The Canon EOS 40D SLR Digital Camera is a superb choice for advanced amateur photographers and entry-level professionals. It incorporates an enhanced, 10.1-megapixel CMOS imaging sensor with the proprietary and super-efficient DIGIC III image processor together with a completely redesigned auto-focus sensor.
Ideal for shooting - and actually capturing - speed-sensitive subjects such as wildlife-nature shots as well as a wide variety of action and sports scenes. The combination of Canon's latest processor, DDR SDRAM high-speed memory, four-channel-per-line sensor readout, and two separate motors for shutter and mirror operation provides a fast, 6.5 frame-per-second (fps) continuous shooting capability. It also has a top shutter speed of 1/8000 seconds, a fast 0.15-second initial start-up, and nearly instantaneous shutter response.
Even with all of this speed, the EOS 40D Digital SLR provides impressive image quality using a 10.1-megapixel CMOS APS-C size image sensor that utilizes large microlenses over each pixel to reduce noise and expand sensitivity up to ISO 3200. Furthermore, the 14-bit Analog-to-Digital (A/D) conversion process enables the camera to recognize 16,384 colors per pixel for finer and more accurate gradations of tones and colors. Canon's proprietary DIGIC III image processing engine then ensures that the fine details and natural colors of the images are optimally recorded and, as an added bonus, is also responsible for its efficient energy consumption.
The large three-inch 230,000-pixel LCD screen of the EOS 40D provides broad color gamut and a viewing angle of 140-degree perspective in all directions to increase viewing ease in conditions such as bright sunlight. An added advantage of the large display is the ability to use a larger font size for text, making it easier to read setting and menu options. More significantly, the Live View function uses the LCD display to provide an expanded and exceedingly convenient 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.
An added Custom Function allows auto-focus during Live View, and provides the user with the ability to magnify the image by five or ten times in order to ensure optimal focus. Live View is at its best during tripod shooting - particularly for close-up photography where precise focusing is imperative. The EOS 40D is also a boon to more traditional shooters as well with an upgraded viewfinder that has an optical magnification of 0.95x, a viewing angle of 264 degrees and an eye point of 22mm.
The enhanced durability of the EOS 40D is attributed to its magnesium alloy exterior with upgraded dust and weather resistant construction, particularly around the camera's connection ports, battery compartment and memory card door. Plus the camera incorporates an extremely durable shutter that has been rated at up to 100,000 cycles, The camera also helps to secure it's data from the most common cause of data corruption problems; should the user inadvertently open the CompactFlash card door while the camera is writing to the card, a warning will pop up on the LCD screen and an "alarm" will sound, but the image(s) will continue writing to the memory card without interruption.
The EOS Integrated Cleaning System 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 manual sensor cleaning function raises the mirror and allows users to clean dust that has stuck to the low-pass filter. The second part of the cleaning system is a software solution that maps the location of any spots that may remain on the sensor. Subsequently, the offending dust information is subtracted from the final image during post processing using the supplied Digital Photo Professional software.
The EOS 40D Digital SLR is compatible with the full line-up of Canon EF lenses as well as the expanding selection of high-quality, affordable EF-S lenses created specifically for Canon Digital SLRs with APS-C size image sensors. It is also compatible with any of the EX Speedlite line of flash units and supports the E-TTL II protocol that provides reliable flash output whether shooting fill-in flash pictures in sunlight, or using flash in total darkness.
System accessories for the EOS 40D SLR include the redesigned high-capacity BG-E2N Battery Grip, which facilitates high-volume shooting, greater power options, and easier vertical shooting. The WFT-E3A Wireless File Transmitter permits wireless transfer and back-up, connection to a GPS receiver, or data transfer to a Hi-Speed USB 2.0 external storage devices as well as remote control of the camera in Live View mode. Furthermore, the EOS 40D is also the first camera in its class to offer two interchangeable focusing screens in addition to the standard precision matte screen.
