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Canon EOS 40D Digital SLR Review

Review Summary
Reader Score: 6.91 (out of 10)
Review (Summary): "The Canon EOS 40D is the latest of these semi-pro models, following on from the 8 megapixel 30D. It's not before time, either, because Canon's beginner-orientated EOS 400D (Rebel XTi in the U.S.) has been out for some time now and, during that time, the more expensive 30D has had a lower resolution sensor. The 10-megapixel sensor in the new EOS 40D puts that right, and as well as being more robust and better-made than the 400D, it offers a number of other significant advantages. ...

The fact is that the picture quality you get from the Canon EOS 40D is not significantly better than that you get from the EOS 400D or indeed any of the other 10-megapixel SLRs on the market right now. What you’re getting is a camera with more scope, more sophisticated controls and a better design and layout for those who already know one end of a camera from the other. ..."

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Other Reviews For This Model

Review Site Review Score Date Link
Camera Labs 9.25 09-13-07 Read Full Review
Review (Summary): "Canon's EOS 40D is the company's latest DSLR designed for enthusiasts and semi-pros. Announced in August 2007, it's the successor to the EOS 30D, and continues Canon's 18 month cycle for this product line. While the EOS 30D represented a minor upgrade over its predecessor though, the new 40D features significant improvements - and not a moment too soon considering arch rival Nikon's leadership in mid-range DSLRs over the past two years. ...

Ultimately the 40D most-impresses out in the field where it's simply an extremely quick and capable camera which confidently handles almost any situation. Sure, the default settings could do with a slight boost in sharpening to unveil the finest details, but this is easily adjusted if desired. ..."

Camera Labs EOS 40D Video Tour





Review Site Review Score Date Link
Digital Camera Info 9.00 12-22-07 Read Full Review
Review (Summary): "A year and a half in the making, Canon’s EOS 40D modifies the foundation set by the EOS 30D and 20D, while incorporating elements from the manufacturer’s 1D line. The camera is centered on a 10.1-megapixel APS-C-sized CMOS sensor, paired with a newly developed DIGIC III image processor, which boosts the continuous burst speed up to 6.5 frames per second. ...

The EOS 40D stands as a solid successor to Canon’s popular EOS 30D. It offers increased resolution, 30 percent faster continuous shooting, and enhanced computing power. A number of innovations, such as sRAW files, Live Preview, automatic dust reduction, and additional weather seals, also make their first appearance in the series, collectively creating a more dynamic and contemporized feature set. ..."





Review Site Review Score Date Link
Photo Review 9.00 09-22-07 Read Full Review
Review (Summary): "Physically, the 40D is slightly larger and heavier than its predecessor and, in the hands, it is very reminiscent of the EOS 5D, with a similar molded grip that is recessed to accommodate the middle finger. Photographers with small hands and short fingers will find the size of this camera challenging but those with large or average-sized hands and longer fingers will be delighted with its secure, comfortable feel. ...

Attractively priced (and significantly cheaper than its marginally higher-resolution rivals), the EOS 40D would be a great buy for enthusiast photographers who want a higher-featured, more ruggedly build camera then the entry-level models or for professional wedding and event photographers looking for a second camera body. ..."





Review Site Review Score Date Link
Luminous-Landscape 8.00 09-17-07 Read Full Review
Review (Summary): "Released in early September, 2007, just a few weeks after introduction, the Canon 40D is nominally Canon's fifth generation (D30, D60, 10D, 20D, 30D) prosumer DSLR. In truth though, in some cases, such as between the 20D to 30D, there was little to be seen in terms of either features or performance improvements other than nicer floor mats and dual headlights ...The 40D is another matter. ...

... The bottom line is that the Canon 40D is the most DSLR for the money that Canon has ever offered. Certainly in its price range there doesn't seem to be anything that can touch it. Move up a notch in price though and the forthcoming Nikon D300 may well put the squeeze on Canon's hegemony in the DSLR marketplace. ..."





