Nikon D40 vs Pentax K-x
71 Imaging
45 Features
33 Overall
40


69 Imaging
52 Features
47 Overall
50
Nikon D40 vs Pentax K-x Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 6MP - APS-C Sensor
- 2.5" Fixed Screen
- ISO 200 - 1600 (Raise to 3200)
- No Video
- Nikon F Mount
- 522g - 124 x 94 x 64mm
- Announced December 2006
- Updated by Nikon D3000
(Full Review)
- 12MP - APS-C Sensor
- 2.7" Fixed Screen
- ISO 100 - 6400 (Increase to 12800)
- Sensor based Image Stabilization
- 1/6000s Maximum Shutter
- 1280 x 720 video
- Pentax KAF2 Mount
- 580g - 123 x 92 x 68mm
- Revealed December 2009

Nikon D40 vs Pentax K-x Overview
On this page, we will be contrasting the Nikon D40 versus Pentax K-x, both Entry-Level DSLR cameras by competitors Nikon and Pentax. There exists a sizable gap among the resolutions of the D40 (6MP) and K-x (12MP) but both cameras boast the same sensor sizing (APS-C).

The D40 was unveiled 4 years before the K-x and that is a fairly significant difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of these cameras have the same body design (Compact SLR).
Before delving straight to a detailed comparison, here is a quick highlight of how the D40 grades versus the K-x in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Nikon D40 vs Pentax K-x Gallery
Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Nikon D40 & Pentax K-x. The full galleries are provided at Nikon D40 Gallery & Pentax K-x Gallery.
Reasons to pick Nikon D40 over the Pentax K-x
D40 | K-x |
---|
Reasons to pick Pentax K-x over the Nikon D40
K-x | D40 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Revealed | December 2009 | ![]() | December 2006 | Fresher by 36 months |
Screen dimensions | 2.7" | ![]() | 2.5" | Bigger screen (+0.2") |
Common features in the Nikon D40 and Pentax K-x
D40 | K-x | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Focus manually | ![]() | More precise focus | ||
Screen type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed screen |
Screen resolution | 230k | ![]() | 230k | Identical screen resolution |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Neither includes selfie screen | ||
Touch friendly screen | ![]() | Neither includes Touch friendly screen |
Nikon D40 vs Pentax K-x Physical Comparison
In case you're looking to carry your camera regularly, you should factor its weight and measurements. The Nikon D40 features outer dimensions of 124mm x 94mm x 64mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.5") having a weight of 522 grams (1.15 lbs) and the Pentax K-x has proportions of 123mm x 92mm x 68mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 2.7") having a weight of 580 grams (1.28 lbs).
Take a look at the Nikon D40 versus Pentax K-x in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you are using at that time. The following is a front view over all size comparison of the D40 and the K-x.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the D40 and K-x is 71 and 69 respectively.

Nikon D40 vs Pentax K-x Sensor Comparison
Typically, its difficult to visualize the gap in sensor sizing merely by viewing specs. The graphic underneath should offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the D40 and K-x.
As you can plainly see, each of these cameras have the same sensor dimensions albeit different MP. You can count on the Pentax K-x to render more detail having an extra 6MP. Higher resolution can also help you crop pictures a bit more aggressively. The older D40 will be behind in sensor technology.

Nikon D40 vs Pentax K-x Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Nikon D40 vs Pentax K-x Specifications
Nikon D40 | Pentax K-x | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Manufacturer | Nikon | Pentax |
Model | Nikon D40 | Pentax K-x |
Class | Entry-Level DSLR | Entry-Level DSLR |
Announced | 2006-12-21 | 2009-12-23 |
Body design | Compact SLR | Compact SLR |
Sensor Information | ||
Processor | - | Prime |
Sensor type | CCD | CMOS |
Sensor size | APS-C | APS-C |
Sensor measurements | 23.7 x 15.5mm | 23.6 x 15.8mm |
Sensor surface area | 367.4mm² | 372.9mm² |
Sensor resolution | 6MP | 12MP |
Anti aliasing filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 3:2 | 3:2 |
Highest Possible resolution | 3008 x 2000 | 4288 x 2848 |
Maximum native ISO | 1600 | 6400 |
Maximum enhanced ISO | 3200 | 12800 |
Min native ISO | 200 | 100 |
RAW support | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Focus manually | ||
Touch to focus | ||
Continuous AF | ||
Single AF | ||
AF tracking | ||
AF selectice | ||
AF center weighted | ||
AF multi area | ||
Live view AF | ||
Face detection focusing | ||
Contract detection focusing | ||
Phase detection focusing | ||
Number of focus points | - | 11 |
Lens | ||
Lens mounting type | Nikon F | Pentax KAF2 |
Available lenses | 309 | 151 |
Focal length multiplier | 1.5 | 1.5 |
Screen | ||
Screen type | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Screen diagonal | 2.5" | 2.7" |
Screen resolution | 230 thousand dot | 230 thousand dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch functionality | ||
Screen tech | - | TFT LCD monitor |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | Optical (pentamirror) | Optical (pentamirror) |
Viewfinder coverage | 95% | 96% |
Viewfinder magnification | 0.53x | 0.57x |
Features | ||
Minimum shutter speed | 30s | 30s |
Fastest shutter speed | 1/4000s | 1/6000s |
Continuous shutter speed | 3.0 frames per second | 5.0 frames per second |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manually set exposure | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Change WB | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Integrated flash | ||
Flash range | 17.00 m | 16.00 m |
Flash modes | Front curtain, Rear curtain, Red-Eye, Slow, Red-Eye Slow | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync, Rear curtain, Wireless |
External flash | ||
AEB | ||
White balance bracketing | ||
Fastest flash sync | 1/500s | 1/180s |
Exposure | ||
Multisegment exposure | ||
Average exposure | ||
Spot exposure | ||
Partial exposure | ||
AF area exposure | ||
Center weighted exposure | ||
Video features | ||
Video resolutions | - | 1280 x 720 (24 fps), 640 x 416 (24 fps) |
Maximum video resolution | None | 1280x720 |
Video format | - | Motion JPEG |
Microphone jack | ||
Headphone jack | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | None | None |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | None | None |
Physical | ||
Environmental seal | ||
Water proof | ||
Dust proof | ||
Shock proof | ||
Crush proof | ||
Freeze proof | ||
Weight | 522g (1.15 lb) | 580g (1.28 lb) |
Physical dimensions | 124 x 94 x 64mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.5") | 123 x 92 x 68mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 2.7") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO Overall score | 56 | 72 |
DXO Color Depth score | 21.0 | 22.8 |
DXO Dynamic range score | 11.0 | 12.5 |
DXO Low light score | 561 | 811 |
Other | ||
Battery life | - | 1900 photos |
Type of battery | - | Battery Pack |
Battery model | EN-EL9 | 4 x AA |
Self timer | Yes (2 to 20 sec) | Yes (2 or 12 sec) |
Time lapse recording | ||
Type of storage | SD/SDHC card | SD/SDHC card |
Storage slots | 1 | 1 |
Launch pricing | $500 | $600 |