Nikon D40X vs Nikon D3300
Nikon D40X vs Nikon D3300: a Complete Review and Comparison
Are you looking for the best camera to suit your needs? Due to a wide range of options, making a wise and weighted decision can be rather challenging. Which specs to keep in mind? What are the key pros and cons of each model? This comparison should give some helpful hints!
The goal of this overview is to provide a detailed comparison of two popular camera models from Entry-Level DSLR category, introduced by Nikon. We are going to take a closer look at the technical and physical characteristics, features, and performance. The models we are going to assess and compare in this review are D40X and D3300. The models we are going to compare in our review have different sensors. Nikon D40X features a CCD sensor that has a resolution of 10.0 MP. Nikon D3300, on the contrary, has a different CMOS sensor with 10.0 MP resolution.
Now, before we can move on to our comparison, let's take a moment to look at the key characteristics of Nikon D40X and Nikon D3300.
Nikon D40X Key Features:
Nikon D3300 Key Features:
- 24.0 MP APS-C CMOS sensor
- ISO 100 - 12800 (Expands to 25600)
- Image Stabilization: No
- 3″ Fixed Type Screen
- ViewFinder: Yes
- 5.0 fps Continuous Shooting
- Video: 1920 x 1080 (60p, 50p, 30p, 25p, 24p fps), 1280 x 720 (60p, 50p fps), 640 x 424 (30, 25 fps)
- Built-in Wireless: Yes
- Dimensions: 124 x 98 x 76 mm
- Weight: 430 g
- Environmental Sealing: No
- Built-in GPS: Yes
- Replaced Nikon D3200. Compare
- Replaced by Nikon D3400. Compare
Since Nikon D40X has been around for some time, it was substituted by
Nikon D60.
Be sure to check out some of our other comparisons that may also interest you:
Nikon D40X vs. D60
Nikon D60 vs. Nikon D3300
Being a newer model, Nikon D40X substituted
Nikon D50.
Be sure to check out some of our other comparisons that may also interest you:
Nikon D40X vs. D50
Nikon D50 vs. Nikon D3300
Why is Nikon D40X a better choice than Nikon D3300
| Sensor Area | 369.72 mm2 vs 366.6 mm2 | 0.8% larger pixel area |
| Flash Range | 17 vs 12 | 5 better flash range |
What are the key reasons to pick Nikon D3300 over Nikon D40X
| Wireless Connectivity | Optional vs No | Better connectivity |
| Sensor Resolution | 24.0 MP vs 10.0 MP | 58.3% more pixels |
| Continuous Shooting | 5 fps vs 3 fps | 2 fps faster |
| AutoFocus Face Detection | Yes vs No | Very handy for portraits |
| Screen Size | 3″ vs 2.5″ | 0.5" larger screen |
| Screen Resolution | 921k dots vs 230k dots | 75% higher resolution screen |
| Weight | 430 g vs 522 g | 92 g lighter |
| Dxo Color Depth | 24.3 vs 22.4 | Better color depth |
| Dxo Dynamic Range | 12.8 vs 11.4 | Better dynamic range |
| Dxo Low Light Iso | 1385 vs 516 | Better High ISO performance |
| Viewfinder Magnification | 0.57 vs 0.53 | 0.04 better magnification |
Key PROs of Nikon D40X and Nikon D3300
| Viewfinder | Optical (pentamirror) | Optical (pentamirror) | Better framing and control |
| Raw Support | Yes | Yes | Better image quality |
| Built-In Flash | Yes | Yes | External flash available |
| Flash Sync Port | Yes | Yes | Port for Flash Sync |
Key CONs of Nikon D40X and Nikon D3300
| Touch Screen | No | No | No touch screen |
| Screen Resolution | 230k dots | 921k dots | Small screen resolution |
| Screen Type | Fixed Type | Fixed Type | No flexible viewing angles |
| Timelapse Recording | No | No | No timelapse recording |
| Bracketing | No | No | No AE bracketing |
| Continuous Shooting | 3.0 fps | 5.0 fps | Low continuous shooting |
| Image Stabilization | No | No | No image stabilization |
| Environmental Sealing | No | No | No environmental sealing |
Nikon D40X vs Nikon D3300: Comparing Two Models By Physical Characteristics
Before heading straight to the technical characteristics of each model, let’s start with comparing their physical specs. Let’s start with looking at the physical difference of the two products. Below are images that clearly show the sizes of Nikon D40X and Nikon D3300 from the front view.
