Canon EOS 40D 10.1 MP Digital SLR Camera

2 December 2007

Canon EOS 40D 10.1 MP Digital SLR Camera

Posted by Jaco under: Canon; Digital Cameras; Digital SLRs; Reviews .

Canon EOS 40D 10.1MP Digital SLR Camera

The Canon Digital EOS 40D 10.1MP Digital SLR Camera was released as an improvement on the EOS 30D, and being in the enthusiast / “prosumer” range, it is expected to offer more than the cameras in the beginner range such as the Rebel (xxxD) series. Just the magnesium alloy body alone already indicates that this camera was designed to be practical rather than to look pretty. Throw in features like the high resolution image quality, high speed image processing and a weather proof battery compartment & memory card slot and one quickly realizes that this camera was designed to meet the needs of advanced photographers.

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Despite the fact that the 40D uses the same image sensor than the EOS Digital Rebel XTi, the 10.1 megapixel APS-C sensor has been significantly improved. Finer image quality is achieved through the introduction of larger microlenses over each pixel which enhances sensitivity (up to ISO 3200) and reduces noise at the same time. Coupled with the 14 bit Analog to Digital conversion process, the 40D is able to recognize four times more colors than it’s predecessor, the EOS 30D. All these improvements collaborate to produce finer images with deeper and more accurate colors & tones.

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Canon’s proprietary DIGIC III image processor unlocks high speed image processing - at 6.5 frames per second for up to an impressive 20 RAW shots continuously. Staying on the topic of speed, Canon also improved on the speed of the re-designed 9 point Autofocus system, calculating Autofocus 30% faster than the 30D. The ISO on the Canon EOS 40D can be set from 100 to 1600 in 1/3 f-stop increments and a high ISO setting of 3200 is also available. The 40D also introduces, for the first time in any EOS camera, Auto ISO. This new feature automatically adjusts the ISO in less than ideal light conditions to prevent the effect of camera shake in your images.

To assist with the management of large files, the 40d also features the new sRAW format, which delivers the same flexibility of RAW file, but at a quarter of the size. For the first time in outside of the professional xD series, the 40D now also features Live View functionality. This feature displays the view of the lens on the 3 inch LCD screen to enable the user to easily achieve the ideal composition. The bigger LCD screen with 230 000 pixels have been improved and the brightness increased, which helps with the viewing of images and menus in bright sunlight. As with other cameras in this range, the LCD display on the top provides useful information on ISO, white balance, exposure, autofocus and more. This information can also be displayed on the rear LCD, but only after a few pushes of buttons.

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Canon EOS 40D Sample Photo

The included Integrated Cleaning System features a Self-Cleaning Sensor Unit that uses ultrasonic vibrations to shake off dust particles from the low pass filter in front of the sensor. Accompanying this, a built in software system detect dust on the image and saves the location of the dust particle together with the image file, for easy removal in post processing digital imaging software.

To prevent blown highlights, the 40D offers the Highlight Tone Priority feature. First found on the 1D Mark III and now available on the 40D, this feature is a real savior in scenes with high contrast like the classic wedding photo with a dark suit and white dress. However, it should be noted that shadow noise will be slightly more prominent in an HTP image.

Canon EOS 40D 10.1MP Digital SLR

The most obvious difference between the EOS 40D and the Rebel series is that the 40D has an additional control wheel on the rear of the camera.

If you’ve ever tried to shoot in manual mode on a Rebel, you’ll find this second wheel quite useful as it makes it so much easier to adjust shutter speed and aperture simultaneously. In aperture-priority or program autoexposure mode, the rear control wheel adjusts exposure compensation. In practice, this rear wheel makes a real difference, enabling the user to adjust settings on the fly and still get the shots he/she wants.

To summarize the 40D’s most prominent features:

10.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor
DIGIC III image processor
Better and brighter rear LCD
ISO up to 3200
Larger in size puts means its heavier but fits better in adult hands than the Rebel series
Menu system similar to EOS-1D series
Additional rear control wheel for instant adjustment of settings, especially in manual mode
Enhanced durability and protection from water and dust
Continuous shooting at 6.5 frames per second
Superior autofocus system and faster motor drive improves action shots
Auto ISO
Refined AF system now has 9 cross-type AF sensors
3-inch LCD display with live view
Integrated Cleaning System
Highlight Tone Priority feature

It is very clear that Canon designed the 40D with the prosumer in mind, with a load of advanced features that are easily adjustable, packaged in a rugged, semi weather proof body casing. The 40D is certainly not your family day snapshot camera - it’s too bulky for that - but if you’re serious about your photography and need the quality of your photos to be professional, the Canon EOS 40D offers great value for your money.

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