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Canon EOS 40D SLR Digital Camera

Canon EOS 40D SLR Digital Camera

Canon - 1901B004Release Date: Sep 2007

The EOS 40D combines Canon's tremendous know-how in both the digital and photographic worlds, creating a camera that not only does everything one would expect of a traditional digital SLR, but one that incorporates staggering leaps forward in technological innovation. With features like Canon's EOS ... Read Morentegrated Cleaning System, Live View Function, a more powerful DIGIC III Image Processor, plus a 10.1-megapixel CMOS sensor, a 3.0-inch LCD monitor and more. Minimize

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Summary of User Reviews

Number of Reviews: 19
Positive Reviews: 89%
Negative Reviews: 11%
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Negative Review

Reviewed by: touristguy87 on 12-Jul-08

Strengths: decent price for the pro subframe line, has a good feature set

Weaknesses: ...just isn't outstanding in any way. "competent".

Summary: I've shot most of the Canon subframes and the 5D pretty hard over the past year and thought I'd give this one a try for a day or two. It's an improvement over the 30d...but barely. I really don't have a use for liveview, sorry, if I'm going to use the LCD screen to set up a shot I might as well just use my G9. Much smaller, cheaper and it's 12MP too. The whole point of a DSLR is to use the viewfinder to take good high-resolution low-noise shots shooting handheld. At this the 40d is adequate but not outstanding...a natural evolution that may have gone too far in terms of the LCD size...I much prefer to have all the buttons on the left of the LCD and if that 3" screen means giving up the button position? Let's just stay at 2.5". The viewfinder is adequate, I've heard more than enough horror stories about the AF accuracy on the 40d (and that would have been my primary concern when upgrading it over the 30d) but I didn't have any real problems with it. It has the same old "streak noise" problem that the 30d and 5D have when shot at high ISO in continuous drive, at low eV. The D300 just does not have this problem. I like the auto ISO mode but I didn't play with it long enough to see how well it works. I would really love to have some of the Pentax K20 features on the Canon DSLRs. In terms of features Canon is really slipping, and I'm sorry but to me LV on a DSLR is about as useful as training-wheels on a bicycle. It does help I suppose when shooting off a tripod but I didn't buy a DSLR to shoot off a tripod. If you're going to do that, just use a powershot better yet an A-series PS with a flip&twist LCD.So in any case ok but not outstanding.

Positive Review

Reviewed by: MilFromOz on 02-May-08

Strengths: High picture quality. Wide choice of lens and accessories. Speed and versatility.

Weaknesses: Me! Can get a little heavy.

Summary: A truly wonderful camera and pleasure to use.I moved from a point-n-shoot camera to a digital SLR and spent many months deciding between Canon, Nikon and others. In the end I went for the Canon EOS 40D for its: Live View mode, 3" screen, positive reviews, wide selection of lens, iso range, image quality, time to first photo speed, body quality and great value. There are many features in this camera so I also bought the book: Canon EOS 40D by David D Busch. You never stop learning.Next for the real costs - the lens, and there are many to choose from. Being an amateur I bought: EF 17-40MM f/4L, EF 85MM f1.8 and EF-S 55-250mm. For macro work I have the Canon extension tube EF12 II.Photo quality is superb even when using the built-in flash. It's now up to me to take good pictures and one book I found invaluable is titled: The Photographer's Eye by Michael Freeman - simply excellent! I purchased many more books as this camera greatly extends your opportunities for phenomenal photo taking.It all fits nicely in my Lowepro Slingshopt 200AW.

Positive Review

Reviewed by: ri43210 on 26-Feb-08

Strengths: Versatility, value for the dollar, professional results.

Weaknesses: Can't think of any.

Summary: I have been using the 10D since the beginning and finally decided to upgrade to the 40D. I paid less for the 40D and now have so many enhancements that I can't even begin to list. I have been 110% happy with the results, and can't wait to pick up the camera and just start snapping away. Whether I am point and shooting or digging into some of the more advanced controls...it's a blast. Everything on this camera is better, faster, easier, more intuitive,

Positive Review

Reviewed by: smjzjones on 24-Jan-08

Strengths: Large LCD Screen, Two Control Dials, and Seems to Focus Faster

Weaknesses: Can't find any

Summary: I was so excited to hear Canon was releasing the 40D. Prior to purchasing the 40D, I owned a Canon Rebel. I must say I have no regrets in purchasing the new 40D. It is a bit larger than the Rebel which makes it more comfortable to hold. It is very responsive, which I need in order to capture my sports photos. It seems to focus faster. I just love the size of the LCD. It makes reading the all the options so easy. To sum it up this camera takes great pictures.

Positive Review

Reviewed by: mfasy on 06-Jan-08

Strengths: Nice upgrade from the 20D. Large lcd screen, faster, live view

Weaknesses: None

Summary: I love this camera and am very happy that I upgraded from my 20D. It is a pleasure to use. I am still learning the new features but I like what I know already.

Positive Review

Reviewed by: ashwini_mm on 27-Dec-07

Strengths: Starts up, shoots, & shuts down quickly; creates clear & consistent photos;hugely flexible. Can't feel the camera vibrate or hear it working. Starts up, shoots, & shuts down quickly, hugely flexible.

Weaknesses: I am so much used to view pictures in viewfinder, and hence its little annoying. This camera body is much heavier than my old digital sony one, for petite size woman like me, it is sometime heavy.

Summary: First off, I'm no camera pro - very amateur. I moved from Sony digital one to this. I feel the body of the 40D is solid as a rock. This camera body exceeds my present digital photo experience. I always like this one over Canon because of inclusion of the creative zone and basic zone features even on their advanced cameras. Battery is also long lasting.Powerful flash, fast, accurate focusting, great looks, this camera is a winner!!

