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Canon EOS 40D Digital SLR Camera

Canon 40D

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Key Features of the Canon 40D :
  • Prosumer level Digital SLR Camera.
  • Works with all existing Canon EF and EF-S Lenses.
  • 10.1-megapixel CMOS sensor captures enough detail for photo-quality poster-size prints.
  • Large 3.0" LCD display with enhanced Live View and broadened color gamut.
  • 6.5 frame-per-second continuous shooting capability (for bursts of up to 75 Large/Fine JPEGs or 17 RAW images).
  • sRAW mode; 35-zone metering system.
  • Integrated Self-Cleaning Sensor Unit
  • Powered by BP-511A, BP-511, or BP-512 lithium-ion battery pack.
  • Stores images on CF cards.

Building on the success of Canon's perennially popular "prosumer" EOS 20D and 30D models, the EOS 40D advances the state-of-the-art for mid-range digital SLR cameras, making it a natural first choice for advanced amateur photographers and entry-level professionals, and an ideal second body for more established photo pros. Indeed, given the level of feature upgrades and improvements, technological wizardry, and user-requested creative controls, the Canon EOS 40D SLR's "prosumer" appellation may refer more to its accessible price point than to the exceptional quality, clarity, and resolution of the images it creates.

From the camera's newly enhanced, 10.1-megapixel CMOS imaging sensor (designed and manufactured by Canon) and its proprietary and super-efficient DIGIC III image processor, to its completely redesigned autofocus sensor and fast, 6.5 frame-per-second (fps) continuous shooting capability (for bursts of up to 75 Large/Fine JPEGs or 17 RAW images), the EOS 40D SLR puts the fun in functionality and makes serious photo business a positive pleasure.

Indeed, at 6.5 fps, no digital SLR in the EOS 40D mid-range class and price category has so high a continuous shooting capability, making it ideal for shooting--and actually capturing--speed-sensitive outdoor and wild-nature shots as well as a wide variety of action and sports scenes. The speed of the EOS 40D SLR comes from Canon's balanced combination of its latest processor, DIGIC IIII, DDR SDRAM high-speed memory, four-channel-per-line sensor readout, and two separate motors for shutter and mirror operation.

Display's the Thing
The most easily visible upgrade on the EOS 40D Digital SLR is the camera's larger 3.0-inch LCD screen (compared with the EOS 30D's 2.5-inch monitor). Still, size is only the beginning of the difference between these two cameras' displays. In order to increase viewing ease in outdoor conditions such as bright sunlight, Canon raised the brightness level of the EOS 40D camera's 230,000-pixel LCD screen, broadened the color gamut, and narrowed the viewing angle from 170 degrees to a still wide 140-degree perspective in all directions. An added advantage of the larger-sized display is the ability to use a larger font size for text, making it easier to read setting and menu options on the screen. The camera's menu is organized in the same tabbed format as the EOS-1D Mark III Digital SLR.

Canon extends its "ease-of-reading" policy to the EOS 40D SLR's viewfinder as well. The upgraded viewfinder increases optical magnification from 0.90x to 0.95x, expands the viewing angle from 251 degrees to 264 degrees and raises the eye point from 20mm to 22mm.

Enhanced Durability
Recognizing the often rigorous shooting conditions encountered by professional and advanced amateur photographers, Canon design engineers made the EOS 40D SLR's magnesium alloy exterior even more ruggedly dependable than its predecessors with upgraded dust- and weather-resistant construction, particularly around the camera's connection ports, battery compartment, and single-slot compact flash (CF) memory card door. Should the user inadvertently open the compact flash card door while the camera is writing to the card, a warning will pop up on the LCD screen and an open door "alarm" will sound, but the image(s) will continue writing to the memory card without interruption. The EOS 40D SLR also retains many of the outstanding features of the EOS 30D model, such as its fast 0.15-second initial start-up, its extremely durable shutter (rated up to 100,000 cycles), its top shutter speed of 1/8000 second, and 1/250 maximum X-sync flash shutter speed setting.

