Canon EOS R3 vs Nikon D40

This is a full comparison between the cameras Canon EOS R3 and Nikon D40. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.

Canon EOS R3
Canon EOS R3

Released: 2021
Camera Type: Mirrorless

Nikon D40
Nikon D40

Released: 2006
Camera Type: DSLR

Canon EOS R3 is made by Canon, while Nikon D40 is made by Nikon. Both brands have unique strengths and specializations, catering to different photography needs.

Release Date and Price

Release Year

Canon EOS R3 was released in 2021, making it a newer model compared to Nikon D40, which was released in 2006.

Release Date

Canon EOS R3 was released on 2021-04-14, making it a newer option than Nikon D40, which was released on 2006-11-16.

MSRP (Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price)

The MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price) helps compare the original cost of the camera, offering insight into its market position.

Canon EOS R3 is priced higher at $5999, compared to Nikon D40 which has an MSRP of $729. This suggests Canon EOS R3 may offer additional features or higher-quality components.

Camera and Sensor Type

Camera Type

The camera type (DSLR, mirrorless, etc.) affects size, handling, and features, impacting its usability for different photography styles.

Canon EOS R3 is a mirrorless camera, while Nikon D40 is a dslr camera. These differences could affect their performance and suitability for different types of photography.

Sensor Size

Sensor size influences image quality, depth of field, and low-light performance, with larger sensors generally producing better results.

Canon EOS R3 has a Full Frame (approx 36 x 24 mm) sensor, while Nikon D40 uses a APS-C (approx 23.7 x 15.5 mm) - Also known as 'DX' sensor. These differences can impact image quality, low-light performance, and depth of field.

Sensor Type

The sensor type (e.g., CMOS, CCD) determines how light is captured, affecting image quality, speed, and power consumption.

Canon EOS R3 uses a Stacked CMOS sensor, while Nikon D40 is equipped with a CCD sensor. The differences in sensor types can influence image quality, dynamic range, and overall performance.

Resolution and Megapixels

Higher megapixels allow for larger prints and more detailed images but may result in larger file sizes.

Canon EOS R3 offers a higher resolution with 24,000,000 pixels and 24 megapixels, compared to Nikon D40, which has 6,016,000 pixels and 6 megapixels.

Processor

The image processor affects camera speed, image processing quality, and power efficiency.

Canon EOS R3 uses the DIGIC X processor, while Nikon D40 is powered by the EXPEED processor. These differences could impact overall speed, performance, and image processing quality.

ISO Range

The ISO range measures the camera’s sensitivity to light, impacting performance in low-light environments and image noise levels.

Canon EOS R3 provides a broader ISO range (100 - 102400) compared to Nikon D40's ISO range (200 - 3200). This allows Canon EOS R3 to perform better in low-light situations.

Image Properties

White Balance Presets

White balance ensures colors are accurately represented by adjusting the camera for the lighting conditions.

Both Canon EOS R3 and Nikon D40 offer the same number of white balance presets: 6. This ensures similar control over color accuracy in varying lighting conditions.

Custom White Balance

Custom white balance allows users to manually adjust color tones, ideal for achieving precise color in challenging lighting conditions.

Nikon D40 has custom white balance functionality, unlike Canon EOS R3, which lacks this option.

Uncompressed Format Support

Uncompressed formats retain more data for higher image quality, useful for professional editing.

Both Canon EOS R3 and Nikon D40 support the same uncompressed format: RAW. This means they provide similar flexibility in post-processing and image quality.

Optics and Focus

Image Stabilization

Image stabilization reduces camera shake, allowing for sharper images, especially in low light or handheld shooting.

Canon EOS R3 offers image stabilization, while Nikon D40 lacks this feature, giving Canon EOS R3 an advantage in low-light or handheld shooting.

Image Stabilization Details

Canon EOS R3 features image stabilization technology: Sensor-Shift.

CIPA Image Stabilization Performance
Image Stabilization CIPA Rating N/A N/A
Autofocus Motor

An autofocus motor allows lenses to focus automatically, improving the speed and accuracy of focusing.

Canon EOS R3 includes an autofocus motor, giving it an advantage over Nikon D40, which lacks this feature.

Autofocus Modes

Autofocus modes determine how the camera focuses, with options like continuous, single, and tracking autofocus for different scenarios.

Autofocus Modes for Canon EOS R3
  • Contrast Detect (sensor)
  • Phase Detect
  • Multi Area
  • Center
  • Selective Single Point
  • Tracking
  • Single
  • Continuous
  • Touch
  • Face Detection
  • LiveView
Autofocus Modes for Nikon D40
  • Phase Detect
  • Multi Area
  • Selective Single Point
  • Single
  • Continuous
Autofocus Points

Focus points define how much of the scene can be focused automatically, impacting flexibility in composition.