| Camera Type | Interchangeable Lens SLR (Single Lens Reflex) Digital Camera |
| Image Quality | |
|---|---|
| Image Sensor | APS-C size (22.2 x 14.8mm) 10.5 Megapixel Single-plate, CMOS sensor |
| Effective Resolution | 10.1 million pixels |
| Color Depth |
24-Bit RGB (JPEG) 42-Bit RGB (RAW) |
| Color Modes | Neutral, Faithful, Monochrome, sRGB and Adobe RGB color spaces selectable |
| Image File Formats |
RAW (.CR2) sRAW (.CR2) JPEG (Fine, Normal) RAW+JPEG (simultaneous recording) |
| Recorded Resolution |
Large (3888 x 2592) Medium (2816 x 1880) Small (1936 x 1288) |
| Video Recording | No |
| Audio Recording | No |
| Optics | |
|---|---|
| Lens Mount | Canon EF mount (compatible with EF, EF-S, TS-E, and MP-E lenses) |
| Focal Length Multiplier | 1.6x |
| Optical Image Stabilization | Supports Canon IS and equivalent lenses |
| Focus Control | |
|---|---|
| Focus Type |
TTL-CT-SIR AF-dedicated CMOS sensor with 9 AF points (Automatic or Manual selection) and AF-assist using built-in flash AF Working Range: EV -0.5 - +18 (ISO 100 at 73°F/23°C) |
| Focus Modes | One-Shot AF, Predictive AI Servo AF, AI Focus AF, Manual Focus (MF), AF Point Selection (Automatic, Manual AF) |
| Exposure Control | |
|---|---|
| Sensitivity |
Auto ISO (100 to 400) Selectable ISO (100 - 1600) plus Enhanced H (ISO 3200) |
| Shutter Type | Vertical-travel, mechanical, focal-plane shutter with all speeds electronically controlled |
| Shutter Speed | 30 - 1/8000 second (1/3-stop increments) |
| Mirror Lock-Up | Yes |
| Exposure Metering | 35-zone TTL full aperture metering (Evaluative, Partial, Spot, Center-weighted average) |
| Exposure Modes | Program AE (shiftable), Shutter-priority AE, Aperture-priority AE, Auto Depth-of-field AE (non-shiftable), Full auto (non-shiftable), Programmed image control modes, Manual exposure, E-TTL II autoflash program AE, Exposure Compensation (±3 stops in 1/3- or 1/2-half increments), AE Lock |
| White Balance Modes | Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, White Fluorescent Light, Flash, Custom WB setting, user-set Color Temperature (2,500~10,000K), White balance bracketing (±3 levels in 1-step increments for 3 images), White balance shift (blue/amber bias and/or magenta/green bias ±9 levels) |
| Scene Modes | Standard, Portrait, Landscape, Neutral, Faithful, Monochrome |
| Flash | |
|---|---|
| Built-in Flash | Yes |
| Effective Flash Range | Up to 43' (13m) at ISO 100 |
| External Flash Connection | Dedicated Hot Shoe & PC Terminal |
| External Flash Control | E-TTL II autoflash with Flash Exposure Compensation |
| Maximum Flash Synchronization Speed | 1/250 second |
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Start-Up Time | 0.15 seconds |
| Shutter Lag | 0.059 seconds |
| Time Between Shots | Less than 0.5 seconds |
| Burst Capability | 6.5 fps up to 75 JPEG/17 RAW images |
| Self Timer | 10 seconds or 2 seconds delay |
| Interval Recording | No (Possible with optional TC-80N3 Timer Remote Controller) |
| Date & Time Stamp | Yes |
| Memory & Power | |||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Built-in Memory | No | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Compatible Memory Cards | CompactFlash (type I & II) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| File Size |
|
||||||||||||||||||||
| Battery Type | BP-511A Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Power Adapter | ACK-E2 AC Adapter Kit (optional) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Input/Output | |
|---|---|
| Computer Interface | USB 2.0 Hi-Speed (mini-B port) |
| Direct Print Capable | Yes (PictBridge) |
| Remote Control | N3-type remote control (RS-80N3, TC-80N3 Timer, LC-4 Wireless, computer control when tethered) |
| Video Output | Yes (NTSC & PAL) |
| System & Software Requirements |
Windows 98SE, 2000, ME, XP, Vista Mac OS 8.6-9.x, OS X (10.1 or later) |
| Display | |
|---|---|
| Viewfinder | Eye-level SLR with solid glass pentaprism with Dioptric Adjustment (-3.0 to +1.0 diopter) and Quick-return half mirror |
| Viewfinder Info | AF (AF points, focus confirmation light), Exposure (shutter speed, aperture, ISO speed, AE lock, exposure level, spot metering circle, exposure warning), Flash (flash ready, flash exposure compensation, high-speed sync, FE lock, red-eye reduction light), Image (monochrome shooting, maximum burst, white balance correction, CF card information) |
| Depth-of-Field Preview | Yes |
| LCD Display | 3.0" TFT Color LCD (230,000 pixels) with Brightness Adjust (7-steps) |
| Information Display | Uses 3" Color LCD (Exposure Settings, Warnings, Maximum burst for continuous shooting, Shots remaining, Power Status) |
| Language Options | English, German, French, Dutch, Danish, Portuguese, Finnish, Italian, Norwegian, Swedish, Spanish, Greek, Russian, Polish, Simplified/Traditional Chinese, Korean, Japanese |
