Canon EOS 40D digital SLR: First impressions

An SLR (or Single-Lens Reflex) camera is the most complex type of digital camera on the market, providing the most options and control, while producing the highest quality images. As the SLR market has become increasingly competitive, manufacturers continue to expand the feature sets on their SLRs to make them even more powerful, more versatile, and easier to use.

This is just what Canon has done with the 10-megapixel Canon EOS 40D digital SLR (Click on image at right), which runs about $1300 (body only) or about $200 more with a 28-135mm kit zoom lens.

In Canon's product line, the EOS 40D is what you might call a step-up SLR. At first glance, it may seem that there's not much difference between the 40D and Canon’s entry-level, inexpensive ($600, body only), 10-megapixel Canon Rebel XTi. However, aside from sharing the same type of CMOS sensor and including Canon's dust-cleaning system, the cameras are very different. (Canon has two ways to help minimize dust on the sensor: a hardware-based element that the company claims shakes off dust automatically with ultrasonic vibrations, and a firmware/software feature, called Dust Delete Data. Both are used to help avoid dust spots from appearing on images due to any minuscule particles that land on the 40D's CMOS sensor.)

Related information on ConsumerReports.org:

• How to choose a digital camera
• Top-rated digital SLR cameras (available to ConsumerReports.org subscribers only)
• Digital SLR camera Ratings (available to ConsumerReports.org subscribers only)

 

The 40D is much more durable, with its tougher magnesium alloy exterior, compared to the Rebel's plastic-like, polycarbonate exterior. There's a price for this toughness: The 40D is 10 ounces heavier than the Rebel XTi. However, the 40D has weather sealing throughout at key points of its body to prevent moisture and dust from affecting the inside of the camera. The 40D also has more robust processing power and a better prism (for a brighter viewfinder). There are many other differences between the two models, but those are some of the more obvious ones.

[Dec. 28, 2007 UPDATE: As one of our blog readers pointed out, the Canon EOS 40D isn't completely "ruggedized" and impervious to all elements. But weather sealing at the 40D's battery door, CF card door, and hot-shoe connection for the flash is still more protection than the previous 30D offered. —Ed.]

From the specs, you'll notice that the 40D also stands out from its predecessor, the 30D. The 40D is 10 megapixels vs. the 30D's 8 megapixels, and the LCD (Click on image at left) is 3 inches compared with 2.5 for the 30D. Another important improvement is that if you accidentally open the memory-card door, you won't lose your image. The 30D stops writing the data to the card once the door was open, while the 40D continues until the file is on the card. You'll also find an improved battery on the 40D, allowing for more shots on a single charge.

Lastly, in comparison with the 30D, there's another intriguing new feature—which may at first seem to be only of interest to professional shutter bugs: it's the 40D's new 14-bit A/D converter (up from 12-bits), which Canon says will produce images with finer tonal gradations and wider color ranges. But the converter may also benefit novices: Canon claims that since JPEGs (which are 8-bits images) are based on 14-bit RAW files (that are converted inside the camera), they will have fewer blown—or overexposed—highlights. That's important since you often can't fix an overexposed or blown out part of a photo using photo-editing software.

After a couple of days with the 40D, I was particularly impressed with its burst mode and live view LCD.

Burst Mode

A digital camera's burst mode allows you to fire off a number of shots in a short period. The exact number depends, in part, on what type of files you're shooting (JPEG, RAW or a combination of the two). Professional SLRs, like the 10-megapixel Canon EOS-1D Mark III, can typically fire off 9 to 10 frames per second for as many as 100 or more JPEGs.

Compared with such pro models, the 40D doesn't shoot quite as fast or for as long, but it's still very impressive. According to the specs, the 40D can fire off 6.5 frames per second for up to 75 JPEGs. When I used Canon's EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM zoom lens (which costs about $1000) shooting in JPEG format, I fired off 57 frames in about 10 seconds—about 5.5 fames per second. (I happened to use a moderately slow shutter speed, 1/50 of a second, which may be the reason I didn't achieve 6.5 fps). This is a bit faster than Canon's claim for the 30D, which was 5 fps.

Live-View LCD

Another new feature that's starting to appear in SLRs is a Live View function, which lets you compose shots directly on the camera's LCD the way you would on a point-and-shoot digital camera. But unfortunately, when I used this function on the 40D, the autofocus system appeared to become disabled. At the very least, it doesn't work the same as it does when you're using the 40D's viewfinder.

So, how do you focus the camera? You have two options: The first is to manually focus. To do that, you must make sure your lens is set to manual (MF) and not autofocus (AF). When manually focusing, you can move a "focus frame" (a small rectangle that appears on the LCD) around the display until you've placed it over the focal point of your composition. Then, you magnify the picture by pressing a button to enlarge that section either 5x or 10x, and, you focus manually on this section of the image and shoot.

The second focusing option is to press an "AF-ON" button on the back of the camera. This uses the same AF features that the camera uses when you're not using live view. However, pressing the "AF-ON" button causes the LCD to black out (since the mirror drops down to engage autofocusing). When you let go of the button, the live image returns to the screen.

