Canon EOS 40D - Specifications and Preview
A Full Hands on review of the Canon EOS 40D has now been posted
Last Update -
Canon EOS 40D, new 10.1MP DSLR from Canon. Note the 3" LCD
Pre-order from Amazon now (above right) to get on the waiting list. I just ordered mine!
Canon have now released full specifications and a description the new Canon EOS 40D DSLR. A clear improvement over the EOS 30D, not just a minor tweak!
Canon EOS 40D Product Features and Technical Details
Major Canon EOS 40D Features
Here are what I think are the most important features of the new Canon EOS 40D:
- Increased efficiency 10.1-megapixel CMOS sensor with larger microlenses
- Large 3.0-inch LCD display
- enhanced Live View display
- LCD with broadened color gamut
- 6.5 frame-per-second continuous shooting capability
- Buffer holds 75 Large/Fine JPEGs or 17 RAW images)
- sRAW mode (small RAW format)
- 35-zone metering system
- 14-bit A/D conversion
- Digic III processor
- Highlight Tone Priority
- High-ISO Noise Reduction
- integrated Self-Cleaning Sensor Unit
- 0.95x optical viewfinder magnification
- Interchangeable focusing screens
- Continuous display of ISO in viewfinder
- Auto ISO mode
- ISO 100-1600 plus "H" (3200)
- Powered by BP-511A, BP-511, or BP-512 lithium-ion battery pack
- stores images on CF cards
- $1299.00 initial price
- Availability "September 2007"
One small oddity is that there will be a "kit" sold consisting of the EOS 40D and the EF 28-135IS lens. The kit price will be $1499.00, only $200 more than the cost of the camera body. The 28-135 is something of an odd choice since 28mm on an APS-C DLSR is equivalent to about 45mm on a full frame camera, so this would be a "normal to telephoto" zoom rather than the "wide to short telephoto" normally sold as a kit lens. Canon has also announced an IS version of the 18-55 kit lens which will sell for $200. The 28-135 is a much better lens and normally sells for around $380, so $200 is a heavily discounted price! It's a pretty good deal if you intend to buy something like the EF-S 10-22 to cover the true wideangle end of the range.
UPDATE - AUGUST 20TH - Amazon have changed their EOS 40D kit. Yesterday they were offering the 28-135IS with the 40D. Today, the same link shows the new EF-S 18-55/3.5-5.6IS USM as the kit lens. Canon had put the price of the 18-55IS USM at $200, so the kit with that lens for $1499 doesn't save you anything. I'm not quite sure what's going on there!
UPADATE2 - AUGUST 21st - Amazon are now back to the 28-135IS as the kit lens. It seems to be that the 28-135 is indeed the correct kit lens for the $1499.99 price, since that's what the Canon USA press release specified.
Canon EOS 40D with 28-135IS lens. Pre-order from Amazon now by clicking on above right
Delivery is expected to start in September. First come, first served!
Here is a detailed description:
Canon EOS 40D
Building on the success of Canon's perennially popular "prosumer" EOS 20D and 30D models, the EOS 40D advances the state-of-the-art for mid-range digital SLR cameras, making it a natural first choice for advanced amateur photographers and entry-level professionals, and an ideal second body for more established photo pros. Indeed, given the level of feature upgrades and improvements, technological wizardry, and user-requested creative controls, the Canon EOS 40D SLR's "prosumer" appellation may refer more to its accessible price point than to the exceptional quality, clarity, and resolution of the images it creates.
From the camera's newly enhanced, 10.1-megapixel CMOS imaging sensor (designed and manufactured by Canon) and its proprietary and super-efficient DIGIC III image processor, to its completely redesigned autofocus sensor and fast, 6.5 frame-per-second (fps) continuous shooting capability (for bursts of up to 75 Large/Fine JPEGs or 17 RAW images), the EOS 40D SLR puts the fun in functionality and makes serious photo business a positive pleasure.
Indeed, at 6.5 fps, no digital SLR in the EOS 40D mid-range class and price category has so high a continuous shooting capability, making it ideal for shooting--and actually capturing--speed-sensitive outdoor and wild-nature shots as well as a wide variety of action and sports scenes. The speed of the EOS 40D SLR comes from Canon's balanced combination of its latest processor, DIGIC IIII, DDR SDRAM high-speed memory, four-channel-per-line sensor readout, and two separate motors for shutter and mirror operation.
Display's the Thing - The most easily visible upgrade on the EOS 40D Digital SLR is the camera's larger 3.0-inch LCD screen (compared with the EOS 30D's 2.5-inch monitor). Still, size is only the beginning of the difference between these two cameras' displays. In order to increase viewing ease in outdoor conditions such as bright sunlight, Canon raised the brightness level of the EOS 40D camera's 230,000-pixel LCD screen, broadened the color gamut, and narrowed the viewing angle from 170 degrees to a still wide 140-degree perspective in all directions. An added advantage of the larger-sized display is the ability to use a larger font size for text, making it easier to read setting and menu options on the screen. The camera's menu is organized in the same tabbed format as the EOS-1D Mark III Digital SLR.
Canon extends its "ease-of-reading" policy to the EOS 40D SLR's viewfinder as well. The upgraded viewfinder increases 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.
Enhanced Durability Recognizing the often rigorous shooting conditions encountered
by professional and advanced amateur photographers, Canon design engineers made the EOS
40D SLR's magnesium alloy exterior even more ruggedly dependable than its predecessors
with upgraded dust- and weather-resistant construction, particularly around the camera's
connection ports, battery compartment, and single-slot compact flash (CF) memory card
door. Should the user inadvertently open the compact flash card door while the camera is
writing to the card, a warning will pop up on the LCD screen and an open door
"alarm" will sound, but the image(s) will continue writing to the memory card
without interruption. The EOS 40D SLR also retains many of the outstanding features of the
EOS 30D model, such as its fast 0.15-second initial start-up, its extremely durable
shutter (rated up to 100,000 cycles), its top shutter speed of 1/8000 second, and 1/250
maximum X-sync flash shutter speed setting.
