Canon EOS 40D

The Canon EOS 40D is the much-anticipated replacement DSLR for the popular EOS 30D. At first glance, the 40D looks like a restrained upgrade; there are several new features that make this a better camera. The new 40D comes with a 10 megapixel APS-C format CMOS sensor with includes the same dust reduction technology as the Canon EOS Rebel 400D / XTi, which is an ultrasonic low pass filter shaker. Other refinements bring the 40D ever closer to the flagship EOS-1D series. The menu system now uses the same page-by-page system as that found on it more expensive siblings and the 40D now supports both RAW and sRAW image capture, along with a move from the prior 12-bit to an impressive 14-bit RAW format made possible by a single DIGIC III processor. Improvements in the auto-focus system include cross-type AF points for F5.6 or faster lenses. Most welcome is a larger and brighter viewfinder, with the ability to change focusing screens, and a larger 3-inch LCD Live-View screen. The 40D also receives a boost in the frame rate up to a blistering 6.5 fps, making this the second fastest member of the Canon EOS Camera System.

One of the most impressive things we noticed right out of the box was that this is a well-made camera. It just feels “right” in the hand, and for anyone upgrading from the Rebel line, a welcome improvement to the somewhat cramped feeling of the Canon EOS Rebel 400D and Canon EOS Rebel 450D models. The build quality is excellent and substantial. Canon had also seen fit to include weather sealing, although just around the battery compartment doors. Another thing you notice is the sound of the shutter. Much quieter than in previous XXD models. One of the most welcome features is the inclusion of the current ISO setting in the viewfinder and top LCD. It looks like Canon finally listened to those wanting this feature.

In performance testing, the EOS 40D really shines. The combination of the new 10-megapixel CMOS sensor and the DIGIC III Image Processor really looks to be a very good one. In comparison test with the EOS 30D and a competitive model such as the Nikon D200, an extension of the cameras dynamic range readily becomes apparent, especially in areas of shadow. RAW images are typically very sharp right out of the camera. Canon cameras gained a reputation for their noise free images, and the 40D does not fail to deliver. Both ISO 1600 and ISO 3200 images were relatively noise free, and certainly were useable for most situations. There is a new noise reduction option available that removes chroma noise.

The EOS 40D is by all accounts, a very nice DSLR and a worthy successor to the EOS 30D. With the recent introduction of a new entry-level of DSLR, the Canon EOS Rebel XS / 1000D, where does this leave the future direction of the XXD models? Will we see a merger of the XXD and XD lines, maybe in the form of a full-frame 50D / 5D? One has to wonder if Canon really needs 4 lines of DSLR models.

Meet The Canon EOS Camera System

The Canon EOS cameras are part of a family or system of cameras and accessories produced by Canon. The EOS system includes digital and film SLR cameras, as well as a large selection of lenses, and flash accessories. The system currently (as of June 2008) includes four models of film SLR cameras and eight models of DSLR (digital single lens reflex) cameras. Also included are over 65 prime and zoom lenses ranging in focal length from ultra-wide angle to super telephoto. The Canon EOS Camera system also includes five external flash devices (Speedlite and macro ring light) and two current lens extenders.

Current Canon EOS Film Cameras
• Canon EOS Rebel K2 – Entry-level 35mm film SLR. Uses a 7-point AF system and has 12 shooting modes available. The K2 is capable of shooting 1.5 frames per second using standard 35mm film.
• Canon EOS Rebel T2 – Another entry-level 35mm film SLR. Uses a similar 7-point AF and shooting modes as the K2, but the frame rate is increased to three per second.
• Canon EOS ELAN 7NE – “Prosumer” 35mm film SLR, a step up from the K2 and T2. Features a 7-point AF, but with a more advanced metering system than either of the entry-level models. The frame rate is increased further to four frames per second.
• Canon EOS-1v – Professional level 35mm film SLR. The top of Canons film SLR line. Features a 45-point AF system, advanced E-TTL metering and a weather-sealed case. Frame rate is an amazing 10 frames per seconded.

