Nikon D3 vs D40
The Nikon D3 and the Nikon D40 are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in August 2007 and November 2006. Both are DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) cameras that are based on a full frame (D3) and an APS-C (D40) sensor. The D3 has a resolution of 12.1 megapixels, whereas the D40 provides 6 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 Nikon D3 and the Nikon D40? 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
The physical size and weight of the Nikon D3 and the Nikon D40 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.
If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Nikon D40 is considerably smaller (54 percent) than the Nikon D3. Moreover, the D40 is substantially lighter (60 percent) than the D3. It is worth mentioning in this context that the D3 is splash and dust resistant, while the D40 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 (as in the D3) will tend to go along with bigger and heavier lenses, while more compact options are available for the smaller-sensor camera (D40). You can compare the optics available in the Nikon Lens Catalog.
Concerning battery life, the D3 gets 4300 shots out of its Nikon EN-EL4a battery, while the D40 can take 470 images on a single charge of its Nikon EN-EL9 power pack. As can be seen in the images above, the D3 has a battery grip built in. This facilitates image-taking in portrait orientation and gives it additional battery power. In order to provide similar functionality for the D40, there are third party battery grips available as optional accessories (see here on ebay).
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, you can navigate to the CAM-parator app and make your selection from a broad list of cameras there.
# | Camera Model |
Camera Width |
Camera Height |
Camera Depth |
Camera Weight |
Battery Life |
Weather Sealing |
Camera Launch |
Launch Price (USD) |
Street Price |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Nikon D3 | 160 mm | 157 mm | 88 mm | 1300 g | 4300 | Y | Aug 2007 | 4,999 | ebay.com | |
2. | Nikon D40 | 124 mm | 94 mm | 64 mm | 522 g | 470 | n | Nov 2006 | 499 | ebay.com | |
3. | Canon 1D Mark III | 156 mm | 157 mm | 80 mm | 1155 g | 2200 | Y | Feb 2007 | 4,499 | ebay.com | |
4. | Nikon D5 | 160 mm | 159 mm | 92 mm | 1415 g | 3780 | Y | Jan 2016 | 6,499 | ebay.com | |
5. | Nikon D3400 | 124 mm | 98 mm | 76 mm | 445 g | 1200 | n | Aug 2016 | 499 | ebay.com | |
6. | Nikon D4S | 160 mm | 157 mm | 91 mm | 1350 g | 3020 | Y | Feb 2014 | 6,499 | ebay.com | |
7. | Nikon D3300 | 124 mm | 98 mm | 76 mm | 430 g | 700 | n | Jan 2014 | 499 | ebay.com | |
8. | Nikon D4 | 160 mm | 157 mm | 91 mm | 1340 g | 2600 | Y | Jan 2012 | 5,999 | ebay.com | |
9. | Nikon D3100 | 124 mm | 96 mm | 75 mm | 505 g | 550 | n | Aug 2010 | 599 | ebay.com | |
10. | Nikon D3S | 160 mm | 157 mm | 88 mm | 1240 g | 4200 | Y | Oct 2009 | 5,199 | ebay.com | |
11. | Nikon D3X | 160 mm | 157 mm | 88 mm | 1260 g | 4400 | Y | Dec 2008 | 7,999 | ebay.com | |
12. | Nikon D700 | 147 mm | 123 mm | 77 mm | 1074 g | 1000 | Y | Jul 2008 | 2,999 | ebay.com | |
13. | Nikon D40X | 124 mm | 94 mm | 64 mm | 522 g | 520 | n | Mar 2007 | 729 | ebay.com | |
14. | Nikon D300 | 147 mm | 114 mm | 74 mm | 925 g | 1000 | Y | Aug 2007 | 1,799 | ebay.com | |
15. | Nikon D2Xs | 158 mm | 150 mm | 86 mm | 1252 g | 3800 | Y | Jun 2006 | 4,699 | ebay.com | |
16. | Nikon D50 | 133 mm | 102 mm | 76 mm | 620 g | 400 | n | Apr 2005 | 749 | ebay.com | |
17. | Nikon D2X | 158 mm | 150 mm | 86 mm | 1252 g | 3800 | Y | Sep 2004 | 4,999 | ebay.com | |
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders. | |||||||||||
The price is, of course, an important factor in any camera decision. 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 D40 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 90 percent) than the D3, which puts it into a different market segment. Normally, street prices remain initially close to the MSRP, but after a couple of months, the first discounts appear. 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 sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants 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 tend to be more expensive and lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.