Now, let’s go on and see how the reviewed models are different or similar by the top view.
After looking at these images, you should get a clear idea of each model’s dimensions and how they are different from each other. However, we are not going to stop there. The next characteristic worth looking at is the weight. Of course, not every photographer is concerned about the weight, for example, it wouldn't be a decisive point for those who shoot in a studio. However, it is still an important factor because if you happen to go on a long photo session or just love having the camera with you wherever you go, you want to be sure that the chosen model isn't too heavy.
Speaking of weight, Nikon D3300 is a lighter option of these two, as it weights 92g less than the Nikon D40X. This difference, in fact, can become a significant disadvantage for the photographers, who prefer to have their cameras with them wherever they go.
Comparing Nikon D40X and Nikon D3300 by the type of Sensor and Resolution
Sensor is, without a doubt, the most significant element of every digital camera. Its type, size, and resolution are the factors that define the quality of future shots. Thus, it is barely possible to pick a suitable camera without looking at these specs.
Are Nikon D40X and Nikon D3300 any different in terms of sensor type?
In fact, that's exactly what makes these two models really different. Thus, it is a good point to consider if your are choosing between these two cameras. Nikon D40X features a 10.0 MP APS-C sized CCD sensor and boasts of a Expeed processor . Nikon D3300, in its turn, comes with a 24.0 MP APS-C sized CMOS sensor , which makes it significantly different from the first model.
Take a look below to find the comparison of Nikon D40X and Nikon D3300 by the size of their sensors.
Nikon D40X and Nikon D3300 are identical by this indicator, as each feature a sensor of the same size. Thus, both cameras will provide the same level of control in terms of the depth of field if you use them with the same focal length and aperture.
For Which Fields Of Photography Are Nikon D40X and Nikon D3300 Suitable?
If you are interested in photography or has made a career in this field, you should know that different types of shooting actually require different camera characteristics. While one model can produce outstanding portraits, at the same time, it can be terrible for shooting landscapes, and so on. Thus, before you purchase a specific camera, it is vital to decide, which type of shooting you do most often and consider an option that suits it the most.
This section of our comparison is devoted to the performance of Nikon D40X and Nikon D3300 in different fields of photography. Here we are going to look at the five main areas and evaluate how well each of the reviewed models performs in them. This will help you choose an option that suits your needs the most depending on your interest in one or several of these fields.
