"Canon EOS 40D Digital Camera"

Canon EOS 40D Digital Camera

In the tradition of Canon digital SLRs, the SLR giant maker recently released the latest camera for its prosumer line. The EOS 40D becomes the sixth ‘prosumer’ digital SLR from Canon.

The first prosumer DSLR released by Canon was the EOS D30 in April 2000 at 3.1 MP. The company then released EOS D60 in Feb 2002 at 6.3MP, followed by EOS 10D in Feb 2003 at 6.3 MP, and then EOS 20D in Aug 2004 at 8.2MP, and finally EOS 30D only eighteen months ago which also has 8.2MP.

When you first look at it, the new EOS has very few upgrades from its 30D predecessor. However, analyze the specifications and components closely and you will find that the changes in 40D despite its subtleness are quite ingenious and creates a strong EOS body.

First off, the EOS 40D SLR retains the features of the EOS 30D model like the fast 0.15-second initial start-up, its extremely durable shutter (rated up to 100,000 cycles), its top shutter speed of 1/8000 sec and 1/250 maximum X-sync flash shutter speed setting.

Then Canon improved the body and made sure to construct if from magnesium alloy with an exterior that appears to be more rugged and dependable than its predecessors. For instance, Canon made the 40D’s connection ports, battery compartment and single-slot compact flash memory card door dust and weatherproof construction.

The step-up from 8.2MP to 10MP is expected and the integration of the same dust reduction capabilities as the EOS 400D is understandable. However, the other improvements in the 40D brings the camera closer from being a prosumer DSLR to a pro level DSLR like the EOS-1D series.

The trend now is bigger LCDs so EOS 40D has a larger three-inch LCD screen, .5 inches bigger than its predecessor’s 30D. Canon also raised the brightness level of the 40D’s LCD screen, broadened the color gamut and narrowed the viewing angle from 170 degrees to a still wide 140-degree perspective in all directions to improve viewing in outdoor situations. Plus, camera’s menu is similar to the format and organization of EOS-1D Mark III Digital SLR.

Moreover, the 40D viewfinder has an increased optical magnification from 0.90x to 0.95x, expands the viewing angle from 251 degrees to 264 degrees and raises the eye point from 20mm to 22mm.

The EOS 40D maintains the nine-point wide area AF coverage but offers cross type AF measurement at all nine focusing points for maximum apertures up to f/5.6. Also, for the first time Canon had the central AF point enhanced precision for both vertical and horizontal subject contrast when using EF or EF-S lenses featuring maximum apertures of f/2.8 or faster.

The new EOS also has ISO speeds from ISO 100 to ISO 1600 in 1/3-stop increments and offers an option for a high-speed setting of ISO 3200. The camera also features Auto ISO capability in Creative Zone exposure modes allowing the camera to adjust the ISO speed to the optimal setting based on low light or shaky shooting conditions, a first in Canon EOS cameras.

Other new features include 6.5 fps continuous shooting, max. burst 75 JPEGs, Customisable Picture Style processing parameters, and a new DIGIC III processor. The new EOS40D sells at $1299.99 for the body only. But the camera will also be shipped with a kit lenst of EF 28-135IS zoom lens for $1499.