Of the two cameras under consideration, the Nikon D3 features a full frame sensor and the Nikon D40 an APS-C sensor. The sensor area in the D40 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 12.1MP, the D3 offers a higher resolution than the D40 (6MP), but the D3 nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 8.43μm versus 7.85μm for the D40) due to its larger sensor. Moreover, the D3 is a somewhat more recent model (by 9 months) than the D40, and its sensor might have benefitted from technological advances during this time that further enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixels.
The resolution advantage of the Nikon D3 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the D3 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 21.3 x 14.2 inches or 54.1 x 36 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 17 x 11.3 inches or 43.2 x 28.8 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 14.2 x 9.4 inches or 36 x 24 cm. The corresponding values for the Nikon D40 are 15 x 10 inches or 38.2 x 25.4 cm for good quality, 12 x 8 inches or 30.6 x 20.3 cm for very good quality, and 10 x 6.7 inches or 25.5 x 16.9 cm for excellent quality prints.
The Nikon D3 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 200 to ISO 6400, which can be extended to ISO 100-25600. The corresponding ISO settings for the Nikon D40 are ISO 200 to ISO 1600, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 200-3200.
In terms of underlying technology, the D3 is build around a CMOS sensor, while the D40 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.
Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. 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 review, the D3 provides substantially higher image quality than the D40, with an overall score that is 25 points higher. This advantage is based on 2.5 bits higher color depth, 1.2 EV in additional dynamic range, and 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. | Nikon D3 | Full Frame | 12.1 | 4256 | 2832 | none | 23.5 | 12.2 | 2290 | 81 | |
2. | Nikon D40 | APS-C | 6.0 | 3008 | 2000 | none | 21.0 | 11.0 | 561 | 56 | |
3. | Canon 1D Mark III | APS-H | 10.1 | 3888 | 2592 | none | 22.7 | 11.7 | 1078 | 71 | |
4. | Nikon D5 | Full Frame | 20.7 | 5588 | 3712 | 4K/30p | 25.1 | 12.3 | 2343 | 88 | |
5. | Nikon D3400 | APS-C | 24.0 | 6000 | 4000 | 1080/60p | 24.8 | 13.9 | 1192 | 86 | |
6. | Nikon D4S | Full Frame | 16.2 | 4928 | 3280 | 1080/60p | 24.4 | 13.3 | 3074 | 89 | |
7. | Nikon D3300 | APS-C | 24.0 | 6000 | 4000 | 1080/60p | 24.3 | 12.8 | 1385 | 82 | |
8. | Nikon D4 | Full Frame | 16.2 | 4928 | 3280 | 1080/30p | 24.7 | 13.1 | 2965 | 89 | |
9. | Nikon D3100 | APS-C | 14.2 | 4608 | 3072 | 1080/24p | 22.5 | 11.3 | 919 | 67 | |
10. | Nikon D3S | Full Frame | 12.1 | 4256 | 2832 | 720/24p | 23.5 | 12.0 | 3253 | 82 | |
11. | Nikon D3X | Full Frame | 24.4 | 6048 | 4032 | none | 24.7 | 13.7 | 1992 | 88 | |
12. | Nikon D700 | Full Frame | 12.1 | 4256 | 2832 | none | 23.5 | 12.2 | 2303 | 80 | |
13. | Nikon D40X | APS-C | 10.0 | 3872 | 2592 | none | 22.4 | 11.4 | 516 | 63 | |
14. | Nikon D300 | APS-C | 12.2 | 4288 | 2848 | none | 22.1 | 12.0 | 679 | 67 | |
15. | Nikon D2Xs | APS-C | 12.2 | 4288 | 2848 | none | 22.2 | 10.9 | 489 | 59 | |
16. | Nikon D50 | APS-C | 6.0 | 3008 | 2000 | none | 20.9 | 10.8 | 560 | 55 | |
17. | Nikon D2X | APS-C | 12.2 | 4288 | 2848 | none | 22.1 | 10.9 | 476 | 59 |
Feature comparison
Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The D3 and the D40 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 D3 offers a wider field of view (100%) than the one in the D40 (95%), so that a larger proportion of the captured image is visible in the finder. In addition, the viewfinder of the D3 has a higher magnification (0.70x 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 Nikon D3 and Nikon D40 in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar 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. | Nikon D3 | optical | Y | 3.0 / 922 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 11.0/s | n | n | |
2. | Nikon D40 | optical | n | 2.5 / 230 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 2.5/s | Y | n | |
