Canon EOS 40D

A mid-range masterpiece of a camera February 2007

When We launched Photoplus 10 years ago, the Canon EOS 40D was the camera to have. It was lightweight and compact enough to take everywhere, yet had a wealth of high-end controls to suit enthusiast photographers. The top LCD info and row of control buttons on the rear was a welcome inheritance from up-market EOS cameras, while the bigger rear screen was easier on the eye.

Strides in image sensor design and a new-generation DIGIC processor enabled a greater ISO range with considerably cleaner images taken under low lighting conditions. A new edition EF-S 18-55mm kit lens added image stabilization, further enhancing the camera’s low-light shooting potential. The continuous drive rate was faster too, at up to 6.5fps.

Innovations

Taking its lead from the Canon EOS 20Da, which was designed purely for astrophotography, the 40D was the first mainstream DSLR to feature Live View. This has become a crucial feature of all modern cameras, as well as paving the way for movie capture in EOS DSLRS.

Summary

‘Prosumer’ APS-C format DSLRS really came of age with the EOS 40D. Excellent handling and high-end features made it great for everything from portraiture to action sports and beyond. It represented a big step up along the evolutionary path.

specifications

sensor 10.1Mp APS-C processor DIGIC 3 autofocus points 9 – all cross-type iso (exp.) 100-1600 (3200) max drive rate 6.5fps lcd 3 inch, 230k pixels video None