Canon EOS 40D vs Nikon D40X Comparison
Canon EOS 40D
Nikon D40X
Price | |||
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Brand | Canon | Nikon | |
Model | EOS 40D | D40X | |
Released Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2007 | 2007 | |
Announcement Date Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | August 20, 2007 | March 06, 2007 | |
Camera Type |  DSLR | DSLR | |
Camera Size | |||
Camera Weight |
The Canon EOS 40D outperforms the Nikon D40X with a score of 42/100 compared to 33/100. Both DSLR cameras were released in 2007, with the Canon EOS 40D announced on August 20th and the Nikon D40X on March 6th. They share similar launch prices, with the Canon EOS 40D priced at $899 and the Nikon D40X at $998.
The Canon EOS 40D has a larger body, measuring 146 x 108 x 74mm and weighing 822g (1.81lbs), while the Nikon D40X is more compact, with dimensions of 124 x 94 x 64mm and a weight of 522g (1.15lbs). The Canon EOS 40D’s higher score signifies its superior performance in various aspects compared to the Nikon D40X.
On the other hand, the Nikon D40X’s smaller size and lighter weight make it more portable and convenient to carry around. Although it has a lower score, this feature may appeal to photographers who prioritize a compact design.
Taking all factors into consideration, the Canon EOS 40D stands out as the better camera, offering enhanced performance and features. However, the Nikon D40X’s compact size and lighter weight may still attract photographers who value portability.
Canon EOS 40D vs Nikon D40X Overview and Optics
The Canon EOS 40D outperforms the Nikon D40X in optics with a score of 45/100 compared to 40/100. Both cameras share some common specifications, such as 10.1 and 10 megapixels, APS-C sensor size, and no image stabilisation. However, certain features set them apart, making one better than the other in specific aspects.
The Canon EOS 40D excels in shooting speed, boasting 6.5 frames per second compared to the Nikon D40X’s 3 frames per second. This makes the EOS 40D more suitable for capturing fast-moving subjects or continuous shooting. Additionally, the EOS 40D has a slightly higher DXOMARK score for its sensor (64) than the D40X (63), indicating marginally better image quality.
On the other hand, the Nikon D40X has a few advantages over the Canon EOS 40D. The D40X uses a CCD sensor, known for producing high-quality images with lower noise levels, while the EOS 40D uses a CMOS sensor. The Nikon D40X also uses the Expeed processor, which is efficient in terms of power consumption and noise reduction.
When comparing lens mounts, the Canon EOS 40D uses the Canon EF-S mount, while the Nikon D40X uses the Nikon F DX mount. Both mounts offer a wide range of compatible lenses, making either camera a suitable choice for photographers looking to expand their lens collection.
Taking all factors into consideration, the Canon EOS 40D has a slight edge over the Nikon D40X in terms of optics, primarily due to its faster shooting speed and marginally better sensor quality. However, the Nikon D40X may be more appealing to photographers who prioritize image quality and noise reduction. Ultimately, the choice between these two cameras depends on individual preferences and shooting requirements.
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Optics
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Canon EOS 40D
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Nikon D40X
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Megapixels The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 10.1 MP | 10 MP | |
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Image Resolution Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. | 3888 x 2592 px | 3872 x 2592 px | |
Sensor Type The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. | CMOS | CCD | |
Sensor Size The sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. | 15 x 22 mm | 16 x 24 mm | |
Sensor Format Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |  APS-C | APS-C | |
Frame Rate The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. | 6.5 fps | 3 fps | |
Lens Mount The lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. | Canon EF-S | Nikon F DX | |
Image Processor The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. | Digic III | Expeed | |
Aspect Ratio The aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3. |  3:2 | 3:2 | |
Minimum ISO (Native) Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. | 100 | 100 | |
Maximum ISO (Native) Refers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise. | 1,600 | 1,600 | |
Minimum ISO (Expanded) Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 100 | 100 | |
Maximum ISO (Expanded) Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 3200 | 3200 | |
Minimum Shutter Speed The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. | 30 s | 30 s | |
Maximum Shutter Speed The maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries. | 1/ 8000 s | 1/ 4000 s | |
Autofocus Points Autofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. | 9 | 3 | |
In-body Stabilization In-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. |   | | |
Viewfinder Type The viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens. | Optical (pentaprism) | Optical (pentamirror) |
Canon EOS 40D vs Nikon D40X Video Performance
When examining the video capabilities of the Canon EOS 40D and the Nikon D40X, it is important to note that neither camera possesses video functionality. As a result, no comparison can be made in this aspect. The absence of video capabilities does not affect their overall quality, but it is a feature to consider when evaluating these cameras.
