* 10.1 MP APS-C CMOS sensor
* 6.5fps, 75 JPEG image burst
* High precision wide area AF
* 3.0" LCD with Live View mode
* DIGIC III processor
* EOS Integrated Cleaning System
* Picture Style
* Magnesium alloy body
* Compatible with all EF/EF-S lenses and EX Speedlites
Made to be challenged.
10.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor
Canon’s CMOS sensor gives the camera a wide dynamic range, retaining subtle details in shadow and highlight areas. An improved pixel design and on-chip noise reduction ensure clean, crisp images throughout the ISO range. Images are converted at 14 bits for finer gradations and superior colour reproduction.
6.5 fps shooting
The EOS 40D captures up to 6.5 frames per second for a continuous burst of up to 75 large JPEG images (17 in RAW).
Wide-area AF with 9 cross type points
The high precision AF system employs 9 cross type points for precise focusing on both horizontal and vertical planes. The central AF point offers sensitivity up to f/2.8. Points are spread out across the AF frame to better accommodate off-centre subjects.
3.0" LCD with Live View mode
The bright 3.0" LCD provides pin-sharp definition for checking focus and composition, with 10x magnification for finer details. When shooting from awkward positions, Live View mode gives you the option of framing your image from the LCD.
DIGIC III processor
Fast and highly accurate, DIGIC III processes images at 14 bits for finer colour gradations. DIGIC III minimizes power consumption for prolonged battery life and delivers instant 0.15 second start up time.
EOS Integrated Cleaning System
Canon’s built-in dust prevention and cleaning system works to keep the sensor clean. A combination of technologies reduces, repels and removes dust and includes a Self-Cleaning Sensor Unit that shakes dust from the sensor with each power on.
Picture Style
Picture Style presets provide easy control over image processing parameters. Each style offers a different colour response. Picture Style presets are customizable in-camera or through the supplied Picture Style Editor software.
Magnesium alloy body
A durable magnesium alloy body with environmental seals protects the camera from the rigours of heavy use.
EF lenses and accessories
The EOS 40D is compatible with over 60 EF and EF-S lenses, and all EX Series Speedlite flash units. Wireless shooting and remote file transfers are possible with the optional Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E3.
Connectivity
Video Out allows reviewing on a TV screen. Connect with USB 2.0 Hi-speed for fast data transfers.
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Author
glsammy Knight Grand Cross of the Wild Empire
Registered: October 2005 Location: Nottingham Posts: 12194
Review Date: Sat 15, March, 2008
Would you recommend it? Yes |
Total Spent: £579.00| Rating: 9
Strengths:
Fast slick handling. ISO changes whilst shooting. Low noise at high ISO.
Weaknesses:
None yet
I've had two good days shooting with the 40D, taking over 1500 shots.
My first impressions are very favourable. The shooting rate doesn't sound on paper much faster than the 20D, (6.5 fps against 5 fps) but in reality it is. The buffer is much larger. So far I've only been shooting JPEG, but it can shoot extremely quickly and consistently.
The improvements I really like are firstly the ISO changes. You can see the ISO settings in the viewfinder, and it's easy to alter as you shoot which is great. No more having to take the camera from your eye to alter. The range is also better, and more importantly, the noise levels are far lower. I particularly like the higher settings, no more 800 to 1600, you've now got 800 1000 1250 1600. From the images I've seen, the 1250 seems to me to be better than the 20D's 800. I was shooting at 1000 ISO yesterday and the noise levels were very low, with the detail holding up well.
The metering options have improved, with spot as an option. It works well, but it can cause a few problems if your just off target as you shoot. Not a camera problem, but a user one.
The camera seems to me to meter more accurately, although I'd like to do a bit more variation in conditions before I'm sure of this.
As for shooting modes, you've got the High speed continuous, (6.5 fps) which I used on my first day out with it. You've also got slow speed continuous (3fps) I did wonder what's the point of that one, but after taking so many shots on the first day, I can see it being very useful!
The focusing does seem to be better, it's hard to do a direct comparison, it just feels slicker and more precise. I haven't done much tracking of birds in flight other than herons, which anything could focus on! That's something I intend to have a good go at next week.
The rear screen is a vast improvement over the 20D, with far more detail showing on the screen. A couple of good changes I've found so far is the removal of the delete all option when reviewing. You can still delete the image your viewing, but not all on the card. I've accidentally chosen delete all on my 20D, so I can appreciate this improvement.
I also like the point that when your reviewing images, if you stop then start again, you don't go back to the beginning, you pick up where you left off. This is much better.
The Menu is better laid out than the 20D, with a simple to navigate structure.
Overall picture quality on the ones I've seen so far are extremely good. I rate them better than the 20D, with more detail and clearer straight out of the camera. I've switched off all the enhancements, such as in camera sharpening, but I intend to have a go with some of the pre-built in options just to see if they're worthwhile. The images just look more punchy and more detailed.
The camera has a load of program options which I doubt I'll ever use, such as landscape, portrait, etc. These are to me the gimmicky items. Mine tends to get stuck on AV or manual!
Battery life is superb. I'm still on the first battery charge, so Canon were very cautious with their 1,000 shot claim, as mine has done well over 1,500! I haven't used flash at all yet.
I haven't tried this live view business, I imagine that will be of most use when doing close up macro work.
Negatives.....I'm thinking......No, I can't think of any. Nothing has annoyed me yet.
Anyone using a 20D or earlier and is wondering if it's worth upgrading, my recommendation would be a definite yes.
