• 1/1.7 inch 43.3mm2
  • 12.0 megapixels
  • 37.00mm - 111.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • 23.00mm - 855.00mm (35mm eq.)

Buy From

Differences

Pentax A40 advantages over Nikon L840

  • Larger sensor
    1/1.7 inch vs 1/2.3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 1.90 vs 1.34 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Manual focus
    Yes vs No
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • Thinner
    22 mm vs 96 mm
    Thinner
  • Lighter weight
    150g vs 538g
    Lighter weight

Nikon L840 advantages over Pentax A40

  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Yes vs No
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • More telephoto lens reach
    855 mm vs 111 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 740 vs 240 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Newer
    9 years vs 16 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • More dots on screen
    921k vs 232k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • More pixels
    16.1 vs 12.0 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Wider angle lens
    23 mm vs 37 mm
    Capture more of the scene
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Higher extended ISO
    6400 vs 3200 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash

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
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Neither provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • RAW file ability
    Neither provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • 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
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Hot shoe
    Neither provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Bulb shutter
    Neither provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Pentax A40

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon L840
Nikon L840 (Black)
  • Nikon L840 (Black)
  • Nikon L840 (Red)
All L840 Deals

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Pentax S12

Pentax A40
Pentax S12
  • $300
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $280
  • 1/1.7 inch

Compare Pentax A40 vs Pentax S12

Nikon L840
Pentax S12
  • $300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $280
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Nikon L840 vs Pentax S12

Compared to Samsung SL310

Pentax A40
Samsung SL310
  • $300
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Manual focus
  • $230
  • 1/1.72 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Wider angle lens

Compare Pentax A40 vs Samsung SL310

Nikon L840
Samsung SL310
  • $300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $230
  • 1/1.72 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compare Nikon L840 vs Samsung SL310

Compared to Samsung TL34HD

Pentax A40
Samsung TL34HD
  • $300
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Manual focus
  • $330
  • 1/1.72 inch
  • HDMI out
  • More dots on screen

Compare Pentax A40 vs Samsung TL34HD

Nikon L840
Samsung TL34HD
  • $300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $330
  • 1/1.72 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Nikon L840 vs Samsung TL34HD

Compared to Nikon P530

Pentax A40
Nikon P530
  • $300
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $279
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compare Pentax A40 vs Nikon P530

Nikon L840
Nikon P530
  • $300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $279
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compare Nikon L840 vs Nikon P530

Compared to Nikon B500

Pentax A40
Nikon B500
  • $300
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $322
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Tiltable Screen

Compare Pentax A40 vs Nikon B500

Nikon L840
Nikon B500
  • $300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Longer exposure
  • $322
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Bluetooth

Compare Nikon L840 vs Nikon B500

Compare Other Cameras?