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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Canon EOS 40D 10.1MP Digital SLR Camera with EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM Standard Zoom LensCustomer Review: Fantastic camera! Summary: 5 Stars
I've been a Canon user for years now. This little gem of a camera has impressed me since I opened the box.
I've owned a 10D, 30D, 1D classic, XTi Rebel and now this beauty. I had a hard time deciding on the 40D or the 50D but after a couple of days of research, I decided on the 40D kit with the 28-135. This feels great in the hand and if you buy the battery grip it feels even better. I use portrait mode about 50% of the time or more so the grip was a no brainer for me. If you own larger lenses, it makes sence to have something like the grip to help balance out the weight.
The reason I decided to buy this instead of the 50D was a little complicated. I shoot RAW files except for family candids so the smaller file size was a must. The high ISO noise on this camera is actually better than the 50D and I wasn't too interested in the super high ISO feature on the 50D. I don't need an HDMI interface that the 50D provides so, the 40D was the best option for me. The camera allows you to customize your settings and gives you 3 different selections on the mode dial just for those custom user settings. Menus are easy to use and understand. I've probably only used the manual once for something very minor.
The lens was another thing...I wasn't sure if I'd like it or not. Don't get me wrong, it's no L series lens but it's a keeper in my book. The biggest down side to the lens is that the camera itself has a 1.6x crop factor so you're not getting true 28mm on the wide end. When you compare it to a 35mm negative slide, you're getting actually 44.8mm on the short end. Some people find this isn't wide enough. I'm still undecided on that for now. The good thing is, if you find it's not wide enough for you, you can always sell it on Ebay for around $300 USD and buy a wider lens. I'm still considering this. It is, however, a great walk around/general purpose lens. If you're using it outside in good light, the small aperture isn't an issue. You can still stop it down a good bit before having to bump up the ISO and with the IS, you still have some help with camera shake. The colors and contrast are rather good and image sharpness is ok in the hands of an expierenced photographer.
Overall, I'm truly happy with my purchase. I encourage anyone looking at this camera and the 50D to really do your homework. You could still get this kit and not sacrifice much, if anything over the 50D and save some pennies!
Customer Review: Advance amiture SLR Camera Canon EOS 40D Summary: 5 Stars
I purchased this camera Canon EOS 40D as the next step to replace my Canon Digital Rebel (EOS 300D). Though the price tag is high for people like me who are on a tight budget, it was well worth it in the end. It is worth visiting the Canon web site prior to purchase to be informed of the features and performace. I am trying to capture images of birds, often in flight and something capable of numerous continous shots was needed for me. This camera has that second only to the PRO line which would cost over $4,000.00. Once you own one, read the manual carefully, there are a lot of additional settings that passed me by until I carefully read the entire manual. Compared to some of the other SLRs that I have stood next to while photographing, this camera is noticably quieter though not silent.
This is a full size body (larger than the Canon Rebel XTI) and with the extended battery pack whick is worth purchasing for those (like me) who will do full day outings. You can also attach a hand strap that causes the right hand to feel like it is gloved; it eases the need to grip the camera so firmly during extended outdoor picture taking sessions. In addition for those who haven't tried the extended battery pack, it also has another shutter button, and quick function controls like the camera has in the shutter button area so you can hold the camera at the bottom (more naturally) while taking those vertical images.
The lens that comes with this kit is very capable. I use the stablisation mode in most situations and have got great results. With the sensor being smaller than standard 35mm film (the 1.6X conversion factor) the 28mm will not seem wide enough of a view for some cases but other than that it does a wonderful job for the price.
In RAW format, memory will be used up quick (compared to my previous 6mp camera) so I recommend 2GB memory cards or larger for RAW. With the price of memory cards finally dropping the average price; look for a good deal on cards with 120X (10MB)write/read speeds or higher. By doing so you will avoid holding this camera back and enjoy nearly no wait for the next shot whether you just shot single or a continuous serious of shots. For those intertained with performance, in JPEG, I can get up to, if not more than 60 continous focused shots before the camera needs a moment to catch up.
Customer Review: Incredible Summary: 5 Stars
I will be honest, I know absolutely nothing about photography!
I bought this as a gift to myself because it's something I have ALWAYS wanted to do and I get so many ideas for photos. I am also obsessed with Art Wolfe's photographs because they are diamonds!
I was really considering buying a Canon Rebel XTI and did a lot of research about it. But when I picked up the canon 40d it just felt right! It's sooo much money though so I financed it and I have never been happier! I go out every weekend and shoot photos instead of going shopping or laying around the house!
I have booked my first engagement photo session for $100 which will help me pay for the camera and I offered 100% refund if they didn't like it.
So far it's been a trial and error with the camera. I have read through the canon book like 3 times in the past couple of weeks and it's really not that great unfortunately. It does explain how to get the different settings, but it doesn't explain what the settings do. I guess that is my fault because I really do not know what I am doing when it comes to photography but I wish there were more pictures in the book of "this is what happens when you do this setting". I'm a visual learner I guess.