| Playback Options | Single image, 4-image index, 9-image index, Jump, Magnified zoom (approx. 1.5x to 10x), Histogram, AF point display, Auto rotate, Rotate, Live View (View image before shooting on LCD monitor; live histogram and live simulation of exposure level possible with C.Fn IV-7-1), Highlight Alert |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Dimensions (HxWxD) | 4.2 x 5.7 x 2.9 (108 x 146 x 74 mm) body only |
| Weight | 26.1 oz. (740 g) body only |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
Cons
Best Uses
Most Liked Positive Review
The Best camera in the World!!!
The best picture taking machine in the world! This is the greatest multi function camera out there. It’s a great FAST back up for the mark IIIds or 5d, an amazing spo...Read complete review
The best picture taking machine in the world! This is the greatest multi function camera out there. It’s a great FAST back up for the mark IIIds or 5d, an amazing sport and nature camera or the best semi-pro camera that the digital photography world has produced! The camera is intuitive to use and after a quick rundown with the manual you can shoot and shoot! This camera is solid and weather proof it can last up to 100,000 exposure which should last you for a while.
One of the best use I found is this. You should invest in a full frame sensor camera for wide angle shots and landscapes. And you should use the 40D as not a back up but rather a dedicated telephoto. The reason being is that because it has the APS-C sensor it “crops” the image by one 1.6. you do not lose quality over the crop but instead gain a larger focal length. For example I put my Cannon L 70-200 f2.8 IS USM (anther great product by from b&h best for portrait and close up sport and bird shooting) and all of a sudden became a 112-300! So you get more bang for your buck. Speed and reliability coincides with 40D. To conclude I looked at a lot of different cameras in the cannon series and found that the 40D is the best compromise between power and price.
One more thing if you like to shoot family shots at your vacations then buy a rebel XT or XTi. But if you have any interest of expanding your photographic abilities and delve into the wonderful world called photography buy the 40D.
DO NOT!!! Do not get side tracked or fooled by the any of the rebels or even the XSi their for armatures strictly. They may be cheap but you will grow out of them very quickly and will not be happy when you find that you need to upgrade so soon. Just remember in digital photography you get what you pay for and the 40D is absolutely worth the money!
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Long exp TEST
I Got this camera the Canon 40D with the Grip 2 batterys a remote switch and the 17-85mm EFS lens
I ran a test this camera against a Film SLR with Kodachr...Read complete review
I Got this camera the Canon 40D with the Grip 2 batterys a remote switch and the 17-85mm EFS lens
I ran a test this camera against a Film SLR with Kodachrome ISO 64 film and this camera had a grip with 4 AA batterys
i ran a battery of tests ranging from exposure comparison quality and abiltys And life in the filed
The test was a Failure the 40D malfunctioned after 5 hours of open exposure (6 hour attemp)
the Film camera profomed all though out the night
the Canon 40 Cost me a beautyfull Reflection Star trails photo but had right nexto it my film camera
and i am going to wait and get the Kodachome processed
So my bets are still on film
Now the other issues during shorter exposure times of 20 Min and 30 Min and 1 hour
the camera studdered the images example
as the earth rotates the stars around The North star move in a clockwise movment causing smooth streaking in a circle
the film camera in past useing Kodak 100UC produced vary smooth high end star trails photography but the 40D had bumps blips and rough spots
The 40D i give an vary bad rating when it comes to long exposure Photography the reason is i only have a 1 hour max exposure that took the camera 40 minutes to process and Died compleatly Frying its internal circuits during the 6Hour attemp
so again DSLR cant do what film can
It makes me sick to see film going out and a much Unstable medium taking its place
Film never heats up film requires Zero battery power to record
the only thing running on a film cam is the software and the Shutter magnets but on a dslr
you have a sensor that Drains batterys and heats up if canon would Put a heat sink on the rear of there sensor and created a cooling fan for the CPU AND ANY part that heats up during prolong exposure and Create an Battery Bridge so you can change batterys during shot that may have saved my camera but now i have to replace the entire unit and i am doutfull another 40D will
handle the kind of art i do with my film cameras
Place i ran the battery of tests :Long exposure
Vanderpool Texas at the Lost Maples State park
on tuesay March 4th 2008
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 54 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-20
Previous | Next »
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about EOS 40D SLR Digital Camera with Canon EF-S 17-85mm IS USM AF Lens:
This is an excelent DSLR at its cost.
