mark III. Moreover, the D40X is substantially lighter (45 percent) than the 5D Mark III. It is worth mentioning in this context that the 5D Mark III is splash and dust resistant, while the D40X 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 (5D Mark III) and the Nikon Lens Catalog (D40X).
Concerning battery life, the 5D Mark III gets 950 shots out of its Canon LP-E6 battery, while the D40X can take 520 images on a single charge of its Nikon EN-EL9 power pack.
The adjacent table lists the principal physical characteristics of the two cameras alongside a wider set of alternatives. 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.
# | Camera Model |
Camera Width |
Camera Height |
Camera Depth |
Camera Weight |
Battery Life |
Weather Sealing |
Camera Launch |
Launch Price (USD) |
Street Price |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Canon 5D Mark III | 152 mm | 116 mm | 76 mm | 950 g | 950 | Y | Mar 2012 | 3,499 | ebay.com | |
2. | Nikon D40X | 124 mm | 94 mm | 64 mm | 522 g | 520 | n | Mar 2007 | 729 | ebay.com | |
3. | Canon 5D Mark IV | 151 mm | 116 mm | 76 mm | 890 g | 900 | Y | Aug 2016 | 3,499 | amazon.com | |
4. | Canon 5DS | 152 mm | 116 mm | 76 mm | 930 g | 700 | Y | Feb 2015 | 3,699 | ebay.com | |
5. | Canon 5DS R | 152 mm | 116 mm | 76 mm | 930 g | 700 | Y | Feb 2015 | 3,699 | ebay.com | |
6. | Canon 6D | 145 mm | 111 mm | 71 mm | 770 g | 1090 | Y | Sep 2012 | 2,099 | ebay.com | |
7. | Canon 5D Mark II | 152 mm | 114 mm | 75 mm | 850 g | 850 | Y | Sep 2008 | 3,499 | ebay.com | |
8. | Canon 5D | 152 mm | 113 mm | 75 mm | 895 g | 400 | Y | Aug 2005 | 3,299 | ebay.com | |
9. | Nikon D610 | 141 mm | 113 mm | 82 mm | 850 g | 900 | Y | Oct 2013 | 1,999 | ebay.com | |
10. | Nikon D600 | 141 mm | 113 mm | 82 mm | 850 g | 900 | Y | Sep 2012 | 2,099 | ebay.com | |
11. | Nikon D800 | 146 mm | 123 mm | 82 mm | 1000 g | 900 | Y | Feb 2012 | 2,999 | ebay.com | |
12. | Nikon D800E | 146 mm | 123 mm | 82 mm | 1000 g | 900 | Y | Feb 2012 | 3,299 | ebay.com | |
13. | Nikon D3000 | 126 mm | 97 mm | 64 mm | 536 g | 500 | n | Jul 2009 | 599 | ebay.com | |
14. | Nikon D5000 | 127 mm | 104 mm | 80 mm | 590 g | 510 | n | Apr 2009 | 749 | ebay.com | |
15. | Nikon D60 | 126 mm | 94 mm | 64 mm | 522 g | 500 | n | Jan 2008 | 629 | ebay.com | |
16. | Nikon D40 | 124 mm | 94 mm | 64 mm | 522 g | 470 | n | Nov 2006 | 499 | ebay.com | |
17. | Nikon D80 | 132 mm | 103 mm | 77 mm | 668 g | 600 | n | Aug 2006 | 999 | ebay.com | |
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or 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 D40X was launched at a markedly lower price (by 79 percent) than the 5D Mark III, 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 size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant 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. Further, a large sensor camera will give the photographer additional creative options when using shallow depth-of-field to isolate a subject from its background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.
Of the two cameras under consideration, the Canon 5D Mark III features a full frame sensor and the Nikon D40X an APS-C sensor. The sensor area in the D40X is 57 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.0 and 1.5. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.
With 22.1MP, the 5D Mark III offers a higher resolution than the D40X (10MP), but the 5D Mark III nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 6.25μm versus 6.11μm for the D40X) due to its larger sensor. Moreover, the 5D Mark III is a much more recent model (by 4 years and 11 months) than the D40X, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that further enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixels.
