Nikon D40 vs Nikon D90

      Nikon D40

      Nikon D90
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      62
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      Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

      Overview

      In this comparison, we will evaluate the Nikon D40 and the Nikon D90, highlighting the advantages of each over the other, discussing their pros and cons, shared strengths and weaknesses, and providing a rating based on their available features and specifications to assist you in choosing the one that best suits your needs.

      Nikon D40 was introduced in December 2006 and Nikon D90 was introduced in October 2008. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Nikon D40 Highlights

      • 6.1 MP APS-C CCD Sensor
      • 200 - 1,600 Native ISO
      • 2.5" 230k dot Fixed Screen
      • Optical (pentamirror) Viewfinder
      • 2.5 fps Continuous Shooting
      • Built-in Flash

      Nikon D90 Highlights

      • 12.3 MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
      • 200 - 3,200 Native ISO
      • 11 Focus Points
      • 3.0" 920k dot Fixed Screen
      • Optical (pentaprism) Viewfinder
      • 4.5 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1280 x 720 Video Shooting
      • Built-in Flash
      Table of Contents
      1. Overview
      2. Pros and Cons
      3. Advantage of Nikon D40
      4. Advantage of Nikon D90
      5. Common Strengths and Weaknesses
      6. Screen and Viewfinder
      7. Sensor
      8. Photography Features
      9. Connectivity, Battery and Storage
      10. Other Features
      11. Physical Parameters
      12. For Different Types of Photography
      13. Evaluations
      14. Specifications  

      Now that we've looked at the most essential specifications and gained a basic understanding of these cameras, we can delve into more details and see the differences between them.

      Pros and Cons

      In this section we present pros and cons of Nikon D40 and Nikon D90.

      PROS

      Nikon D40

      Nikon D90

      •   Built-in Flash
      •   High Flash Sync Speed - 1/500 sec
      •   Orientation Sensor
      •   Video Capture
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Orientation Sensor

      CONS

      Nikon D40

      Nikon D90

      •   No Video Capture
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 6.1 Megapixel
      •   200 Lowest Native ISO
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.5 fps
      •   Low DxO Overall Score - 56
      •   No HDMI Output
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12.3 Megapixel
      •   200 Lowest Native ISO
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing


      And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

      AVERAGE

      Nikon D40

      Nikon D90

      •   Screen Size - 2.5"
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Weight - 522 g (1.15 lb / 18.41 oz)
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 4.5 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/200 sec
      •   DxO Overall Score - 73
      •   Weight - 703 g (1.55 lb / 24.80 oz)
      •   Battery Life - 850 shots

      Advantage of Nikon D40

      Nikon D40
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Nikon D40 over Nikon D90.

      Nikon D40 vs Nikon D90
      Center Autofocus vs
      Higher Flash Sync Speed 1/500 sec vs 1/200 sec
      Lighter 522 g (1.15 lb / 18.41 oz) vs 703 g (1.55 lb / 24.80 oz)

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Nikon D40.

      Nikon D70
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      APS-C

      6.1 MP

      Nikon D40X
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      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Nikon D60
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      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Nikon D70s
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      6.1 MP

      Nikon D3000
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Nikon D50
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      6.1 MP

      Nikon D80
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Nikon 1 V3
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      1-inch

      18.4 MP

      Sony FX3
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      Full Frame

      10.2 MP

      Fujifilm X-Pro1
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      APS-C

      16.3 MP

      Canon 7D II
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      APS-C

      20.2 MP

      Fujifilm X-T3
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      APS-C

      26.1 MP

      Advantage of Nikon D90

      Nikon D90
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Nikon D90 over Nikon D40.

      Nikon D40 vs Nikon D90
      Video Capture vs
      Higher Sensor Resolution 6.1 Megapixel vs 12.3 Megapixel
      Higher Native ISO 1,600 vs 3,200
      Higher Boosted ISO 3,200 vs 6,400
      Max Image Resolution 3008 x 2000 vs 4288 x 2848
      Face Detection vs
      Live View Autofocus vs
      Contrast Detection for Autofocus vs
      Larger Screen 2.5" vs 3.0"
      Higher Resolution Screen 230k dot vs 920k dot
      Top LCD Screen vs
      Live View vs
      Higher Viewfinder Coverage 95% vs 96%
      Higher Viewfinder Magnification (35mm equivalent) 0.53x vs 0.64x
      Higher Max Continuous Shooting 2.5 fps vs 4.5 fps
      Multi-Segment Metering vs
      Center Weighted Metering vs
      Spot Metering vs
      Higher DxO Low Light ISO 561 vs 977
      Higher DxO Color Depth 21.0 vs 22.7
      Higher DxO Dynamic Range 11.0 vs 12.5
      Higher DxO Overall Score 56 vs 73
      HDMI Output vs Mini Type C

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Nikon D90.

