Upgrade Guide

Nikon D40→Nikon D3300

Is it worth upgrading? Spec analysis, key improvements, and our verdict.

You own

Nikon

D40

No UK price today

2006

→

Upgrade to

Nikon

D3300

£59 used

2014

✅

Strong upgrade

The D3300 improves across 4 key areas at a reasonable price gap. Most D40 owners will notice the difference.

What's new in the D3300

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.

Full spec comparison

Spec	D40	D3300
Price	—	£59 used
Released	2006	2014	↑
Sensor	6.1MP APS-C (DX) CCD	24.2MP APS-C CMOS
Resolution	6MP	24MP	↑
Video	No video	Full HD 1080p/60
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; contrast AF with face priority in live view
Stabilisation	No IBIS (lens-based stabilisation only)	No IBIS (lens-based stabilisation only)
Burst Rate	2.5fps	5fps	↑
Battery Life	~470 shots (CIPA)	~700 shots (CIPA)	↑
Weight	475g (with battery)	460g (with battery)	↑
Weather Sealed	Not weather sealed	Not weather sealed
Viewfinder	Optical pentamirror, 95% coverage, 0.8x	Optical pentamirror, 95% coverage, 0.85x
Screen	2.5" fixed LCD, 230k dots	3.0" fixed LCD, 921k dots
Mount	Nikon F	Nikon F-mount (DX)
Memory Cards	Single SD slot	Single SD slot

Compare side-by-side

See D40 and D3300 next to each other with our interactive comparison tool.

Get a personalised upgrade score

Tell us what you shoot and we'll score the D3300 against your specific genres — not just specs.

Other upgrades from the D40

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