Nikon D90 vs Nikon D40

This is a full comparison between the cameras Nikon D90 and Nikon D40. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.

Manufacturing

These cameras are both manufactured by Nikon.

Nikon D90 were released 2008 and Nikon D40 was released 2006. That is a 2 years difference. In tech, this period can be of interest since technology is always improving, etc.

Camera Released
Nikon D90 2008
Nikon D40 2006

Type of camera

Both these cameras are DSLR cameras. No difference there.

Sensors / crop factor

Both these cameras have the same sorts of sensor (called "Nikon DX") which means that if you compare these cameras side by side the lenses will also have the same experienced focal length. Neither of the cameras has a Full frame sensor which means that you will get a "crop factor" where the camera's sensor size affect the focal length with a multiplier.

Camera Focal length, 50mm f/1.8 **
Nikon D90 75 mm
Nikon DX sensor
Crop factor/focal length multiplier by * 1.5
Nikon D40 75 mm
Nikon DX sensor
Crop factor/focal length multiplier by * 1.5

** 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)

Resolution

Nikon D90 has a 12,3 MP (Megapixels) resolution while Nikon D40 has 6 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:

Camera Megapixels
Nikon D90 12,3 MP
12212224 pixels
4288 x 2848
Nikon D40 6 MP
6016000 pixels
3008 x 2000

Nikon D90 has a 103 % 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

Nikon D90 has a larger ISO-range than Nikon D40. Nikon D90 has an ISO range that stretches from 200 to 6400 while Nikon D40 has 200 to 3200.

Camera ISO Range
Nikon D90 200-6400
Nikon D40 200-3200

Autofocus and lens compatibility

There is a big difference between these two cameras. Nikon D90 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 D90
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon D40

Pictures per second

Depending on what you are shooting the FPS, or frames/pictures per second, can definitely be of interest. Nikon D90 can shoot up to 4,5 pictures per seconds and Nikon D40 can shoot up to 2,5 pictures per seconds.

Camera FPS (Frames per second)
Nikon D90 4,5
Nikon D40 2,5

Ability to record movies

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

When comparing these two cameras there is only one of them that can shoot movies and that is Nikon D90. Unfortunately Nikon D40 does not support recording movies and movie clips.

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.

Nikon D90 weighs 703 gr (equal to 1.55 lb) which is 35% heavier than Nikon D40 and its 522 gr (or 1.15 lb).

Camera Weight
Nikon D90 703 gr
1.55 lb
Nikon D40 522 gr
1.15 lb

Nikon D90 vs Nikon D40 Specs

Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Nikon D90 and Nikon D40, 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
Nikon D90
Nikon D40
Name Nikon D90 Nikon D40
Manufacturer Nikon Nikon
Release Date and Price
Nikon D90
Nikon D40
Release Year 2008 2006
Release Date 2008-08-27 2006-11-16
MSRP 899 USD 729 USD
Buy it today
Camera Type
Nikon D90
Nikon D40
Camera Type DSLR DSLR
Sensor
Nikon D90
Nikon D40
Sensor Size APS-C (approx 23.7 x 15.5 mm)
Also known as "DX"
APS-C (approx 23.7 x 15.5 mm)
Also known as "DX"
Sensor Type CMOS CCD
Resolution 4288 x 2848 pixels 3008 x 2000 pixels
Megapixels 12,3 MP 6 MP
Image Processor Nikon LSI (Large Scale Integration) EXPEED
Image
Nikon D90
Nikon D40
ISO Range 200 - 6400 200 - 3200
White Balance Presets 12 6
Custom White Balance Yes Yes
Image Stabilization No No
Image Stabilization CIPA Rating 0 stops 0 stops
Uncompressed format RAW RAW
Optics & Focus
Nikon D90
Nikon D40
Autofocus Motor Yes No
Autofocus Contract Detect (sensor)
Phase Detect
Multi Area
Selective Single Point
Single
Continuous
Face Detection
LiveView
Phase Detect
Multi Area
Selective Single Point
Single
Continuous
Focus Points 11 3
Lens Mount Nikon F

See Compatible Lenses
Nikon F

See Compatible Lenses
Focal Length Multiplier 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
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
Nikon D90
Nikon D40
Articulated LCD Fixed Fixed
Screen size 3” 2,5”
Screen dots 920000 230000
Touch screen No No
Screen type Super Density TFT color LCD with wide-viewing angle N/A
Live view Yes No
Viewfinder Type Optical (pentaprism) Optical (pentamirror)
Viewfinder Coverage 96% 95%
Viewfinder Magnification 0.96× (0.64× 35mm equiv.) 0.8× (0.53× 35mm equiv.)
Viewfinder Resolution N/A N/A
Photography features
Nikon D90
Nikon D40
Frames per second 4,5 fps 2,5 fps
Minimum Shutter Speed 30 seconds 30 seconds
Maximum Shutter Speed 1/4000 seconds 1/4000 seconds
Built-in Flash Yes Yes
Built-in Flash Range 17 meters 17 meters
External Flash Yes Yes
Self-Timer Yes Yes
Time-lapse Yes Yes
Metering modes Multi
Center Weighted
Spot
Multi
Center Weighted
Spot
Exposure Compensation +/- 5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps) +/- 5 (at 1/3 EV steps)
Videography features
Nikon D90
Nikon D40
Video recording Yes No
Video format MPEG4
N/A
Video resolution 1280 x 720
N/A
Built-in Microphone Yes No
Built-in Speakers Yes No
Storage
Nikon D90
Nikon D40
Memory Card SD/SDHC
SD/SDHC
Connectivity
Nikon D90
Nikon D40
HDMI Output Yes No
Microphone Port No No
Headphone Port No No
Wireless Yes
Eye-Fi Connected
No
Remote Control Yes (Optional ML-L3 or MC-DC2)
Yes (Optional (ML-L3))
GPS Yes
Optional
No
Body & Dimensions
Nikon D90
Nikon D40
Enviromentally sealed No No
Battery Battery Pack Battery Pack
Battery Details Lithium-Ion EN-EL3e rechargeable battery & charger
Nikon EN-EL9 Lithium-Ion & charger included
Battery Life (CIPA) 850 shots 470 shots
Width 132 mm 124 mm
Height 103 mm 94 mm
Depth 77 mm 64 mm
Weight 703 gram 522 gram