Canon EOS R3 offers more autofocus points (1053) compared to Nikon D40 with 3 points. This may give Canon EOS R3 an advantage in tracking and focus accuracy.

Lens Mount Compatibility

The lens mount determines compatibility with different lenses, affecting the versatility of the camera.

Lens Mounts for Canon EOS R3
  • Canon RF
Lens Mounts for Nikon D40
  • Nikon F
Focal Length Multiplier (Crop Factor)

Focal length multipliers (crop factor) impact the effective field of view, especially for non-full-frame cameras.

Focal Length Multiplier for Canon EOS R3

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

Focal Length Multiplier for Nikon D40

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 and Viewfinder

Screen Dots (LCD Resolution)

The number of dots on the camera screen affects display clarity, useful for reviewing images and navigating menus.

Canon EOS R3 has a higher screen resolution with 4150000 dots compared to Nikon D40 with 230000 dots, offering better viewing clarity.

Touchscreen

A touchscreen allows for easier navigation, focusing, and menu selection, providing a more intuitive user interface.

Canon EOS R3 has a touchscreen, giving it an edge in usability over Nikon D40, which lacks this feature.

Live View

Live view allows users to see a real-time preview of their shot on the camera’s display, making it easier to compose and focus.

Canon EOS R3 supports live view, offering better real-time image preview compared to Nikon D40, which lacks this feature.

Photography Features

Frames Per Second (FPS)

FPS, or Frames Per Second, measures how many photos a camera can take in one second during continuous shooting. A higher FPS is particularly beneficial for capturing fast-moving subjects, such as in sports, wildlife, or action photography, where timing is critical to get the perfect shot.

Canon EOS R3 offers a faster burst shooting rate at 30 fps, making it better for capturing fast-moving subjects compared to Nikon D40, which shoots at 2,5 fps.
Shutter Speed

Shutter speed determines how long your camera's sensor is exposed to light. A slower shutter speed is ideal for low-light photography and capturing motion blur, while a faster shutter speed is better for freezing fast-moving subjects like in sports or wildlife photography.

Minimum Shutter Speed

Both Canon EOS R3 and Nikon D40 offer the same minimum shutter speed of 30 seconds, allowing for long-exposure shots like light trails or astrophotography.

Maximum Shutter Speed

Canon EOS R3 offers a faster maximum shutter speed of 1/8000, ideal for capturing fast-moving subjects, compared to Nikon D40, which offers a slower maximum speed of 1/4000.

Built-in Flash

A built-in flash can be handy for quick shots in low-light environments, especially when an external flash isn't available. However, built-in flashes are typically less powerful than external ones and are best for shorter ranges.

Nikon D40 includes a built-in flash, while Canon EOS R3 does not, making Nikon D40 more suitable for on-the-go low-light shooting.

Built-in Flash Range
Nikon D40 has a longer built-in flash range of 17 m, giving it better reach than Canon EOS R3's range of N/A.
External Flash Compatibility

An external flash provides more power and flexibility compared to a built-in flash. External flashes can be mounted on the camera’s hot shoe and offer greater lighting control, making them ideal for professional and low-light photography.

Both Canon EOS R3 and Nikon D40 support external flashes, providing more control over lighting for professional-grade photography.

Self-Timer Functionality

A self-timer allows you to delay the shutter release, giving you time to get into the frame for group shots, self-portraits, or to avoid camera shake when shooting on a tripod.

Both Canon EOS R3 and Nikon D40 have a self-timer feature, making them convenient for group shots or self-portraits.

Time-Lapse Photography

The time-lapse feature allows you to capture a sequence of photos at intervals and combine them into a video, creating stunning visual effects like speeding up slow-moving subjects such as clouds, sunsets, or cityscapes.

Both Canon EOS R3 and Nikon D40 support time-lapse photography, making them ideal for capturing stunning time-lapse videos of landscapes, skies, or cityscapes.

Metering Modes

Metering modes help your camera measure the light in a scene to determine the proper exposure. Different metering modes are useful in different situations, such as multi-pattern for general use, center-weighted for portraits, spot metering for precise areas, and more.

Metering Modes for Canon EOS R3
  • Multi
  • Center Weighted
  • Spot
  • Partial
Metering Modes for Nikon D40
  • Multi
  • Center Weighted
  • Spot

Videography Features

Video Recording Capability

Video recording is an essential feature for users who want to capture high-quality videos alongside still photography. Cameras with video recording capabilities allow for versatility, whether you're creating cinematic content, vlogging, or capturing everyday moments.

