• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 6.1 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 1600
  • APS-C 368.2mm2
  • 14.6 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 3200

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Differences

Nikon D40 advantages over Pentax K20D

  • Less expensive
    $600 vs $800 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 7.88 vs 5.05 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Higher max flash sync
    1/500 vs 1/180 sec
    Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    100 vs 38 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

Pentax K20D advantages over Nikon D40

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Higher effective ISO
    639 vs 561 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • 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
    0.17 vs 0.26 sec
    Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
  • More pixels
    14.6 vs 6.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • More AF points
    11 vs 3
    More AF points improve autofocus
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    2.8 fps vs 2.5 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    6400 vs 3200 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

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
  • 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

Nikon D40
Pentax K200D
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Top deck display
Pentax K20D
Pentax K200D
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • Higher effective ISO
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Samsung GX-20

Nikon D40
Samsung GX-20
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels
  • $1400
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Better color depth
Pentax K20D
Samsung GX-20
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • $1400
  • APS-C
  • Higher effective ISO

Compared to Sony DSLR-A380

Nikon D40
Sony DSLR-A380
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
  • $849
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Tiltable Screen
Pentax K20D
Sony DSLR-A380
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
  • $849
  • APS-C
  • Tiltable Screen
  • HDMI out

Compared to Pentax K-7

Nikon D40
Pentax K-7
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels
  • $1300
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Longer stills battery life
Pentax K20D
Pentax K-7
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup
  • $1300
  • APS-C
  • Longer stills battery life
  • HDMI out

Compared to Sony DSLR-A500

Nikon D40
Sony DSLR-A500
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
  • $850
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Tiltable Screen
Pentax K20D
Sony DSLR-A500
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Top deck display
  • $850
  • APS-C
  • Tiltable Screen
  • Higher effective ISO
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