The resolution advantage of the Canon 5D Mark III implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the 5D Mark III for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 28.8 x 19.2 inches or 73.2 x 48.8 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 23 x 15.4 inches or 58.5 x 39 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 19.2 x 12.8 inches or 48.8 x 32.5 cm. The corresponding values for the Nikon D40X are 19.4 x 13 inches or 49.2 x 32.9 cm for good quality, 15.5 x 10.4 inches or 39.3 x 26.3 cm for very good quality, and 12.9 x 8.6 inches or 32.8 x 21.9 cm for excellent quality prints.
The Canon EOS 5D Mark III has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 25600, which can be extended to ISO 50-102400. 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.
In terms of underlying technology, the 5D Mark III is build around a CMOS sensor, while the D40X uses a CCD 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.
For many cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. This service is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), color depth ("DXO Portrait"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"). Of the two cameras under review, the 5D Mark III provides substantially higher image quality than the D40X, with an overall score that is 18 points higher. This advantage is based on 1.6 bits higher color depth, 0.3 EV in additional dynamic range, and 2.2 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.
# | Camera Model |
Sensor Class |
Resolution (MP) |
Horiz. Pixels |
Vert. Pixels |
Video Format |
DXO Portrait |
DXO Landscape |
DXO Sports |
DXO Overall |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Canon 5D Mark III | Full Frame | 22.1 | 5760 | 3840 | 1080/30p | 24.0 | 11.7 | 2293 | 81 | |
2. | Nikon D40X | APS-C | 10.0 | 3872 | 2592 | none | 22.4 | 11.4 | 516 | 63 | |
3. | Canon 5D Mark IV | Full Frame | 30.1 | 6720 | 4480 | 4K/30p | 24.8 | 13.6 | 2995 | 91 | |
4. | Canon 5DS | Full Frame | 50.3 | 8688 | 5792 | 1080/30p | 24.7 | 12.4 | 2381 | 87 | |
5. | Canon 5DS R | Full Frame | 50.3 | 8688 | 5792 | 1080/30p | 24.6 | 12.4 | 2308 | 86 | |
6. | Canon 6D | Full Frame | 20.0 | 5472 | 3648 | 1080/30p | 23.8 | 12.1 | 2340 | 82 | |
7. | Canon 5D Mark II | Full Frame | 21.0 | 5616 | 3744 | 1080/30p | 23.7 | 11.9 | 1815 | 79 | |
8. | Canon 5D | Full Frame | 12.7 | 4368 | 2912 | none | 22.9 | 11.1 | 1368 | 71 | |
9. | Nikon D610 | Full Frame | 24.2 | 6016 | 4016 | 1080/30p | 25.1 | 14.4 | 2925 | 94 | |
10. | Nikon D600 | Full Frame | 24.2 | 6016 | 4016 | 1080/30p | 25.1 | 14.2 | 2980 | 94 | |
11. | Nikon D800 | Full Frame | 36.2 | 7360 | 4912 | 1080/30p | 25.3 | 14.4 | 2853 | 95 | |
12. | Nikon D800E | Full Frame | 36.2 | 7360 | 4912 | 1080/30p | 25.6 | 14.3 | 2979 | 96 | |
13. | Nikon D3000 | APS-C | 10.0 | 3872 | 2592 | none | 22.3 | 11.1 | 563 | 62 | |
14. | Nikon D5000 | APS-C | 12.2 | 4288 | 2848 | 720/24p | 22.7 | 12.5 | 868 | 72 | |
15. | Nikon D60 | APS-C | 10.0 | 3872 | 2592 | none | 22.5 | 11.4 | 562 | 65 | |
16. | Nikon D40 | APS-C | 6.0 | 3008 | 2000 | none | 21.0 | 11.0 | 561 | 56 | |
17. | Nikon D80 | APS-C | 10.0 | 3872 | 2592 | none | 22.1 | 11.2 | 524 | 61 |
Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. The 5D Mark III indeed provides movie recording capabilities, while the D40X does not. The highest resolution format that the 5D Mark III can use is 1080/30p.
Feature comparison
Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The 5D Mark III 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 viewfinder in the 5D Mark III offers a wider field of view (100%) than the one in the D40X (95%), so that a larger proportion of the captured image is visible in the finder. In addition, the viewfinder of the 5D Mark III has a higher magnification (0.71x vs 0.53x), 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 5D Mark III, the Nikon D40X, and comparable cameras.
