Nikon D40 vs Canon EOS 30D

This is a full comparison between the cameras Nikon D40 and Canon EOS 30D. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.

Manufacturing

Nikon D40 is manufacturered by Nikon but Canon EOS 30D is from Canon. Both Nikon and Canon 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. Nikon D40 has a "DX"-sensor while Canon EOS 30D has a "APSC"-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 (Nikon)
Camera selection can affect the focal length (Canon)

Resolution

Nikon D40 has a 6 MP (Megapixels) resolution while Canon EOS 30D has 8,2 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:

Canon EOS 30D has a 36 % larger resolution than Nikon D40. 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

Canon EOS 30D has a larger ISO-range than Nikon D40. Canon EOS 30D has an ISO range that stretches from 100 to 3200 while Nikon D40 has 200 to 3200.

Autofocus and lens compatibility

There is a big difference between these two cameras. Canon EOS 30D has a built-in autofocus motor but Nikon D40 does not. If you want to be able to use autofocus on Nikon D40 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 Nikon D40
Lens compatibility chart for Canon EOS 30D

Pictures per second

Depending on what you are shooting the FPS, or frames/pictures per second, can definitely be of interest. Nikon D40 can shoot up to 2,5 pictures per seconds and Canon EOS 30D can shoot up to 5 pictures per seconds.

Ability to record movies

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

Though, neither Nikon D40 or Canon EOS 30D 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 30D weighs 784 gr (equal to 1,73 lb) which is 50% heavier than Nikon D40 and its 522 gr (or 1,15 lb).