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Video
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Canon EOS 40D
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Nikon D40X
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Video Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |  | | |
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Time-Lapse Built In A built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video. |  | |
Canon EOS 40D vs Nikon D40X Features and Benefits
The Canon EOS 40D outperforms the Nikon D40X in the features department, scoring 36/100 compared to the Nikon’s 17/100. Despite the difference in scores, both cameras share some common specifications. Neither camera has a touchscreen, flip screen, GPS, WIFI, or Bluetooth. However, they both have a screen resolution of 230,000 dots.
The Canon EOS 40D excels in screen size, offering a 3-inch display compared to the Nikon D40X’s 2.5-inch screen. This larger screen provides a better view of images and menus, leading to an enhanced user experience.
On the other hand, the Nikon D40X does not have any specific advantages over the Canon EOS 40D in terms of features. The only similarity is the screen resolution, but the Canon EOS 40D still comes out on top with its larger screen size.
In examining these points, it is clear that the Canon EOS 40D offers superior features compared to the Nikon D40X. The larger screen size is a significant advantage, providing a better user experience for photographers. Meanwhile, the Nikon D40X fails to outshine the Canon EOS 40D in any specific feature, making the Canon EOS 40D the better choice when considering features alone.
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Features
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Canon EOS 40D
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Nikon D40X
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Built-in Flash A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. |   | | |
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External Flash External flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera. |  | | |
GPS GPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. |  | | |
Weather Sealing Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. |  | | |
Screen Type | LCD | LCD | |
Touch Screen Touchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. |  | | |
Screen Size |  3" |  2.5" | |
Screen Resolution Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. | 230,000 dots | 230,000 dots | |
Flip Screen A flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles. |  | | |
Live View Live View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. |  | | |
Wi-Fi |  | | |
Bluetooth Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |  | | |
Canon EOS 40D vs Nikon D40X Storage and Battery
The Canon EOS 40D wins in the storage and battery category with a score of 35/100, while the Nikon D40X scores 27/100. Both cameras have one memory card slot, and neither offers USB charging. The Canon EOS 40D accepts Compact Flash (Type I or II) memory cards, while the Nikon D40X uses SD/SDHC cards.
The Canon EOS 40D outperforms the Nikon D40X in battery life, providing 800 shots per charge with its BP-511 battery, compared to the Nikon D40X’s 520 shots using the EN-EL9 battery. This advantage makes the Canon EOS 40D more suitable for extended shooting sessions without needing to replace or recharge the battery.
The Nikon D40X does not have a clear advantage in storage and battery performance over the Canon EOS 40D. However, its use of SD/SDHC cards may be more convenient for some users, as these cards are more widely available and versatile than the Compact Flash cards used by the Canon EOS 40D.
Considering the storage and battery aspects, the Canon EOS 40D is the better choice due to its longer battery life, allowing for more shots per charge. The Nikon D40X falls short in this area, but its use of SD/SDHC cards may appeal to some users.
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Storage and Battery
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Canon EOS 40D
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Nikon D40X
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Memory Card | Compact Flash (Type I or II) | SD / SDHC | |
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Dual Memory Card Slots |  | | |
Battery Type | BP-511 | EN-EL9 | |
Battery Life Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. | 800 shots | 520 shots | |
USB Charging |  | |
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DXOMARK Scores
Sensor scores tested by DXOMARK |
Canon EOS 40D
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Nikon D40X
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Overall Score DXOMARK overall sensor score. | |||
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Portrait (Color Depth) As described by DXOMARK 'The Portrait score in our camera sensor reviews defines color depth performance and its unit is a number of bits. A color depth of 22 bits is excellent; differences below 1 bit are barely noticeable.' | 22.1 bits | 22.4 bits | |
Landscape (Dynamic Range) As described by DXOMARK 'The Landscape score in our camera sensor tests defines the maximum dynamic range of the camera sensor and its unit is an exposure value (EV). A value of 12 EV is excellent with differences below 0.5 EV usually not noticeable.' | 11.3 EVs | 11.4 EVs | |
Sports (Low-Light ISO) Described by DXOMARK as 'The maximal value of ISO sensitivity needed to reach a given value of Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR). The greater the value, the better' | 703 | 516 |
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Scores
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Canon EOS 40D
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Nikon D40X
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Canon EOS 40D vs Nikon D40X – Our Verdict
Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Canon EOS 40D or the Nikon D40X:
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User Scores
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Canon EOS 40D
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Nikon D40X
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B&H photo video | N/A |
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