# | 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 5D Mark III | optical | Y | 3.2 / 1040 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 6.0/s | n | n | |
2. | Nikon D40X | optical | n | 2.5 / 230 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 3.0/s | Y | n | |
3. | Canon 5D Mark IV | optical | Y | 3.2 / 1620 | fixed | Y | 1/8000s | 7.0/s | n | n | |
4. | Canon 5DS | optical | Y | 3.2 / 1040 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 5.0/s | n | n | |
5. | Canon 5DS R | optical | Y | 3.2 / 1040 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 5.0/s | n | n | |
6. | Canon 6D | optical | Y | 3.0 / 1040 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 4.5/s | n | n | |
7. | Canon 5D Mark II | optical | Y | 3.0 / 920 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 3.9/s | n | n | |
8. | Canon 5D | optical | Y | 2.5 / 230 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 3.0/s | n | n | |
9. | Nikon D610 | optical | Y | 3.2 / 921 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 6.0/s | Y | n | |
10. | Nikon D600 | optical | Y | 3.0 / 921 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 5.5/s | Y | n | |
11. | Nikon D800 | optical | Y | 3.2 / 921 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 4.0/s | Y | n | |
12. | Nikon D800E | optical | Y | 3.2 / 921 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 4.0/s | Y | n | |
13. | Nikon D3000 | optical | n | 3.0 / 230 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 3.0/s | Y | n | |
14. | Nikon D5000 | optical | n | 2.7 / 230 | full-flex | n | 1/4000s | 4.0/s | Y | n | |
15. | Nikon D60 | optical | n | 2.5 / 230 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 3.0/s | Y | n | |
16. | Nikon D40 | optical | n | 2.5 / 230 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 2.5/s | Y | n | |
17. | Nikon D80 | optical | n | 2.5 / 230 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 3.0/s | Y | n | |
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one. |
One feature that is present on the 5D Mark III, but is missing on the D40X is a top-level LCD. While being, of course, smaller than the rear screen, the control panel conveys some of the essential shooting information and can be convenient for quick and easy settings verification.
The 5D Mark III writes its imaging data to Compact Flash or SDXC cards, while the D40X uses SDHC cards. The 5D Mark III features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the D40X 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 5D Mark III and Nikon D40X and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.
# | Camera Model |
Hotshoe Port |
Internal Mic / Speaker |
Microphone Port |
Headphone Port |
HDMI Port |
USB Port |
WiFi Support |
NFC Support |
Bluetooth Support |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Canon 5D Mark III | Y | mono / mono | Y | Y | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
2. | Nikon D40X | Y | - / - | - | - | - | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
3. | Canon 5D Mark IV | Y | mono / mono | Y | Y | mini | 3.0 | Y | Y | - | |
4. | Canon 5DS | Y | mono / mono | Y | - | mini | 3.0 | - | - | - | |
5. | Canon 5DS R | Y | mono / mono | Y | - | mini | 3.0 | - | - | - | |
6. | Canon 6D | Y | mono / mono | Y | - | mini | 2.0 | Y | - | - | |
7. | Canon 5D Mark II | Y | mono / mono | Y | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
8. | Canon 5D | Y | - / - | - | - | - | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
9. | Nikon D610 | Y | mono / mono | Y | Y | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
10. | Nikon D600 | Y | mono / mono | Y | Y | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
11. | Nikon D800 | Y | mono / mono | Y | Y | mini | 3.0 | - | - | - | |
12. | Nikon D800E | Y | mono / mono | Y | Y | mini | 3.0 | - | - | - | |
13. | Nikon D3000 | Y | - / - | - | - | - | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
14. | Nikon D5000 | Y | mono / mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
15. | Nikon D60 | Y | - / - | - | - | - | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
16. | Nikon D40 | Y | - / - | - | - | - | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
17. | Nikon D80 | Y | - / - | - | - | - | 2.0 | - | - | - |
Studio photographers will appreciate that the Canon 5D Mark III (unlike the D40X) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.
Both the 5D Mark III and the D40X have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The D40X was replaced by the Nikon D60 , while the 5D Mark III was followed by the Canon 5D Mark IV. Further information on the features and operation of the 5D Mark III and D40X can be found, respectively, in the Canon 5D Mark III Manual (free pdf) or the online Nikon D40X Manual.
Review summary
So what conclusions can be drawn? Is there a clear favorite between the Canon 5D Mark III and the Nikon D40X? Which camera is better? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.
Arguments in favor of the Canon EOS 5D Mark III:
- More detail: Offers more megapixels (22.1 vs 10MP) with a 49% higher linear resolution.
