Filed Under ( News) by admin on March-22-2007
With the release of the D40x, Nikon current lineup of 10 megapixel looks complete.Nikon gave us an entry level (D40x), a mid-priced enthsiast (D80) and one semi-pro (D200). They have similar features, being build around the 10 megapixel sensor, but are different enough in specifications not to confure potential buyers. I put together a chart showing the three cameras already mentioned for easy comparison.
Also, see this article that I put together last November, shotly after the D40 was released, comparing the D80 with D70s, D50 and D40, the current lineup at that time.
|
 |
 |
 |
|
D200 |
D80 |
D40x |
| Image Sensor |
10.2 million pixelsDX Format RGB CCD
23.6 x 15.8mm |
10.2 million pixelsDX Format RGB CCD
23.6 x 15.8mm |
10.2 million pixelsDX Format RGB CCD
23.6 x 15.8mm |
| Image Size (pixels) |
3,872 x 2,592 [L]
2,896 x 1,944 [M]
1,936 x 1,296 [S] |
3,872 x 2,592 [L]
2,896 x 1,944 [M]
1,936 x 1,296 [S] |
3,872 x 2,592 [L]
2,896 x 1,944 [M]
1,936 x 1,296 [S] |
| ISO Sensitivity |
100 to 1600 (ISO equivalent) in steps of 1/3 EV, plus HI-0.3, HI-0.7 and HI-1 |
100 to 1600 (ISO equivalent) in steps of 1/3 EV, plus HI-0.3, HI-0.7 and HI-1 |
100 to 1,600 in steps of 1 EV plus Hi-1 setting (3200 equivalent) |
| Storage Media |
CF memory card |
SD memory card |
SD memory card, SDHC compliant |
| File types |
1) JPEG- 3 levels
– Fine (1:4)
– Normal (1:8)
– Basic (1:16)
2) NEF (RAW) |
1) JPEG- 3 levels
– Fine (1:4)
– Normal (1:8)
– Basic (1:16)
2) NEF (RAW) |
1) JPEG- 3 levels
– Fine (1:4)
– Normal (1:8)
– Basic (1:16)
2) NEF (RAW) |
| White Balance |
1) Auto (TTL white balance with 420-pixel RGB sensor)
2) Six (6) manual modes with fine-tuning, color temperature setting (Kelvin),
3) Preset white balance
4) White balance bracketing |
1) Auto (TTL white balance with 420-pixel RGB sensor)
2) Six (6) manual modes with fine-tuning, color temperature setting (Kelvin),
3) Preset white balance
4) White balance bracketing |
1) Auto (TTL white balance with 420-pixel RGB sensor)
2) Six (6) manual modes with fine-tuning
3) Preset white balance |
| LCD Monitor |
2.5-in., 230,000-dot, low temperature polysilicon TFT (170-degree wide-angle viewing) |
2.5-in., 230,000-dot, low temperature polysilicon TFT |
2.5-in., 230,000-dot, low temperature polysilicon TFT |
| Playback Function |
1) Full frame
2) Thumbnail (4 or 9 segments)
3) Zoom
4) Slideshow (Standard or Pictmotion)
5) RGB histogram indication
6) Shooting data
7) Highlight point display
8) Auto image rotation |
1) Full frame
2) Thumbnail (4 or 9 segments)
3) Zoom
4) Slideshow (Standard or Pictmotion)
5) RGB histogram indication
6) Shooting data
7) Highlight point display
8) Auto image rotation |
1) Full frame
2) Thumbnail (4 or 9 segments)
3) Zoom
4) Slideshow (Standard or Pictmotion)
5) RGB histogram indication
6) Shooting data
7) Highlight point display
8) Auto image rotation 9) retouc history |
| Interface/ Connectivity |
USB 2.0 (Hi-speed) (mini-B connector) |
USB 2.0 (Hi-speed) (mini-B connector) |
USB 2.0 (Hi-Speed) (mini-B connector) and PTP selectable |
| Text Input |
Up to 36 characters of alphanumeric text input |
Up to 36 characters of alphanumeric text input |
Up to 36 characters of alphanumeric text input |
| Compatible Lenses |
All functions possible with all AF Nikkor lenses (including AF-S, DX, VR and D-/G-type) |
All functions possible with all AF Nikkor lenses (including AF-S, DX, VR and D-/G-type) |
All functions possible with AF-S, DX, VR and D-/G-type, except AF. |
| Viewfinder |
Optical-type fixed eye-level pentaprism; built-in diopter adjustment (-2.0 to +1.0m-1) |
Optical-type fixed eye-level pentaprism; built-in diopter adjustment (-2.0 to +1.0m-1) |
Fixed eye-level penta-Dach mirror type; built-in diopter adjustment (-1.7 to +0.5m-1) |
