Nikon D40 vs Nikon D300

This is a full comparison between the cameras Nikon D40 and Nikon D300. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.

Nikon D40

Nikon D300

Manufacturing

These cameras are both manufactured by Nikon.

These two camera models were both released 2006.

Camera	Released
Nikon D40	2006
Nikon D300	2006

Type of camera

Both these cameras are DSLR cameras. No difference there.

Sensors / crop factor

Both these cameras have the same sorts of sensor (called "Nikon DX") which means that if you compare these cameras side by side the lenses will also have the same experienced focal length. Neither of the cameras has a Full frame sensor which means that you will get a "crop factor" where the camera's sensor size affect the focal length with a multiplier.

Camera	Focal length, 50mm f/1.8 **
Nikon D40	75 mm Nikon DX sensor Crop factor/focal length multiplier by * 1.5
Nikon D300	75 mm Nikon DX sensor Crop factor/focal length multiplier by * 1.5

** 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)

Resolution

Nikon D40 has a 6 MP (Megapixels) resolution while Nikon D300 has 12,3 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:

Camera	Megapixels
Nikon D40	6 MP 6016000 pixels 3008 x 2000
Nikon D300	12,3 MP 12212224 pixels 4288 x 2848

Nikon D300 has a 103 % larger resolution than Nikon D40. 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 D300 has a larger ISO-range than Nikon D40. Nikon D300 has an ISO range that stretches from 200 to 6400 while Nikon D40 has 200 to 3200.

Camera	ISO Range
Nikon D40	200-3200
Nikon D300	200-6400

Autofocus and lens compatibility

There is a big difference between these two cameras. Nikon D300 has a built-in autofocus motor but Nikon D40 does not. If you want to be able to use autofocus on Nikon D40 there is a need for having an autofocus motor inside the lens. We really encourage you to look closely at our lens compatibility charts at the links below.

Here is a complete overview of which lenses work with each camera:
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon D40
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon D300

Pictures per second

Depending on what you are shooting the FPS, or frames/pictures per second, can definitely be of interest. Nikon D40 can shoot up to 2,5 pictures per seconds and Nikon D300 can shoot up to 6 pictures per seconds.

Camera	FPS (Frames per second)
Nikon D40	2,5
Nikon D300	6

Ability to record movies

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

Though, neither Nikon D40 or Nikon D300 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 D300 weighs 925 gr (equal to 2.04 lb) which is 77% heavier than Nikon D40 and its 522 gr (or 1.15 lb).

Camera	Weight
Nikon D40	522 gr 1.15 lb
Nikon D300	925 gr 2.04 lb