- Better image quality: Scores substantially higher (18 points) in the DXO overall assessment.
- Richer colors: Generates images with noticeably better colors (1.6 bits more color depth).
- Better low-light sensitivity: Requires less light for good images (2.2 stops ISO advantage).
- Broader imaging potential: Can record not only still images but also 1080/30p movies.
- 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 (0.71x vs 0.53x).
- Easier setting verification: Features an LCD display on top to control shooting parameters.
- Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.2" vs 2.5") for image review and settings control.
- More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1040k vs 230k dots).
- Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/8000s vs 1/4000s) to freeze action.
- Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (6 vs 3 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
- Longer lasting: Can take more shots (950 versus 520) on a single battery charge.
- Better sealing: Is weather sealed to enable shooting in dusty or wet environments.
- Better studio light control: Has a PC Sync socket to connect to professional strobe lights.
- Greater peace of mind: Features a second card slot as a backup in case of memory card failure.
- More modern: Reflects 4 years and 11 months of technical progress since the D40X launch.
Reasons to prefer the Nikon D40X:
- More compact: Is smaller (124x94mm vs 152x116mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
- Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 428g or 45 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
- Easier fill-in: Has a small integrated flash to brighten shadows of backlit subjects.
- More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (79 percent cheaper at launch).
- 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 5D Mark III is the clear winner of the match-up (17 : 5 points). However, the pertinence of the various camera strengths will differ across photographers, so that you might want to weigh individual camera traits according to their importance for your own imaging needs before making a camera decision. A professional wedding photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a travel photog, and a person interested in cityscapes has distinct needs from a macro 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 5D Mark III 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 specs-based evaluation of cameras can be instructive in revealing their potential as photographic tools, it says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the 5D Mark III and the D40X 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 adjacent summary-table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular camera 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.
# | Camera Model |
AP score |
CL score |
DCW score |
DPR score |
EPZ score |
PB score |
Camera Launch |
Launch Price (USD) |
Street Price |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Canon 5D Mark III | .. | + + | .. | 82/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Mar 2012 | 3,499 | ebay.com | |
2. | Nikon D40X | .. | 79/100 | .. | + + | 4/5 | 4/5 | Mar 2007 | 729 | ebay.com | |
3. | Canon 5D Mark IV | 4.5/5 | + + | 4/5 | 87/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Aug 2016 | 3,499 | amazon.com | |
4. | Canon 5DS | .. | + | .. | 83/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Feb 2015 | 3,699 | ebay.com | |
5. | Canon 5DS R | 5/5 | + | .. | 83/100 | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | Feb 2015 | 3,699 | ebay.com | |
6. | Canon 6D | 5/5 | + + | .. | 83/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Sep 2012 | 2,099 | ebay.com | |
7. | Canon 5D Mark II | 4/5 | 91/100 | .. | 79/100 | 4/5 | .. | Sep 2008 | 3,499 | ebay.com | |
8. | Canon 5D | .. | 88/100 | .. | + + | o | .. | Aug 2005 | 3,299 | ebay.com | |
9. | Nikon D610 | 4/5 | + + | .. | 87/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Oct 2013 | 1,999 | ebay.com | |
10. | Nikon D600 | 4/5 | + + | .. | 87/100 | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | Sep 2012 | 2,099 | ebay.com | |
11. | Nikon D800 | 5/5 | + + | .. | 82/100 | 5/5 | 5/5 | Feb 2012 | 2,999 | ebay.com | |
12. | Nikon D800E | .. | .. | .. | 84/100 | 5/5 | 5/5 | Feb 2012 | 3,299 | ebay.com | |
13. | Nikon D3000 | .. | + | .. | 72/100 | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | Jul 2009 | 599 | ebay.com | |
14. | Nikon D5000 | .. | + + | .. | 75/100 | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | Apr 2009 | 749 | ebay.com | |
15. | Nikon D60 | .. | 80/100 | .. | + + | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | Jan 2008 | 629 | ebay.com | |
16. | Nikon D40 | .. | 81/100 | .. | + + | o | 4.5/5 | Nov 2006 | 499 | ebay.com | |
17. | Nikon D80 | .. | + | .. | + + | o | 4.5/5 | Aug 2006 | 999 | ebay.com | |
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available. |
Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. Also, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.
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 use the search menu below. As an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool.
