Canon EOS 30D vs Nikon D40X — Which Is Better?
Side by side47 specifications |
Canon · DSLR · 8.2 MP · APS-C
Canon EOS 30D
33
SCORE
|
Nikon · DSLR · 10 MP · APS-C
Nikon D40X
33
SCORE
|
|---|---|---|
 |  | |
| General | ||
Read the General ComparisonGeneralThe Canon EOS 30D and the Nikon D40X are APS-C DSLRs from the mid-2000s, each built around an optical viewfinder and interchangeable lenses. The 30D, announced in 2006, is the larger and heavier body at 144 x 106 x 74 mm and 784 g, against 124 x 94 x 64 mm and 522 g for the 2007 D40X. That size and weight gap favours the D40X for carrying on everyday trips, while the 30D offers a bigger body to hold. | ||
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. |
2006 | 2007 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. |
February 21, 2006 | March 6, 2007 |
| Camera type |  DSLR | DSLR |
| Camera size | 144 x 106 x 74 mm | 124 x 94 x 64 mm |
| Camera weight | 784 g | 522 g |
| Optics | 41/100 | 40/100 |
Read the Optics ComparisonOpticsFor moving subjects, the Canon EOS 30D is the stronger choice. It shoots at 5 fps against the D40X's 3 fps, so a burst catches more of a fast sequence. Its 9 autofocus points against 3 give you more placement choices across the frame, and its 1/8000 second top speed allows shorter exposures than the D40X's 1/4000. The 30D's viewfinder uses a pentaprism, while the D40X uses a pentamirror. The D40X answers with more pixels for cropping and larger prints, 10 MP against 8.2 MP. A useful similarity is the APS-C sensor format, so both work with the same class of wide-angle and telephoto reach. The 30D reaches 3200 ISO natively against 1600 ISO, though both extend to 3200. Base sensitivity is 100 ISO on each, and neither offers in-body stabilisation. Lens choice follows the mounts: Canon EF-S or Nikon F DX. | ||
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. |
8.2 MP050 | 10 MP050 |
Image resolution ⓘImage resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. |
3504 x 2336 | 3872 x 2592 |
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 22.5 | 16 x 24 |
Sensor format ⓘRefers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |
 APS-C | APS-C |
Continuous shooting ⓘThe number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. |
5 fps045 | 3 fps045 |
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 II | 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 |
Min ISO ⓘRefers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. |
10030200 | 10030200 |
Max ISO ⓘ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. |
32003003280000 | 16003003280000 |
Min 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. |
10030200 | 10030200 |
Max 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. |
32003003280000 | 32003003280000 |
Minimum shutter speed ⓘThe minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. |
3044080 | 3044080 |
Max 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. |
800080032000 | 400080032000 |
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. |
90300 | 30300 |
In-body stabilisation ⓘ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) |
| Viewfinder dots | N/A | N/A |
| Video | ||
Read the Video ComparisonVideoNeither camera records video or offers built-in timelapse, so any movie or timelapse project needs a different body. This shared absence applies only to those two recording features. | ||
Video ⓘIndicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |
✗ | ✗ |
Max video resolution ⓘThe best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. |
N/A | N/A |
Max video format ⓘVideo resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video. |
N/A | N/A |
Max video frame rate ⓘHow many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect. |
N/A | N/A |
Timelapse 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. |
✗ | ✗ |
Video file format ⓘDifferent cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files. |
N/A | N/A |
| Features | 17/100 | 17/100 |
Read the Features ComparisonFeaturesBoth cameras give you the same fixed 2.5-inch LCD with 230,000 dots, so reviewing photos and changing settings looks the same on either body. Neither offers live view, so you compose through the optical viewfinder and use the screen for playback only. Flash support is shared as well. Each camera has a built-in flash and supports external flash units, covering fill light and dedicated flash work. Neither body offers weather sealing, a tilting screen, touch control, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or GPS. | ||
Builtin flash ⓘA built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. |
 Yes | Yes |
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. |
 Yes | Yes |
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 | 2.5" | 2.5" |
Screen dots ⓘScreen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. |
2300001150001500000 | 2300001150001500000 |
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 ⓘBuilt-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly. |
✗ | ✗ |
Bluetooth ⓘBluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |
✗ | ✗ |
| Storage & battery | 24/100 | 27/100 |
Read the Storage & battery ComparisonStorage and BatteryThe Nikon D40X has the higher rated battery life, at 520 shots for its EN-EL9 pack against 400 for the 30D's BP-511A. The two cameras take different memory card formats, Compact Flash Type I or II in the 30D and SD or SDHC in the D40X. Any spare cards you already own therefore steer the choice. Each camera has a single card slot, and neither charges over USB. | ||
| Memory card | Compact Flash (Type I or II) | SD / SDHC |
| Dual memory card slots | ✗ | ✗ |
| Battery type | BP-511A | EN-EL9 |
Battery life ⓘApproximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. |
400 shots1505000 | 520 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | ✗ | ✗ |
Read: Verdict
Verdict
Choose the Canon EOS 30D for action photography. Its 5 fps burst, 9 autofocus points and 1/8000 second shutter speed directly serve sports and wildlife. Choose the Nikon D40X for travel and everyday shooting. It weighs less, offers 10 MP instead of 8.2 for more cropping room, and carries a 520-shot battery rating against 400. Anyone already owning Canon EF-S or Nikon F DX lenses should let that system decide, since neither body accepts the other's lenses.