Nikon D40 vs Nikon D3s
This is a full comparison between the cameras Nikon D40 and Nikon D3s. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.
Manufacturing
These cameras are both manufactured by Nikon.
Nikon D40 were released 2006 and Nikon D3s was released 2009. That is a 3 years difference. In tech, this period can be of interest since technology is always improving, etc.Camera | Released |
Nikon D40 | 2006 |
Nikon D3s | 2009 |
Type of camera
Both these cameras are DSLR cameras. No difference there.
Sensors / crop factor
These cameras have different sensors. Nikon D40 has a "Nikon DX"-sensor while Nikon D3s has a "Nikon FX"-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 D40 | 75 mm Nikon DX sensor Crop factor/focal length multiplier by * 1.5 |
Nikon D3s | 50 mm Full-frame sensor No crop factor/focal length multiplier |
** 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 D3s has 12,1 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 D3s |
12,1 MP
12052992 pixels 4256 x 2832 |
Nikon D3s has a 100 % 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 D3s has a larger ISO-range than Nikon D40. Nikon D3s has an ISO range that stretches from 200 to 102400 while Nikon D40 has 200 to 3200.
Camera | ISO Range |
Nikon D40 | 200-3200 |
Nikon D3s | 200-102400 |
Autofocus and lens compatibility
There is a big difference between these two cameras. Nikon D3s 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 D3s
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 D3s can shoot up to 11 pictures per seconds.
Camera | FPS (Frames per second) |
Nikon D40 | 2,5 |
Nikon D3s | 11 |
Ability to record movies
It is becoming more and more popular to record movies with digital cameras.
It is only one of these two cameras that support recording movies and movie clips and that is Nikon D3s. Sadly, the Nikon D40 does not support this.
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 D3s weighs 1240 gr (equal to 2.73 lb) which is 138% heavier than Nikon D40 and its 522 gr (or 1.15 lb).
Camera | Weight |
Nikon D40 | 522 gr 1.15 lb |
Nikon D3s | 1240 gr 2.73 lb |
Nikon D40 vs Nikon D3s Specs
Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Nikon D40 and Nikon D3s, 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 D40 |
Nikon D3s |
Name | Nikon D40 | Nikon D3s |
Manufacturer | Nikon | Nikon |
Release Date and Price |
Nikon D40 |
Nikon D3s |
Release Year | 2006 | 2009 |
Release Date | 2006-11-16 | 2009-10-14 |
MSRP | 729 USD | 5199 USD |
Buy it today | ||
Camera Type |
Nikon D40 |
Nikon D3s |
Camera Type | DSLR | DSLR |
Sensor |
Nikon D40 |
Nikon D3s |
Sensor Size |
APS-C (approx 23.7 x 15.5 mm) Also known as "DX" |
Full Frame (approx 36 x 23.9 mm) Also known as "FX" |
Sensor Type | CCD | CMOS |
Resolution | 3008 x 2000 pixels | 4256 x 2832 pixels |
Megapixels | 6 MP | 12,1 MP |
Image Processor | EXPEED | EXPEED |
Image |
Nikon D40 |
Nikon D3s |
ISO Range | 200 - 3200 | 200 - 102400 |
White Balance Presets | 6 | 12 |
Custom White Balance | Yes | Yes |
Image Stabilization | No | No |
Image Stabilization CIPA Rating | 0 stops | 0 stops |
Uncompressed format | RAW | RAW + TIFF |
Optics & Focus |
Nikon D40 |
Nikon D3s |
Autofocus Motor | No | Yes |
Autofocus |
Phase Detect Multi Area Selective Single Point Single Continuous |
Contract Detect (sensor) Phase Detect Multi Area Selective Single Point Single Continuous LiveView |
Focus Points | 3 | 51 |
Lens Mount |
Nikon F See Compatible Lenses |
Nikon F See Compatible Lenses |
Focal Length Multiplier |
DX / APS-C (1.5x) 1.5x multiplier Example: 24 mm becomes 36 mm 50 mm becomes 75 mm 100 mm becomes 150 mm 200 mm becomes 300 mm |
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 |
Screen & Viewfinder |
Nikon D40 |
Nikon D3s |
Articulated LCD | Fixed | Fixed |
Screen size | 2,5” | 3” |
Screen dots | 230000 | 921000 |
Touch screen | No | No |
Screen type | N/A | Low-temperature polysilicon TFT color LCD |
Live view | No | Yes |
Viewfinder Type | Optical (pentamirror) | Optical (pentaprism) |
Viewfinder Coverage | 95% | 100% |
Viewfinder Magnification | 0.8× (0.53× 35mm equiv.) | 0.7× |
Viewfinder Resolution | N/A | N/A |
Photography features |
Nikon D40 |
Nikon D3s |
Frames per second | 2,5 fps | 11 fps |
Minimum Shutter Speed | 30 seconds | 30 seconds |
Maximum Shutter Speed | 1/4000 seconds | 1/8000 seconds |
Built-in Flash | Yes | No |
Built-in Flash Range | 17 meters | N/A |
External Flash | Yes | Yes |
Self-Timer | Yes | Yes |
Time-lapse | Yes | Yes |
Metering modes |
Multi Center Weighted Spot |
Multi Center Weighted Spot |
Exposure Compensation | +/- 5 (at 1/3 EV steps) | +/- 5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV, 1 EV steps) |
Videography features |
Nikon D40 |
Nikon D3s |
Video recording | No | Yes |
Video format | N/A |
Motion JPEG MPEG4 H.264 |
Video resolution | N/A |
1280 x 720 |
Built-in Microphone | No | Yes |
Built-in Speakers | No | No |
Storage |
Nikon D40 |
Nikon D3s |
Memory Card |
SD/SDHC |
Compact Flash |
Connectivity |
Nikon D40 |
Nikon D3s |
HDMI Output | No | Yes |
Microphone Port | No | No |
Headphone Port | No | No |
Wireless | No |
Yes Optional |
Remote Control |
Yes (Optional (ML-L3))
|
Yes |
GPS | No |
Yes Optional with GP-1 |
Body & Dimensions |
Nikon D40 |
Nikon D3s |
Enviromentally sealed | No | Yes |
Battery | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery Details |
Nikon EN-EL9 Lithium-Ion & charger included
|
Lithium-Ion EN-EL4a rechargeable battery & charger
|
Battery Life (CIPA) | 470 shots | 4200 shots |
Width | 124 mm | 160 mm |
Height | 94 mm | 157 mm |
Depth | 64 mm | 88 mm |
Weight | 522 gram | 1240 gram |