• Register  |
•   Login  |
•   Advanced Search

 

Review by jt354 on 17 September 2010

Individual review
Build Quality	5
Reliability	1
Sharpness	5
ISO Quality	3
Overall Image Quality	4
AF Performance	4
Operation Speed	5
Value For Money	5
Ease of Use	5

Pros:  See review
Cons:  Same

My 40D has, so far, stood the test of time. At nearly 2 years old and 20,000 shutter actuations, it functions the same as new (minus some nasty sensor dust) Image quality is quite good for a 10.1MP DSLR from 2006. The per-pixel sharpness is excellent, and high ISO is acceptable (I generally try to stay under 400 for most applications, but photos up to 1250 are usable).

I've been very satisfied with the live view feature, which I use extensively for tripod-mounted landscapes and product photography. The 230,000 pixel LCD adequately reproduces color but gives little sense whether a photo is tack-sharp or just a touch out of focus. AF performance is fairly good, a little disappointing for action sports in low light. Six frames per second is stellar, more than I need. All things considered, the 40D has served me well for landscapes, nature, sports, and portraits.

Build quality is superb -- magnesium alloy construction with an excellent pentaprism viewfinder and durable components throughout. I've used this thing in rain, snow, sand -- I don't want to curse my luck and call it bombproof, but it's certainly tough. Menu features are easily accessible, and I love the top LCD and hard buttons for WB, ISO, Drive, etc. Everything is well-placed, I can operate this thing without taking my eye from the viewfinder. The twin adjustment dials are a great step up from the Rebel series, making manual mode much easier to use.

There are only a few maddening omissions: No IR remote capability, no built in wireless flash trigger, and no AF illuminator top my list.

Review by jmarshall on 20 May 2008

Individual review
Build Quality	5
Reliability	1
Sharpness	4
ISO Quality	5
Overall Image Quality	4
AF Performance	5
Operation Speed	3
Value For Money	4
Ease of Use	3

Pros:  Image quality is superb, large viewfinder with ISO readout, great AF
Cons:  Screen not fantastic, some ergonomic issues

The 40D is a great camera. Coming from a 20D, it's upgraded subtly in so many ways.
Among those are the larger viewfinder, screen, speed of operation and image quality.
The images coming out of it are buttery smooth, especially coupled with a good lens. At higher ISOs the images are still very usable, and the AF still functions well in dim environments. Highlight tone priority and high ISO noise reduction both work very well. The camera also appears very solidly built, and sits a bit better in my hands that the previous models in this range.
In these regards, this is an ideal wedding photographer camera.

However, there are a few let-downs. If you've used a previous x0D camera, such as the 20D, you'll need to rejigger your muscle memory, as the button functions (ISO!) have been moved around.
The screen also looks impressive at first, but it can't be used to judge sharpness or exposure: you're only looking at a preview of the image.

Review by Tsmith on 20 May 2008

Individual review
Build Quality	5
Reliability	5
Sharpness	5
ISO Quality	5
Overall Image Quality	5
AF Performance	4
Operation Speed	5
Value For Money	4
Ease of Use	4

Pros:  Very good feel handling the camera, HQ image results
Cons:  None to speak of

Canon made a nice feature rich upgrade from the 20D/30D cameras. Image quality is pretty much on par with all three models yet the 40D provides somewhat better Dynamic Range with its 14 bit RAW files. For example the Posterization in colors is much better handled with the 40D.

I had my doubts about the Live View feature but will say that its been an outstanding option to have for Macro work. Being able to manual focus while viewing the subject at 10x on the 3" LCD provides super sharp results. Looking forward to trying it out in Landscape work soon.

Review by Zansho on 20 May 2008

Individual review
Build Quality	4
Reliability	5
Sharpness	5
ISO Quality	4
Overall Image Quality	5
AF Performance	5
Operation Speed	4
Value For Money	5
Ease of Use	5

Pros:  14 Bit RAW, New processor, same interface as previous models (30D, 20D)
Cons:  Live View leaves something to be desired

Excellent camera body for the money, and I use this one as my backup to my 5D body for wedding and portrait work. If you have a 30D or a 20D (or even a 10D) this camera will feel right at home in your hands - I love the interface, and the fact that it has all the buttons and dials in the same place.

14 Bit RAW is a huge plus for me, as I can capture more tonal data when I shoot my images. More information, more colors, more tonal range - nothing to complain about here.

My only nitpick at present is the Live View function. I really don't care for it, and I find myself only using it to check my composition for Macro and some landscape work, but other than that, it's not a feature I use very often.

Review by jjacula on 16 May 2008

Individual review
Build Quality	4
Reliability	5
Sharpness	5
ISO Quality	5
Overall Image Quality	5
AF Performance	5
Operation Speed	5
Value For Money	5
Ease of Use	5

Pros:  Beautiful RAW files
Cons:  Haven't found any yet.

I LOVE this camera. I find it difficult to see the difference in files between a 5D and the 40D; both have the same beautiful creamy tone to them. A 40D is definitely a great investment, I hope to pick up a second 40D soon and relegate my 30D to backup-backup status.

Review by gheesom on 15 May 2008

Individual review
Build Quality	4
Reliability	4
Sharpness	5
ISO Quality	5
Overall Image Quality	5
AF Performance	4
Operation Speed	5
Value For Money	4
Ease of Use	4

Pros:  Great Images for a Great price
Cons:  got none yet

Nothing bad to say about this camera, any bad shots have been user error and not camera error.
Quick start up, easy menus, great low light capabilities.

Review by tim on 12 May 2008

Individual review
Build Quality	4
Reliability	4
Sharpness	5
ISO Quality	4
Overall Image Quality	5
AF Performance	5
Operation Speed	5
Value For Money	5
Ease of Use	5

Pros:  Sharp images, faster interface, great high ISO
Cons:  Reliability not quite there

The 40D's a fantastic camera, and a big advance over the 20D/30D. The images are a lot sharper, and high iso noise has improved a little too. The interface is fast and easy to use, and you can control your wireless flash from the body too. There's a new menu system too, which is easier to use than the old one.

The only bad point is like the 20D/30D series the cameras occasionally stop working for no reason, usually when the camera and photographer are under pressure. This is pretty rare, but for professional use a backup is essential.