Canon EOS 40D features, pros and cons

There are three new middle level SLRs: the Nikon D300, the Sony A700 and the Canon 40D, which can make happy a majority of these brands users. What is more, there is a rumor about the new Pentax K20D, which would come in January. However, it is only a rumor whereas the Canon 40D is just on sale for $1300. Therefore, let us look through Canon 40D advantages and find its good and poor parts.
As for comparing with the Sony A700, look through Sony Alpha A700: choosing a digital SLR for advanced amateurs.
Canon EOS 40D features
- 6.5 fps, burst rate up to 75 consecutive JPEGs or 17 RAW images
- The latest-generation DIGIC III Image Processor
- New 9 cross-type sensors AF system with newest diagonal high-precision cross-type AF at center point with f/2.8 and faster lenses
- 10.1 megapixel CMOS Sensor (22.2 x 14.8 mm, an improved version of the one on the Rebel XTi), extensive noise reduction technology, 14-bit conversion
- EOS Integrated Cleaning System, Picture Style settings, Spot metering, Highlight Tone Priority for advanced in-camera image control
- Large 3.0-inch LCD monitor, advanced Live View Function with new options for reduced shutter time lag and quiet operation
- Strong, rugged build quality: magnesium-alloy exterior, shutter durability-tested to 100,000 cycles, top speed 1/8000, and top x-sync speed 1/250
- Wide range of accessories, including interchangeable focusing screens, extensive remote control options, new battery grip BG-E2N, new dedicated wireless file transmitter WFT-E3A
- Optional Wi-Fi "grip" supports wireless live view, image transfer to computer, and connection to GPS receivers or flash drives
- CompactFlash Type II slot
Canon’s old-fashion APS-C sensor with some cool advantages
Of course, there is something disappointing in fact that the new Canon 40D use the same as Rebel Xti sensor size and the same 10MP. However, it is not the same chip. The EOS 40D's CMOS sensor uses much of the new technology first seen in the EOS-1D Mark III. New mfr’s techniques mean each pixel is more sensitive to light, and less area between pixels is wasted on the sensor. The on-chip noise reduction electronics are also entirely new, and combine with the sensor's general design for less digital noise and better high-ISO performance. 14-bit A/D conversion means fine transitions from light to dark tones, and a significant drop in digital and shadow noise. As a result Canon 40D has larger, clearer, sharper and more detailed photos than Rebel Xti or Canon 30D. For more details about SLR cameras look through Choosing a Digital SLR: Nikon D40s vs D300 or maybe FinePix S8000 vs Fujifilm S5 IS Pro.
Pros:
- A set of useful new features such as Live View
- Retains the user-friendly design of its predecessors
- Continuous shooting speed: takes up to 17 RAW or 75 JPEG photos in a row at 6.5 fps
- Class leading build quality and weather-sealed body
- New 14-bit Analog-to-Digital converter
- Long-living BP-511A lithium-ion battery with 1100 shots per charge
- Prints are a touch sharper than the 30D
- ISO setting finally visible in the viewfinder
Cons:
- The same as the much cheaper EOS 400D resolution and sensor size
- Live view allows only manual focus
- Live view images are far softer than the actual photos
- Superfluous print button on body
- A useless small RAW format, which allows RAW capture at a quarter of the camera's resolution, typically 2.5megapixels at half the file size of a full-resolution RAW image
- CF memory cards only
Conclusion
A list of changes and improvements on the Canon 40D is actually long, beginning with a greatly built body. As for megapixels, just up from the 30D or Rebel XTi, it is a big step forward. Nevertheless, in comparison with Nikon D300 (23.6 x 15.8 mm) or Sony A700 (23.5 x 15.6 mm), Canon’s APS-C sensor size (22.5 x 15.0mm) is not impressive. For more details look through: Nikon D300 as a higher one to Canon 40D and even to sensor’s mommy – Sony Alpha. However, even with alleged Pentax K20D, which has a 14-megapixel sensor of the smaller APS-C size, a 14-bit analog-to-digital converter, a live-view LCD and the same weather resistance as the K10D, the Canon EOS 40D is a great SLR camera.