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Nikon D40 vs Nikon D80

Every spec side by side, from each maker's published figures.

Better figure, where one is clearly better

NikonD40NikonD80
Overview
ReleasedDecember 2006September 2006
Image and sensor
Camera typeDSLRDSLR
Sensor formatAPS-CAPS-C
Sensor typeCCDCCD
Sensor dimensions23.7 × 15.6 mm23.6 × 15.8 mm
Effective resolution6.1 MP10.2 MP
Largest image3008 × 20003872 × 2592
RAW recordingYesYes
Standard ISO range200–1600100–1600
Sensor detailNikon DX primary-colour CCD with 6.1 million effective and 6.24 million total pixels; approximately 1.5× lens focal-length equivalent10.75 million total pixels; Image Dust Off reference data for software correction, without physical sensor cleaning
Image formatsCompressed 12-bit NEF RAW, JPEG and simultaneous RAW plus Basic JPEG; maximum 3008 × 2000 pixels; Image Optimisation settings and in-camera retouchingCompressed 12-bit NEF RAW, JPEG and RAW plus JPEG
ISO detailISO 200–1600 in whole stops; Hi 1 expands to ISO 3200 equivalentExpanded equivalents up to ISO 3200; Auto ISO
Image processor–Nikon high-resolution image-processing engine
Lens and shooting
Lens mountNikon F mountNikon F mount
StabilisationOptical lens stabilisationOptical lens stabilisation
Maximum continuous burst2.5 fps3 fps
Lens detailAutofocus with AF-S and AF-I motor-equipped lenses; no body autofocus motor. Other compatible AF lenses require manual focusing; non-CPU lenses require manual exposure without metering; IX and F3AF lenses unsupportedDX angle of view approximately 1.5× FX focal length; AF coupling supports compatible screw-drive lenses. Non-CPU lenses permit manual exposure without metering; IX and F3AF lenses unsupported
AutofocusMulti-CAM 530 phase-detection module; three selectable autofocus areas; -1 to +19 EV at ISO 100 equivalent, 20°C; AF-S/AF-C/AF-A, single-area, dynamic-area and closest-subject-priority dynamic-area modes; AF-assist illuminatorMulti-CAM 1000 phase detection with 11 points; single-area, dynamic-area and auto-area modes; selectable wide centre area; AF-S, AF-C and AF-A
ShutterCombined CCD electronic and mechanical shutter; 1/4000 to 30 seconds in one-third stops, Bulb and Time with optional ML-L3 remote; flash sync 1/500 second1/4000 to 30 seconds, Bulb and Time; flash sync 1/200 second
Burst detailApproximately 2.5 fps; self-timer and optional ML-L3 delayed or immediate infrared remote releaseApproximately 3 fps; maker specifies six NEF frames and up to 100 Large Normal JPEG frames
Stabilisation detailOptical VR depends on the attached lens; no sensor-shift stabilisation. The pictured original 18–55mm ED II kit lens has no VROptical VR depends on the attached lens; no sensor-shift stabilisation
FlashBuilt-in pop-up flash; guide number approximately 17 m at ISO 200, 20°C, or 18 at manual full output; equivalent guide numbers 12 or 13 at ISO 100; accessory shoePop-up i-TTL flash, guide number approximately 13 at ISO 100 in metres; commander for two remote groups; ISO 518 hot shoe
Exposure controlsP/S/A/M, Auto and scene modes; 420-pixel RGB matrix, centre-weighted and spot metering; ±5 EV compensation in one-third stopsP/S/A/M, auto and scene modes; 420-pixel RGB metering; ±5 EV compensation
Screen and viewfinder
ViewfinderOpticalOptical
Screen size2.5″2.5″
Screen dots230,000230,000
TouchscreenNo–
Tilting screenNoNo
Display detailFixed 2.5-inch low-temperature-polysilicon TFT with approximately 230000 dots; Classic, Graphic and Wallpaper shooting-information displays, contextual help and playback magnification; dots count subpixelsFixed TFT with approximately 100% coverage and 170° viewing angle; dots count subpixels
Viewfinder detailPentamirror; approximately 95% coverage, 0.80× magnification with 50mm f/1.4 at infinity and 18 mm eyepointPentaprism, approximately 95% coverage and 0.94× magnification with 50mm f/1.4 at infinity; 19.5 mm eyepoint; selectable grid
Connections and design
Battery life (maker's claim)470 photographs600 photographs
Body weight475 g585 g
Release detailNikon Japan records first sale on 1 December 2006; Nikon USA announced it on 16 November 2006 with US availability beginning DecemberNikon's original US announcement specifies September 2006 availability; Nikon Japan records 1 September there. Main retains the month without assigning the Japanese day to every region
Recording mediaOne SD/SDHC card slot; MMC unsupportedSD and SDHC cards; MMC unsupported
PortsHi-Speed USB and NTSC/PAL video output; optional ML-L3 infrared remoteHi-Speed USB, analogue AV output, optional AC adapter input and MC-DC1 remote connection; optional ML-L3 infrared remote
Battery life detailEN-EL9 rechargeable lithium-ion battery; Nikon USA lists approximately 470 CIPA photographs per chargeEN-EL3e; approximately 600 photographs in the maker's single-frame test with flash on alternate exposures, not labelled CIPA. A separate continuous-shooting test claims approximately 2700; optional MB-D80 grip accepts battery packs or six AA cells
ChargingExternal MH-23 quick charger; optional EH-5 mains adapter with EP-5 power connectorExternal MH-18a charger; optional EH-5 AC adapter
DimensionsApproximately 126 × 94 × 64 mmApproximately 132 × 103 × 77 mm
Weight detailApproximately 475 g excluding battery, SD card and body capApproximately 585 g excluding battery, card, body cap and monitor cover
ColoursBlack or silver; regional kit availability varies–
In the boxEN-EL9 battery, MH-23 charger, UC-E4 USB cable, AN-DC1 strap for black or AN-DC2 for silver, body cap, DK-5 eyepiece cap, DK-16 eyecup and PictureProject CD-ROM–
Video
Video detailNo movie recording or live-view composition; NTSC/PAL output is for playbackNo movie recording or live view, as confirmed by both reviews

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