Upgrade Guide
Nikon D3100→Nikon D40X
Is it worth upgrading? Spec analysis, key improvements, and our verdict.
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Skip it
The D40X offers little measurable spec improvement over the D3100. Spend the money on glass instead.
Unchanged or similar
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Resolution10MP (down from 14MP — optimised for low light)
Suitability by genre
Base scores — computed from verified specs for an enthusiast shooting photo and video. The Upgrade Checker adjusts them for your skill level.
| Genre | D3100 | D40X | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portrait | -0.4 | ||
| Street | -0.1 | ||
| Travel | -0.1 | ||
| Wedding & Events | -0.4 | ||
| Documentary | -0.6 | ||
| Sports & Action | -0.3 | ||
| Landscape | -0.4 | ||
| Wildlife | -0.3 | ||
| Casual | -0.2 | ||
| Food | -0.3 | ||
| Macro | -0.3 | ||
| Architecture | -0.4 | ||
| Astrophotography | +0.1 |
Full spec comparison
| Spec | D3100 | D40X | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £35 used | — | |
| Released | 2010 | 2007 | ↓ |
| Sensor | 14.2MP APS-C CMOS | 10.2MP APS-C (DX) CCD | |
| Resolution | 14MP | 10MP | ↓ |
| Video | Full HD 1080p/24, 720p/30 | No video | |
| Autofocus | 11-point phase-detect (1 cross-type) via viewfinder; contrast AF with face priority in live view | 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 | 3fps | 3fps | |
| Battery Life | ~550 shots (CIPA) | ~470 shots (CIPA) | ↓ |
| Weight | 505g (with battery) | 495g (with battery) | ↑ |
| Weather Sealed | Not weather sealed | Not weather sealed | |
| Viewfinder | Optical pentamirror, 95% coverage, 0.8x | Optical pentamirror, 95% coverage, 0.8x | |
| Screen | 3.0" fixed LCD, 230k dots | 2.5" fixed LCD, 230k dots | |
| Mount | Nikon F-mount (DX) | Nikon F | |
| Memory Cards | Single SD slot | Single SD slot |
Compare side-by-side
⚖️ Compare these cameras
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Tell us what you shoot and we'll score the D40X against your specific genres — not just specs.
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