There are other interesting aspects to using this live view feature, such as being able to compose an image using a computer monitor and shooting in a silent mode. Live view shooting can also be quite useful when working with long exposures, such as shooting at night. When set on a tripod, the 40D's live view mode will allow you to minimize camera shake and avoid blurry photos, since the mirror will not be moving inside the camera.

Sensor Size and Lens Magnification Factor

Although there are many new or improved features on this SLR, one element that remains consistent with its predecessor, the 30D, is that it still has the same size (APS-like) sensor.

That's important because that sensor is smaller than a 35mm film slide (which is the size of a full-frame sensor). In the camera body, that smaller sensor format effectively "crops" the image produced by the lens. To you, the effect is to magnify the image or increase the telephoto capability of your lens.

So, on the 40D, which has an APS-like sensor and a lens magnification factor of 1.6x, a 100mm lens becomes equivalent to a 160mm lens.

This is good news for nature enthusiasts who love to photograph animals or sporting events at a distance. The down side is that this magnification factor dramatically curtails the wide-angle end of the spectrum. A nice 24mm wide-angle lens, when used on the 40D, effectively becomes a not-so-wide 38.4mm lens.

So, in order to help clarify just what this magnification factor means, I shot the same scene in a conference room here in our headquarters in Yonkers, New York, one that has a big window in it, using the new 40D, which has a magnification factor of 1.6x and the Canon EOS 5D, which has a full-frame-sized sensor, with a magnification factor of 1x.

In the Photo A (Click on the image at left), I used Canon's EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM zoom lens (which costs about $1000) on both cameras. In Photo B, I used a 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM lens (which lists for about $600) on both cameras.

In Photo A, I set the zoom lens at its widest, 24mm setting and snapped both photos. You can see how the 5D lets you view more of the interior setting than the 40D. Indeed, the sensor within the 40D is actually cropping the image produced by the lens and turning it into the equivalent of a 38.4mm lens. Notice how, in the 40D shot, the chair and the telephone are cropped by each edge of the picture frame. In the 5D shot in Photo A, there is lots of space to the left of the telephone and to the right of the chair.

In Photo B (Click on image at right), notice again how the 40D appears to zoom farther in on the scene, cropping most of the cars out of the bottom of the scene as well as some of the tree trunk. In the 40D image in Photo B, the 1.6x magnification factor turns the 300mm end of the zoom into the equivalent of 480mm. On the 5D, it remains a 300mm focal length.

However, it's important to remember that although lenses may appear to change when used on a camera that has an APS-like sized sensor, the lenses retain their original characteristics. For example, a 24mm lens may appear to look like a 38.4mm lens, but it will still have the distortion and other characteristics common in wide-angle lenses. Say you’re standing too near someone's face for a portrait and are using a 24mm lens. The nose will still appear much larger than if you used the longer focal length. And that will be true when using a wide-angle lens on both the 5D and the 40D.

It's worth noting an SLR's magnification factor when you're deciding on a camera body, especially if you shoot wide-angle compositions. If you own a number of compatible wide-angle lenses and can afford its higher price, consider purchasing a full-frame sensor SLR. Or, if you go for a camera like the 40D, you may need to purchase lenses that are wider than the ones you own. Aside from the magnification factor, the 40D has a very strong set of features that make it a very capable, high performing camera for many types of photography.

—Terry Sullivan

Comments

[John Shinn III]

I was able to fix the shutter problems in both my 40D's by deleting all cf (custom functions)......

[John Shinn III]

I just bought a second 40D body from Samy's here in L.A. The first thing I noticed is that after shooting 8 successive frames, the camera's shutter would slow down to about 1 frame every second. My first 40D also does the same thing.
I tried removing the battery grip or change lenses, but both cameras still do the same thing.
My 30D is much better as it shoots 5 frames-per-second for up to its allowable 75 frames.
Both the 40D have the latest firmware.
Any comments and suggestion will be highly appreciated....
JOHN...LOS ANGELES

[Steven]

There seem to be a large number of people reporting "Err 99" with this camera. The error code is a generic failure code. In my case it meant the camera was a useless hulk of metal and plastic after 7 months and 10,000 photos. Fortunately Best Buy replaced it as I had paid for an "extra 4yr warranty" - something I never do, except in this case.

One additional comment. One detractor wrote that "LiveView is useless". Actually far from it! Not only is it great for the "over the head" shot as noted, but also with macro shots from a tripod, night shots, and many other scenarios. For example, in LiveView mode, you can zoom x10 in an area of the photo to fine tune the focus! This is much easier than trying to do it through the viewfinder - especially for those with poorer eyesight or in dim light. Trying to use LiveView hand-held like a point and shoot is a recipe for arm fatigue; but on a tripod or resting on a solid surface this little feature comes in very handy. I only wish the screen tilted!