| Photography Type | Nikon D40X | Nikon D3300 |
|---|---|---|
| Portrait Photography |
|
|
| Street Photography |
|
|
| Sports Photography |
|
|
| Daily Photography |
|
|
| Landscape Photography |
|
|
Nikon D40X for Portrait Photography
Advantages:
- Large APS-C (23.7 x 15.6 mm) sensor
Disadvantages:
- You might not like Nikon skintone
- No Image Stabilization
Nikon D3300 for Portrait Photography
Advantages:
- Large APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm) sensor
- High resolution sensor (24 MP)
- Face Detection Focusing
Disadvantages:
- You might not like Nikon skintone
- No Image Stabilization
Nikon D40X for Street Photography
Advantages:
- Built-in View Finder
- Large APS-C(23.7 x 15.6 mm) sensor
Disadvantages:
- Big size (124 x 94 x 64 mm)
- No Image Stabilization
Nikon D3300 for Street Photography
Advantages:
- Built-in View Finder
- Live View
- Large APS-C(23.5 x 15.6 mm) sensor
Disadvantages:
- Big size (124 x 98 x 76 mm)
- No Image Stabilization
- Small Number of autofocus Points (11)
Nikon D40X for Sports Photography
Advantages:
No Significant Advantages
Disadvantages:
- Slow Continuous Shooting (3.0 fps)
- No Environmental Sealing
- Slow Max Shutter Speed (1/4000s)
- Bad Low Light ISO (516)
Nikon D3300 for Sports Photography
Advantages:
- Big size (124 x 98 x 76 mm)
Disadvantages:
- Slow Continuous Shooting (5.0 fps)
- No Environmental Sealing
- Slow Max Shutter Speed (1/4000s)
- Smal Number of autofocus Points (11)
- Small Number of CrossFocus Points (1)
- Bad Max Native ISO (12800)
- Small battery life (700 shots)
Nikon D40X for Daily Photography
Advantages:
- Large APS-C (23.7 x 15.6 mm) sensor
- Built-in Flash
- Built-in View Finder
Disadvantages:
- Big weight (522 g)
- Big size (124 x 94 x 64 mm)
- Video is not available
Nikon D3300 for Daily Photography
Advantages:
- Large APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm) sensor
- Built-in Flash
- Built-in View Finder
- Live View
- Wireless Connectivity
- Video is available
Disadvantages:
- Big weight (430 g)
- Big size (124 x 98 x 76 mm)
Nikon D40X for Landscape Photography
Advantages:
- Large APS-C (23.7 x 15.6 mm) sensor
- Good Dynamic Range (11.4)
- RAW Support
Disadvantages:
- Low resolution sensor (10 MP)
- No Environmental Sealing
- Bad Low Light ISO (516)
Nikon D3300 for Landscape Photography
Advantages:
- Large APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm) sensor
- High resolution sensor (24 MP)
- Good Dynamic Range (12.8)
- Live View
- RAW Support
Disadvantages:
- No Environmental Sealing
- Bad Max Native ISO (12800)
Comparison of Nikon D40X vs Nikon D3300: Final Verdict
Hopefully, our detailed overview of these models has helped you consider all the main specs, pros and cons of each cameras. Maybe, after reading this comparison, some of you have already decided which option to opt for depending on your needs and preferences. However, if you are still wondering which option is a better choice, Nikon D40X or Nikon D3300, below you can see what scores each of them received in five different aspects. To wrap up, we have used our unique Decision Algorithm that assesses different camera models upon 63 different factors including their price, and, if possible, DxO Mark scores. This algorithm allows us to make our verdict more consistent and objective.
What is our final verdict? Based on our comparison and the final scores of Nikon D40X and Nikon D3300 here is what we can say in conclusion:
According all the factors that we considered in the process of comparing these two cameras, Nikon D3300 deserves a higher Total Score than the Nikon D40X. Thus, if you are choosing between these options, we would recommend you to choose the first model over the other one.