Positive Review

Reviewed by: lmclouth on 19-Dec-07

Strengths: Live View mode to get focus just right; very low noise at higher ISO; solid construction; 3 inch LCD

Weaknesses: A bit pricey but on par with "equivalent" DSLRs from other manufacturers

Summary: I have had a Canon EOS 20D for just over three years and I did not see much of an improvement in the EOS 30D. The EOS 40D is a gigantic leap in technology and features. The consecutive shots speed is very impressive and it has a very fast startup time so you will not miss a shot. I use my DSLR for everyday shots as well as astronomical images shot through a telescope. This camera is the best match for both types of shooting environments.

Negative Review

Reviewed by: Bhaskaranand on 17-Dec-07

Strengths: Good

Weaknesses: when shot in 40 d the picture seems to be blur when you preview the image and its got a warmer tone

Summary: Hi there ,I am professional photographer for 10 years ,I own a 30d and a new 40d Canon 2 nos. there seems to be some manufacturing problem ,when shot in 40d the picture seems to be slight blur when you preview the image (maximum image enlarging ),tried all the adjustment in AF and MF mode ,tried changing lens ,compared shot with 30 d Canon, in 30 d its clear but 40d both the new camera has a problem . And one more problem its gives a warmers tone .I would request someone could give me solution reply to bhaskaranand@hotmail.com -Anand

Positive Review

Reviewed by: OverExposed on 26-Nov-07

Strengths: Live View, 6.5fps, fast focusing, sensor cleaning, custom user settings, histogram.

Weaknesses: Auto focus on Live View mode is only available with the mirror up. Setting the auto focus mode in LV mode is a custom fn setting and not intuitive at first.

Summary: I've been shooting with a 20D for a couple of years now and was impressed with it. The step up to the 40D is a no brainer for me. The LV mode is very handy for macros on a tripod and given it's quiet shutter option, great for situations where noise can post a problem. I wrote a negative about the auto focus in LV mode but the settings can be stored in one of the custom user settings (like I did) making it much easier to work with. The 6.5fps is super fast and the focusing is fast too. The images produced by the Digic III processor are phenomenal with clearer, sharper, images. The 40D has an integrated sensor cleaner which is effective but also integrates with Canon's DPP software that will automatically detect and and remove any left over noise. The histogram and highlight warnings are accurate. The 14bit RAW format is an advantage over the traditional 12 bit format. This histogram is much better than the 20D's too. The buttons and menu is layed out like it's bigger brother 1D Mark III. Having shot the 20D, getting to learn the 40D was a piece of cake but I can see how it could be intimidating at first to the non-experienced. Once you get to know the camera though, you'll definitely enjoy the ride!

Positive Review

Reviewed by: martinsherling on 20-Nov-07

Strengths: Amazingly fast and accurate focusing with perfect exposure

Weaknesses: none

Summary: I have been using the digital Canon EOS since the inception of the 10D . The progression to this newest version has been seamless . The continued ease of usage and tech advancements makes the 40D a pleasure for any advanced amateur or pro.

Positive Review

Reviewed by: KSchultz14 on 19-Nov-07

Strengths: LCD size and view-ability; User defined menu options for a quick find; Sturdy build; dust eliminator system

Weaknesses: I wish there was the option to view the "grid" thru the viewfinder.

Summary: I went from a 20D to the 40D, so I was already familiar with the basic layout of the camera. I love many of the newer features. I wish the camera came with a LCD protector. Seems a waste to submit it to the elements when it means so much to the use of the camera. I think the ability to view thru the LCD is neat, but perhaps a bit over-rated. It many assist when shooting macros on a tripod in very odd arrangements, however. Overall, I think Canon has it's finger on the pulse. It is a great camera for users who want a few more options than the Rebel line-up.

Positive Review

Reviewed by: rhammer45 on 12-Nov-07

Strengths: Sensor cleaning10.1MP3" LCD

Weaknesses: PriceySmall upgrades compared to the 1D or 5D

Summary: I'm one of those guys that has to have the latest and greatest technology. So, when Canon introduced the 40D upgrade from the 30D, I jumped right on it. I really enjoy the fact that the 40D has built-in sensor cleaning versus the 30D (something I definately could have used).I'm not sure how much I'll use the LiveView feature, but the bigger LCD is a plus.

Positive Review

Reviewed by: hipster148 on 26-Oct-07

Strengths: auto focus fast in low light, large lcd

Weaknesses: none

Summary: This camera has taken over the lead in Canon's prosumer/high end line and will provide many great memories for years to come! It even has auto-cleaning which is really a nice feature too.

Positive Review

Reviewed by: mike9898 on 21-Oct-07

Strengths: It is like owning a mini Canon 1d.

Weaknesses: The 1.6 factor

Summary: great camera but if the 1.6 factor can be reduce to 1.3. It will be so much better. Of course, i am not expecting a full frame with the price i am paying for but 1.6 factor is really a lot if you take lots of wide angle picture. On the other hand, if you like to zoom in your subject, it will defintely be a great camera to own. Overall, this is a fair camera with above average performance.

Positive Review

Reviewed by: carsrfun on 12-Oct-07

Strengths: 6.5fps, live view, 3inch LCD, sensor cleaner

Weaknesses: none found yet

Summary: I came from a digital rebel and this is leaps and bounds better. The high speed shooting is phenomenal and would be perfect for sports or other face paced action shots. When i first took it out of the box my initial thoughts were.. this is heavy its built solid and does not have a cheap feel. It contours the hand nice and its easy to grip with the rubber in just the right spots. The camera leaves nothing to be desired for the price its a no brainier.

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