Improved Image Quality
Although it is based on the image sensor used in the EOS Digital Rebel XTi, the EOS 40D Digital SLR's 10.1-megapixel CMOS APS-C size image sensor has been significantly improved thanks to the use of larger microlenses over each pixel to reduce noise and expand sensitivity up to ISO 3200. The EOS 40D retains the model 30D camera's 1.6x focal length conversion factor (compared to full-frame digital image sensors or 35mm film) and is compatible with the full line-up of Canon EF lenses as well as the Company's expanding selection of high-quality, affordable EF-S lenses created specifically for Canon digital SLRs with APS-C size image sensors.

Adding to the improved virtuosity of the images captured by the EOS 40D SLR is the camera's 14-bit Analog-to-Digital (A/D) conversion process. Able to recognize 16,384 colors per channel (four times the number of colors recognized by the EOS 30D SLR's 12-bit conversion capability), the EOS 40D camera is able to produce images with finer and more accurate gradations of tones and colors. The EOS 40D also incorporates the optional Highlight Tone Priority and High-ISO Noise Reduction functions first introduced earlier this year with the EOS-1D Mark III Professional Digital SLR.

DIGIC III
DIGIC III is the latest generation of Canon's proprietary image processing engine. DIGIC III technology ensures that the fine details and natural colors of the images are optimally recorded and, as an added bonus, is also responsible for the EOS 40D SLR's high-speed performance, faster signal processing, and even its efficient energy consumption.

sRAW
In addition to retaining the RAW image capture capabilities of its predecessors, the EOS 40D SLR now offers a more manageable "sRAW" recording format. In sRAW mode, the number of pixels is reduced to one-fourth that of a standard RAW image and the file size is cut in half, while retaining all of the flexibility and creative possibilities associated with full-size, conventional RAW images.

Improved Autofocus and Exposure Control
While the EOS 40D SLR maintains the nine-point wide area AF coverage first introduced on the EOS 20D camera, Canon has made significant improvements to its speed, precision, and functionality, minimizing subject recognition problems in the process. The EOS 40D camera's completely redesigned nine-point AF sensor provides cross-type AF measurement at all nine focusing points for maximum apertures up to f5.6, and for the first time in any EOS camera, the central AF point offers enhanced precision for both vertical and horizontal subject contrast when using EF or EF-S lenses featuring maximum apertures of f2.8 or faster. AF calculation speed with the EOS 40D camera is 30 percent faster than the EOS 30D model.

The Canon EOS 40D Digital SLR retains the same 35-zone metering sensor as its predecessor. Available patterns include Evaluative metering, which is linked to all AF points and is set automatically in the Basic Zone modes, Centerweighted average metering, Partial metering, and Spot metering, covering approximately 9 percent or 3.8 percent of the viewfinder at center, respectively. The camera's E-TTL II autoflash and 12 exposure control modes (11 AE modes plus manual) are also unchanged from the EOS 30D SLR model. However, as a result of consumer input, Canon has added three Custom exposure modes. As an added convenience, particularly for wireless flash operations, users can adjust the flash settings of the Canon Speedlite 580EX II directly from the camera.

The Canon EOS 40D camera offers ISO speeds from ISO 100 to ISO 1600 in 1/3-stop increments. Users can also opt for a high-speed setting of ISO 3200. 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. Additionally, the EOS 40D provides full-time display of the active ISO speed setting, both in the viewfinder as well as on the top LCD data panel.

The Canon EOS 40D Digital SLR is also the first camera in its class to offer two interchangeable focusing screens in addition to the standard precision matte screen. Users can opt for a grid-type focus screen that makes it easier to verify horizontal or vertical alignment while determining image composition, as well as the Super-Precision Matte focusing screen that makes it easier to grasp the "sweet spot" of manual focusing when using a lens with a maximum aperture of f2.8 or faster.