Nikon D40X vs Nikon D3300 Table Of Technical Specs
For better understanding of each model’s technical characteristics, find the detailed comparison below:
| Nikon D40X | Nikon D3300 | |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Brand | Nikon | Nikon |
| Model | D40X | D3300 |
| Announced | May 27, 2007 | Apr 21, 2014 |
| Body Type | Compact SLR | Compact SLR |
| Sensor | ||
| Sensor Type | CCD | CMOS |
| Sensor Size | APS-C | APS-C |
| Sensor Dimensions | 23.7 x 15.6 mm | 23.5 x 15.6 mm |
| Sensor Area | 369.72 mm2 | 366.60 mm2 |
| Sensor Resolution | 10.0 MP | 24.0 MP |
| Max Image Resolution | 3872 x 2592 | 6000 x 4000 |
| Max Native ISO | 1,600 | 12,800 |
| Max Boosted ISO | 3,200 | 25,600 |
| Min Native ISO | 100 | 100 |
| RAW Support |  |
|
| Lens | ||
| Manual Focus | |
|
| Lens Mount | Nikon F | Nikon F |
| Number of Lenses | 287 | 287 |
| Focal Length Multiplier | 1.5x | 1.5x |
| Macro Focus Range | ||
| AutoFocus | ||
| AF Touch |  |
|
| AF Continuous | |
|
| AF Single | |
|
| AF Tracking | |
|
| AF Selective | |
|
| AF Center | |
|
| AF Multi Area | |
|
| AF Live View | |
|
| AF Face Detection | |
|
| AF Contrast Detection | |
|
| AF Phase Detection | |
|
| Number of Focus Points | n/a | 11 |
| Number of Cross Focus Points | n/a | 1 |
| Screen | ||
| Screen Type | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
| Screen Size | 2.5″ | 3″ |
| Screen Resolution | 230k dots | 921k dots |
| Live View | |
|
| Touch Screen | |
|
| ViewFinder | ||
| ViewFinder | Optical (pentamirror) | Optical (pentamirror) |
| ViewFinder Resolution | 0k dots | 0k dots |
| ViewFinder Coverage | 95% | 95% |
| ViewFinder Magnification | 0.53 | 0.57 |
| Photography Features | ||
| Min Shutter Speed | 30 s | 30 s |
| Max Shutter Speed | 1/4000 s | 1/4000 s |
| Continuous Shooting | 3.0 fps | 5.0 fps |
| Shutter Priority | |
|
| Aperture Priority | |
|
| Manual Exposure Mode | |
|
| Exposure Compensation | |
|
| Custom White Balance | |
|
| Image Stabilization | |
|
| Built-in Flash | |
|
| Flash Range | 17 | 12 |
| Flash Modes | Front curtain, Rear curtain, Red-Eye, Slow, Red-Eye Slow | Auto, Auto slow sync, Auto slow sync with red-eye reduction, Auto with red-eye reduction, Fill-flash, Rear-curtain sync, Rear-curtain with slow sync, Red-eye reduction, Red-eye reduction with slow sync, Slow sync |
| External Flash | |
|
| AE Bracketing | |
|
| WB Bracketing | |
|
| Exposure Modes | ||
| Multi-Segment | |
|
| Average | |
|
| Spot | |
|
| Partial | |
|
| AF-Area | |
|
| Center Weighted | |
|
| DxO Sensor Scores | ||
| DxO Sensor Score | 63 | 82 |
| DxO Color Depth | 22.4 | 24.3 |
| DxO Dynamic Range | 11.4 | 12.8 |
| DxO Low Light ISO | 516 | 1385 |
| Video Features | ||
| Video Resolutions | n/a | 1920 x 1080 (60p, 50p, 30p, 25p, 24p fps), 1280 x 720 (60p, 50p fps), 640 x 424 (30, 25 fps) |
| Max Video Resolution | 1920 x 1080 | |
| Video Formats | n/a | MPEG-4, H.264 |
| Microphone Port | |
|
| Headphone Port | |
|
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless Connectivity | |
|
| HDMI | |
|
| USB | USB 2.0 | USB 2.0 |
| Physical | ||
| Environmental Sealing | |
|
| Water Proof | |
|
| Dust Proof | |
|
| Shock Proof | |
|
| Crush Proof | |
|
| Freeze Proof | |
|
| Weight | 522 g | 430 g |
| Physical Dimensions | 124 x 94 x 64 mm | 124 x 98 x 76 mm |
| Battery Life | n/a | 700 shots |
| Battery Type | n/a | Battery Pack |
| Battery Model | EN-EL9 | EN-EL14a |
| Other Features | ||
| Self Timer | |
|
| Timelapse Recording | |
|
| GPS | Optional | |
| Storage Type | SD/SDHC card | SD/SDHC/SDXC |
| Storage Slots | 1 | 1 |
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