Sony NEX-3 vs Nikon D40
This is a full comparison between the cameras Sony NEX-3 and Nikon D40. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.
Manufacturing
Sony NEX-3 is manufacturered by Sony but Nikon D40 is from Nikon. Both Sony and Nikon are well known brands though.
Sony NEX-3 were released 2010 and Nikon D40 was released 2006. That is a 4 years difference. In tech, this period can be of interest since technology is always improving, etc.Camera | Released |
Sony NEX-3 | 2010 |
Nikon D40 | 2006 |
Type of camera
Sony NEX-3 is a Mirrorless camera while Nikon D40 is a DSLR camera. More information about their differences will come soon.
Sensors / crop factor
These cameras have different sensors. Sony NEX-3 has a "Sony APS-C"-sensor while Nikon D40 has a "Nikon DX"-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 ** |
Sony NEX-3 | 75 mm Sony APS-C sensor Crop factor/focal length multiplier by * 1.5 |
Nikon D40 | 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 (Sony)
Camera selection can affect the focal length (Nikon)
Resolution
Sony NEX-3 has a 14 MP (Megapixels) resolution while Nikon D40 has 6 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:
Camera | Megapixels |
Sony NEX-3 |
14 MP
14033152 pixels 4592 x 3056 |
Nikon D40 |
6 MP
6016000 pixels 3008 x 2000 |
Sony NEX-3 has a 133 % 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
Sony NEX-3 has a larger ISO-range than Nikon D40. Sony NEX-3 has an ISO range that stretches from 200 to 12800 while Nikon D40 has 200 to 3200.
Camera | ISO Range |
Sony NEX-3 | 200-12800 |
Nikon D40 | 200-3200 |
Autofocus and lens compatibility
There is a big difference between these two cameras. Sony NEX-3 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 Sony NEX-3
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon D40
Pictures per second
Depending on what you are shooting the FPS, or frames/pictures per second, can definitely be of interest. Sony NEX-3 can shoot up to 7 pictures per seconds and Nikon D40 can shoot up to 2,5 pictures per seconds.
Camera | FPS (Frames per second) |
Sony NEX-3 | 7 |
Nikon D40 | 2,5 |
Ability to record movies
It is becoming more and more popular to record movies with digital cameras.
When comparing these two cameras there is only one of them that can shoot movies and that is Sony NEX-3. Unfortunately Nikon D40 does not support recording movies and movie clips.
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 D40 weighs 522 gr (equal to 1.15 lb) which is 76% heavier than Sony NEX-3 and its 297 gr (or 0.65 lb).
Camera | Weight |
Sony NEX-3 | 297 gr 0.65 lb |
Nikon D40 | 522 gr 1.15 lb |
Sony NEX-3 vs Nikon D40 Specs
Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Sony NEX-3 and Nikon D40, 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 |
Sony NEX-3 |
Nikon D40 |
Name | Sony NEX-3 | Nikon D40 |
Manufacturer | Sony | Nikon |
Release Date and Price |
Sony NEX-3 |
Nikon D40 |
Release Year | 2010 | 2006 |
Release Date | 2010-05-11 | 2006-11-16 |
MSRP | 599 USD | 729 USD |
Buy it today | ||
Camera Type |
Sony NEX-3 |
Nikon D40 |
Camera Type | Mirrorless | DSLR |
Sensor |
Sony NEX-3 |
Nikon D40 |
Sensor Size | APS-C (approx 23.5 x 15.6 mm) |
APS-C (approx 23.7 x 15.5 mm) Also known as "DX" |
Sensor Type | CMOS | CCD |
Resolution | 4592 x 3056 pixels | 3008 x 2000 pixels |
Megapixels | 14 MP | 6 MP |
Image Processor | Bionz | EXPEED |
Image |
Sony NEX-3 |
Nikon D40 |
ISO Range | 200 - 12800 | 200 - 3200 |
White Balance Presets | 6 | 6 |
Custom White Balance | Yes | Yes |
Image Stabilization | No | No |
Image Stabilization CIPA Rating | 0 stops | 0 stops |
Uncompressed format | RAW | RAW |
Optics & Focus |
Sony NEX-3 |
Nikon D40 |
Autofocus Motor | Yes | No |
Autofocus |
Contract Detect (sensor) Multi Area Selective Single Point Single Continuous LiveView |
Phase Detect Multi Area Selective Single Point Single Continuous |
Focus Points | 25 | 3 |
Lens Mount |
Sony E See Compatible Lenses |
Nikon F See Compatible Lenses |
Focal Length Multiplier |
APS-C Sensor (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 |
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 |
Screen & Viewfinder |
Sony NEX-3 |
Nikon D40 |
Articulated LCD | Tilting | Fixed |
Screen size | 3” | 2,5” |
Screen dots | 920000 | 230000 |
Touch screen | No | No |
Screen type | TFT Xtra Fine LCD | N/A |
Live view | Yes | No |
Viewfinder Type | No Viewfinder | Optical (pentamirror) |
Viewfinder Coverage | 95% | |
Viewfinder Magnification | 0.8× (0.53× 35mm equiv.) | |
Viewfinder Resolution | N/A | N/A |
Photography features |
Sony NEX-3 |
Nikon D40 |
Frames per second | 7 fps | 2,5 fps |
Minimum Shutter Speed | 30 seconds | 30 seconds |
Maximum Shutter Speed | 1/4000 seconds | 1/4000 seconds |
Built-in Flash | No | Yes |
Built-in Flash Range | N/A | 17 meters |
External Flash | Yes | Yes |
Self-Timer | Yes | Yes |
Time-lapse | No | Yes |
Metering modes |
Multi Center Weighted Spot |
Multi Center Weighted Spot |
Exposure Compensation | +/- 2 (at 1/3 EV steps) | +/- 5 (at 1/3 EV steps) |
Videography features |
Sony NEX-3 |
Nikon D40 |
Video recording | Yes | No |
Video format |
MPEG4 |
N/A |
Video resolution |
1280 x 720 |
N/A |
Built-in Microphone | Yes | No |
Built-in Speakers | No | No |
Storage |
Sony NEX-3 |
Nikon D40 |
Memory Card |
Memory Stick Pro Duo SD/SDHC |
SD/SDHC |
Connectivity |
Sony NEX-3 |
Nikon D40 |
HDMI Output | Yes | No |
Microphone Port | No | No |
Headphone Port | No | No |
Wireless |
Yes Eye-Fi Connected |
No |
Remote Control | No |
Yes (Optional (ML-L3))
|
GPS | No | No |
Body & Dimensions |
Sony NEX-3 |
Nikon D40 |
Enviromentally sealed | No | No |
Battery | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery Details |
Lithium-Ion NP-FW50 rechargeable battery & charger
|
Nikon EN-EL9 Lithium-Ion & charger included
|
Battery Life (CIPA) | 330 shots | 470 shots |
Width | 117 mm | 124 mm |
Height | 62 mm | 94 mm |
Depth | 33 mm | 64 mm |
Weight | 297 gram | 522 gram |