3. | Canon 1D Mark III | optical | Y | 3.0 / 230 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 10.0/s | n | n | |
4. | Nikon D5 | optical | Y | 3.2 / 2359 | fixed | Y | 1/8000s | 14.0/s | n | n | |
5. | Nikon D3400 | optical | n | 3.0 / 921 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 5.0/s | Y | n | |
6. | Nikon D4S | optical | Y | 3.2 / 921 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 11.0/s | n | n | |
7. | Nikon D3300 | optical | n | 3.0 / 921 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 5.0/s | Y | n | |
8. | Nikon D4 | optical | Y | 3.2 / 921 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 11.0/s | n | n | |
9. | Nikon D3100 | optical | n | 3.0 / 230 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 3.0/s | Y | n | |
10. | Nikon D3S | optical | Y | 3.0 / 921 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 11.0/s | n | n | |
11. | Nikon D3X | optical | Y | 3.0 / 922 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 5.0/s | n | n | |
12. | Nikon D700 | optical | Y | 3.0 / 922 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 8.0/s | Y | n | |
13. | Nikon D40X | optical | n | 2.5 / 230 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 3.0/s | Y | n | |
14. | Nikon D300 | optical | Y | 3.0 / 922 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 6.0/s | Y | n | |
15. | Nikon D2Xs | optical | Y | 2.5 / 230 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 5.0/s | n | n | |
16. | Nikon D50 | optical | n | 2.0 / 130 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 2.5/s | Y | n | |
17. | Nikon D2X | optical | Y | 2.5 / 235 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 5.0/s | n | n | |
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one. |
One feature that is present on the D3, but is missing on the D40 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 Nikon D3 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 D3 writes its imaging data to Compact Flash cards, while the D40 uses SDHC cards. The D3 features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the D40 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 Nikon D3 and Nikon D40 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. | Nikon D3 | Y | - / - | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
2. | Nikon D40 | Y | - / - | - | - | - | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
3. | Canon 1D Mark III | Y | - / - | - | - | - | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
4. | Nikon D5 | Y | stereo / mono | Y | Y | mini | 3.0 | - | - | - | |
5. | Nikon D3400 | Y | mono / mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | Y | |
6. | Nikon D4S | Y | mono / mono | Y | Y | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
7. | Nikon D3300 | Y | mono / mono | Y | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
8. | Nikon D4 | Y | mono / mono | Y | Y | micro | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
9. | Nikon D3100 | Y | mono / mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
10. | Nikon D3S | Y | stereo / - | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
11. | Nikon D3X | Y | - / - | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
12. | Nikon D700 | Y | - / - | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
13. | Nikon D40X | Y | - / - | - | - | - | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
14. | Nikon D300 | Y | - / - | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
15. | Nikon D2Xs | Y | - / - | - | - | - | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
16. | Nikon D50 | Y | - / - | - | - | - | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
17. | Nikon D2X | Y | - / - | - | - | - | 2.0 | - | - | - |
Studio photographers will appreciate that the Nikon D3 (unlike the D40) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.
Both the D3 and the D40 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The D40 was replaced by the Nikon D40X, while the D3 was followed by the Nikon D4. Further information on the features and operation of the D3 and D40 can be found, respectively, in the Nikon D3 Manual (free pdf) or the online Nikon D40 Manual.
