Canon EOS 40D

The Canon EOS 40D is Canon’s 6th prosumer DSLR and since its release 2 years ago, it has always been a popular choice amongst customers. Considering Canon’s line of semi-pro cameras have never been stunners in the looks department, the Canon EOS 40D certainly these cameras are well-loved by their owners for their solid and reliable performance. The 10-megapixel Canon EOS 40D looks like it will live up to the reputation that precedes it.

Design

     As mentioned, the Canon EOS 40D probably will not get full marks when it comes to looks. With a magnesium alloy body and stainless steel frame, it, in fact, resembles its predecessors, the Canon EOS 30D and 5D, except for the large 3.0-inch rear LCD with a 140-degree viewing angle, which is a bonus for Canon lovers who compose their pictures in Live View mode. But with its larger and brighter viewfinder, users can also choose not to use Live View mode. Be it buttons or user interface, Canon almost always gets it right, especially with its semi-pro line of cameras.

     The Canon EOS 40D does feature a new button that is only seen before on the Canon EOS-1D Mark III – the AF-on button, which activates autofocus. The mode dial on this camera also boasts more buttons than on its predecessors, namely C1, C2 and C3, convenient storage buttons for the user’s favourite settings, which I am sure, will garner lots more support and cheer for Canon. Canon has also added a “Auto” word to the top LCD to represent “Auto ISO” where in the past, Canon users had to hold down the ISO button to view this setting and an all new B/W icon indicates Black and White mode.

     Holding it in your hands, you will find the Canon EOS 40D feels familiar. It feels just like the Canon EOS 30D, solid and reliable, albeit 1.4 ounces heavier and a tad larger all round. As with its predecessors, the grip has a perfect-sized indent for the middle finger, giving users a great grip and control on the camera.

Features

     The Canon EOS 40D is armed with a 10-megapixel CMOS sensor with EOS Integrated Cleaning System for dust reduction and DIGIC III Image processer with 14-bit Analog-to-Digital conversion, which allows for Live View mode, faster image processing and improved image quality. This new process is also said to be able to give 1.7 times faster signal processing and lower power consumption. Armed with advanced technology, the Canon EOS 40D offers faster continuous shooting at 6.5fps up to 75 JPEGS and the possibly the quietest shutter in Canon’s DSLR lineup with no winding sound.

     Most of all, the Canon EOS 40D is able to capture both RAW and s-Raw images and features Live View mode and Highlight Tone Priority (HTP) mode featured in Canon’s professional series of cameras, to keep more details in highlights, but at the cost of more noise.

Features

• 10.1 Megapixel CMOS Sensor
• DIGIC III Image Processor
• 14-bit conversion for smooth tone, gradations
• Fast 9-point AF system with cross-type sensors
• 6.5 fps continuous shooting speed, burst rate up to 75 JPEGs or 17 RAW images
• Highlight Tone Priority
• EOS Integrated Cleaning System
• Large 3.0-inch LCD monitor with 140° wide viewing angle
• Live View Function

Image Sensor

• Type : High-sensitivity, high-resolution, single-plate, CMOS sensor
• Size : 22.2 x 14.8 mm
• Total Pixels : 10.50 megapixels

Autofocus

• Type : TTL-CT-SIR AF-dedicated CMOS sensor
• AF Points : 9 cross-type AF points, including center AF point; fully functional with f/5.6 or faster lenses
• Metering Range : EV -0.5-18 (at 73°F/23°C, ISO 100)

 Other Specifications

• LCD Monitor Size : 3.0 in.
• LCD Monitor Resolution : 230,000 dots (TFT color, liquid-crystal monitor)
• ISO Speed : Equivalent to ISO 100-1600 (in 1/3-stop or whole stop increments), expanded to ISO 3200
• Shutter Speeds : 1/8000 to 30 sec. (1/3-stop increments), X-sync at 1/250 sec.
• Built-In Flash : Retractable, auto pop-up flash
• Flash Metering : E-TTL II autoflash
• Continuous Shooting Speed : Max 6.5 shots/sec. at High Speed, Max 3 shots/sec. at Low Speed
• Compatible Lenses : Canon EF, EF-S, TS-E, and MP-E lenses
• Storage Media : CF Card Type I and II
• Battery : BP-511A, BP-514, BP-511, or BP-512 Rechargeable Lithium-ion Battery
• Battery Life (shots per charge) : approx. 1100 (No Flash), 800 (50% Flash Use)
• Weight : 26.1 oz./740g (body only)

Performance

     This semi-pro camera comprises a 9-point AF cross-type sensor that is said to outshine that of the Canon EOS 20D and 30D, giving the 40D a faster and more accurate AF calculation speed, especially in low light conditions. However, when it comes to shooting sports, the Canon EOS 40D definitely fares very well in AI Focus mode, better than in AI Servo mode. Perhaps the features such as Live View and larger LCD are not important but simply by looking at its faster frame rate and ergonomic design of the Canon EOS 40D is enough to up the drool factor on this camera. On top of that, Canon users upgrading to this Canon EOS 40D will find it a breeze to use, considering most of its controls resemble its predecessors. Canon has done well with getting rid of its long scrolling menus and putting in its place, a tabbed menu which is alot easier and quicker to navigate with the Multi-controller.

Bottom Line

     The Canon EOS 40D is a fast camera that produces excellent images, even at high ISOs. Sitting between a Canon EOS-1d Mark III and the Canon EOS Rebel XTi, this camera will present you some amazing photos with its pack of features picked from some of the best high-end cameras in the Canon digital SLR lineup. Considering all that, it sure is a great buy for its price.