2007 24 Sep

Canon EOS 40D Review

The EOS 40D latest digital SLR for advanced amateurs and semi-professionals with a 10.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor, 6.5 frames per second burst performance, a newly developed AF system and 3.0” LCD with Live View mode, the EOS 40D makes significant advances in both performance and versatility.

The camera benefits from the new EOS technology platform introduced earlier this year with the professional EOS?1D Mark III. Canon’s DIGIC III processor delivers responsive operation, improved colour rendering and near-instant start-up time. The EOS Integrated Cleaning System combats sensor dust, while a strong magnesium alloy body with weather resistance ensures lasting durability.

“The EOS 40D represents an important step in the development of EOS for the advanced amateur market. It incorporates many of the technologies pioneered in our latest EOS-1 series cameras,” said Mogens Jensen, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging, Europe. “For digital photographers, the benefits of upgrading to the EOS 40D are real and significant. For analogue SLR users, there’s never been a more compelling reason to make the switch.”
Features

Increased efficiency 10.1-megapixel CMOS sensor with larger microlenses
Large 3.0-inch LCD display with broadened color gamut
Live View
6.5 frame-per-second continuous shooting capability (3fps also available)
At 6.5fps, the buffer holds around 75 Large/Fine JPEGs or 17 RAW images
At 3fps the buffer holds around 205 Large/Fine JPEGs or 20 RAW images
New AF system with 9 cross type sensors
Enhanced precision center AF zone for lenses f2.8 and faster.
14-bit A/D conversion with Digic III processor
New quieter mirror/shutter assembly
Highlight Tone Priority
High-ISO Noise Reduction
Integrated Self-Cleaning Sensor Unit
Larger (0.95x) optical viewfinder magnification (30D is 0.90x)
Interchangeable focusing screens
Continuous display of ISO in viewfinder
Auto ISO mode
ISO 100-1600 plus “H” (3200) (same as 30D)
Powered by BP-511A, BP-511, or BP-512 lithium-ion battery pack
Stores images on CF cards

Review By reviews.cnet
Representing a more significant leap over the EOS 30D than the 30D was beyond the 20D, the Canon EOS 40D features a redesigned body and menu system, introduces some long-requested features, integrates some of the new technology from the EOS 1D Mark III and delivers a nice bump in resolution and performance. All of that, plus a solid overall increase in speed over its predecessor, make it a no-brainer upgrade from previous models, a substantially better option than its down-the-line sibling, the EOS Rebel XTi and a nice complement for the EOS-1D Mark III.
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Review By cameralabs
Canon’s bumped the resolution from 8 to 10.1 Megapixels, added anti-dust features, increased continuous shooting to 6.5fps, and improved the viewfinder, AF system and weatherproofing. The A-D conversion and RAW files now work in 14-bits, the colour monitor is bigger at 3in, and perhaps most notably of all, the EOS 40D now features Live View facilities. Finally, the EOS 40D supports interchangeable focusing screens, an optional wireless transmitter and even shows the ISO in the viewfinder by popular demand.
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Review By pocket-lint
The new 3-inch LCD is a 230k-pixel device that is extremely nice to use and provides both live view for composing and shooting without using the optical viewfinder, with manual focus assessment. The new LCD also doubles up as display device allowing shooting information and the like to be repeated from the top LCD for example. Both these systems are ideal for tripod use where you cannot always easily assess the scene and shooting information.
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Review By Tech.co.uk
With a bit of practice, you can alter the sensitivity without taking your eye off the subject - very handy in changing light conditions or for when you want to quickly adjust shutter speed. It’s fair to say that despite its complexity, the 40D feels a lot easier to use than its predecessor.

As well as a bigger, brighter three-inch LCD, there’s a new Live View function which reveals exactly what the camera is seeing - just like a digital compact. Live View is most handy in the studio, enabling you to keep eye contact with models or carefully rearrange still life shots without having to constantly squint through the viewfinder.
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Review By photographyblog
The Canon EOS 40D’s software suite is very good, too. Admittedly, photographers who’ve graduated to a camera like this one will almost certainly have chosen image browsing and editing software already, so they won’t need the basic image browsing program included here, but there’s more than that. You also get Canon’s simple but effective PhotoStitch application for making panoramic shots, a utility for using the 40D remotely (while tethered to a PC) and Canon’s Digital Photo Professional application for converting RAW files. This is a big bonus, because other makers don’t always include RAW conversion software. With Nikon SLRs, for example, you have to pay extra to get Nikon Capture NX.
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Review By photoreview
Physically, the 40D is slightly larger and heavier than its predecessor and, in the hands, it is very reminiscent of the EOS 5D, with a similar moulded grip that is recessed to accommodate the middle finger. Photographers with small hands and short fingers will find the size of this camera challenging but those with large or average-sized hands and longer fingers will be delighted with its secure, comfortable feel.
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