Canon EOS 1Ds vs Nikon D40x

This is a full comparison between the cameras Canon EOS 1Ds and Nikon D40x. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.

Manufacturing

Canon EOS 1Ds is manufacturered by Canon but Nikon D40x is from Nikon. Both Canon and Nikon are well known brands though.

Type of camera

Both these cameras are DSLR cameras. No difference there.

Sensors / crop factor

These cameras have different sensors. Canon EOS 1Ds has a "Canon Full Frame"-sensor while Nikon D40x has a "Nikon DX"-sensor, and their difference in sensors will also affect the crop factor and experience focal length. See the table below.

** Experienced focal length when using a lens such as a common "50mm f/1.8"

Learn more about crop factor and focal length multiplier here:
Camera selection can affect the focal length (Canon)
Camera selection can affect the focal length (Nikon)

Resolution

Canon EOS 1Ds has a 11 MP (Megapixels) resolution while Nikon D40x has 10 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:

Canon EOS 1Ds has a 9 % larger resolution than Nikon D40x. This could give you more details in the picture but also a possibility to crop more in the pictures, afterward while editing the pictures, if needed that is.

ISO range

Nikon D40x has a larger ISO-range than Canon EOS 1Ds. Nikon D40x has an ISO range that stretches from 100 to 3200 while Canon EOS 1Ds has 50 to 1250.

Autofocus and lens compatibility

There is a big difference between these two cameras. Canon EOS 1Ds has a built-in autofocus motor but Nikon D40x does not. If you want to be able to use autofocus on Nikon D40x there is a need for having an autofocus motor inside the lens. We really encourage you to look closely at our lens compatibility charts at the links below.

Here is a complete overview of which lenses work with each camera:
Lens compatibility chart for Canon EOS 1Ds
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon D40x

Pictures per second

Depending on what you are shooting the FPS, or frames/pictures per second, can definitely be of interest. Canon EOS 1Ds can shoot up to 3 pictures per seconds and Nikon D40x can shoot up to 3 pictures per seconds.

Ability to record movies

It is becoming more and more popular to record movies with digital cameras.

Though, neither Canon EOS 1Ds or Nikon D40x can shoot movies so if that is a functionality that you are really looking for you should look elsewhere.

Weight

The weight of the camera can be an extremely important factor, especially if the camera is about to be used, or carried around, for several hours at a time.

Canon EOS 1Ds weighs 1585 gr (equal to 3.49 lb) which is 204% heavier than Nikon D40x and its 522 gr (or 1.15 lb).

Canon EOS 1Ds vs Nikon D40x Specs

Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Canon EOS 1Ds and Nikon D40x, next to each other. Each category of data is a link to an article covering the subject, giving you a deeper understanding so you can better understand the strengths and weaknesses of the two camera models.

Product	Canon EOS 1Ds	Nikon D40x
Name	Canon EOS 1Ds	Nikon D40x
Manufacturer	Canon	Nikon
Release Date and Price	Canon EOS 1Ds	Nikon D40x
Release Year	2002	2007
Release Date	2002-09-24	2007-03-06
MSRP	7499 USD	729 USD
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Camera Type	Canon EOS 1Ds	Nikon D40x
Camera Type	DSLR	DSLR
Sensor	Canon EOS 1Ds	Nikon D40x
Sensor Size	Full Frame (approx 36 x 24 mm)	APS-C (approx 23.7 x 15.5 mm) Also known as "DX"
Sensor Type	CMOS	CCD
Resolution	4064 x 2704 pixels	3872 x 2592 pixels
Megapixels	11 MP	10 MP
Image Processor	DIGIC	EXPEED
Image	Canon EOS 1Ds	Nikon D40x
ISO Range	50 - 1250	100 - 3200
White Balance Presets	8	6
Custom White Balance	Yes	Yes
Image Stabilization	No	No
Image Stabilization CIPA Rating	0 stops	0 stops
Uncompressed format	RAW	RAW
Optics & Focus	Canon EOS 1Ds	Nikon D40x
Autofocus Motor	Yes	No
Autofocus	Phase Detect Multi Area Selective Single Point Single Continuous	Phase Detect Multi Area Selective Single Point Single Continuous
Focus Points	45	3
Lens Mount	Canon EF See Compatible Lenses	Nikon F See Compatible Lenses
Focal Length Multiplier	Full frame No multiplier Example: 24 mm remains 24 mm 50 mm remains 50 mm 100 mm remains 100 mm 200 mm remains 200 mm	DX / APS-C (1.5x) 1.5x multiplier Example: 24 mm becomes 36 mm 50 mm becomes 75 mm 100 mm becomes 150 mm 200 mm becomes 300 mm
Screen & Viewfinder	Canon EOS 1Ds	Nikon D40x
Articulated LCD	Fixed	Fixed
Screen size	2”	2,5”
Screen dots	120000	230000
Touch screen	No	No
Screen type	N/A	N/A
Live view	No	No
Viewfinder Type	Optical (pentaprism)	Optical (pentamirror)
Viewfinder Coverage	100%	95%
Viewfinder Magnification	0.7×	0.8× (0.53× 35mm equiv.)
Viewfinder Resolution	N/A	N/A
Photography features	Canon EOS 1Ds	Nikon D40x
Frames per second	3 fps	3 fps
Minimum Shutter Speed	30 seconds	30 seconds
Maximum Shutter Speed	1/8000 seconds	1/4000 seconds
Built-in Flash	No	Yes
Built-in Flash Range	N/A	17 meters
External Flash	Yes	Yes
Self-Timer	Yes	Yes
Time-lapse	Yes	Yes
Metering modes	Multi Center Weighted Spot Partial	Multi Center Weighted Spot
Exposure Compensation	+/- 3 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps)	+/- 5 (at 1/3 EV steps)
Videography features	Canon EOS 1Ds	Nikon D40x
Video recording	No	No
Video format	N/A	N/A
Video resolution	N/A	N/A
Built-in Microphone	No	No
Built-in Speakers	No	No
Storage	Canon EOS 1Ds	Nikon D40x
Memory Card	Compact Flash	SD/SDHC
Connectivity	Canon EOS 1Ds	Nikon D40x
HDMI Output	No	No
Microphone Port	No	No
Headphone Port	No	No
Wireless	No	No
Remote Control	Yes (N3 connector, Remote switch RS-60 E3)	Yes (Optional (ML-L3))
GPS	No	No
Body & Dimensions	Canon EOS 1Ds	Nikon D40x
Enviromentally sealed	Yes	No
Battery	Battery Pack	Battery Pack
Battery Details	Ni-MH Pack NP-E3	Nikon EN-EL9 Lithium-Ion & charger included
Battery Life (CIPA)	N/A	520 shots
Width	156 mm	124 mm
Height	158 mm	94 mm
Depth	80 mm	64 mm
Weight	1585 gram	522 gram