Enhanced Live View
Previously the province of the EOS-1D Mark III DSLR (one of Canon's top-tier professional cameras), the Live View function now gives EOS 40D camera users an expanded and exceedingly convenient and comfortable set of shooting options. By permitting the framing and capturing of subjects using the camera's LCD screen instead of the viewfinder, the shooter gains a 100 percent field view to more easily achieve the desired composition. A new Custom Function on the EOS 40D allows autofocus during Live View by pressing the camera's AF-ON button. At that point, the reflex mirror goes down and AF is carried out in the normal way. Letting go of the AF-ON button resumes Live View functions. Also, in the Live View shooting mode the user can magnify the image by five or ten times in order to ensure that the shot is optimally focused. Live View is at its best during tripod shooting--particularly for close-up photography where precise focusing is imperative. As a side benefit, the Live View shooting mode helps to reduce vibration by lifting the reflex mirror out of the optical path well in advance of the exposure, improving image quality at slow shutter speeds. A new electronic 1st-curtain shutter function in Live View mode reduces release time lag and operational noise even further to avoid spooking wildlife or disturbing people nearby with unwanted camera sounds. Additionally, as the release time lag is miniscule, even instantaneous movements like a bird taking flight can be readily captured.

EOS Integrated Cleaning System
First introduced on the EOS Digital Rebel XTi camera, the EOS Integrated Cleaning System is a prime example of trickle-up technology and is now becoming a standard feature on all new EOS Digital SLRs. The camera's Self-Cleaning Sensor Unit uses ultrasonic vibrations to literally shake dust particles off of the low-pass filter in front of the sensor each time the camera is powered up or shut down. Users also have the option of engaging the "clean now" function at will or bypassing it altogether. Additionally, the EOS 40D SLR's manual sensor cleaning function raises the mirror and allows users to clean dust that has stuck to the low-pass filter. Dust that has been shaken or blown loose is then trapped by adhesive at the base of the sensor unit housing, preventing the problematic particles from reattaching themselves to the filter when the camera moves. The second part of the cleaning system is a software solution that maps the location of any spots that may remain on the sensor. The mapped information is saved as Dust Delete Data and attached to the image file. Subsequently, the offending dust information is subtracted from the final image during post processing with a compatible personal computer, using the supplied Digital Photo Professional software.

Improved Software
Among the most valuable features of the Canon EOS 40D Digital SLR is its compatibility with Canon's Picture Style Editor (PSE) 1.0 software. With PSE, shooters can actually design the look of their photographs by inputting their own preferred style, color, and tone curves. The EOS 40D Digital SLR also ships with the latest versions of Canon's powerful software applications, including Digital Photo Professional 3.1 and EOS Utility 2.1, which now support the camera's Remote Live View and Dust Delete Data functions, as well as incorporating a broad range of additional improvements designed to improve image quality and speed up workflow. Also included are ZoomBrowser EX 5.8 and ImageBrowser 5.8 for easy browsing, viewing, printing, and archiving with compatible computer operating systems, including Microsoft Windows Vista and Windows XP, as well as Mac OS X.

Accessories (Not Included--Must be Purchased Separately)
New system accessories for the EOS 40D SLR include the redesigned high-capacity Battery Grip BG-E2N, which facilitates high-volume shooting and easier vertical shooting. Compatible with up to two BP-511A battery packs or a set of six AA-size batteries, the battery grip approximately doubles the number of shots that can be taken, compared with the battery power of the EOS 40D SLR alone. The BG-E2N grip features new sealing material around the battery compartment to better resist water and dust. The new model replaces the original BG-E2 grip and is compatible with the EOS 20D, 30D, and 40D models.

Designed exclusively for the EOS 40D SLR, the new Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E3A permits wireless transfer and back-up, as well as remote control of the camera in Live View mode. It can also be connected to various GPS receivers or Hi-Speed USB 2.0 external storage devices such as convenient flash drives or high-capacity hard drives with much larger storage capacity than the memory cards in the camera for instant back-up as images are captured. Compact and affordable, the WFT-E3A wireless transmitter also doubles as a vertical grip and requires its own BP-511A battery pack in addition to the battery installed in the camera body.



