Canon EOS 40D

Canon EOS 40D
Type

Italic textDigital Single-lens reflex

Sensor 22.2 x 14.8 mm CMOS
Maximum resolution 3888 × 2592 (10.1 megapixels)
Lens Interchangeable (EF, EF-S)
Flash pop-up, sync at 1/250 second
Shutter focal-plane
Shutter speed range 30 s to 1/8000 s, bulb
Exposure metering TTL, full aperture, zones
Exposure modes Full auto, programmed, shutter-priority, aperture priority, manual
Metering modes 35-area Evaluative, Partial, Spot, C/Wgt Average
Focus areas 9 user points (cross type)
Focus modes One-shot, AI Servo, AI-Focus, Manual
Continuous shooting 3 or 6.5 frames/second (selectable)
Viewfinder Optical / LiveView LCD
ASA/ISO range 100-1600 in 1/3 EV steps; 3200 expansion available
Flash bracketing none
Focus bracketing none
Custom WB 7 presets, Auto and custom 2000–10000 Kelvin, 100 K steps
WB bracketing 3 images, +/-9 levels
Rear LCD monitor 3.0 in (76 mm), 230,000 pixels (4:3)
Storage CompactFlash (CF) (Type I or Type II) and Microdrive (max 32GB)
Battery Li-Ion BP-511A rechargeable
Dimensions 145.5 x 107.8 x 73.5 mm
Weight 740 g (body only)
Optional battery packs BP-511A, BP-514, BP-511, BP-512.
BG-E2N grip allows use of AA batteries.
Made in Japan

The Canon EOS 40D is a 10.1-megapixel semi-professional digital single-lens reflex camera. It was initially announced on August 20, 2007 and was released at the end of that month. It is the successor of the Canon EOS 30D, and is succeeded by the EOS 50D.[1] It can accept EF and EF-S lenses. Like its predecessor, it uses an APS-C sized image sensor, resulting in a 1.6x field of view crop factor.

Contents

Improvements

Changes over the 30D include a higher-resolution sensor (10.1 megapixel instead of 8.2). The sensor also has better noise control than previous models. The 40D has a larger memory buffer so more pictures can be taken in succession without a slow down in frame rate. Frames per second has been increased from 5 to 6.5.

The 40D adds a new format, Canon's sRAW, which is a smaller RAW image for smaller prints and reduced file sizes. The 40D's RAW format is 14-bit instead of the 12-bit of the 30D.[2]

The camera uses the new DIGIC III image processor, which was first used in the Canon EOS-1D Mark III, introduced earlier that year. Canon’s DIGIC III processor delivers responsive operation, improved color rendering and near-instant start-up time.[3] A new sensor cleaning system has been introduced. It can also use the Canon Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E3/E3A.

The 40D has a larger screen (3", of the same resolution) than the 30D (2.5") and 20D (1.8"). There is also a new menu for external and internal flash control, including second curtain sync.

Other additions on the Canon 40D include interchangeable focusing screens, a much-needed AF-ON button, the EOS Integrated Cleaning System for sensor dust reduction, rubber strips around the battery and CF doors for improved weather sealing and three new optional accessories: an IS version of the 18-55mm kit lens; a new backward-compatible, live view mode, and a weather-sealed battery grip.[4]

Overview and features

The 40D has many similar characteristics to its predecessors the 20D and 30D, but also many differences. This includes various shooting modes, ability to change ISO and white balance, a pop-up flash unit, an LCD screen of 3.0 inches (an upgrade from the previous model, the Canon eos 30D with a screen of only 2.5 inches), and a rugged magnesium alloy protective inner-shell, which both the Canon 30D and 40D have.

The 40D has more megapixels (10.1 MP as compared to 8.2 MP in 30D). Its RAW format is 14-bit.

The newest feature to the 40D is Live View (which the 30D, 20D, 10D, and all previous models do not have), allowing photographers to use the LCD screen as their viewfinder. It is very useful for taking pictures low to the ground, when your eye can't reach the viewfinder. The shutter noise is quieter in this mode, as well.

Firmware and software

As of May 2010, the latest firmware is 1.1.1, released Jan 20, 2009. The firmware updates have fixed some bugs, and made minor changes in operation.

Canon released its DPP 3.1 RAW converter alongside the 40D.

Initially, Adobe Lightroom did not have official support for the 40D though RAW and JPEGs from the camera did still work. Official support for the 40D as well as the 1Ds Mark III was added with Lightroom 1.3, available as a free update from Adobe.

References

External links