Upgrade Guide
Nikon D5300→Nikon D40
Is it worth upgrading? Spec analysis, key improvements, and our verdict.
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Skip it
The D40 offers little measurable spec improvement over the D5300. Spend the money on glass instead.
Unchanged or similar
-
Resolution6MP (down from 24MP — 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 | D5300 | D40 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portrait | -1.1 | ||
| Street | -0.3 | ||
| Travel | -0.4 | ||
| Wedding & Events | -0.9 | ||
| Vlogging & Video | — | ||
| Documentary | -1.0 | ||
| Sports & Action | -0.9 | ||
| Landscape | -1.7 | ||
| Wildlife | -0.9 | ||
| Casual | -0.3 | ||
| Food | -1.9 | ||
| Macro | -1.4 | ||
| Architecture | -2.1 | ||
| Astrophotography | -0.2 |
Full spec comparison
| Spec | D5300 | D40 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £100 used | — | |
| Released | 2013 | 2006 | ↓ |
| Sensor | 24.2MP APS-C CMOS | 6.1MP APS-C (DX) CCD | |
| Resolution | 24MP | 6MP | ↓ |
| Video | Full HD 1080p/60 | No video | |
| Autofocus | 39-point phase-detect (9 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 | 5fps | 2.5fps | ↓ |
| Battery Life | ~600 shots (CIPA) | ~470 shots (CIPA) | ↓ |
| Weight | 530g (with battery) | 475g (with battery) | ↑ |
| Weather Sealed | Not weather sealed | Not weather sealed | |
| Viewfinder | Optical pentamirror, 95% coverage, 0.82x | Optical pentamirror, 95% coverage, 0.8x | |
| Screen | 3.2" vari-angle LCD, 1.04M 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
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Tell us what you shoot and we'll score the D40 against your specific genres — not just specs.
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