Luckily, I have been doing a lot of online research so it's slow coming. I wish I had a better sight because my lighting always seems off. Anyway! The main point of this is if you're thinking about the decision between this and the XTI, go with the 40d! My mom bought an XTI and has been wishing she had my camera because it just takes great pictures, the body is built strong, it's so much fun! there are so many settings and it's fabulous!
One other thing, I went to a park the first week I got it and there was a pro photographer who has been doing it for like 20 years. He seemed REALLY upset that I had this cam and he didn't. He had a 30d and He was like "You don't even know how to use that cam!" It was kind of embarassing but it still made me feel good that I have such a wonderful piece of equipment. He told me that I should have waited for the 60d to come out but he said it will take me like 10 years to outgrow my camera. If only I could afford some good lenses hehe!
Customer Review: Best Camera I've Owned Yet! Summary: 5 Stars
First off, I'm no camera pro - very amateur. I moved from my P&S to a DSLR this summer. My first DSLR was a Canon Rebel XT. While I was happy with the XT, it was too small for my hands. So I plunked down $$$ for this Canon EOS 40D with the 28-135mm IS lens. My review will compare the XT to the 40D (as that's all the DSLR experience I've had).
I did not purchase this Canon EOS 40D from Amazon - that is why I've had this Camera since late August.
First off, the 40D is the perfect size for my hands. The Rebel XT would leave my pinky hanging cramping my hands after a few shots. The Canon EOS 40D is perfect in terms of hand comfort. All my fingers fit on the grip making the camera feel very solid. The 40D's build quality feels a lot better than the XT.
I noticed that my Rebel XT's autofocus would search a lot over and over. This was extremely annoying especially while trying to take moving pictures. I can tell that the 40D's autofocus is a bit faster and quite a bit more accurate in those situations.
Be aware that the 40D weighs quite a bit more than the Rebel XT. I am still getting used to the weight. However, I am noticing that the heavier 40D is a lot easier to hold resulting in a clear shot than the Rebel XT (at least for me).
The viewfinder is quite a bit bigger than the Rebel XT. I also noticed that it has a "tint" look and takes some getting used to. The viewfinder is a bit brighter than the XT as well.
As far as the lens goes: I had a 28-105mm (nonIS) on my Rebel XT. The 28-135mm is awesome. It zooms further than I've ever needed it to. What I like the most is that it has a nice macro range (better than my 28-105mm lens). The autofocus is extremely fast. I'm sure the Image Stabilizer has saved many of my pictures...
At Large Fine picture sizes average around 4.5MB per shot. So be ready to have a large storage device handy nearby (I use my 500GB external drive).
All in all - I will and have recommended the Canon EOS 40D as a good DSLR for the photography enthusiasts such as myself. I will be keeping this camera for many years. After all, the camera doesn't produce pro shots - the photographer does.
Customer Review: Canon EOS40D--Great Camera. Summary: 5 Stars
I've long been a serious photographer for years. I've owned a Canon AL-1 35mm for years and then owned Sony digital Mavica. I decided to move up into the DSLR cameras. I looked at the Nikon 40D and many others. I spent many months examining specifications of many cameras before deciding to purchase the canon EOS40D with the EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM Standard Zoom Lens and a 4GB memory card.
It's an excellent camera and I'm excited to get to know it. First, let me say whatever your background is, you can't go wrong with this camera. If you want professional high quality images, this camera is capable of producing them for you. If you want, you can stay with the automatic settings and point & shoot, it will take excellent pictures for you. If you want to get more involved and "roll your own", you can! The knobs and controls are very easy to understand and remember. You can control as little or as much as you want. The LCD screen is large and the menus use large fonts, colorfully which makes it easy to read. The camera comes with all the software you require for most work. Professions will still want to use Adobe Photoshop and/or Adobe Lightroom.
I did purchase a spare battery. I wanted the 8GB memory card but couldn't justify the cost. After taking pictures for awhile, I feel that was a good choice. The 4GB card is large enough for most photographers and most work. I'm picky! I want to take and produce the highest quality photos that I can. I use Adobe Photoshop CS3 and Adobe Lightroom. I purchased X-rite Eye-one to calibrate my LCD monitor. I also purchased the X-rite ColorChecker Macbeth color chart and along with the snap-n AcrCalibrator version 1.2 for adobe Photoshop CS3 to calibrate my camera and create presets for my camera when I use the RAW mode.I import my 40D RAW files (.cr2) into adobe bridge and into Photoshop CS3 without problems. I use adobe RBG(1998) as my color manager.
This is by far the best camera I have ever used. It is a reliable true friend. I have added the Canon EF 100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS USM lens to my collection. You won't go wrong with the this Camera.
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