You have wide choice of EF as well as EF-S lenses,Eg.10-22mm(EF-S),which gives excellent 16mm wide angle shots at the same time EF70-300mm f4-5.6IS USM delivers awaysome zoom shots.40D also gives beautiful snaps with L-series EF lenses,which are expensive compare to EF-S lenses.
The real fun is,lots of accessories available with which you can get feel of Pro-DSLRs.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about EOS 40D SLR Digital Camera with Canon EF-S 17-85mm IS USM AF Lens:
Great camera - very well built, feels very sturdy, is very quick to respond, and produces great results in almost any setting. Well worth the money!!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about EOS 40D SLR Digital Camera with Canon EF-S 17-85mm IS USM AF Lens:
I'm an amateur photographer looking to advance my skills. I've been wanting a DSLR camera for a long time and have finally made the big purchase. I wanted something that was easy to use, but still has a lot to offer as far as learning and improving my skill. This is definitely the camera for that!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about EOS 40D SLR Digital Camera with Canon EF-S 17-85mm IS USM AF Lens:
Im a freelancer, and having this by my side makes me feel like it got the magic touch for shooting pictures. I think it will take a long time for me on upgrading to another camera.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about EOS 40D SLR Digital Camera with Canon EF-S 17-85mm IS USM AF Lens:
Three letters to describe the 40D - WOW!!! I am nature photographer and this camera really serves up quality images fast! I have taken this camera to its edge from 100+ degree heat to -30 degree weather and it still keeps on shooting! This is one amazing tough system. Only thing I would recommend is to buy a better strap. The stock strap that it comes with can get really painful after hours logging it. Its next test will be in Rajasthan next year, but I can tell you this... this camera will perform.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about EOS 40D SLR Digital Camera with Canon EF-S 17-85mm IS USM AF Lens:
Purchased to upgrade from Canon 10D. I am not at all disapointed. Excellent camera. Weddings, senor pictures, sporting events, this camera is great at it all!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about EOS 40D SLR Digital Camera with Canon EF-S 17-85mm IS USM AF Lens:
Great for action/sports. I use it for my kids' sports activities - volleyball, baseball, rodeo. Great stop-action and high burst rate shutter make for great action shots -PLUS- it's a great training aid as my kids "see themselves"! Recommend using a FAST CF card to take advantage of the high burst rate. I use a Lexar 4GB 300x card. I geat about 800 images in large file format. Battery life is awesome as well, getting 800+ shots (AF & IS on, and some flash) per charge. Use Canon batteries!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about EOS 40D SLR Digital Camera with Canon EF-S 17-85mm IS USM AF Lens:
It's fast, quiet, good quality pictures. Menu is user friendly- easy to use, & understand. Overall, I'm happy with it.
3 things:
1)The portrait feature results are, too orangee photos. Not flattering at all.
2) Pressing the ISO button on top of the LCD and turning the main wheel at the same time takes getting use to, just not comfortable.