- Canon 5D Mark III vs Canon SL3
- Canon 5D Mark III vs Canon T3i
- Canon 5D Mark III vs Nikon D2X
- Canon 5D Mark III vs Nikon D5300
- Canon 5D Mark III vs Olympus E-420
- Canon 5D Mark III vs Panasonic G85
- Canon 80D vs Nikon D40X
- Canon G16 vs Nikon D40X
- Leica D-LUX 5 vs Nikon D40X
- Nikon D40X vs Olympus E-5
- Nikon D40X vs Panasonic FZ330
- Nikon D40X vs Sony HX90V
Specifications: Canon 5D Mark III 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.
Camera Model | Canon 5D Mark III | Nikon D40X |
---|---|---|
Camera Type | Digital single lens reflex | Digital single lens reflex |
Camera Lens | Canon EF mount lenses | Nikon F mount lenses |
Launch Date | March 2012 | March 2007 |
Launch Price | USD 3,499 | USD 729 |
Sensor Specs | Canon 5D Mark III | Nikon D40X |
Sensor Technology | CMOS | CCD |
Sensor Format | Full Frame Sensor | APS-C Sensor |
Sensor Size | 36.0 x 24.0 mm | 23.6 x 15.8 mm |
Sensor Area | 864 mm2 | 372.88 mm2 |
Sensor Diagonal | 43.3 mm | 28.4 mm |
Crop Factor | 1.0x | 1.5x |
Sensor Resolution | 22.1 Megapixels | 10 Megapixels |
Image Resolution | 5760 x 3840 pixels | 3872 x 2592 pixels |
Pixel Pitch | 6.25 μm | 6.11 μm |
Pixel Density | 2.56 MP/cm2 | 2.69 MP/cm2 |
Moiré control | Anti-Alias filter | Anti-Alias filter |
Movie Capability | 1080/30p Video | no Video |
ISO Setting | 100 - 25,600 ISO | 100 - 1,600 ISO |
ISO Boost | 50 - 102,400 ISO | 100 - 3,200 ISO |
Image Processor | DIGIC 5+ | EXPEED |
DXO Sensor Quality (score) | 81 | 63 |
DXO Color Depth (bits) | 24.0 | 22.4 |
DXO Dynamic Range (EV) | 11.7 | 11.4 |
DXO Low Light (ISO) | 2293 | 516 |
Screen Specs | Canon 5D Mark III | Nikon D40X |
Viewfinder Type | Optical viewfinder | Optical viewfinder |
Viewfinder Field of View | 100% | 95% |
Viewfinder Magnification | 0.71x | 0.53x |
Top-Level Screen | Control Panel | no Top Display |
LCD Framing | Live View | |
Rear LCD Size | 3.2inch | 2.5inch |
LCD Resolution | 1040k dots | 230k dots |
LCD Attachment | Fixed screen | Fixed screen |
Shooting Specs | Canon 5D Mark III | Nikon D40X |
Focus System | Phase-detect AF | Phase-detect AF |
Continuous Shooting | 6 shutter flaps/s | 3 shutter flaps/s |
Shutter Life Expectancy | 150 000 actuations | 50 000 actuations |
Fill Flash | no On-Board Flash | Built-in Flash |
Storage Medium | CF or SDXC cards | SDHC cards |
Single or Dual Card Slots | Dual card slots | Single card slot |
UHS card support | no | no |
Connectivity Specs | Canon 5D Mark III | Nikon D40X |
External Flash | Hotshoe | Hotshoe |
Studio Flash | PC Sync socket | no PC Sync |
USB Connector | USB 2.0 | USB 2.0 |
HDMI Port | mini HDMI | no HDMI |
Microphone Port | External MIC port | no MIC socket |
Headphone Socket | Headphone port | no Headphone port |
Wifi Support | no Wifi | no Wifi |
Body Specs | Canon 5D Mark III | Nikon D40X |
Environmental Sealing | Weathersealed body | not weather sealed |
Battery Type | Canon LP-E6 | Nikon EN-EL9 |
Battery Life (CIPA) | 950 shots per charge | 520 shots per charge |
Body Dimensions |
152 x 116 x 76 mm (6.0 x 4.6 x 3.0 in) |
124 x 94 x 64 mm (4.9 x 3.7 x 2.5 in) |
Camera Weight | 950 g (33.5 oz) | 522 g (18.4 oz) |
Did you notice an error on this page? If so, please get in touch, so that we can correct the information.