      Nikon D80
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      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Nikon D50
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      APS-C

      6.1 MP

      Nikon D70
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      APS-C

      6.1 MP

      Nikon D60
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      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Nikon D7000
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      APS-C

      16.2 MP

      Nikon D70s
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      APS-C

      6.1 MP

      Nikon D40X
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      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A390
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      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A380
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      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Sony ZV-E10
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      APS-C

      24.2 MP

      Fujifilm X-T20
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      APS-C

      24.3 MP

      Fujifilm X-T200
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      APS-C

      24.2 MP

      Common Strengths and Weaknesses

      We already listed pros and cons of each model. However, you may also find useful to look at their common strengths and weaknesses shown side-by-side.

      STRENGTHS Nikon D40 Nikon D90
        Built-in Flash
        Orientation Sensor
      WEAKNESSES Nikon D40 Nikon D90
        Low Resolution Sensor6.1 Megapixel12.3 Megapixel
        High Native ISO200200
        Low Native ISO1,6003,200
        Timelapse Recording
        No Image Stabilization
        Screen TypeFixedFixed
        No Microphone Input
        No Headphone Output
        No Built-in GPS
        No Built-In Wi-Fi via Eye-Fi
        No Built-In Bluetooth
        No Environmental Sealing

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Screen

      Nikon D40 has a 2.5" screen with 230k dot resolution and Nikon D90 has a 3.0" screen with 920k dot resolution. Both have Fixed screens.


      Viewfinder

      Nikon D40 has a built-in Optical (pentamirror) viewfinderNikon D90 has a built-in Optical (pentaprism) viewfinder. Nikon D40 has 95% coverage with 0.80x (0.53x 35mm equivalent) magnification and Nikon D90 has 96% coverage with 0.96x (0.64x 35mm equivalent) magnification.

      Sensor

      Nikon D40 features a 6.1 megapixel APS-C CCD sensor with dimensions of 23.7 x 15.6 mm and a total area of 369.7 mm2. Its native ISO range is 200 - 1,600 and expands to 200 - 3,200 in boosted mode. Nikon D90 features a 12.3 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor with dimensions of 23.6 x 15.8 mm and a total area of 249.6 mm2. Its native ISO range is 200 - 3,200 and expands to 200 - 6,400 in boosted mode.


      Here is a sensor size comparison chart where you can see how different sensors compare with each other:

      Sensor size chart
      Sensor Dimensions Area Aspect Ratio Crop Factor
      Image cannot be displayedMedium Format44 x 33 mm1452 mm24:30.79x
      Image cannot be displayedFull Frame36 x 24 mm864 mm23:21x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-H27 x 18 mm486 mm23:21.3x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-C23.6 x 15.6 mm368.2 mm23:21.5x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-C (Canon)22.3 x 14.9 mm332.3 mm23:21.6x
      Image cannot be displayedMicro Four Thirds17.4 x 13 mm226.2 mm24:32x
      Image cannot be displayed1-inch13.2 x 8.8 mm116.2 mm23:22.7x
      Image cannot be displayed1/1.7-inch7.44 x 5.58 mm41.5 mm24:34.7x
      Image cannot be displayed1/2.3-inch6.17 x 4.55 mm28.1 mm24:35.6x

      Photography Features

      Nikon D40 can take pictures up to 3008 x 2000 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 2256 x 1496, 1504 x 1000 with 3:2 aspect ratios. Nikon D90 can take pictures up to 4288 x 2848 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 3216 x 2136, 2144 x 1424 with 3:2 aspect ratios.


      Lens Mount

      Cameras have Nikon F lens mount. Due to their APS-C sensor their crop factor (also called lens multiplier) is equal to 1.5x. This means that a 35mm equivalent focal length of the mounted lens will be equal to its actual focal length times 1.5.


      No Image Stabilization

      The cameras do not have image stabilization. On Nikon D40 it means that you need lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction. As for Nikon D90 nothing can be done. On Nikon D90 it means that you need lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction. As for Nikon D40 nothing can be done.

      Connectivity, Battery and Storage

      USB Inputs and HDMI Outputs

      Both models have USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) inputs for data transfer. connector for video signal output.


      Battery

      Nikon D40 comes with EN-EL9 battery pack and Nikon D90 comes with EN-EL3e battery pack with battery life of 850 shots.