3) I read somewhere that the body is heavy because it is made of 2 magnesium shell, It's not heavy at all without the lens attached to it.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about EOS 40D SLR Digital Camera with Canon EF-S 17-85mm IS USM AF Lens:
For a few hundred buck more than a Rebel, the 40D is a much better and pro grade camera. Great heft and feal.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about EOS 40D SLR Digital Camera with Canon EF-S 17-85mm IS USM AF Lens:
This is a great camera. It's my first DSLR, and was well worth the money. the wide angle lens is something that I think I'll never want to be without. I would like it if the camera took video as well. I know there are some cameras coming out with HD video, but you have to pay double what we paid.
I would definitely suggest this camera to somebody interested in buying a DSLR. You really get your money worth. If you were to buy the Rebel XSI with this lense, you'd still pay about the same as we paid.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about EOS 40D SLR Digital Camera with Canon EF-S 17-85mm IS USM AF Lens:
Great construction and feels very well built. It is very versitle and easy to find specific functions on the camera.I found it very easy to figure out how to operate each function at ease and used them at the correct time and place for a better image.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about EOS 40D SLR Digital Camera with Canon EF-S 17-85mm IS USM AF Lens:
Soon to be a photography student at a renown art school, I wanted something I could learn from; besides a book or internet source. After researching and looking over reviews, I realized the Canon EOS 40D seemed like the perfect choice. This camera covers all the functions I need (see, "Best Uses:").
The image quality is unbelievable (compared to the point&shoot cameras I've used prior to an dSLR). Once the controls/features were understood, everything from there on was a breeze. Some people may complain that the sound this camera makes are a, "Con," but personally I enjoy it; lets me know the camera is working and far beyond a rudimentary machine.
Live view is nice; glad it's there. On the other hand, I don't really need it very often. It's only checked off as a, "Con," because I don't need it most of the time, but don't take my word for it. The camera body, plus the lens, makes it heavy for one hand; extended periods of this tend to be bothersome.
I have yet to have found anything - wrong - with the 40D. "Worth every penny," I told everyone who had asked. I knew when I saw this camera that it was love at first site.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about EOS 40D SLR Digital Camera with Canon EF-S 17-85mm IS USM AF Lens:
I've had this camera for about 3 weeks and love everything about it!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about EOS 40D SLR Digital Camera with Canon EF-S 17-85mm IS USM AF Lens:
I upgraded from the 30 D, what a leap! I love this camera and all the useful tools it offers. The live view is a great option esp. with macro or close up stills. Highly recommend to even a beginner....
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about EOS 40D SLR Digital Camera with Canon EF-S 17-85mm IS USM AF Lens:
This camera and lens is an upgrade to my Canon 20D. I especially appreciate the larger viewing screen and image-stabilized lens. Low-light performance is outstanding.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about EOS 40D SLR Digital Camera with Canon EF-S 17-85mm IS USM AF Lens:
Worth every dollar. My best camera ever.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about EOS 40D SLR Digital Camera with Canon EF-S 17-85mm IS USM AF Lens:
I am a professional photographer and I had been waiting to upgrade from my 10D. I saw some of my co-workers images from their 40D and was immediately impressed! It came highly recommended from them and I have been nothing but pleased by its performance! Worth every penny!!! I'm sure the higher end Canon cameras are great, but they are out of my price range, so the 40D is a great buy!!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about EOS 40D SLR Digital Camera with Canon EF-S 17-85mm IS USM AF Lens:
I like the big screen so much, the new menu is so easy to use and the sensor cleaning seems to be a good improvment.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about EOS 40D SLR Digital Camera with Canon EF-S 17-85mm IS USM AF Lens:
I just upgraded from a Rebel XT to the 40D and I couldn't be happier. The controls on the camera, especially in Manual mode, are a big improvement as it's much easier to make changes while looking through the view finder. Plus, with the release of the 50D this camera comes at a good price!
So far I've been very impressed with the image quality and the auto-focus seems to be faster on this camera compared to my Rebel.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about EOS 40D SLR Digital Camera with Canon EF-S 17-85mm IS USM AF Lens:
I purchased this camera with the intent of making it work for me and I have not been disappointed, nor have my customers. I'm very pleased with the overall design and functionality. The only drawback is the weight! This camera can become much heavier than it truly is when carrying it around for 4 to 7 hours during a wedding! But for most folks I'm sure that won't be the case and therefore it won't really be an issue. Enjoy!!
Displaying reviews 1-20
Previous | Next »