Canon 40D Photo Samples

Click here to view more samples.
These are actual photos taken with Canon 40D.
Photos courtesy of Flickr and belong to respective users. To view a larger image click on thumbnail.

Compare Canon 40D with similar cameras
Name: Nikon D80 Canon 40D
Megapixels: 10.0 10.1
Sensor Type: CCD CMOS
LCD Screen: 2.5 " 3.0 "
ISO: Auto, 100 - 1600 (up to 3200 with boost) 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200 (H)
White balance Settings: 6 positions, plus manual preset 6 positions, Kelvin & manual preset
Max shutter: 1/4000 sec 1/8000 sec
Min shutter: 30 sec + Bulb 30 sec + Bulb
Focal length multiplier: 1.5 1.6
Viewfinder: TTL TTL
Image stabilizer: No No
Weight (with batteries): 668 g (23.6 oz) 822 g (29 oz)
Lowest Price: $991.03 $969.95
Details: View details -



Canon 40D User Reviews

Avg. Rating
4.5
Out of 5
 This item is reviewed by 291 people so far.
Click here for complete reviews.

5
Out of 5
Totally satisfied
- Reviewd on: 2008-09-01 By: Stephen Bay
I own a Canon XTi camera and was very pleased with it. The 40D is a step above the XTi. The image quality is a step better. When you buy a particular brand of camera, whether it be Canon, Nikon, whatever, you "get in bed" with them because of ALL the accessories. I have more money invested in Canon compatible lenses, than just the camera. The Nikon D300 came out and it is a step above the 40D. I could not consider going for it because of having to start over again with all new lenses, flash units, etc.
The 40D is a very high quality camera and the owner sees this the minute you turn the camera on. I am very picky when it comes to picture quality, and although a $4,000 camera will be better than the 40D, I have to be practical. I think the 40D is the best deal (camera) you can get for this amount of money.
5
Out of 5
Great upgrade!
- Reviewd on: 2008-08-31 By: Frank R. Shoemaker Jr.
I started off with the Digital Rebel..... next was the 30D.......but the 40D is better than the previous two put together. If you want to take some serious cameras on a middle budget, this is the camera you want!
5
Out of 5
The 40D - a review from the point of a Rebel XTi owner
- Reviewd on: 2008-08-30 By: A. Brewer
The 40D is an amazing camera, it's loaded with features, takes incredibly sharp photos, and is an all around fun camera. As is tradition with my reviews - i'll break this down into a pros and cons section for readability. Also at the end of the review, i've included some remarks on canon's big brother model for this camera, the 50D.

Pros -

-Autofocus capabilities - one of the biggest advantages of SLR cameras of today as opposed to SLR cameras of many years ago is the ability to autofocus. Not only is the autofocus with the 40D fast (with the 28-135mm USM kit lens) it is also fairly accurate. A difference between this camera and canon's lower EOS models (400D, 450D, etc...) is the performance of the camera in low-light situations. I am a former owner of a Rebel XTi (aka 400D) and the camera's ability to focus in low-light situations (Without firing an AF assist beam) was moderate at best. This is completely different with the 40D. Also, while the XTi and 40D both share 9 autofocus points (and so does every canon EOS model up to the 5D), the points on 40D are much more sensitive and accurate.

-Dynamic range - the camera allows you extreme flexibility in exercising your desire to get the creatively correct exposure (if you don't know what this is check out "Understanding Exposure" by Bryan Peterson). For example, in comparison to the Rebel, the camera adds an extra stop at the shutter speed (1/8000 sec), includes an Auto-ISO setting, and you don't have to set the ISO at 1 stop increments (i.e. ISO 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600). A nice feature on this camera is that it has three Custom settings on the dials where you can save presets for various shooting situations (for example, I have C1 set as my mirror lockup setting - so instead of entering the custom function menus and finding the mirror lockup and enabling it, i just turn my dial to "C1").