| Viewfinder Frame Coverage |
Approx. 95% |
Approx. 95% |
Approx. 95% |
| Viewfinder Magnification |
Approx. 0.94x with 50mm lens at infinity; -1.0m-1 |
Approx. 0.94x with 50mm lens at infinity; -1.0m-1 |
Approx. 0.80x with 50mm lens at infinity; -1.0m-1 |
| Viewfinder Accessories |
1) DR-6 Angle Finder
2) Eyepiece correction lenses (-5 to +3m-1)
3) DK-21M Eyepiece Magnifier |
1) DR-6 Angle Finder
2) Eyepiece correction lenses (-5 to +3m-1)
3) DK-21M Eyepiece Magnifier |
1) DR-6 Angle Finder
2) Eyepiece correction lenses (-5 to +3m-1)
3) DK-21M Eyepiece Magnifier |
| Focusing Screen |
Type-B BriteView Clear Matte screen Mark II with superimposed focus brackets and On-Demand grid lines |
Type-B BriteView Clear Matte screen Mark II with superimposed focus brackets and On-Demand grid lines |
Type B BriteView clear matte screen Mark V with superimposed focus brackets |
| Optional Focusing Screens |
No |
No |
No |
| Autofocus System |
TTL phase detection by Nikon Multi-CAM 1000 autofocus module with AF-assist illuminator |
TTL phase detection by Nikon Multi-CAM 1000 autofocus module with AF-assist illuminator |
TTL phase detection by Nikon Multi-CAM 530 autofocus module with AF-assist illuminator (range approximately 1ft. 8in.-9ft. 10in.); Detection range: -1 to +19 EV |
| AF Lens Servo |
1) Single Servo AF [S]
2) Continuous servo AF [C]
3) AF-A (auto AF-S/AF-C selection)
4) M: Manual |
1) Single Servo AF [S]
2) Continuous servo AF [C]
3) AF-A (auto AF-S/AF-C selection)
4) M: Manual
5) Predictive focus tracking automatically activated according to subject’s status |
1) Autofocus (AF): Instant single-servo AF (AF-S);
2) Continuous servo AF (AF-C); auto AF-S/AF-C selection (AF-A);
3) Predictive focus tracking automatically activated according to subject status
4) Manual focus (M) |
| Focus Area/Sensors |
11 focus areas; any single area can be selected; center focus area can be switched from normal to wide-frame operation |
11 focus areas; any single area can be selected; center focus area can be switched from normal to wide-frame operation |
3 focus areas: any single area can be selected |
| AF Area Mode |
1) Single Area AF
2) Dynamic Area AF
3) Auto-area AF |
1) Single Area AF
2) Dynamic Area AF
3) Auto-area AF |
1) Single Area AF
2) Dynamic Area AF
3) Dynamic-area AF with closest subject priority |
| Exposure Metering System |
1)1005-pixel 3D Color Matrix Metering II
2) Variable Center-weighted
3) Spot: Meters 3.0mm diameter circle (approx. 2.0% of frame) centered on active focus area |
1) 420-pixel 3D Color Matrix Metering II
2) Variable Center-weighted
3) Spot: Meters 3.5mm diameter circle (approx. 2.5% of frame) centered on active focus area |
1) 420-pixel 3D Color Matrix Metering II (type G and D lenses);
2) Center-weighted:Weight of 75% given to 8mm circle in center of frame
3) Spot: Meters 3.5mm circle (about 2.5% of frame) centered on active focus area |
| Exposure Metering Range |
1) EV 0 to 20 (3D Color Matrix or Center-weighted metering)
2) EV 2 to 20 (spot metering) |
1) EV 0 to 20 (3D Color Matrix or Center-weighted metering)
2) EV 2 to 20 (spot metering) |
1) 0 to 20 EV (3D Color Matrix or center-weighted metering),
2) 2 to 20 EV (spot metering) |
| Exposure Modes |
1) Programmed Auto with flexible program
2) Shutter-Priority Auto
3) Aperture Priority Auto
4) Manual |
1) 7 Digital Vari-Programs
2) Programmed Auto with flexible program
3) Shutter-Priority Auto
4) Aperture Priority Auto
5) Manual |
1) 8 Digital Vari-Programs
2) Programmed Auto with flexible program
3) Shutter-Priority Auto
4) Aperture Priority Auto
5) Manual |
| Exposure Compensation |
±5 EV in increments of 1/3 or 1/2 EV |
±5 EV in increments of 1/3 or 1/2 EV |
±5 EV in increments of 1/3 EV |
| Auto Exposure Lock |
