• 1/1.7 inch 43.3mm2
  • 12.0 megapixels
  • 37.00mm - 111.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 11.8 megapixels
  • 25.00mm (35mm eq.)

Buy From

Differences

Pentax A40 advantages over Nikon 80

  • Larger sensor
    1/1.7 inch vs 1/2.3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 1.90 vs 1.55 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • More telephoto lens reach
    111 mm vs 25 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Manual focus
    Yes vs No
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • Longer exposure
    4 vs 1 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Higher extended ISO
    3200 vs 1600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Nikon 80 advantages over Pentax A40

  • Waterproof
    Yes vs No
    Take photos underwater without destroying your camera!
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Larger lens aperture
    f/2.0 vs f/2.8
    Take photos in low-light or isolate your subject
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Yes vs No
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Thinner
    15 mm vs 22 mm
    Thinner
  • Newer
    8 years vs 17 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Lighter weight
    74g vs 150g
    Lighter weight
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • Wider angle lens
    25 mm vs 37 mm
    Capture more of the scene
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Faster shutter
    1/6400 vs 1/2000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Neither provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • RAW file ability
    Neither provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Hot shoe
    Neither provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Pentax A40

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon 80
NIkon KeyMission 80
All 80 Deals

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Pentax S12

Pentax A40
Pentax S12
  • $300
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $280
  • 1/1.7 inch

Compare Pentax A40 vs Pentax S12

Nikon 80
Pentax S12
  • $399
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Waterproof
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $280
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Nikon 80 vs Pentax S12

Compared to Samsung SL310

Pentax A40
Samsung SL310
  • $300
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Manual focus
  • $230
  • 1/1.72 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Wider angle lens

Compare Pentax A40 vs Samsung SL310

Nikon 80
Samsung SL310
  • $399
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Waterproof
  • Touchscreen
  • $230
  • 1/1.72 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compare Nikon 80 vs Samsung SL310

Compared to Samsung TL34HD

Pentax A40
Samsung TL34HD
  • $300
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Manual focus
  • $330
  • 1/1.72 inch
  • HDMI out
  • More dots on screen

Compare Pentax A40 vs Samsung TL34HD

Nikon 80
Samsung TL34HD
  • $399
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Waterproof
  • $330
  • 1/1.72 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compare Nikon 80 vs Samsung TL34HD

Compared to Samsung ST66

Pentax A40
Samsung ST66
  • $300
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $230
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner

Compare Pentax A40 vs Samsung ST66

Nikon 80
Samsung ST66
  • $399
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Waterproof
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $230
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compare Nikon 80 vs Samsung ST66

Compared to Olympus TG-Tracker

Pentax A40
Olympus TG-Tracker
  • $300
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $500
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Waterproof
  • Shoot 4K video

Compare Pentax A40 vs Olympus TG-Tracker

Nikon 80
Olympus TG-Tracker
  • $399
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Touchscreen
  • $500
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Tiltable Screen

Compare Nikon 80 vs Olympus TG-Tracker

Compare Other Cameras?