Canon EOS 40D 10.1MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only)
by Canon
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Canon EOS 40D 10.1MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only)
Customer Review: My thoughts after upgrading from Rebel XT
Summary: 5 Stars
Ok, I have not read all the previous reviews so sorry in advance if this has already been covered. My Rebel XT that I've owned for 18 months recently decided to take pictures that are all black (me's thinking the shutter curtain is broken) so I quickly ordered a 40D since my daughter's softball season is coming to a close. After spending a weekend with the 40D taking sports/action photos and general playing around, here are my primary comparisons between the 40D and Rebel XT, in no particular order:
1) I was concerned that the heavier/larger 40D would be a negative in terms of weight/size and fit in my camera bag. To my relief, it fits in my bag, weight really isn't an issue, and the larger size only takes about a day to get used to. In fact, after spending the weekend with the 40D, the Rebel seems too small.
2) 6 frames a second is a *huge* difference from 3 frames a second. I was able to capture action with the 40D that I often missed with the Rebel at my daughters fastpitch softball games.
3) Focus is much improved over the Rebel. Out of 500+ shots, I only had a handful where the focus did not hit. Compare that to about 10-20% on the Rebel.
4) I use the 70-200 F/4 L IS for Softball. During twighlight games, I was able to actually use ISO 800 to keep the shutter speed up. ISO 800 was just too noisy IMO on the Rebel. I'm not sure if IQ on the 40D is better than the Rebel or not in other aspects - it certainly isn't worse, maybe just a tad better..??
5) I love the thumbwheel - I can very quickly review and delete pics between pitches (say, if I was shooting a batter and she didn't swing), which was more cumbersome to do on the Rebel.
6) I'm hoping the automatic sensor cleaning keeps dust off the 40D sensor better than the Rebel
7) Haven't setup the custom C1/C2/C3 settings yet - but I can see they are going to be very valuable
8) So what don't I like? Really, it's only one minor item - I like the On/Off switch and location better on the Rebel. Oh, and since the screen on the back is so big, I can't see how anybody can shoot without getting nose/cheek prints on it.
So there you have it. Would I recommend upgrading if you have a good XT/XTi? Hmmmm...tough question. It's kinda like getting a newer, nicer, better car with more features when your existing car is, in most respects, just fine. I wrestled with fixing my XT, buying another XT/XTi, or getting the 40D - but after 2 weeks (haven't paid the credit card bill yet though...) I'm solidly satisfied I chose the 40D.
Customer Review: Probably Better Value than the 50D
Summary: 5 Stars
I upgraded to this camera from the 10D in July 2008 only to find out a few weeks later that Canon was going to bring out the new 50D. I was initially very irritated, but I've had a couple months now to play with this magnificent camera. This is an extremely well-built camera. I just shot an outdoor jazz concert at night hand held with no flash. I needed to use ISO 1600 to get a decent shutter speed with the available lighting, and I was somewhat skeptical that my photos would be useful. I was amazed to find very little noticeable grain. I only really noticed it in the shadows. There's no way those images would have been usable on my 10D.
The 10 megapixel sensor is more than enough for most any setting I can foresee (you can print 11x14" or larger just fine). The antidust system works like a charm--I haven't had any problem with dust on my sensor. The 3" live view screen is an added bonus I hadn't counted on. It is much easier to see that my images are sharp. The battery lasts for well over 500 exposures without using the internal flash. It has 9 autofocus points that work both horizontally and vertically, making them very effective.
I do have a few minor gripes, but they are very minor:
1) There's this confounded print button that I'll never use, but there's no dedicated button for a mirror lockup. It should be customizable (I think Canon has fixed this on newer cameras).
2) The new picture style function is very nice, but not easy to use if you want to make your own settings.
3) I wish Canon would spread out the AF points so that they are not so close to the center of the view finder. If there were four closer to the "rule of thirds" they would be more useful.
4) I have had an issue with using my external flash. There's a very small lever under one of the metal plates of the hotshoe. When you remove an external flash, sometimes it gets stuck down. If that happens, the internal flash will not pop up because the camera thinks the external flash is on. You can pop that lever up with a pin and it's fine, but it's still a little annoying.
If I had the extra money, I probably would have wished I had waited for the 50D. From what I can tell, that's going to be a significant upgrade from the 40D. However, at an additional cost of almost $500 (really, a 50% increase), I'm just not sure it's going to be worth it. I'm pretty happy with the 40D.
Customer Review: Canon 40D review by new SLR user
Summary: 5 Stars
Excellent Camera. It takes beautiful shots and is both easy and challenging to use (automatic vs. manual modes). With little over a month of use I recommend it to anyone looking to step up from point and shoot cameras into the dSLR realm. I have used both the basic and creative picture taking functions (Automatic and Manual). They allow for an amazing capability in capturing photographs in various conditions. I strive to use the manual "creative" zones more and more but when I need to take a quick shot it is easy to quickly switch to the auto mode (either full or Program AE) to ensure I do not miss anything.
The instruction manual is easy to use, thorough and small. It makes a good "take-along" reference guide if you are using a dSLR for the first time.
