Nikon D3 vs Canon EOS 40D

This is a full comparison between the cameras Nikon D3 and Canon EOS 40D. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.

Manufacturing

Nikon D3 is manufacturered by Nikon but Canon EOS 40D is from Canon. Both Nikon and Canon are well known brands though.

These two camera models were both released 2007.

Camera Released
Nikon D3 2007
Canon EOS 40D 2007

Type of camera

Both these cameras are DSLR cameras. No difference there.

Sensors / crop factor

These cameras have different sensors. Nikon D3 has a "Nikon FX"-sensor while Canon EOS 40D has a "Canon APS-C"-sensor, and their difference in sensors will also affect the crop factor and experience focal length. See the table below.

Camera Focal length, 50mm f/1.8 **
Nikon D3 50 mm
Full-frame sensor
No crop factor/focal length multiplier
Canon EOS 40D 80 mm
Canon APS-C sensor
Crop factor/focal length multiplier by * 1.6

** Experienced focal length when using a lens such as a common "50mm f/1.8"

Learn more about crop factor and focal length multiplier here:
Camera selection can affect the focal length (Nikon)
Camera selection can affect the focal length (Canon)

Resolution

Nikon D3 has a 12,1 MP (Megapixels) resolution while Canon EOS 40D has 10,1 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:

Camera Megapixels
Nikon D3 12,1 MP
12052992 pixels
4256 x 2832
Canon EOS 40D 10,1 MP
10077696 pixels
3888 x 2592

Nikon D3 has a 20 % larger resolution than Canon EOS 40D. This could give you more details in the picture but also a possibility to crop more in the pictures, afterward while editing the pictures, if needed that is.

ISO range

Nikon D3 has a larger ISO-range than Canon EOS 40D. Nikon D3 has an ISO range that stretches from 200 to 25600 while Canon EOS 40D has 100 to 3200.

Camera ISO Range
Nikon D3 200-25600
Canon EOS 40D 100-3200

Autofocus and lens compatibility

Both of these cameras have a built-in autofocus motor. Some lenses, that support autofocus, do not have an autofocus motor of their own but this won't cause any problems with these two cameras.

Here is a complete overview of which lenses work with each camera:
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon D3
Lens compatibility chart for Canon EOS 40D

Pictures per second

Depending on what you are shooting the FPS, or frames/pictures per second, can definitely be of interest. Nikon D3 can shoot up to 9 pictures per seconds and Canon EOS 40D can shoot up to 6,5 pictures per seconds.

Camera FPS (Frames per second)
Nikon D3 9
Canon EOS 40D 6,5

Ability to record movies

It is becoming more and more popular to record movies with digital cameras.

Though, neither Nikon D3 or Canon EOS 40D can shoot movies so if that is a functionality that you are really looking for you should look elsewhere.

Weight

The weight of the camera can be an extremely important factor, especially if the camera is about to be used, or carried around, for several hours at a time.

Nikon D3 weighs 1300 gr (equal to 2.87 lb) which is 58% heavier than Canon EOS 40D and its 822 gr (or 1.81 lb).

Camera Weight
Nikon D3 1300 gr
2.87 lb
Canon EOS 40D 822 gr
1.81 lb

Nikon D3 vs Canon EOS 40D Specs

Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Nikon D3 and Canon EOS 40D, next to each other. Each category of data is a link to an article covering the subject, giving you a deeper understanding so you can better understand the strengths and weaknesses of the two camera models.

Product
Nikon D3
Canon EOS 40D
Name Nikon D3 Canon EOS 40D
Manufacturer Nikon Canon
Release Date and Price
Nikon D3
Canon EOS 40D
Release Year 2007 2007
Release Date 2007-08-23 2007-08-20
MSRP 4999 USD 1299 USD
Buy it today
Camera Type
Nikon D3
Canon EOS 40D
Camera Type DSLR DSLR
Sensor
Nikon D3
Canon EOS 40D
Sensor Size Full Frame (approx 36 x 23.9 mm)
Also known as "FX"
APS-C (approx 22.3 x 14.9 mm)
Sensor Type CMOS CMOS
Resolution 4256 x 2832 pixels 3888 x 2592 pixels
Megapixels 12,1 MP 10,1 MP
Image Processor EXPEED DIGIC 3
Image
Nikon D3
Canon EOS 40D
ISO Range 200 - 25600 100 - 3200
White Balance Presets 12 6
Custom White Balance Yes Yes
Image Stabilization No No
Image Stabilization CIPA Rating 0 stops 0 stops
Uncompressed format RAW RAW
Optics & Focus
Nikon D3
Canon EOS 40D
Autofocus Motor Yes Yes
Autofocus Contract Detect (sensor)
Phase Detect
Multi Area
Selective Single Point
Single
Continuous
LiveView
Phase Detect
Multi Area
Selective Single Point
Single
Continuous
Focus Points 51 9
Lens Mount Nikon F

See Compatible Lenses
Canon EF
Canon EF-S

See Compatible Lenses
Focal Length Multiplier FX (Full frame)
No multiplier
Example:
24 mm remains 24 mm
50 mm remains 50 mm
100 mm remains 100 mm
200 mm remains 200 mm
APS-C Sensor
1.6x multiplier
Example:
24 mm becomes 38 mm
50 mm becomes 80 mm
100 mm becomes 160 mm
200 mm becomes 320 mm
Screen & Viewfinder
Nikon D3
Canon EOS 40D
Articulated LCD Fixed Fixed
Screen size 3” 3”
Screen dots 922000 230000
Touch screen No No
Screen type N/A N/A
Live view Yes Yes
Viewfinder Type Optical (pentaprism) Optical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder Coverage 100% 95%
Viewfinder Magnification 0.7× 0.95× (0.59× 35mm equiv.)
Viewfinder Resolution N/A N/A
Photography features
Nikon D3
Canon EOS 40D
Frames per second 9 fps 6,5 fps
Minimum Shutter Speed 30 seconds 30 seconds
Maximum Shutter Speed 1/8000 seconds 1/8000 seconds
Built-in Flash No Yes
Built-in Flash Range N/A 12 meters
External Flash Yes Yes
Self-Timer Yes Yes
Time-lapse Yes Yes
Metering modes Multi
Center Weighted
Spot
Multi
Center Weighted
Spot
Partial
Exposure Compensation +/- 5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps) +/- 2 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps)
Videography features
Nikon D3
Canon EOS 40D
Video recording No No
Video format N/A N/A
Video resolution N/A N/A
Built-in Microphone No No
Built-in Speakers No No
Storage
Nikon D3
Canon EOS 40D
Memory Card Compact Flash
Compact Flash
Connectivity
Nikon D3
Canon EOS 40D
HDMI Output Yes No
Microphone Port No No
Headphone Port No No
Wireless No No
Remote Control Yes Yes (N3 connector)
GPS Yes
Optional with GP-1
No
Body & Dimensions
Nikon D3
Canon EOS 40D
Enviromentally sealed Yes No
Battery Battery Pack Battery Pack
Battery Details EN-EL4a rechargeable Li-ion battery
Litium-Ion (Li-Ion) BP-511
Battery Life (CIPA) 4300 shots 800 shots
Width 160 mm 146 mm
Height 157 mm 108 mm
Depth 88 mm 74 mm
Weight 1300 gram 822 gram