-Speed - at 6.5 fps this camera is a machine! To get anymore than that you'd need to have a 1D Mk III. Unfortunately adding the BG-E2N (or BG-E2) battery grip doesn't add any speed to this already blistering mark (unlike it does with some Nikons) but 6.5 fps is going to be more than enough for most proam photographers. Of course be sure to get a quick memory card (Don't waste your money on the SanDisk Extreme IV though becuase I don't believe the 40D supports the new UDMA standard - you're better off with a nice Extreme III. Also, as a side note, for the next two weeks or so SanDisk is offering a big rebate on its cards - check it out).

-Image quality - with the correct equipment (a good tripod, the 40D, the 28-135mm USM lens, and canon's $50 shutter release) the sharpness in the photos that this camera puts out are amazing (before even using an unsharp mask in photoshop). Of course the photos are still high quality while handholding - but some situations mandate that a tripod be used (and really if you always want to get tack sharp photos, then all situations mandate it). The bottom line is you won't be disappointed by the IQ. Even the JPEGs on the camera are high quality (thanks to Canon's Digic 3 image professor). Despite this, i still recommend shooting in RAW + JPEG format for those tricky lighting situations.

-The LCD - granted, the LCD is the 900,000 pixel LCD that's found on the D300 (also several hundred dollars more expensive) or the 900,000+ pixel VGA LCD that will be found on the new 50D (see more info below), but at 300,000 pixels and 3.0'', the LCD is a big plus. The brightness on the LCD of this camera is much improved over earlier EOS Rebel cameras so that you can check out the specs of you photos in the high mid-day sun without looking around to find a shady area. The ability to view the three separate RGB histograms on this camera is a big plus (as opposed to just the brightness histogram).

-Build Quality - with its rugged magnesium alloy body and the weatherproofing measures canon has taken, the 40D is built like a truck. If you're going to invest over $1,000 in a camera you'll want it to be able to take a beating. I'm confident in the fact that the 40D can withstand the daily wear and tear of using it. Granted this isn't the 1Ds Mk III which you can essentially take into a tornado and come out without a scratch on it, but it's also not $7,000.

-Noise levels at high ISO settings (ISO 800-1600) - If you plan to be shooting in low light situations, you'll undoubtedly be forced to use higher ISO settings. Of course higher ISO settings is going to make the images noisier (grainier) as well as possibly distort the color and decrease contrast. The degree to which the 40D is plagued by these issues is very small. While i try to make every exposure at ISO 100, there are some situations where I have to reach up for ISO 800-1600 and I'm never disappointed by the resulting photographs.

Cons -

-Cost - This toy does of course come at a fairly hefty price premium. At $1150 this camera is not going to be for you if you're very budget conscious. Especially because 1150 is just the beginning, all of you newbies out there will soon discover that as soon as you get the camera you'll be lusting for (very expensive) lenses and (less expensive) acessories.

-Weight - the weight on the 40D is certianly formidable. If you're looking for a camera that's light-weight and small - take a look a the EOS rebel series. This factor might not affect you if you don't plan to haul or carry your camera around for longer periods of time, but if you do plan to use it in such a manner go to a local camera store (or electroncs store) and be sure to put the camera in your hands, hold it, get a feel for it.

-Get the 40D now or wait for the 50D? As some of you may know, Canon announced that it will be producing what I view as the bigger brother of the 40D and surprisingly they're going to call it the 50D. I imagine the idea of waiting for the 50D has crossed some of your minds - so I've outlined below some of my ideas on the issue.

-Increased number of MP - The number of megapixels on the 50D will be 15.1 as opposed to the 40D's 10.1. On the same sized sensor, this raises issues of noise, but canon claims the noise levels on the 50D are 1 or 2 stops below those of the 40D. However, if you plan on consistently making very large prints - then this will be an advantage. For the rest of us - it's really not worth the extra money.

