Upgrade Guide
Nikon D90→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 D90. Spend the money on glass instead.
Unchanged or similar
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Resolution6MP (down from 12MP — 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 | D90 | D40 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portrait | -0.5 | ||
| Street | +0.5 | ||
| Travel | +0.3 | ||
| Wedding & Events | -0.9 | ||
| Documentary | -0.2 | ||
| Sports & Action | -0.8 | ||
| Landscape | -0.6 | ||
| Wildlife | -0.8 | ||
| Casual | +0.3 | ||
| Food | -0.2 | ||
| Macro | -0.2 | ||
| Architecture | -0.7 | ||
| Astrophotography | — |
Full spec comparison
| Spec | D90 | D40 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £69 used | — | |
| Released | 2008 | 2006 | ↓ |
| Sensor | 12.3MP APS-C CMOS | 6.1MP APS-C (DX) CCD | |
| Resolution | 12MP | 6MP | ↓ |
| Video | 720p/24 | 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 | 4.5fps | 2.5fps | ↓ |
| Battery Life | ~850 shots (CIPA) | ~470 shots (CIPA) | ↓ |
| Weight | 700g (with battery) | 475g (with battery) | ↑ |
| Weather Sealed | Not weather sealed | Not weather sealed | |
| Viewfinder | Optical pentaprism, 96% coverage, 0.94x | Optical pentamirror, 95% coverage, 0.8x | |
| Screen | 3.0" fixed LCD, 920k 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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