Nikon D40X vs Sony A500
71 Imaging
48 Features
33 Overall
42


63 Imaging
51 Features
52 Overall
51
Nikon D40X vs Sony A500 Key Specs
(Full Review)
(Full Review)
- 12MP - APS-C Sensor
- 3" Tilting Display
- ISO 200 - 12800
- Sensor based Image Stabilization
- No Video
- Sony/Minolta Alpha Mount
- 630g - 137 x 104 x 84mm
- Released August 2009
- Replacement is Sony A560

Nikon D40X vs Sony A500 Overview
In this write-up, we are comparing the Nikon D40X and Sony A500, both Entry-Level DSLR digital cameras by competitors Nikon and Sony. The resolution of the D40X (10MP) and the A500 (12MP) is fairly well matched and they use the same exact sensor sizing (APS-C).

The D40X was revealed 3 years prior to the A500 which is quite a sizable gap as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras offer the identical body type (Compact SLR).
Before delving straight into a step-by-step comparison, below is a concise summary of how the D40X grades against the A500 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Nikon D40X vs Sony A500 Gallery
Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Nikon D40X and Sony Alpha DSLR-A500. The full galleries are viewable at Nikon D40X Gallery and Sony A500 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Nikon D40X over the Sony A500
D40X | A500 |
---|
Reasons to pick Sony A500 over the Nikon D40X
A500 | D40X | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Released | August 2009 | ![]() | May 2007 | More modern by 27 months |
Display type | Tilting | ![]() | Fixed | Tilting display |
Display sizing | 3" | ![]() | 2.5" | Larger display (+0.5") |
Common features in the Nikon D40X and Sony A500
D40X | A500 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Manual focus | ![]() | Dial precise focus | ||
Display resolution | 230k | ![]() | 230k | Same display resolution |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Neither includes selfie screen | ||
Touch display | ![]() | Neither includes Touch display |
Nikon D40X vs Sony A500 Physical Comparison
For those who are going to carry around your camera frequently, you should factor in its weight and measurements. The Nikon D40X features physical measurements of 124mm x 94mm x 64mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.5") with a weight of 522 grams (1.15 lbs) while the Sony A500 has proportions of 137mm x 104mm x 84mm (5.4" x 4.1" x 3.3") accompanied by a weight of 630 grams (1.39 lbs).
Check the Nikon D40X and Sony A500 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you have chosen during that time. Following is the front view size comparison of the D40X compared to the A500.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the D40X and A500 is 71 and 63 respectively.

Nikon D40X vs Sony A500 Sensor Comparison
More often than not, it is tough to envision the difference between sensor sizes just by looking at specifications. The pic underneath will help provide you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the D40X and A500.
Plainly, the two cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing but not the same MP. You should anticipate the Sony A500 to give extra detail because of its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop images far more aggressively. The more aged D40X is going to be disadvantaged in sensor technology.

Nikon D40X vs Sony A500 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Nikon D40X vs Sony A500 Specifications
Nikon D40X | Sony Alpha DSLR-A500 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Brand | Nikon | Sony |
Model | Nikon D40X | Sony Alpha DSLR-A500 |
Class | Entry-Level DSLR | Entry-Level DSLR |
Released | 2007-05-27 | 2009-08-27 |
Body design | Compact SLR | Compact SLR |
Sensor Information | ||
Powered by | Expeed | Bionz |
Sensor type | CCD | CMOS |
Sensor size | APS-C | APS-C |
Sensor measurements | 23.7 x 15.6mm | 23.5 x 15.6mm |
Sensor area | 369.7mm² | 366.6mm² |
Sensor resolution | 10 megapixel | 12 megapixel |
Anti aliasing filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 3:2 | 3:2 and 16:9 |
Peak resolution | 3872 x 2592 | 4272 x 2848 |
Highest native ISO | 1600 | 12800 |
Highest enhanced ISO | 3200 | - |
Min native ISO | 100 | 200 |
RAW photos | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Manual focus | ||
Touch to focus | ||
AF continuous | ||
AF single | ||
AF tracking | ||
Selective AF | ||
Center weighted AF | ||
Multi area AF | ||
AF live view | ||
Face detection focusing | ||
Contract detection focusing | ||
Phase detection focusing | ||
Number of focus points | 3 | 9 |
Lens | ||
Lens mounting type | Nikon F | Sony/Minolta Alpha |
Number of lenses | 309 | 143 |
Focal length multiplier | 1.5 | 1.5 |
Screen | ||
Screen type | Fixed Type | Tilting |
Screen sizing | 2.5 inch | 3 inch |
Resolution of screen | 230 thousand dot | 230 thousand dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch functionality | ||
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | Optical (pentamirror) | Optical (pentamirror) |
Viewfinder coverage | 95% | 95% |
Viewfinder magnification | 0.53x | 0.53x |
Features | ||
Min shutter speed | 30 secs | 30 secs |
Max shutter speed | 1/4000 secs | 1/4000 secs |
Continuous shutter speed | 3.0 frames per second | 5.0 frames per second |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Expose Manually | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Custom WB | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Integrated flash | ||
Flash range | 17.00 m | 12.00 m |
Flash modes | Front curtain, Rear curtain, Red-Eye, Slow, Red-Eye Slow | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync, High Speed Sync, Rear Curtain, Fill-in, Wireless |
External flash | ||
Auto exposure bracketing | ||
WB bracketing | ||
Max flash sync | 1/200 secs | 1/160 secs |
Exposure | ||
Multisegment metering | ||
Average metering | ||
Spot metering | ||
Partial metering | ||
AF area metering | ||
Center weighted metering | ||
Video features | ||
Highest video resolution | None | None |
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 | 522 grams (1.15 pounds) | 630 grams (1.39 pounds) |
Dimensions | 124 x 94 x 64mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.5") | 137 x 104 x 84mm (5.4" x 4.1" x 3.3") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO Overall score | 63 | 64 |
DXO Color Depth score | 22.4 | 21.8 |
DXO Dynamic range score | 11.4 | 11.6 |
DXO Low light score | 516 | 772 |
Other | ||
Battery life | - | 520 shots |
Battery form | - | Battery Pack |
Battery model | EN-EL9 | NP-FM500H |
Self timer | Yes (2 to 20 sec) | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
Time lapse shooting | ||
Type of storage | SD/SDHC card | SD/ SDHC, Memory Stick Pro Duo/ Pro-HG Duo |
Storage slots | One | One |
Launch price | $375 | $638 |