Current Canon EOS Digital Cameras
• Canon EOS Rebel XS (1000D) – Newest entry-level 10.2 Megapixel APS-C format DSLR. Has a 7-point AF system and is capable of frames per second.
• Canon EOS Rebel XT (350D) – Entry-level 8.0 Megapixel APS-C format DSLR. Has a 7-point AF system and is capable of shooting a modest three frames per second.
• Canon EOS Rebel XTi (400D) – Entry-level 10.1 Megapixel APS-C format DSLR. Successor to the Rebel XT. Improvements included a new 9-point AF system and improved larger 2.5” LCD. Frame rate remained at three frames per second.
• Canon EOS Rebel XSi (450D) – Entry-level 12.2 Megapixel APS-C format DSLR. Successor to the Rebel XTi. Improvements included an even larger 3.0” LCD with Live View and a slight boosting of the frame rate up to 3.5 frames per second.
• Canon EOS 30D – Mid-level 8.2 Megapixel APS-C format DSLR. Succeeded the previous Canon EOS 20D. Features a 2.5” LCD, 9-point AF system and is capable of shooting up to five frames per second.
• Canon EOS 40D – Mid-level 10.1 Megapixel APS-C format DSLR. Replaces the 30D. Features the larger 3” LCD, Live View and an improved 9-point AF system. Frame rate is increased to 6.5 frames per second.
• Canon EOS 5D – Mid to professional level 12.8 Megapixel Full-frame format DSLR. Includes a 9-point AF system and a 2.5” LCD. Does not have a lens focal length conversion factor like the APS-C format cameras. Cannot be used with the EF-S format lenses. Frame rate is 3 per second. Rumors of a replacement are everywhere.
• Canon EOS 1D Mark III – Professional level 10.1 Megapixel APS-H format DSLR. Includes a 45-point AF system, a new 3” Live view LCD and is weather sealed. Considered the top of the Canon line for sports shooters. Capable of a frame rate of 10 per second.
• Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III – Professional level 21.1 Megapixel Full frame DSLR. Top of the line for current Canon EOS Cameras. Features the new 3” Live view LCD, a 45-point AF System and a frame rate of five per second. Uses two DIGIC III processors. The most advanced Canon EOS Camera to date.

Current Canon EOS Lenses
Canon currently produces a wide variety of prime and zoom lenses that are available in focal lengths as wide as 10mm up to an incredible 1200mm. The lenses are divided up into 9 categories: ultra-wide angle zoom, standard zoom, telephoto zoom, wide-angle, standard telephoto, telephoto, and super telephoto, along with macro and tilt-shift. There are two main classes of lenses based on their lens mounts. EF mount lenses work on all current Canon EOS Cameras. EF-S lenses only work on current APS-C cameras (The Rebel series and 20D, 30D and 40D). Canon also produces both 1.4x and 2.0x lens extenders.

Current EOS External Flash Units (Speedlites)
Canon produces three current models of off-camera flash units:
• Canon Speedlite 220EX – Compatible only with EOS film cameras. Supports E-TTL operations with a guide number of 72
• Canon Speedlite 430EX – Compatible with all current Canon EOS cameras and several of the PowerShot models. Supports E-TTL II along with E-TTL and TTL. Has a guide number of 141.
• Canon Speedlite 580EX II – Compatible with all current EOS digital cameras as well as several of the PowerShot models and several Canon EOS film cameras. Supports E-TTL and TTL. Guide number is 190. Is capable of remote control when used with other Canon Speedlites.
Canon also produces the Macro Ring Lite and the Macro Twin Lite for use in Macro Photography.

Current Canon EOS Software
Canon currently provide a copy of their Digital Photo Professional software with every new Canon EOS Camera. This is a combination RAW converter / image editing application. It also allows for downloading images from the camera to a PC via an included USB cable. In some instances, the software allows for remote shooting capabilities.

Canon EOS Camera System Usage
Canon EOS Cameras are some of the most popular digital cameras in the world today. Countless amateur and professional photographers all over the world use them. The combination of high quality camera bodies, lenses and accessories contributes greatly to the success of the Canon EOS Camera system.