Canon EOS 40D Digital SLR

The long-awaited Canon EOS 40D offers some innovative new features. We particularly like the 3-inch (7.5cm) 'live view' LCD, previously an Olympus exclusive, and the 6.5fps burst mode. This is a worthy replacement to the EOS 30D.

The EOS 40D is a mid- to high-level SLR with easy-to-use functions for the beginner and more advanced features for serious hobbyist or semi-professional photographers.

If you're looking for an entry-level digital SLR, you should also consider the Canon EOS 1000D and EOS 450D.

Key Features

Outstanding image quality

• 10.1 Megapixel CMOS Image sensor and
• DiG!C III Image Processor

High Performance Features

• 6.5 fps (up to 75 in a single burst)
• 9-point AF
• ISO 100-1600 (expandable to 3200 via Custom Fctn)
• Spot Metering

Be more creative

• Live View Mode
• Picture Style Modes

Clearer Vision

• EOS Integrated Cleaning System
• 3.0" LCD Screen

Description

A 10.1 Megapixel Canon developed CMOS sensor and DiG!C III Image Processor combine to deliver superb image quality with low noise and natural colour. Key new features include the EOS Integrated Cleaning System and Live View Shooting (with AF capabilities). With the ability to capture up to 6.5fps in incredible 14-bit colour, the EOS 40D is the only option for the enthusiast photographer.

Amazing Quality, Lightning Speed

• Canon developed 10.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor delivering stunning professional quality photographs.
• DiG!C III image processor offering blazingly fast operation, unsurpassed detail and brilliant 14-bit colour.
• Super stylish design with Command Dial for simplicity and creative fun
• Fast and responsive 9-point AF system can be used on automatic or manual mode, shooting 6.5 frames per second with the ability to capture an incredible 75 shots in a single continuous burst.
• The EOS Integrated Cleaning System prevents and automatically removes tiny dust particles resulting in spotless images.

Freedom To Shoot And Print Like Never Before

• Advanced E-TTL II flash metering to ensure highly accurate exposure when shooting with flash
• Impressive 3.0 inch LCD displaying user friendly operation menus and for reviewing captured images
• Just like our compact cameras, with the LiveView mode you can now hold the camera away from your face and still clearly see what you are shooting on the 3.0 inch LCD screen.
• Print striking A3 prints and larger, with a PC or directly to PictBridge or Canon PIXMA photo printers
• Simple to use software and USB 2.0 Hi-speed interface for image management and transfer to a computer

Creative Control Made Easy

• 12 Creative Zone modes plus 3 Creative User settings for customising a particular shot. They are easily selectable via the Command Dial for complete control
• Variable sensitivity between ISO 100 to ISO 1600 offering high levels of creative flexibility
• 35-zone Evaluative metering with user selectable metering patterns for high exposure accuracy
• Extensive exposure including AE lock, compensation and bracketing
• Picture Style settings for simple image colour control and consistency offering 6 present looks Standard, portrait, landscape, Neutral, Faithful and Monochrome

Avg. Visitor Rating: 5 out of 5
Based on 1 reviews | Write a review

Reviewer : Tappet
Date : 2/10/2007

Rating :  (5)

Review : I picked up my EOS 40D at 10.00 PM on a Friday, and had about an hour to play with it on the Saturday. After I set it up to my preferences I read the instruction book . . . Here's an email comment from my cousin whose baby's christening I photographed on the Sunday morning, taking about 450 high-resolution photos: "Hi Andrew, you’ve outdone yourself mate – the photos arrived this morning and they are sensational . . . we’ll really cherish them." I simply couldn't have achieved the same result with my old, faithful EOS 50E. Prior to that weekend I'd only taken about 20 photos on a digital camera. Simply put, the EOS 40D is fantastic, so intuitive and easy to use, and the output quality is superb!

Camera-Warehouse does not necessarily share any of the opinions stated above.

Resolution (MP): 10.1 v 12.3 (Nikon)
Sensor size: 22.2x14.8 v 23.6x15.8 (Nikon)
ISO: 100-3200 v 100-3200 (draw)
LCD viewer: 7.5cm v 7.5cm (poss. higher resolution on Nikon?)
AF points: 9 v 51 (err...Nikon?)
Burst: 6.5fps (70 shots max.) v 6fps or 8fps w/ battery grip or AC power (draw)
Viewfinder: 95% coverage v 100% coverage (Nikon)
Weight: 740g v 825g (Canon)
Availibility: Any time now v November (Canon)

We don't know what the price difference is going to be in Aus, yet (it doesn't always translate directly from US prices), but it's obvious that the Nikon is the better spec'd camera. That's not to say that the Canon is a bad camera, of course, and the Nikon is quite heavy in comparison. The 40D would be a good option if you want to save a few $$, aren't a weightlifter in your spare time and don't need 51-point AF. If you want the best camera in the mid- to high-prosumer range and you don't mind paying a bit more for it, the D300 is the way to go.

Australian prices for Nikon D300 will be available in October...delivery in November, according to Nikon. Canon 40D will be available from next week (early Sept.), hopefully, in body only and with 17-85mm IS lens [enthusiast] kit form.

Original Message:
Where there's smoke there's fire? We've received reports that Canon Hong Kong's website has a blank page with the title 'EOS 40D', which has led to widespread speculation that this new digital SLR is more than just a rumour.

The PMA 2007 show website suggested yesterday the that EOS 40D specifications will be something like:

- 10.1 MP CMOS sensor
- 5fps, 30 JPEG image burst
- Integrated Cleaning System
- 2.5-inch LCD with 230K pixels and 160º viewing angle
- Picture Style image processing
- Spot metering & 9-point AF
- DIGIC II processor with 0.2 sec start up
- Digital Photo Professional software
- Magnesium alloy body
- Compatible with all EF/EF-S lenses and EX Speedlite flashes
- Including powerpack and accessories

I'm sure that the rumours, if true, will be confirmed in the lead up to the show's opening in Las Vegas on the 8th March.