Video Recording

Canon EOS R3 supports video recording, giving it an advantage over Nikon D40, which lacks this feature.

Built-in Microphone and Speakers Comparison

Having a built-in microphone and speakers can help you quickly capture and review audio when recording video. While they may not replace professional equipment, they are useful for casual video recording and on-the-go playback.

Canon EOS R3 includes a built-in microphone, making it easier to capture audio on the go compared to Nikon D40, which lacks this feature.

Canon EOS R3 includes built-in speakers, making it convenient for on-camera audio playback compared to Nikon D40, which lacks this feature.

Connectivity

HDMI Output, Microphone, and Headphone Ports Comparison

These ports are important for video professionals who need external monitoring and audio control. HDMI allows external display connections, while microphone and headphone ports offer superior audio recording and monitoring options.

Canon EOS R3 supports HDMI output for external monitoring, but Nikon D40 does not have this feature.

Canon EOS R3 has a microphone port for external mics, but Nikon D40 does not, making Canon EOS R3 more versatile for audio recording.

Canon EOS R3 has a headphone port for real-time audio monitoring, but Nikon D40 does not.

Wireless Connectivity Comparison

Wireless connectivity allows for convenient sharing of photos and remote camera control. Some cameras offer advanced wireless options like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC for easy file transfer and remote shooting.

Canon EOS R3 supports wireless connectivity (Nikon D40), providing a flexible way to share photos, while Built-in (802.11ac + Bluetooth) lacks this feature.

Remote Control Feature Comparison

Remote control functionality allows photographers to control the camera without physically touching it, which is useful for reducing camera shake during long exposures or self-portraits. Some cameras offer compatibility with dedicated remotes, while others support wireless or app-based control.

Both Canon EOS R3 and Nikon D40 support remote control functionality. Canon EOS R3 offers Yes (via smartphone), while Nikon D40 provides Yes (Optional (ML-L3)), allowing for hands-free control during shooting.

Camera Body and Dimensions

Environmentally Sealed Comparison

An environmentally sealed camera is protected against dust, moisture, and sometimes freezing temperatures. This feature is important for photographers who often shoot in challenging environments like rain, snow, or desert landscapes.

Canon EOS R3 is environmentally sealed, providing extra durability in harsh weather, while Nikon D40 lacks this feature.

Battery Life Comparison

Battery life is an important consideration, especially for photographers who shoot for long periods. The number of shots per charge is measured according to CIPA standards, giving a reliable estimate of real-world performance.

The battery life of Canon EOS R3 is rated at 760 shots, which is better than Nikon D40's 470 shots. This makes Canon EOS R3 a better choice for long shooting sessions.

Camera Dimensions Comparison

Camera dimensions affect portability and comfort when using the camera. Here's how the two cameras compare in size.

The Canon EOS R3 has dimensions of 150 mm in width, 143 mm in height, and 87 mm in depth.

The Nikon D40 measures 124 mm in width, 94 mm in height, and 64 mm in depth.

The Nikon D40 is more compact with a total volume of 745984 mm³ compared to the Canon EOS R3, which has a larger volume of 1866150 mm³.

Camera Weight Comparison

The weight of a camera can affect portability and handling, especially for long shooting sessions. Here’s how the two cameras compare in terms of weight, including the battery.

The Canon EOS R3 weighs 1015 grams including the battery.

The Nikon D40 weighs 522 grams including the battery.

The Nikon D40 is lighter, weighing 522 grams, compared to the Canon EOS R3 which weighs 1015 grams.