Review summary
So what conclusions can be drawn? Is the Nikon D3 better than the Nikon D40 or vice versa? Below is a summary of the relative strengths of each of the two contestants.
Reasons to prefer the Nikon D3:
- More detail: Offers more megapixels (12.1 vs 6MP) with a 42% higher linear resolution.
- Better image quality: Scores substantially higher (25 points) in the DXO overall assessment.
- Richer colors: Generates images with noticeably better colors (2.5 bits more color depth).
- More dynamic range: Captures a larger spectrum of light and dark details (1.2 EV of extra DR).
- Better low-light sensitivity: Requires less light for good images (2 stops ISO advantage).
- 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 (0.70x vs 0.53x).
- Easier setting verification: Features an LCD display on top to control shooting parameters.
- 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 (922k vs 230k dots).
- Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/8000s vs 1/4000s) to freeze action.
- Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (11 vs 2.5 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
- Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
- More portrait friendly: Features an integrated vertical grip for easier portrait shooting.
- Longer lasting: Can take more shots (4300 versus 470) 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: Is somewhat more recent (announced 9 months after the D40).
Advantages of the Nikon D40:
- More compact: Is smaller (124x94mm vs 160x157mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
- Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 778g or 60 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 (90 percent cheaper at launch).
- More heavily discounted: Has been on the market for longer (launched in November 2006).
If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the D3 is the clear winner of the match-up (19 : 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 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 Nikon D3 and the Nikon D40 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 remains partial and cannot reveal, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance when actually working with the D3 or the D40. 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.
# | Camera Model |
AP score |
CL score |
DCW score |
DPR score |
EPZ score |
PB score |
Camera Launch |
Launch Price (USD) |
Street Price |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Nikon D3 | .. | .. | .. | + + | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | Aug 2007 | 4,999 | ebay.com | |
2. | Nikon D40 | .. | 81/100 | .. | + + | o | 4.5/5 | Nov 2006 | 499 | ebay.com | |
3. | Canon 1D Mark III | .. | .. | .. | .. | .. | .. | Feb 2007 | 4,499 | ebay.com | |
4. | Nikon D5 | .. | .. | 4/5 | 89/100 | 4.5/5 | 5/5 | Jan 2016 | 6,499 | ebay.com | |
5. | Nikon D3400 | 4/5 | + | 4/5 | 76/100 | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | Aug 2016 | 499 | ebay.com | |
6. | Nikon D4S | 5/5 | .. | .. | .. | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Feb 2014 | 6,499 | ebay.com | |
7. | Nikon D3300 | 3/5 | + | .. | 77/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Jan 2014 | 499 | ebay.com | |
8. | Nikon D4 | .. | .. | .. | .. | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Jan 2012 | 5,999 | ebay.com | |
9. | Nikon D3100 | 5/5 | + + | .. | 72/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Aug 2010 | 599 | ebay.com | |
10. | Nikon D3S | 5/5 | .. | .. | 89/100 | 4.5/5 | 5/5 | Oct 2009 | 5,199 | ebay.com | |
11. | Nikon D3X | .. | .. | .. | 86/100 | 4/5 | 5/5 | Dec 2008 | 7,999 | ebay.com | |
12. | Nikon D700 | .. | 89/100 | .. | + + | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Jul 2008 | 2,999 | ebay.com | |
13. | Nikon D40X | .. | 79/100 | .. | + + | 4/5 | 4/5 | Mar 2007 | 729 | ebay.com | |
14. | Nikon D300 | .. | + + | .. | + + | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | Aug 2007 | 1,799 | ebay.com | |
15. | Nikon D2Xs | .. | .. | .. | .. | .. | .. | Jun 2006 | 4,699 | ebay.com | |
16. | Nikon D50 | .. | 78/100 | .. | + + | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | Apr 2005 | 749 | ebay.com | |
17. | Nikon D2X | .. | .. | .. | + + | .. | .. | Sep 2004 | 4,999 | ebay.com | |
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available. |
The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. Hence, a score should always be seen in the context of the camera's market launch date and its price, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.
