Canon SX540 HS vs Nikon D40

Here is a comprehensive assessment of the Canon SX540 HS versus Nikon D40, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by manufacturers Canon and Nikon. There is a big difference among the sensor resolutions of the SX540 HS (20MP) and D40 (6MP) and the SX540 HS (1/2.3") and D40 (APS-C) possess different sensor sizes.

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The SX540 HS was unveiled 9 years later than the D40 and that is a fairly big gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Canon SX540 HS being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Nikon D40 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before getting straight into a in depth comparison, below is a concise summation of how the SX540 HS matches up against the D40 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Canon PowerShot SX540 HS and Nikon D40. The full galleries are provided at Canon SX540 HS Gallery and Nikon D40 Gallery.

When you are going to carry your camera often, you are going to need to consider its weight and proportions. The Canon SX540 HS comes with outside measurements of 120mm x 82mm x 92mm (4.7" x 3.2" x 3.6") accompanied by a weight of 442 grams (0.97 lbs) and the Nikon D40 has measurements of 124mm x 94mm x 64mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.5") and a weight of 522 grams (1.15 lbs).

See the Canon SX540 HS versus Nikon D40 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are utilizing at the time. Here is the front view dimensions comparison of the SX540 HS versus the D40.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the SX540 HS and D40 is 69 and 71 respectively.

Usually, it is difficult to imagine the gap in sensor sizing purely by checking out technical specs. The photograph below might provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the SX540 HS and D40.

As you have seen, the two cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The SX540 HS using its smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF more difficult and the Canon SX540 HS will produce more detail having an extra 14MP. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop pics far more aggressively. The younger SX540 HS provides an edge with regard to sensor innovation.