The screen is big and bright providing accurate color representation and preview of your shot. (zooming function helps to determine the sharpness of the shot) The camera is a bit larger than comparable dSLR's, but it has a solid ergonomic feel with a thoughtful button and user interface design. Also, while the live view function is a "nice-to have" in the dSLR realm, I have found it invaluable in taking family/group pictures while staging the camera for the shot. (Using grid lines to ensure everything is aligned). The image stabilization found in many canon lenses is amazing and I wish had known earlier (even when purchasing a point and shoot) how helpful it is in taking better hand held, no flash, low light photos. Many brands of point and shoot and dSLR cameras now have this capability.
As an avid point and shoot (35mm, APS, and digital) amateur for the past 12 years I have always thought about moving into the SLR world. It was a big step and am glad I purchased the 40D. It has been a great experience and has fortified my hoby of taking pictures. I look forward to using it at any free moment I get (unfortunately, like many of us, I wish I had more free time). I still take my handy pocket size point and shoot when it isn't easy or appropriate to carry around the larger SLR.
I have also found the following books helpful as I learn more about photography. (especially when experimenting with the manual modes)
-"Understanding Exposure" by Bryan Peterson
-"The Camera" by Ansel Adams
Hope this helps.
Customer Review: Canon Eos 40D
Summary: 5 Stars
This maybe an older member of the Canon Eos family, but it is still holding its own today against the newer generation. I have spent about three weeks shooting with this and have no regrets with this purchase.
The set up is made for simplified shooting with all the essential options always right at your finger tips, rarely needing to spend time scrolling through the menu screen. Also they make it easier to scroll through the menu screen by having short cuts to different parts of the deeper menu, again to save time in a shoot. The live view, which I have rarely used so far, can be very usefully to get an accurate idea of what the picture will look like before snapping it. One thing that I did like that was offered in this canon model, and kept me from buying a Nikon D90, was the fact that I could easily change the focus point without going through the menu screen.
The body is rugged, being made from the magnesium alloy. I have not dropped it yet, but my friend who has the same model, has quite a few times, with no damage to it. The 3 inch screen is perfect for reviewing your shots. Can change the brightness and zoom in to clarify any details. And did I mention that this model can shoot in 6.5 FPS, with the 10.1 MP Senor, resulting in crisp photos. Right now I have mine set to shoot RAW and can take up to 17 continuous with my Kingston 8GB x133 CF Card. Very good quality for the price.
The pictures I have taken, I am extremely happy with so far. And know that this model has so much more potential. I have used a variety of lenses, all giving exceptional result. If you purchase the EF mounts, you are able to upgrade to a higher model and not have to buy new lenses to go along with those models. Another note, I did notice, that if you do switch from manual focusing to automatic focusing or vice versa, that it is a single switch, while on the Nikon D90, there is a switch on the lens and then a switch on the body, losing valuable time, that could make the difference in getting the shot or just missing it.
It is a very good buy, if your looking for a relative inexpensive, yet professional model. Gets easier to use the longer you play with it and you know you have the potential to get any shot you are looking for.
Customer Review: A worthy Upgrade
Summary: 5 Stars
I've had the 20d for 3 years now, and passed on the 30d when it came out.. Just not enough of an upgrade for my money. Then the 40D showed its head.. and Wow! Finally a worthy upgrade! The Huge display LCD makes my 20d look like a child's camera... The live view, I figured would be for amateurs, but I was Wrong! Live View mode allows you to fine-tune manual focusing like never before. With the live mode turned on, you can digitally zoom into any area on the live image, and see it at 5x or 10x zoom, and you can see your focusing change down to the millimeter!.. It's awesome.
Also, the 10mp is nice, but honestly you will likely not even notice this difference.
If fast photography is your thing (sports or wildlife) nothing beats the 6.5fps.. I thought the 20d was fast, but it feels old compared to this new machine.
One bit of advice, get at least a 4gb card.. If you shoot raw or raw+jpeg like I do, then you will fill those 1 and 2gb cards in no time.
The feel of this 40d is much the same as all the series, but the back buttons have been moved to make room for the huge LCD.. Not a big deal, but you will be able to adapt.
Almost forgot, the settings dial now has 3 custom options on it.. Very Cool. This effectively allows you to make custom functions for one touch changes to every important setting all at once. I have one setting that has 400 ISO, continuous shooting, center weighted metering, and several other settings, all for shooting animals on the run. With one turn of the dial, all my settings are now set for landscape; 100ISO, 1/2 stop exposure bracketing, evaluative metering, ect..
It effectively makes missing a photo opportunity impossible, as you don't have to spend 3 minutes making all your adjustments to the camera to adapt to your situation. This is one of the main reasons I pony'd up for this bigger brother to my 20d.
All in all, I'm a very happy customer, and unless you really need full frame (I know we can talk ourselves into anything), this camera will make you smile. :)
P.S. don't expect to get much out of your 20 or 30D on eBay, as they are going for pennies on the dollar.. keep it as a spare or give to your mother.... ok, sell to your mother..