Well, after several films, a couple of hours clicking away and finally printing the images we captured, we finally decided that the Canon EOS 40D is indeed worth its $1,250 – $1,500 price tag. And yeah, it is superior in performance as compared to the 30D. Let’s be honest; the Canon EOS 40D is a D-SLR camera that is about the most complete a camera can be. It is a solid camera, with excellent auto focus, a silent shutter and mirror, a beautiful viewfinder and fine operation. Packed with lots of advanced features and user-friendly settings, the Canon EOS 40D is a great option for film based SLR user or those looking to upgrade their DSLRs. With a 10.1 megapixels CMOS sensor, the 40D reproduces exceptionally accurate colour with minimal noise thanks to its 14-bits image processing and redesigned pixels on its sensor.
A key advancement of the Canon EOS 40D is its new 9-point cross-type AF system. All nine AF points can achieve focus on both horizontal and vertical planes. It is divided into two zones: Creative and Basic zone. In the creative zone, there are options that can help the user to adjust the aperture and shutter speed. If you prefer a broader area for flash metering, there’s a menu setting to change to Average flash metering?where the entire 35-zone area is measured evenly for flash exposure. For the first time in any EOS camera, the 40D model offers Auto ISO capability in Creative Zone exposure modes. This valuable new feature adjusts the ISO speed to the optimal setting based on low light or shaky shooting conditions.
The body is designed for a decent pair of (masculine – I suppose) hands – mine is fainting after ten minutes of holding it and struggling with all the sophisticated apparatus on it. In tests along side the Canon EOS 30D and a competitive model such as the Nikon D200, an extension of the cameras dynamic range readily becomes apparent, especially in areas of shadow. RAW images are typically very sharp right out of the camera. One was this camera, the other was the latest line of macbooks. At roughly the same prices, MacLife took a much tougher stance on MacBooks than they did on this camera.
The camera benefits from the new EOS technology platform introduced earlier this year with the professional EOS1D Mark III. Canon’s DIGIC III processor delivers responsive operation, improved colour rendering and near-instant start-up time. 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. Canon camera lenses employ advanced optical expertise and micron-precision engineering to deliver unprecedented performance in all facets of the photographic process . Special optical technologies, such as Aspherical, ultra-low dispersion, or fluorite elements are featured in the universally acclaimed Canon L Series lenses , and Canon’s Optical Image Stabilizer technology in select camera lenses minimizes the effect of camera shake.
A new My Menu tab provides quick access to frequently used settings, while 24 custom functions allow photographers to fine-tune camera operation and controls. The ability to change the focusing screen – with two additional screens available – adds further versatility. To be that fast, camera equiped with DiGiC III processor and all cross sensor automatic focus system so user will not miss priceless moment in every second. To save media storage usage, EOS 40D also offers sRAW file to keep your photo result lower resolution and size.
Canon’s colorful menu system provides easy, intuitive camera operation. Also almost inevitable is the increase of pixel amount on a new camera. This is also the case with the Canon 40D. This is a nifty feature, especially if you are trying to get pictures with odd points of view, such as with the camera held above your head or at floor level.
Exposures/metering I found to be consistant as you would expect for a camera of this level. White balance was set to the camera’s tungsten preset. Click on the photo to see the high-res image. The crud you see on the chrome is history, not camera artifacts. This is a quick hand-held shoot and run shot, so focus varies from shot to shot, so don’t obsess over sharpness from one to the other.
If you are upgrading from a cheaper digital EOS camera and already have a lens you only need to buy the body. The cheapest option if you don’t have a lens is to buy this camera with the 18-55mm lens. At last Canon has equipped a camera in this class with a decent viewfinder of a decent size. So finally we got rid of the small viewing angle. Can use either EF(full frame sensor) or EFS lenses (consider purchasing EF lenses in case you upgrade to a full frame camera like the 5D). Large, heavy body with a grip that feels comfortable in my hands(compared to the rebel series).
The Canon 40D gives you the same 10-megapixel resolution as the Rebel XTi for nearly double the price, double the size, and double the weight. The sensor is the same physical size as on the Digital Rebel, resulting in a waste of glass when using lenses designed for the full-frame EOS bodies (film, 5D, and 1Ds). As we previously had the pleasure of reviewing the 1D Mark III, this “semi-pro” solution was pretty impressive, and features a lot of things seen on its “big brother”. Replacing the 30D (that we still use on a regular basis for a lot of our articles), the 40D brings quite a bit of evolution to the table. Unsurprisingly, the much-speculated upon replacement for the EOS 30D introduces some long-requested features, integrates some of the new technology from the EOS 1-D Mark III and delivers the usual bump in resolution and performance. The pricing remains similar to that of the 30D, with a body-only version for $1,299 and a kit including the EF f/3.5-5.6 28-135mm IS USM lens for $1,499.
To sum it up this camera takes great pictures. But it’s a niche feature, and current 400D users should be under no illusions as to which camera to upgrade to. The 40D is compatible with the same lenses as the 400D, and is much faster, quicker to use, and notably better built. As with all high-end Canon dSLR cameras, the EOS 40D’s main dial (top) controls the aperture and shutter settings. Canon EOS 40D is a D-SLR camera that is about the most complete a camera can be. It is a solid camera, with excellent auto focus, a silent shutter and mirror, a beautiful viewfinder and fine operation. With this camera, you can look forward to larger, clearer and sharper images; poster size enlargements have never looked so good.
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