Decision tools · Compare
D3X vs D40
Quick take: The D3X has the highest resolution at 24MP; the D40 is the most affordable.
16 specs side by side·13 genres scored·UK prices from Wex Photo Video and Clifton Cameras
How to read this page. Highlighted cells win that row on the spec alone. Genre scores are the engine's base scores (enthusiast, photo and video); Camera Match re-weights them for your level and priorities. Price buttons are affiliate links; the price you pay is the same.
Price buttons are affiliate links — GearFrame may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. It never affects a score. Learn more
Full specificationsthe better value in each row is highlighted
| Specification | D3XNikon · 2008 | D40Nikon · 2006 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £638 used | — |
| Sensor | 24.5MP full-frame CMOS | 6.1MP APS-C (DX) CCD |
| Resolution | 24.5MPBest | 6.1MP |
| Video | No video | No video |
| Autofocus | 51-point phase-detect AF (15 cross-type) with 3D tracking | 3-point phase-detect AF (AF-S / AF-I lenses only - no body AF motor) |
| Stabilisation | No IBIS (lens-based stabilisation only) | No IBIS (lens-based stabilisation only) |
| Burst Rate | 5fpsBest | 2.5fps |
| Battery Life | ~4400 shots (CIPA)Best | ~470 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 1220g (with battery) | 475g (with battery)Best |
| Dimensions | 159.5 × 157 × 87.5mm | 126 × 94 × 64mm |
| Weather Sealed | Not weather sealed | Not weather sealed |
| Viewfinder | Optical pentaprism, 100% coverage, 0.7x | Optical pentamirror, 95% coverage, 0.8x |
| Screen | 3.0" fixed LCD, 921k dots | 2.5" fixed LCD, 230k dots |
| Mount | Nikon F | Nikon F |
| Memory Cards | Dual CompactFlash slots | Single SD slot |
| Connectivity | USB 2.0, HDMI (Type A), 10-pin remote, PC sync, Wi-Fi via WT-4 | USB 2.0, video out |
Wins the row — price, resolution, burst, battery, weight and sealing are compared; text specs aren't ranked.
How they score by genreengine base scores out of 10
Genre
D3X
D40
Portrait
5.9/10
4.7/10
Street
4.0/10
5.5/10
Travel
3.6/10
4.8/10
Wedding & Events
6.0/10
3.6/10
Documentary
3.2/10
3.1/10
Sports & Action
5.2/10
4.0/10
Landscape
4.8/10
3.1/10
Wildlife
5.1/10
4.5/10
Casual
2.3/10
3.3/10
Food
4.0/10
3.4/10
Macro
3.6/10
3.1/10
Architecture
5.0/10
3.1/10
Astrophotography
5.8/10
5.0/10
Scores come from the same engine as Camera Match: verified specifications weighted by what each genre needs, with documented adjustments. The product page and this table show the enthusiast base score. See how scores are calculated →
Next
More comparisons with D3X
Camera family history