Luminosity locked at detected value with AE-L/AFL button |
Luminosity locked at detected value with AE-L/AFL button |
Exposure locked at detected value with AE-L/AF-L button |
| Auto Exposure Bracketing |
2 to 9 exposures in increments between 1/3 to 2.0 EV (±2 EV) |
2 to 3 exposures in increments between 1/3 to 2.0 EV (±2 EV) |
None |
| Top Framing Rate |
5 frames per second |
3 frames per second |
3 frames per second |
| Shutter type |
Electronically-controlled vertical-travel focal plane shutter |
Electronically-controlled vertical-travel focal plane shutter |
Electronically-controlled vertical-travel focal plane shutter |
| Shutter Speed Range |
30 to 1/8000 sec. in steps of 1/3 or 1/2 EV, bulb |
30 to 1/4000 sec. in steps of 1/3 or 1/2 EV, bulb |
30 to 1/4000 sec (1/3 EV steps) |
| High IS0 Noise Reduction |
1) Low
2) Normal
3) High |
1) Low
2) Normal
3) High |
No |
Long Exposure Noise
Reduction |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
| Retouch Menu |
No |
1) D-lighting,
2) Red-eye Correction
3) Image Trimming
4) Monochrome
5) Filter Effects
6) Image Overlay |
1) D-lighting,
2) Red-eye Correction
3) Image Trimming
4) Monochrome
5) Filter Effects
6) Image Overlay |
| Recent Settings |
Yes |
No |
No |
| Flash Modes |
1) i-TTL Balanced Fill-Flash
2) Auto Aperture
3) Non-TTL Auto 4) Range Priority |
1) i-TTL Balanced Fill-Flash
2) Auto Aperture
3) Non-TTL Auto 4) Range Priority |
1) i-TTL Balanced Fill-Flash
2) Auto Aperture
3) Non-TTL Auto |
| Flash Sync Modes |
1) Auto
2) Fill-in flash
3) Red-eye Reduction
4) Red-eye Reduction with Slow Sync,
5) Slow Sync
6) Rear-curtain Sync
7) Off |
1) Auto
2) Fill-in flash
3) Red-eye Reduction
4) Red-eye Reduction with Slow Sync,
5) Slow Sync
6) Rear-curtain Sync
7) Off |
1) Auto
2) Fill-in flash
3) Red-eye Reduction
4) Red-eye Reduction with Slow Sync,
5) Slow Sync
6) Rear-curtain Sync
7) Off |
| Top Flash Sync TTL |
1/250th sec. |
1/200th sec. |
1/200th sec. |
| Auto FP High-Speed flash sync |
1/8,000th sec. |
1/4,000th sec. |
No |
| Built-in Flash |
Manual pop-up with button release |
1) Auto flash with auto pop-up
2) Manual pop-up with button release |
1) Auto flash with auto pop-up
2) Manual pop-up with button release |
| Built-in Flash Guide Number |
Approx.55 ft rated at 200 ISO value |
Approx.59 ft rated at 200 ISO value |
Approx.55 ft rated at 200 ISO value |
| Flash Compensation |
-3 to +1 EV in increments of 1/3 or 1/2 EV |
-3 to +1 EV in increments of 1/3 or 1/2 EV |
-3 to +1 EV in increments of 1/3EV |
| Flash Bracketing |
Up to 9 exposures in increments between 1/3 to 2.0 EV |
2 to 3 exposures in increments between 1/3 to 2.0 EV |
No |
| Built-in Flash/Commander Mode |
Two-Group Wireless Commander with SB-800, SB-600 and SB-R200 Speedlights |
Two-Group Wireless Commander with SB-800, SB-600 and SB-R200 Speedlights |
No Option |
| Self-timer |
2 to 20 seconds |
2 to 20 seconds |
2, 5, 10 or 20 sec |
| Depth of field preview |
Functional with CPU equipped Nikkor lenses in P, S, A and M mode |
Functional with CPU equipped Nikkor lenses in P, S, A and M mode |
No |
| Remote Control |
Via 10-pin remote terminal |
Remote via USB (mini B) Connection
ML-L3 Wireless Remote Control (optional) |
Remote Control ML-L3 (optional, Infrared) |
| Power Source (included) |
EN-EL3e Rechargeable Li-ion Battery |
EN-EL3e Rechargeable Li-ion Battery |
EN-EL9 Rechargeable Li-ion Battery |
| Images per battery charge |
Up to 1800 |
Up to 2700 |
Up to 520 |
| Battery Grip(s) Optional |
MB-D200 Battery pack accepts one or two rechargeable Nikon EN-EL3e Li-ion batteries or Six AA alkaline (LR6), Ni-MH (HR6), lithium (FR6) batteries, or nickel-manganese (ZR6) AA batteries |
MB-D80 Battery pack accepts one or two rechargeable Nikon EN-EL3e Li-ion batteries or Six AA alkaline (LR6), Ni-MH (HR6), lithium (FR6) batteries, or nickel-manganese (ZR6) AA batteries |
