Upgrade Guide
Nikon D40→Nikon D3000
Is it worth upgrading? Spec analysis, key improvements, and our verdict.
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Worthwhile
Clear improvements over the D40. Whether it justifies the cost depends on which upgrades matter most to your shooting.
What's new in the D3000
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Resolution10MP vs 6MP (+4MP)
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Generation3 years newer (2009 vs 2006)
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 | D40 | D3000 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portrait | +0.2 | ||
| Street | -0.1 | ||
| Travel | +0.1 | ||
| Wedding & Events | +0.1 | ||
| Documentary | — | ||
| Sports & Action | — | ||
| Landscape | +0.3 | ||
| Wildlife | +0.1 | ||
| Casual | — | ||
| Food | +0.1 | ||
| Macro | +0.1 | ||
| Architecture | +0.4 | ||
| Astrophotography | -0.3 |
Full spec comparison
| Spec | D40 | D3000 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | — | £29 used | |
| Released | 2006 | 2009 | ↑ |
| Sensor | 6.1MP APS-C (DX) CCD | 10.2MP APS-C CMOS | |
| Resolution | 6MP | 10MP | ↑ |
| Video | No video | No video | |
| Autofocus | 3-point phase-detect AF (AF-S / AF-I lenses only - no body AF motor) | 11-point phase-detect (1 cross-type) via viewfinder | |
| Stabilisation | No IBIS (lens-based stabilisation only) | No IBIS (lens-based stabilisation only) | |
| Burst Rate | 2.5fps | 3fps | ↑ |
| Battery Life | ~470 shots (CIPA) | ~500 shots (CIPA) | ↑ |
| Weight | 475g (with battery) | 485g (body only) | ↓ |
| Weather Sealed | Not weather sealed | Not weather sealed | |
| Viewfinder | Optical pentamirror, 95% coverage, 0.8x | Optical pentamirror, 95% coverage, 0.8x | |
| Screen | 2.5" fixed LCD, 230k dots | 3.0" fixed LCD, 230k dots | |
| Mount | Nikon F | Nikon F-mount (DX) | |
| Memory Cards | Single SD slot | Single SD slot |
Compare side-by-side
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Other upgrades from the D40
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Camera family history