-Digic 4 image processor - Like i mentioned above, the 40D has Canon's Digic 3 image processor while the 50D will have the updated version of this processor - which will probably make a small difference in IQ for someone who shoots in JPEG, but if you shoot in RAW and edit your photos anyway - it doesn't make a difference.

-SD as opposed to CF memory - if you have an earlier canon camera and you have money invested in expensive CF cards - beware because like the new Rebel XSi (450D), the 50D will use SD and SDHC cards. While this is nice for someone who has no money invested in CF cards because SD/SDHC cards are typically cheaper, it's pain for those of us that do have several cards.

-Expandable ISO feature - The camera has the ability to shoot at ISO levels up to 12800. This is a useless feature. There will really never be a need to use an ISO level that high. It's really just a marketing thing because Nikon cameras can reach ISO levels that high.

-Speed - the 50D will only be able to shoot 6.3 fps as opposed to the 40D's 6.5 fps. This is probably a negligible difference.

-LCD - as i mentioned above, the LCD on the 50D will be a 900K VGA LCD which promises to be better for viewing images in the field. If you really rely on your LCD for your workflow then this is a big difference.

-Face detection technology - like many of Canon's point and shoot models, the 50D has incorporated face detection in its live view mode. This is nice but not really that useful because you can just select which AF point you wish to utilize. Plus Live View really runs the battery down on the camera.

-HDMI output - once again, this is a marketing thing, if you really like to look at your pictures on your big screen HD TV though, this is a nice feature.

-Cost - of course the 50D is going to cost more than the 40D with the approximate cost for the body $1400 and the cost with the kit lens (supposed to be the new EF-S 18-200mm) at somewhere between $1600-1700. The final issue is time. While Canon says that the 40D will be available in October, it's likely that the camera will be delayed because that is often how things work out.
5
Out of 5
Canon EOS 40D DSLR Review
- Reviewd on: 2008-08-30 By: Tims
It is the most awesome camera with limitless possibilities. Taking pictures is fast and easy once you do a bit of experimenting and practice the same. The pictures captured are so real and alive that it surprises me. And especially the live preview shooting is like an added blessing.
My Congratulations to Canon for introducing such a wonderful camera.
Cheers..!!!
5
Out of 5
Great Photography With Ease!
- Reviewd on: 2008-08-30 By: M. Marinkovich
I've wanted a D-SLR for the longest time, and I always knew Canon made some great cameras. However, now that I've had this for over a month... the EOS 40D isn't just a great camera... it's amazing!

The pictures are outstanding (even in compressed mode!), and this bad boy is so easy to use. I've never used an SLR camera prior to purchasing this (I'm a TOTAL novice here LOL), and in just a weeks time, I felt completely comfortable shooting pictures fully manual.

Features:
The 3" screen is awesome for quick reviewing pictures. My friend has a 20D (I think it's only a 2" screen), and it's so difficult to tell whether or not the picture turned out good.

The AF on this is awfully quick, and really shines when shooting multiple frames per second. I took my 40D to the zoo only days after having it, and my goodness... I couldn't believe the quality of the pictures.

Liveview is pretty cool... but I prefer using the viewfinder. Much easier to tell if the picture is focused.

Battery life is great, and when it's time to recharge... it charges up pretty quick.

I definitely like the IS (Image Stabilizer) that's on the 28-135mm lens. I have a pretty steady hand, so shooting pics at slower speeds still turn out great!

Comfort:
The camera seemed a little large at first... but I noticed it fit in my hands very well. Another friend of mine has a Rebel XT... and I HATE it. It's so small, my hands cramp up after using it for a few minutes.

Build Quality:
The camera feels very solid when holding it, which adds peace of mind as far as lasting a long time.

OVERALL:
I really feel that the novice photographer can enjoy this camera, and not feel intimidated with the amount of features it offers. I'm sure the vets out there can REALLY appreciate what this camera can do. I highly recommend this product!