No |
| Optional AC Power Supply |
EH-6 AC Adapter |
EH-5 AC Adapter |
EH-5 AC Adapter requires EP-5 Adapter |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) |
Approx: 5.8 x 4.4 x 2.9 in. |
Approx: 5.2 x 4.1 x 3.0 in. |
Approx. 5.0 x 2.5 x 3.7 in. |
| Weight |
1 lb. 13 oz Without battery, memory card or monitor cover. |
1 lb. 5 oz Without battery, memory card or monitor cover. |
Approx. 1lb. 1oz. without battery, memory card or body cap |
| WiFi Functionality |
FTP File transter available via WT-3a (optional) |
No |
No |
|
23 Comments posted on "D200 vs D80 vs D40x - The 10 Megapixel Lineup"
Mischa on April 5th, 2007 at 4:50 am #
This is a really usefull comparison! Thanks a bunch for doing it!
Looking through it seems to me that the D40x doesn’t leave you with much reason to pay extra for the D80?
I’m buying for my Wife who’s quite a discerning camera gadgeter. So I’m not much of an expert myself, and would love to get you input.
Does the fact that the D40x is more recent release mean that it’s almost caught up with the D80?
What are the things that the D80 has and the D40x doesn’t that really make a difference?
Cheers,
Mischa
rezall on April 5th, 2007 at 4:56 am #
Not much comments I can say here:
1. Since its using same body as D40,the hand grip is quite small. Only can fit 3 fingers. But thats the cons when you compensate the size.
2.Is Nikon competing with other brand for megapixels? I think Nikon should focus more on lense development (to make it better & cheaper) rather that mp.
deea on April 5th, 2007 at 4:57 am #
Mischa,
the D80 has a much better feeling, slightly larger grip, bigger viewfinder and top status lcd. This does it for me.
Chris on April 16th, 2007 at 8:02 pm #
Thank you for the comparison. The D40X seems to have a few key features missing that place it at the entry level… no AE or WB bracketing, DOF preview, and limitations to what lens’ can be used.
Andrew on April 25th, 2007 at 4:39 am #
Hi, im a photography enthusiast and have used nikon slrs alot, manly the d200 and am looking to buy my own first one.
I am limited by money and thinking of either the d80 body only and borrowing lenses till i can afford my own.
Or i recently seen the d40x and can prob afford one with a small 18-55mm lens.
I take alot of sport and landscape, could anyone please give me some advice on what they think is best?
Thanks
Steve on May 3rd, 2007 at 1:37 am #
I’ve owned my D80 now for 2 months and must say it’s a superb piece of kit.
I tried out the D40 but didn’t like the small grip which meant I had to curl my last 2 fingers under the base of the camera. Additionally the missing AF limits budget lens choice like the fantastic Nikon 50mm F1.8 or 50mm F1.4 or the cheap but handy Sigma 70-300mm macro zoom.
The 18-135mm kit lens that comes with the D80 is a fantastic lens for the price and sharp as a tack.
Couple of corrections in the above specs.
D80 is SD memory card & SDHC compliant (I’m using a 4GB SDHC in mine)
USB is PTP selectable on D80.
All the best
Steve
Mario on May 21st, 2007 at 10:38 am #
Are you sure you can get up to 520 Images per battery charge on D40x?
Larz on May 23rd, 2007 at 9:46 pm #
When your using a Nikon 50mm F1.8 or 50mm F1.4 do you really need AF? I think for what your shooting, your already close enough to manually focus just as fast as AF lens. Or is my opinion slightly off?
Gerry on September 3rd, 2007 at 7:27 pm #
Hello Larz! Your opinion is off. Manual focusing could not be as fast as AF. A slight movement from you while on MF would affect the focus of your prime lens. So, with D40x, you’ll be limited to lens that are AF-S. But nobody could stop you from using AF lenses, especially if you have the luxury of time to focus, among others.