[keith]

what are the differences between the cannon 30d and the 40 d

[Jay-Ku]

My price range is max $700
I was told to get a cannon or a nikon. I will be shooting mostly land scapes. Does anybody know what model I should get? I am thinking anything over 6 mp is fine, but definetly no less

[Alan Goldberg]

I am not a professional but I am a serious user. I have had a Canon A1 and AE1P. Now I have an XTi and a 40D. While the Xti for the price is an excellent choice, it did not have the versatility or controls that I needed. The 40D was nearly top rated in the CR testing and I agree. As a 35mm user, the crop factor is not a major issue for me, I just keep it mind when selecting lenses or composing the shot. I disagree that the live view mode is useless. There are times, in a crowd at airshows, public events, etc where I have to hold the camera above my head. At least with live view, I have the option. Of course, if you are on a budget, the new XSi has many of the 40D's features.
For the user that was looking at the 40D versus the Nikon D40, there is no comparison. The Nikon D40 is an entry level SLR similar to the Canon XT or XTi. You are also very limited in expansion and lens selection (You cannot use all the previous Nikon Nikkor lenses in AF mode). If you compare the Nikon to Canon, a more appropriate comparison would be the D80 and the 40D. I looked hard at both. My choice was personal preference as I have always liked Canon products. However, the D80 is an excellent platform, especially if you owned a Nikon film slr and have some Nikkor lenses laying around as they are compatible.

[Kenny B.]

All digital SLR brands pretty much give you what you pay for. I'd love to own the 1D MkIII and believe me I'd put it to good use but be practical with your selection. If you need weather sealing, then you're going to have to pay for a pro body. If you want to mount good optics you may run the risk of breaking the mount on a Rebel body with should you choose to shoot with a heavy 70-200mm 2.8.

Also mentioned in the article is the Live View mode. I don't know if I'm alone here but that is the most useless feature on the 40D. I suppose if the screen flipped upwards a bit you could find some use sneaking a candid from your lap but honestly you have to hold it at eye level to compose the shot so you may as well stick your eye through the viewfinder.

Regarding crop-factor. Although informative, I agree with Chip, most users wouldn't know the difference unless they were to shoot with a wide angle prime lens which of course has no ability to zoom out. I LOVE my 5D, it's a reliable work horse. I've owned all the xxD cameras and actually I preferred my 30D to this 40D but the 5D is still my fav.

[Joseph DePinho]

I'm looking to but a Nikon D40 or a Canon EOS 40D. I like to take a wide range of photo's, portraits, landscape, and sport events. Which camera will give me the best picture?

[james]

Considering the high price tag of Canon EOS 40D, thats why rebel XTi still the best seller. Nearly half the cost of 40D

[Alex]

Most of the photos on my site were taken with Canon 40D and 24-135 lens. Please look http://isearchnewyork.blogspot.com

[John Curry]

One additional clarification concerning the use of live view mode of the 40d and focusing manually. Any of Canon's lenses with a ring-type focus motor do not need to be placed in manual mode first. Those lenses focus full time.

[Katy]

I'm looking into upgrading from a Canon Rebel XT to the Canon 40D. I have a question about the 40D. How does it hold up to extreme cold temps?

[Fred]

Crop lens are available for crop cameras like the 40D. So, if you want wide angle, just buy a wide angle crop lens - for example the Canon 10-22. This lens has a great reputation (also own one) and is equivalent to a 16-35 on a full frame (non-crop) body.

[Chip Mason]

While the good information on the impact of a crop sensor dSLR such as the 40D is informative,I find it odd that you spent nearly half the article discussing the crop factor. This has been around for years in dSLRs, including all cameras leading up to the 40D from Canon. Oddly, with your focus on this issue, you fail to mention or point out a two critical items in this analysis: First this will likely only be recognized by photographers with 35mm film cameras and years of experience composing shots with existing lenses. For the vast majority of photographers (and Consumer Reports readers), a dSLR is often their first SLR, or like me, their return to SLRs after some 20 years. In use, I never really noticed the issue, though I fully understood it.

Second, you are presenting this information as if there is something that most people could do about it. There are only 3 dSLR cameras on the market that offer full frame sensors: the Canon 1Ds, the Canon 5D, and the Nikon D3. Each of these are well over $2500, with the 1Ds and D3 being well over $4000. I suspect that full frame sensors just are not an option for most readers of Consumer Reports, and only impact those that are professional photographers. Perhaps you should include details such as the Olympus and others that are 4/3 cropped, or that most other dSLRs are also crop sensors, not just the 40D.

Thanks

[Shawn]

I would like to point out a few inaccuracies in your article.

1. The Canon 40D does not have "the same type of CMOS sensor" as the Rebel XTi. Although they are both 10.1 megapixels, the 40D sensor has very different electronics that provides much better noise-reduction and a faster speed.

2. The Canon 40D does not have "weather sealing throughout its body". It only has minor weather sealing in three locations: the battery door, the CF card door, and the hot-shoe connection for the flash. The buttons, dials, screen, etc. are not weather-sealed, unlike higher-end models like the 1D series.