Other camera comparisons
Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? If you would like to see a different side-by-side camera review, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes 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 G1 X Mark III vs Nikon D40
- Canon M5 vs Nikon D3
- Canon RP vs Nikon D3
- Fujifilm X-E2 vs Nikon D3
- Nikon D3 vs Olympus E-M5
- Nikon D3 vs Panasonic GH5
- Nikon D3 vs Sony A6100
- Nikon D40 vs Olympus E-M10 III
- Nikon D40 vs Olympus E-PL9
- Nikon D40 vs Panasonic GM5
- Nikon D40 vs Panasonic GX1
- Nikon D40 vs Sony RX10 IV
Specifications: Nikon D3 vs Nikon D40
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 | Nikon D3 | Nikon D40 |
---|---|---|
Camera Type | Digital single lens reflex | Digital single lens reflex |
Camera Lens | Nikon F mount lenses | Nikon F mount lenses |
Launch Date | August 2007 | November 2006 |
Launch Price | USD 4,999 | USD 499 |
Sensor Specs | Nikon D3 | Nikon D40 |
Sensor Technology | CMOS | CCD |
Sensor Format | Full Frame Sensor | APS-C Sensor |
Sensor Size | 36.0 x 23.9 mm | 23.7 x 15.6 mm |
Sensor Area | 860.4 mm2 | 369.72 mm2 |
Sensor Diagonal | 43.2 mm | 28.4 mm |
Crop Factor | 1.0x | 1.5x |
Sensor Resolution | 12.1 Megapixels | 6 Megapixels |
Image Resolution | 4256 x 2832 pixels | 3008 x 2000 pixels |
Pixel Pitch | 8.43 μm | 7.85 μm |
Pixel Density | 1.40 MP/cm2 | 1.63 MP/cm2 |
Moiré control | Anti-Alias filter | Anti-Alias filter |
Movie Capability | no Video | no Video |
ISO Setting | 200 - 6,400 ISO | 200 - 1,600 ISO |
ISO Boost | 100 - 25,600 ISO | 200 - 3,200 ISO |
DXO Sensor Quality (score) | 81 | 56 |
DXO Color Depth (bits) | 23.5 | 21.0 |
DXO Dynamic Range (EV) | 12.2 | 11.0 |
DXO Low Light (ISO) | 2290 | 561 |
Screen Specs | Nikon D3 | Nikon D40 |
Viewfinder Type | Optical viewfinder | Optical viewfinder |
Viewfinder Field of View | 100% | 95% |
Viewfinder Magnification | 0.70x | 0.53x |
Top-Level Screen | Control Panel | no Top Display |
LCD Framing | Live View | |
Rear LCD Size | 3.0inch | 2.5inch |
LCD Resolution | 922k dots | 230k dots |
LCD Attachment | Fixed screen | Fixed screen |
Shooting Specs | Nikon D3 | Nikon D40 |
Focus System | Phase-detect AF | Phase-detect AF |
Continuous Shooting | 11 shutter flaps/s | 2.5 shutter flaps/s |
Shutter Life Expectancy | 300 000 actuations | 50 000 actuations |
Time-Lapse Photography | Intervalometer built-in | no Intervalometer |
Fill Flash | no On-Board Flash | Built-in Flash |
Storage Medium | CF cards | SDHC cards |
Single or Dual Card Slots | Dual card slots | Single card slot |
Connectivity Specs | Nikon D3 | Nikon D40 |
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 |
Wifi Support | no Wifi | no Wifi |
Body Specs | Nikon D3 | Nikon D40 |
Environmental Sealing | Weathersealed body | not weather sealed |
Battery Type | Nikon EN-EL4a | Nikon EN-EL9 |
Battery Life (CIPA) | 4300 shots per charge | 470 shots per charge |
Body Dimensions |
160 x 157 x 88 mm (6.3 x 6.2 x 3.5 in) |
124 x 94 x 64 mm (4.9 x 3.7 x 2.5 in) |
Camera Weight | 1300 g (45.9 oz) | 522 g (18.4 oz) |
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