View and Compare Specifications for Canon EOS R3 and Nikon D40

Product
Canon EOS R3

Nikon D40

Name
This is the official name of the camera as listed by the manufacturer.
Canon EOS R3 Nikon D40
Manufacturer
The company that designs, manufactures, and markets this camera model.
Canon Nikon
Release Date and Price
Release Year
The year when this camera model was officially released to the public.
2021 2006
Release Date
The exact date when this camera model was launched.
2021-04-14 2006-11-16
MSRP
The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) is the price at which the manufacturer recommends that the retailer sells the product. This can vary by region and retailer. Here the price is listed in US Dollars.
$ 5999 $ 729
Camera Type
Camera Type
The camera type defines the fundamental design of the camera, whether it uses a mirror for its viewfinder (DSLR), a translucent mirror (SLT), or no mirror at all (Mirrorless).
Mirrorless DSLR
Sensor
Sensor Size
The sensor size determines the amount of light that can be captured, impacting image quality, depth of field, and low-light performance. Different sensor sizes are used for various camera types and applications.
Full Frame (approx 36 x 24 mm) APS-C (approx 23.7 x 15.5 mm) - Also known as 'DX'
Sensor Type
The type of sensor used in the camera, which could be CCD, CMOS, or others, affecting how the image data is captured and processed.
Stacked CMOS CCD
Resolution
Resolution is the number of pixels used to create an image. Higher resolution allows for larger prints and more detailed images.
6000 x 4000 pixels 3008 x 2000 pixels
Megapixels
Megapixels refer to the number of millions of pixels the sensor can capture, impacting the detail and print size of the images.
24 MP (24,000,000 pixels) 6 MP (6,016,000 pixels)
Image Processor
The image processor is responsible for converting the data captured by the sensor into a viewable image, impacting speed, quality, and performance.
DIGIC X EXPEED
Image
ISO Range
The ISO range indicates the sensitivity of the camera's sensor to light. A lower ISO is ideal for bright conditions, while a higher ISO allows for shooting in low light but may introduce noise.
100 - 102400 200 - 3200
White Balance Presets
White balance presets allow the camera to adjust colors to match different lighting conditions, ensuring that your photos have accurate and natural colors.
6 6
Custom White Balance
Custom white balance allows you to manually set the white balance using a neutral reference, such as a gray card, ensuring accurate color reproduction in various lighting conditions.
No Yes
Image Stabilization
Image stabilization helps reduce blur caused by camera shake, allowing you to capture sharper images, especially in low-light situations or when using longer focal lengths.
Yes (Sensor-Shift) No
Image Stabilization CIPA Rating
The CIPA rating measures the effectiveness of image stabilization, indicating how many stops of exposure you can gain by using the stabilization feature.
N/A N/A
Uncompressed Format
An uncompressed format retains all the image data captured by the sensor, resulting in higher quality images with more detail, but also larger file sizes.
RAW RAW
Optics and Focus
Autofocus Motor
The autofocus motor allows the camera to automatically focus on subjects. If 'Yes', the camera has a built-in autofocus motor, enabling faster and quieter focusing with compatible lenses.
Yes No
Autofocus
Different autofocus modes allow the camera to focus in various ways, such as detecting contrast, tracking moving subjects, or focusing on specific points in the frame.
Contrast Detect (sensor)
Phase Detect
Multi Area
Center
Selective Single Point
Tracking
Single
Continuous
Touch
Face Detection
LiveView
Phase Detect
Multi Area
Selective Single Point
Single
Continuous
Focus Points
Focus points refer to the number of areas in the frame where the camera can lock focus. More focus points allow for more accurate focusing, especially in complex scenes.
1053 3
Lens Mount
The lens mount indicates the type of lenses that are compatible with the camera. Different mounts are used by different manufacturers and camera types.
Canon RF