      External Storage Slots

      Cameras have a single SD/SDHC card slot.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Nikon D40 has Electromagnetic and mechanically controlled vertical-travel focal-plane shutter. Nikon D90 has Electronically controlled vertical-travel focal-plane shutter. Shutter speed can go up to 1/4000 sec on Nikon D40, and up to 1/4000 sec on Nikon D90. Nikon D40 can shoot continuously up to 2.5 fps. Nikon D90 can shoot continuously up to 4.5 fps.


      Exposure

      Exposure meterings of Nikon D90 ranges from 0 to +20 EV and you can set the exposure compensation within the ±5 EV range on Nikon D40 and ±5 EV range on Nikon D90. You can also do exposure lock and manual exposure adjustment on Nikon D40 and exposure lock, exposure bracketing and manual exposure adjustment on Nikon D90.


      Flash

      Cameras have built-in flash with maximum range of 17.00 m at ISO 100.. They also accept external flash which can be connected via Hot Shoe to Nikon D90. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/500 sec on Nikon D40 and 1/200 sec on Nikon D90.

      Physical Parameters

      Nikon D40 body has dimensions of 124 x 94 x 64 mm (4.88 x 3.7 x 2.52") and Nikon D90 body has dimensions of 132 x 103 x 77 mm (5.2 x 4.06 x 3.03"). Nikon D40 weighs 522 g (1.15 lb / 18.41 oz) and Nikon D90 weighs 703 g (1.55 lb / 24.80 oz).

      Nikon D40

      Nikon D90

      124 mm

      94 mm

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      132 mm

      103 mm

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      94 mm

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      103 mm

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      64 mm

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      77 mm

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      Size comparisons of Nikon D40 and Nikon D90

      Nikon D40 and Nikon D90 for Different Types of Photography

      We give scores to the cameras for six types of photography based on their features and specifications. Let us see how suitable they are for each type of photography.

      Landscape Photography

      Nikon D40

      Nikon D90

      AVERAGE
      63
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      GOOD
      70
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Nikon D40

      Nikon D90

      POOR
      53
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.5 fps
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      67
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 4.5 fps
      •   Battery Life - 850 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Wildlife Photography

      Nikon D40

      Nikon D90

      POOR
      52
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.5 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      58
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 4.5 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Battery Life - 850 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Portrait Photography

      Nikon D40

      Nikon D90

      GOOD
      72
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 2.5"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   High Flash Sync Speed - 1/500 sec
      •   Orientation Sensor
      GOOD
      79
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/200 sec
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Street Photography

      Nikon D40

      Nikon D90

      GOOD
      78
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 522 g (1.15 lb / 18.41 oz)
      GOOD
      77
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 703 g (1.55 lb / 24.80 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Nikon D40

      Nikon D90

      GOOD
      80
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 522 g (1.15 lb / 18.41 oz)
      GOOD
      74
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 703 g (1.55 lb / 24.80 oz)
      •   Battery Life - 850 shots

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Nikon D40 and Nikon D90 and give them scores of 54 and 62 out of 100 recpectively. We also give separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new camera is added to the database.


      Nikon D40

      Nikon D90

      OVERALL
      54
      OVERALL
      62

      Sensor

      Nikon D40

      Nikon D90

      AVERAGE
      65
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 6.1 Megapixel
      •   200 Lowest Native ISO
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   Low DxO Overall Score - 56
      AVERAGE
      67
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12.3 Megapixel
      •   200 Lowest Native ISO
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   DxO Overall Score - 73

      Photo

      Nikon D40

      Nikon D90

      POOR
      52
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.5 fps
      •   High Flash Sync Speed - 1/500 sec
      AVERAGE
      63
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 4.5 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/200 sec

      Video

      Nikon D40

      Nikon D90

      BAD
      0
      •   No Image Stabilization
      BAD
      7
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720

      Focusing

      Nikon D40

      Nikon D90

      GOOD
      77
      •   No Face Detection
      GOOD
      81
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Nikon D40

      Nikon D90

      AVERAGE
      64
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 2.5"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      GOOD
      72
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot

      Connectivity

      Nikon D40

      Nikon D90

      POOR
      41
      •   No HDMI Output
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      AVERAGE
      61
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth

      Battery, Storage and Physical

      Nikon D40

      Nikon D90

      POOR
      43
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 522 g (1.15 lb / 18.41 oz)
      POOR
      44
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 703 g (1.55 lb / 24.80 oz)
      •   Battery Life - 850 shots


      For a full specification list please go to the specifications page:

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