Nikon D40x vs Nikon Z9

This is a full comparison between the cameras Nikon D40x and Nikon Z9. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.

Manufacturing

These cameras are both manufactured by Nikon.

Type of camera

Nikon D40x is a DSLR camera while Nikon Z9 is a Mirrorless camera. More information about their differences will come soon.

Sensors / crop factor

These cameras have different sensors. Nikon D40x has a "Nikon DX"-sensor while Nikon Z9 has a "Nikon FX"-sensor, and their difference in sensors will also affect the crop factor and experience focal length. See the table below.

** 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 D40x has a 10 MP (Megapixels) resolution while Nikon Z9 has 46 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:

Nikon Z9 has a 353 % larger resolution than Nikon D40x. 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 Z9 has a larger ISO-range than Nikon D40x. Nikon Z9 has an ISO range that stretches from 32 to 102400 while Nikon D40x has 100 to 3200.

Autofocus and lens compatibility

There is a big difference between these two cameras. Nikon Z9 has a built-in autofocus motor but Nikon D40x does not. If you want to be able to use autofocus on Nikon D40x 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 D40x
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon Z9

Pictures per second

Depending on what you are shooting the FPS, or frames/pictures per second, can definitely be of interest. Nikon D40x can shoot up to 3 pictures per seconds and Nikon Z9 can shoot up to 30 pictures per seconds.

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 Z9. Sadly, the Nikon D40x 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 Z9 weighs 1340 gr (equal to 2.95 lb) which is 157% heavier than Nikon D40x and its 522 gr (or 1.15 lb).

Nikon D40x vs Nikon Z9 Specs

Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Nikon D40x and Nikon Z9, 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 D40x	Nikon Z9
Name	Nikon D40x	Nikon Z9
Manufacturer	Nikon	Nikon
Release Date and Price	Nikon D40x	Nikon Z9
Release Year	2007	2021
Release Date	2007-03-06	2021-10-28
MSRP	729 USD	5500 USD
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Camera Type	Nikon D40x	Nikon Z9
Camera Type	DSLR	Mirrorless
Sensor	Nikon D40x	Nikon Z9
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	Full Stacked CMOS
Resolution	3872 x 2592 pixels	8256 x 5504 pixels
Megapixels	10 MP	46 MP
Image Processor	EXPEED	EXPEED 7
Image	Nikon D40x	Nikon Z9
ISO Range	100 - 3200	32 - 102400
White Balance Presets	6	9
Custom White Balance	Yes	Yes
Image Stabilization	No	Yes (Sensor Shift (Synchro VR with selected lenses))
Image Stabilization CIPA Rating	0 stops	6 stops
Uncompressed format	RAW	RAW
Optics & Focus	Nikon D40x	Nikon Z9
Autofocus Motor	No	Yes
Autofocus	Phase Detect Multi Area Selective Single Point Single Continuous	Phase Detect Multi Area Center Selective Single Point Tracking Single Continuous Touch Face Detection LiveView
Focus Points	3	493
Lens Mount	Nikon F See Compatible Lenses	Nikon Z 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 D40x	Nikon Z9
Articulated LCD	Fixed	Tilting
Screen size	2,5”	3.2”
Screen dots	230000	2088960
Touch screen	No	Yes
Screen type	N/A	TFT LCD
Live view	No	Yes
Viewfinder Type	Optical (pentamirror)	Electronic
Viewfinder Coverage	95%	100%
Viewfinder Magnification	0.8× (0.53× 35mm equiv.)	0.8x
Viewfinder Resolution	N/A	3686400
Photography features	Nikon D40x	Nikon Z9
Frames per second	3 fps	30 fps
Minimum Shutter Speed	30 seconds	900 seconds
Maximum Shutter Speed	1/4000 seconds	1/32000 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 Highlight Weighted Spot
Exposure Compensation	+/- 5 (at 1/3 EV steps)	+/- 5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps)
Videography features	Nikon D40x	Nikon Z9
Video recording	No	Yes
Video format	N/A	H.264 H.265
Video resolution	N/A	1920 x 1080 3840 x 2160 7680 x 4320
Built-in Microphone	No	Yes
Built-in Speakers	No	Yes
Storage	Nikon D40x	Nikon Z9
Memory Card	SD/SDHC	Compact Flash Express XQD
Connectivity	Nikon D40x	Nikon Z9
HDMI Output	No	Yes
Microphone Port	No	Yes
Headphone Port	No	Yes
Wireless	No	Yes Built-in (IEEE 802.11b/g/n/a/ac/Wi-Fi, Bluetooth Low Energy)
Remote Control	Yes (Optional (ML-L3))	Yes (Via app)
GPS	No	Yes Built-in (GPS, GLONASS, QZSS)
Body & Dimensions	Nikon D40x	Nikon Z9
Enviromentally sealed	No	Yes
Battery	Battery Pack	Battery Pack
Battery Details	Nikon EN-EL9 Lithium-Ion & charger included	EN-EL18d (backwards compatible with EN-EL18/a/b/c batteries)
Battery Life (CIPA)	520 shots	740 shots
Width	124 mm	149 mm
Height	94 mm	150 mm
Depth	64 mm	91 mm
Weight	522 gram	1340 gram