Nikon D40X vs Leica M8

In this comparison, we will evaluate the Nikon D40X and the Leica M8, 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 D40X was introduced in May 2007 and Leica M8 was introduced in July 2007. Let us first list highlights of the models.

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.

This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Nikon D40X over Leica M8.

This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Leica M8 over Nikon D40X.

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.

Screen

Nikon D40X and Leica M8 have 2.5" Fixed screens with 230k dot resolution.

Viewfinder

Nikon D40X has a built-in Optical (pentamirror) viewfinderLeica M8 has a built-in Optical (rangefinder) viewfinder. Nikon D40X has 95% coverage with 0.80x (0.53x 35mm equivalent) magnification and magnification.

Nikon D40X features a 10.2 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 100 - 1,600 and expands to 100 - 3,200 in boosted mode. Leica M8 features a 10.35 megapixel APS-H CCD sensor with dimensions of 27 x 18 mm and a total area of 324 mm². Its native ISO range is 160 - 2,500.

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
	Medium Format	44 x 33 mm	1452 mm2	4:3	0.79x
	Full Frame	36 x 24 mm	864 mm2	3:2	1x
	APS-H	27 x 18 mm	486 mm2	3:2	1.3x
	APS-C	23.6 x 15.6 mm	368.2 mm2	3:2	1.5x
	APS-C (Canon)	22.3 x 14.9 mm	332.3 mm2	3:2	1.6x
	Micro Four Thirds	17.4 x 13 mm	226.2 mm2	4:3	2x
	1-inch	13.2 x 8.8 mm	116.2 mm2	3:2	2.7x
	1/1.7-inch	7.44 x 5.58 mm	41.5 mm2	4:3	4.7x
	1/2.3-inch	6.17 x 4.55 mm	28.1 mm2	4:3	5.6x

Nikon D40X is equipped with EXPEED processor and can take pictures up to 3872 x 2592 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 2896 x 1944, 1936 x 1296 with 3:2 aspect ratios. Leica M8 can take pictures up to 3936 x 2630 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 2952 x 1972, 1968 x 1315, 1312 x 876 with 3:2 aspect ratios.

Lens Mount

Nikon D40X has Nikon F lens mount and Leica M8 has Leica M lens mount. Due to APS-C sensor in Nikon D40X its crop factor 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. Due to APS-H sensor in Leica M8 its crop factor is equal to 1.3x, this means that a 35mm equivalent focal length of the mounted lens will be equal to its actual focal length times 1.3.

No Low-Pass Filter on Leica M8

There is no optical low-pass filter (OLPF), also known as an anti-aliasing filter, in front of the sensor on Leica M8. This results in a slightly sharper image but may also introduce moiré patterns and aliasing artifacts when photographing subjects with fine, repetitive patterns or details.

No Image Stabilization

The cameras do not have image stabilization. On Nikon D40X it means that you need lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction. As for Leica M8 nothing can be done. On Leica M8 it means that you need lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction. As for Nikon D40X nothing can be done.

USB Inputs

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

Battery

Nikon D40X comes with EN-EL9 battery pack.

External Storage Slots

Cameras have a single SD/SDHC card slot.

Shutter

Nikon D40X has Electronically controlled vertical-travel focal plane shutter. Leica M8 has Micro-processor controlled metal-blade slotted shutter with vertical movement Shutter speed can go up to 1/4000 sec on Nikon D40X, and up to 1/8000 sec on Leica M8. Nikon D40X can shoot continuously up to 3.0 fps.

Flash

Nikon D40X has a built-in flash with maximum range of 17.00 m at ISO 100 and also accepts external flash which can be connected via Standard ISO hot-shoe contact with sync or signal or and ground contacts and safety lock. Leica M8 has no built-in flash but an external flash may be connected via TTL Hot Shoe. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/200 sec on Nikon D40X and 1/250 sec on Leica M8.

Nikon D40X body has dimensions of 124 x 94 x 64 mm (4.88 x 3.7 x 2.52") and Leica M8 body has dimensions of 139 x 80 x 37 mm (5.47 x 3.15 x 1.46"). Nikon D40X weighs 522 g (1.15 lb / 18.41 oz) and Leica M8 weighs 591 g (1.30 lb / 20.85 oz).

Nikon D40X

Leica M8

124 mm

94 mm

139 mm

80 mm

94 mm

80 mm

64 mm

37 mm