Review Site Review Score Date Link
Imaging-Resource 7.95 08-24-07 Read Full Review
Review (Summary): "At first blush, the Canon 40D consists mostly of incremental improvements, once again. The EOS 40D is not as groundbreaking as some would like, but it's arguable that serious photographers don't want to have to learn whole new ways using their main tools. It's also important to note that Canon's semi-pro SLRs, both the 20D and 30D, are much loved by their owners, producing excellent image quality despite the "mere" 8-megapixel sensor. The line in general has never been about sex-appeal, but about solid, reliable performance. ...

At long last Canon intermediate and pro photographers have a new tool, one with a quite a few advanced features and a little more resolution. It's still familiar, and works pretty well. Most important, though, is its excellent image quality ..."





Review Site Review Score Date Link
DPReview 7.79 08-24-07 Read Full Review
Review (Summary): "... It's been eighteen months since the EOS 30D and although on the surface the 40D looks like a fairly subtle upgrade there's a lot that makes this an even better camera. Of course we expect a step up in megapixels, and so the 40D comes with a ten million pixel CMOS sensor with the same sort of dust reduction as the EOS 400D, an ultrasonic platform which shakes the low pass filter. Other improvements bring the EOS 40D closer into line with the EOS-1D series, these include a move to the same page-by-page menu system, both RAW and sRAW (2.5 MP), 14-bit A/D converter and 14-bit RAW, cross-type AF points for F5.6 or faster lenses, a larger and brighter viewfinder, interchangeable focusing screens, a larger LCD monitor (3.0") and faster continuous shooting (6.5 fps). ...

... From an image quality point of view the combination of the Canon CMOS sensor and DIGIC III processor means equally detailed images at all sensitivities (except maybe ISO 3200), low noise and a complete lack of unnatural artifacts. The new high ISO speed noise reduction option has no effect on luminance detail but removes any lingering chroma noise , giving high ISO images a more film-like grain; ..."





Review Site Review Score Date Link
Popular Photography 7.75 10-11-07 Read Full Review
Review (Summary): "Canon's EOS 30D was the DSLR middleweight contender to beat for most of 2007, thanks to its tough body, great image quality, fast autofocus, and semi-pro controls. So it's no surprise that the new 10.1MP EOS 40D holds fast to the 30D's overall body design and exposure controls. In fact, from the front it's hard to tell them apart. ...

Excellent image quality in the lab translates to excellent image quality in the field if a camera's autofocus, exposure and metering systems, and viewfinder are all top notch. And here, the 40D is hard to beat. Its AF system is among the fastest and most sensitive we've tested, capable of extremely high speeds in bright to moderate light, and decent performance down to EV-2. ..."





Review Site Review Score Date Link
DCResource 7.57 10-26-07 Read Full Review
Review (Summary): "The EOS-40D is Canon's midrange digital SLR, replacing their popular EOS-30D, which was introduced back in February of 2006. While the 30D was a relatively minor update to the 20D, the new 40D has some significant new features. ...

The EOS-40D is capable of producing excellent quality photos, especially with a high quality lens attached (read: not my 17-85 IS lens). The camera produces very smooth-looking (yet still sharp) photos, with pleasing color, and minimal purple fringing (this last one is really more of a lens issue, though). Noise isn't really noticeable until you get near ISO 1600, and even then, it's more than manageable. Even the ISO 3200 is usable ..."





Review Site Review Score Date Link
Megapixel.net ----- 07-15-08 Read Full Review
Review (Summary): "In a world gone crazy over slim and light, full-sized digital SLRs like the Canon 40D ($925-$1300, body only) are behemoths. With the 28-135mm ES zoom included with my review unit, this EOS model weighed a hefty three pounds, and it gave me a whole new perspective on the physical requirements for being a professional photographer. ...

... Although I was not totally enamored with the ergonomic aspects of the Canon EOS 40D, its picture quality is top shelf. Generally, photos had good color fidelity, were sharp and had little detectable noise. ..."





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