Warren on November 3rd, 2007 at 1:12 pm #
I have been waiting and waiting on the price to drop a little more on the D200. Its a great camera. I just cant justify some of the body prices right yet. I still shoot film all the time. In my experience spend what it takes to get the features you think you will grow into using “realistic”…not those that sound nice. SPEND your money on lens. I bet a great photographer can take better pics with a point and shoot than I can with a D200, or canon 40D and the best of L glass lens from canon. Its 99% the person behind the camera. He is the artist not the camera.
Ron on November 15th, 2007 at 5:26 pm #
I have been looking at the D40x and just found the D80 for $200.00
After reading this article just ordered the D80.
kirin on November 18th, 2007 at 8:43 am #
Based on all the reviews read so far on the camera and the lens, the combination of D80 body with a 18-200 DX VR lens seem to give the biggest bang for the buck. Any advice on where these can be found at optimal price with reliability will be very helpful. Ron??
Nick on November 24th, 2007 at 10:59 am #
Where did you find a d80 for only 200.00?
Kayt on November 29th, 2007 at 3:53 pm #
Yes please do tell where you got the D80 for $200.
And please someone tell me which is better, the D80 or the D40x!
Fred on December 6th, 2007 at 3:17 am #
Hi Kayt
I have owned a D40X for 6 months and I think it is a great camera. A very good friend of mine owns the D80 (and lets me use it often :-) and it is also a great camera. Does that help? No? Okay then;
Yesterday, I went to get a new lens and I had to pay quite a bit for it as my D40X does not support AF. I know Sigma has released some lenses that are compatible and way cheaper than the Nikkor I got but they’re not available where I live yet (not as good either for the most part).
I’ve used this new lens today and boy, what a difference it’s made! I now take better pictures (not artistically speaking) with my D40X than with the D80 and a decent Sigma lens.
Now this is my list of pros and cons for the D40X:
PROS:
- cheap
- easy to carry around
- easy to handle for someone with small hands
- Takes fantastic pictures (same as D80 in my opinion)
CONS:
- harder to find cheap AF lenses supported by D40X
- no bracketing button
- time wasting to change ISO, WB and shooting mode “on the fly” as there’s no buttons for this
- Only 3 AF areas
All in all, I think the D80 is a better camera if you’re an advanced user as you’ll find yourself having to use the screen to change some of the settings that you could change using a dial on the D80. On the other hand, if you’re a first time SLR user like me, don’t take pictures everyday and who travels a lot, then the D40X is for you.
I really hope it helps,
Fred
Doug on January 15th, 2008 at 11:34 pm #
FYI, deals like the $200 D80 are all over the Internet. And they vary from typical bait and switch scams, to simply not shipping and ignoring you. Search for things like the company’s name/URL and problems/scam before you buy. I’ve had a lot of people show me websites with too good to be true deals on any camera, and a quick google “sitename scam” usually comes up with plenty of dirt and angry customers.
BTW, nice review, I have a D50, and want 10MP (printing lots of posters). I like the D40x for size, but the lack of auto bracketing, and AF on my existing lenses makes me lean towards the D80. Too bad, I wanted to end up with a D40x for my on the go, and a D300 for real photo outings…
masoud on February 21st, 2008 at 1:42 pm #
nikon d80 very good dslr camera ok
masoud on February 21st, 2008 at 1:45 pm #
I’ve had a d40x for about 8 months, and really enjoy it. Note that with the Nikon camera control software and a USB connection you can do bracketing (from a computer - mac or windows) and remotely change all kinds of settings - cool for HDR, but not very portable. Also, I got the f1.4 50mm lens, and it’s REALLY tough to manually focus it in low-light, but otherwise it’s an awesome lens. If a compatible autofocus lens were available I’d trade out in a heartbeat.
eric on May 14th, 2008 at 10:56 am #
been shooting night club photography in miami shooting about 400-500 images a night for about 3 months with the d40x great camera very rugged but the grip is way to small after about 200 shots your fingers will start cramping even with the battery grip ,the auto focus is quite slow at times i have missed some good shots because of that.but for $600 its a professional grade camera at an amateur price.Right now im upgrading to a d300 .
photojack on June 21st, 2008 at 10:40 pm #
Adorama sells a single cell battery grip for just $40. for the d40x that packs the power of two batteries in one unit which also allows bigger hands to feel more at home with the d40x
photojack on June 21st, 2008 at 10:44 pm #
I have lots of fast nikon glass and a d40x. I am selling my d40x. Right now i am researching the d80 (restricted by cost from looking at the d200 or d300) since in need to use the AF on my lenses.