Canon Lens Mount Adapter EF-EOS R
Nikon F

Focal Length Multiplier
The focal length multiplier, also known as the crop factor, affects the effective focal length of a lens when used with cameras that have sensors smaller than full frame. This value multiplies the lens's focal length, which can be beneficial for telephoto photography but limits the field of view for wide-angle lenses.
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 and Viewfinder
Articulated LCD
An articulated LCD allows for flexible screen movement, making it easier to capture shots from difficult angles. It can be particularly useful for vlogging, low-angle, or high-angle photography.
Fully articulated Fixed
Screen Size
The screen size is measured diagonally in inches. A larger screen can be beneficial for reviewing images and navigating menus.
3.2” 2,5”
Screen Dots
Screen dots refer to the resolution of the camera's LCD screen, with more dots generally indicating a sharper display.
4150000 230000
Touchscreen
A touchscreen allows you to interact with the camera's menu and focus points directly by touching the screen.
Yes No
Screen Type
The screen type indicates the technology used in the camera's display, such as LCD, OLED, etc.
TFT LCD N/A
Live View
Live View allows you to use the LCD screen as a viewfinder, showing a live preview of the image before you capture it.
Yes No
Viewfinder Type
The viewfinder type specifies whether the camera uses an optical viewfinder (OVF), electronic viewfinder (EVF), or has no viewfinder.
Electronic Optical (pentamirror)
Viewfinder Coverage
Viewfinder coverage indicates the percentage of the scene that is visible in the viewfinder compared to what the sensor captures. 100% coverage means you see exactly what the sensor will capture.
100% 95%
Viewfinder Magnification
Viewfinder magnification describes the size of the image seen in the viewfinder relative to the size of the actual scene.
0.76× 0.8× (0.53× 35mm equiv.)
Viewfinder Resolution
Viewfinder resolution refers to the number of pixels in the electronic viewfinder. A higher resolution provides a clearer and more detailed image.
5760000 N/A
Photography Features
Frames per second
Frames per second (fps) measures how many frames the camera can capture in one second. Higher fps rates are useful for action photography.
30 fps 2,5 fps
Minimum Shutter Speed
The minimum shutter speed is the longest exposure time the camera can achieve, allowing for more light to enter, which is useful in low-light situations.
30 seconds 30 seconds
Maximum Shutter Speed
The maximum shutter speed is the shortest exposure time the camera can achieve, helping to freeze motion in fast-moving subjects.
1/8000 seconds 1/4000 seconds
Built-in Flash
A built-in flash provides additional light when shooting in low-light environments, improving image quality.
No Yes
Built-in Flash Range
The built-in flash range indicates how far the flash can effectively illuminate a subject. This is measured in meters.
N/A 17 m
External Flash
An external flash option allows you to attach a separate flash unit, providing more powerful lighting options and flexibility.
Yes Yes
Self-Timer
The self-timer feature allows you to set a delay between pressing the shutter button and when the photo is actually taken. This is useful for including yourself in photos or reducing camera shake.
Yes Yes
Time-lapse
Time-lapse photography allows you to capture a series of frames at set intervals, which are then combined into a video that shows a process, like a sunset, happening much faster.
Yes Yes
Metering Modes
Metering modes determine how the camera measures the brightness of the scene to set the exposure. Different modes are suited to different lighting conditions.
Multi
Center Weighted
Spot
Partial
Multi
Center Weighted
Spot
Exposure Compensation
Exposure compensation allows you to adjust the exposure set by the camera, making the image brighter or darker as needed.
+/- 3 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps) +/- 5 (at 1/3 EV steps)
Videography Features
Video Recording
Indicates whether the camera supports video recording functionality.
Yes No
Video Format
The camera supports various video formats, which determine the compression and quality of the recorded video.
MPEG4
H.264
H.265
Video Resolution
The resolutions supported by the camera determine the clarity and detail of the recorded video.
1920 x 1080
3840 x 2160
4096 x 2160
Built-in Microphone
Indicates whether the camera has a built-in microphone for recording audio during video capture.
Yes No
Built-in Speakers
Indicates whether the camera has built-in speakers for audio playback.
Yes No
Storage
Memory Card
Indicates the types of memory cards that are compatible with the camera.
Compact Flash Express
SD/SDHC
SD/SDHC
Connectivity
HDMI Output
Indicates whether the camera has an HDMI output port for connecting to external displays.
Yes No
Microphone Port
Indicates whether the camera has a dedicated microphone input port.
Yes No
Headphone Port
Indicates whether the camera has a headphone port for monitoring audio during recording.
Yes No
Wireless
Indicates whether the camera has wireless capabilities for transferring files or remote control.
Yes
Built-in (802.11ac + Bluetooth)
No
Remote Control
Indicates whether the camera supports remote control functionality.
Yes (via smartphone) Yes (Optional (ML-L3))
Remote Control SKU
The specific SKU associated with the camera's remote control or accessory.
ML-L3
GPS
Indicates whether the camera has built-in GPS functionality for geotagging images.
Yes
Built-in
No
Body and Dimensions
Environmentally Sealed
Indicates whether the camera is sealed against dust and moisture.
Yes No
Battery
The type of battery used by the camera.
Built-in Battery Pack
Battery Details
Additional information about the battery, such as capacity or specific model details.
LP-E19 lithium-ion battery & charger Nikon EN-EL9 Lithium-Ion & charger included
Battery SKU
The specific SKU (Stock Keeping Unit) associated with the camera's battery.
LP-E19 EN-EL9
Battery Life
The estimated number of shots the camera can take on a full battery, based on CIPA standards. CIPA (Camera & Imaging Products Association) sets the industry standard for measuring and comparing battery life across different camera models.
760 shots according to CIPA 470 shots according to CIPA
Width
The width of the camera body, measured in millimeters.
150 mm 124 mm
Height
The height of the camera body, measured in millimeters.
143 mm 94 mm
Depth
The depth of the camera body, measured in millimeters.
87 mm 64 mm
Weight
The weight of the camera body, including the battery, measured in grams.
1015 grams including battery 522 grams including battery
Henrik Törner

Written by Henrik Törner

Camera Expert and Founder of Cameraby


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