Canon EOS 40D - UK Digital SLR Camera Review

Canon EOS 40D Review

The Canon EOS 40D is a powerfully versatile piece of equipment for the more experienced photographer who wishes to stretch personal boundaries. Its magnesium alloy body offers a strong protection against extreme use.

The 10.1 megapixel CMOS sensor produces clean, precise images that are converted at 14 bits via the DIGIC III processor to give excellent colour to the image and to also economise on power consumption and give an 0.15 second start time.

Canon EOS 40D Front
Canon EOS 40D Back

The EOS cleaning system works to keep dust out and self-cleans. The Canon EOS 40D can capture up to 6.5 fps for a continuous burst of up to 75 large JPEG images or 17 images in RAW.

The Canon EOS 40D has a high precision AF system for use both horizontally and vertically and this uses nine cross type points for accurate focusing. This camera has a Pentaprism viewfinder with an approximate coverage of 95% and a 3" LCD with Live View mode which allows the option of framing your image from screen. Still image format is JPEG (Exif2.21), DCF, DPOF plus RAW+JPEG simultaneous recording.

ISO speed equivalents are auto (100-800), 100-1600 (in 1/3 increases), auto White Balance is with the imaging sensor and offers AWB, shade, cloudy, daylight, tungsten, white fluorescent and one personal setting. Flash modes are auto, manual on/off, red-eye reduction and x-sync 1/250 seconds. Preset modes include; auto, landscape, portrait, sports, night, close-up and Picture Style offers control over processing limitations with each style offering a different colour effect such as monochrome.

The Canon EOS 40D is PictBridge compatible and Video Out allows viewing on a TV screen by connection with USB 2.0 Hi-speed for fast data transfer. A rechargeable Li-ion battery BP-511A is supplied giving an approximate battery life of 800 and there is an automatic battery check.

For the Canon EOS 40D

Canon EOS 40D Specifications & Features

  • 10.1 Megapixels
  • 3.0" TFT, approx. 230,000 pixel
  • TTL-CT-SIR with a CMOS sensor
  • 9-point Auto Focus
  • Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, Flourescent, Flash, Colour Temperature setting and Custom White Balance Settings
  • DIGIC III Image Processor
  • Auto, Manual, On / Off and Red Eye Reduction Flash Modes
  • Auto, Portrait, Landscape, Close-up, Sports, Night Portrait, No Flash, Program AE, Shutter priority AE, Aperture priority AE, Manual and A-DEP Shooting Modes
  • Maximum Image Size 3888 x 2592 Pixels
  • PictBridge Compatible
  • CompactFlash Type I / II (Microdrive compatible)
  • Rechargeable Li-ion Battery
  • 145.5 x 107.8 x 73.5mm Dimensions
  • Approximate Weight 740g

Canon EOS 40D User Reviews

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Reviewer: Philip G Bell - UK
As someone who used to do a lot of film SLR photography years ago, I was reluctant initially to spend a lot of money on a new Digital SLR until I was convinced that the quality was worth the investment.

My first 'near excursion' was to buy a Canon Powershot Pro 1. Not a true SLR although externally one might think so. What convinced me to go down that path was the fabulous Canon L series lens and it certainly paid off with some awesome photographs from the 8 Megapixel Sensor. This camera is still in use by my wife, who is getting some fine photographs from it.

In January 2008. I was fortunate enough to have the Canon 40D body purchased for me as a birthday present from my Wife and grown-up children. This left me to buy a starter lens, which is perhaps one of the tougher decisions when on a limited budget. Unfortunately for me, the L series lenses were just too expensive, although given the money, I would not hesitate. Just visit the online Canon Museum and watch their how lenses are made and you'll see why.

I finally settled on a mid-priced 20mm-135mm f3.5/5.6 with Image Stabiliser and Ultrasonic Focus. I can truthfully say it's a great choice as a starter lens.

As the camera sensor is not full frame, you have to multiply focal lengths by 1.6 so the real focal length becomes 44.8mm - 216mm. Whilst some might find the wide angle end not enough for most people it's not used as much as the full zoom, which is quite a good range for general work and very good for portrait work.

The aperture range of this lens is a good compromise without costing a fortune.

OK back to the camera. It's very easy to use with the 3" display menus are easy to read. For reviewing pictures or using the live view, a few more pixels would have been nice. The review screen is a little too reflective for my liking in bright light.

The rapid shooting is great for action shots, although getting the optimum settings takes a little getting used to. My biggest negative is the positions of some of the rear buttons when switched on makes inadvertent presses inevitable when carrying the camera. I small point but slightly niggling.

The built in sensor cleaning is a gem. The Live view can be coupled with your PC giving a great way of controlling the camera remotely. I have a bird table close to the house and birds will not feed if you are standing too close, but the camera doesn't bother them. I hook up my laptop and can control the camera without them seeing me.

I could go on for hours but overall I am delighted with this camera - do take time to select the best lens for you within your budget. The camera is in the true tradition of Canon's continuous improvement area and all but the lack of full frame which is not always necessary, does away with the need for a 5D. I have heard the 40D described as a Prosumer or Semi-Pro camera. If you are a professional on a tight budget it's great, if you are an serious amateur it's fantastic.

All I need now is a 500mm fast L series lens and I'll be in heaven - Donations greatfully received!!!

Features
Rating 9/10
Image Quality
Rating 9/10
Usability
Rating 9/10
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Canon EOS 40D Review & Features - © UK Digital Camera Reviews 2008
For the Canon EOS 40D
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