• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 10.1 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 1600
  • APS-C 372.9mm2
  • 10.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 1600

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Differences

Canon 40D advantages over Nikon D3000

  • Fast startup
    ~0.40 vs 0.7 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Higher effective ISO
    703 vs 563 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 800 vs 550 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • More cross-type AF points
    9 vs 1
    Cross-type AF points improve autofocus performance
  • Pentaprism viewfinder
    Pentaprism vs Pentamirror
    Much better viewfinder picture fidelity
  • Less shutter lag
    0.13 vs 0.26 sec
    Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    6.4 fps vs 3.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 16 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/8000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Nikon D3000 advantages over Canon 40D

  • Less expensive
    $600 vs $1299 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Neither provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • HDMI out
    Neither provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Pentax K200D

Canon 40D
Pentax K200D
  • $1299
  • APS-C
  • Higher effective ISO
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Nikon D3000
Pentax K200D
  • $450
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Fast startup

Compared to Sony DSLR-A230

Canon 40D
Sony DSLR-A230
  • $1299
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Nikon D3000
Sony DSLR-A230
  • $450
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Faster JPEG shooting
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • HDMI out

Compared to Sony DSLR-A330

Canon 40D
Sony DSLR-A330
  • $1299
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
  • $530
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Nikon D3000
Sony DSLR-A330
  • $450
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • More viewfinder magnification
  • $530
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Tiltable Screen

Compared to Pentax K-x

Canon 40D
Pentax K-x
  • $1299
  • APS-C
  • Fast startup
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $702
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Nikon D3000
Pentax K-x
  • $450
  • APS-C
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $702
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Higher effective ISO

Compared to Pentax K-r

Canon 40D
Pentax K-r
  • $1299
  • APS-C
  • Longer stills battery life
  • Top deck display
  • $850
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Nikon D3000
Pentax K-r
  • $450
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • $850
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Fast startup
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