Improved Image Quality Although it is based on the image sensor used in the EOS Digital Rebel XTi, the EOS 40D Digital SLR's 10.1-megapixel CMOS APS-C size image sensor has been significantly improved thanks to the use of larger microlenses over each pixel to reduce noise and expand sensitivity up to ISO 3200. The EOS 40D retains the model 30D camera's 1.6x focal length conversion factor (compared to full-frame digital image sensors or 35mm film) and is compatible with the full line-up of Canon EF lenses as well as the Company's expanding selection of high-quality, affordable EF-S lenses created specifically for Canon digital SLRs with APS-C size image sensors.
Adding to the improved virtuosity of the images captured by the EOS 40D SLR is the
camera's 14-bit Analog-to-Digital (A/D) conversion process. Able to recognize 16,384
colors per channel (four times the number of colors recognized by the EOS 30D SLR's 12-bit
conversion capability), the EOS 40D camera is able to produce images with finer and more
accurate gradations of tones and colors. The EOS 40D also incorporates the optional
Highlight Tone Priority and High-ISO Noise Reduction functions first introduced earlier
this year with the EOS-1D Mark III Professional Digital SLR. DIGIC III DIGIC III is the
latest generation of Canon's proprietary image processing engine. DIGIC III technology
ensures that the fine details and natural colors of the images are optimally recorded and,
as an added bonus, is also responsible for the EOS 40D SLR's high-speed performance,
faster signal processing, and even its efficient energy consumption.
sRAW In addition to retaining the RAW image capture capabilities of its predecessors, the EOS 40D SLR now offers a more manageable "sRAW" recording format. In sRAW mode, the number of pixels is reduced to one-fourth that of a standard RAW image and the file size is cut in half, while retaining all of the flexibility and creative possibilities associated with full-size, conventional RAW images.
Improved Autofocus and Exposure Control While the EOS 40D SLR maintains the nine-point
wide area AF coverage first introduced on the EOS 20D camera, Canon has made significant
improvements to its speed, precision, and functionality, minimizing subject recognition
problems in the process. The EOS 40D camera's completely redesigned nine-point AF sensor
provides cross-type AF measurement at all nine focusing points for maximum apertures up to
f5.6, and for the first time in any EOS camera, the central AF point offers enhanced
precision for both vertical and horizontal subject contrast when using EF or EF-S lenses
featuring maximum apertures of f2.8 or faster. AF calculation speed with the EOS 40D
camera is 30 percent faster than the EOS 30D model.
The Canon EOS 40D Digital SLR retains the same 35-zone metering sensor as its predecessor. Available patterns include Evaluative metering, which is linked to all AF points and is set automatically in the Basic Zone modes, Centerweighted average metering, Partial metering, and Spot metering, covering approximately 9 percent or 3.8 percent of the viewfinder at center, respectively. The camera's E-TTL II autoflash and 12 exposure control modes (11 AE modes plus manual) are also unchanged from the EOS 30D SLR model. However, as a result of consumer input, Canon has added three Custom exposure modes. As an added convenience, particularly for wireless flash operations, users can adjust the flash settings of the Canon Speedlite 580EX II directly from the camera.
The Canon EOS 40D camera offers ISO speeds from ISO 100 to ISO 1600 in 1/3-stop increments. Users can also opt for a high-speed setting of ISO 3200. For the first time in any EOS camera, the 40D model offers Auto ISO capability in Creative Zone exposure modes. This valuable new feature adjusts the ISO speed to the optimal setting based on low light or shaky shooting conditions. Additionally, the EOS 40D provides full-time display of the active ISO speed setting, both in the viewfinder as well as on the top LCD data panel.
The Canon EOS 40D Digital SLR is also the first camera in its class to offer two interchangeable focusing screens in addition to the standard precision matte screen. Users can opt for a grid-type focus screen that makes it easier to verify horizontal or vertical alignment while determining image composition, as well as the Super-Precision Matte focusing screen that makes it easier to grasp the "sweet spot" of manual focusing when using a lens with a maximum aperture of f2.8 or faster.
Enhanced Live View -
Previously the province of the EOS-1D Mark III DSLR (one of Canon's top-tier professional
cameras), the Live View function now gives EOS 40D camera users an expanded and
exceedingly convenient and comfortable set of shooting options. By permitting the framing
and capturing of subjects using the camera's LCD screen instead of the viewfinder, the
shooter gains a 100 percent field view to more easily achieve the desired composition. A
new Custom Function on the EOS 40D allows autofocus during Live View by pressing the
camera's AF-ON button. At that point, the reflex mirror goes down and AF is carried out in
the normal way. Letting go of the AF-ON button resumes Live View functions. Also, in the
Live View shooting mode the user can magnify the image by five or ten times in order to
ensure that the shot is optimally focused. Live View is at its best during tripod
shooting--particularly for close-up photography where precise focusing is imperative. As a
side benefit, the Live View shooting mode helps to reduce vibration by lifting the reflex
mirror out of the optical path well in advance of the exposure, improving image quality at
slow shutter speeds. A new electronic 1st-curtain shutter function in Live View mode
reduces release time lag and operational noise even further to avoid spooking wildlife or
disturbing people nearby with unwanted camera sounds. Additionally, as the release time
lag is miniscule, even instantaneous movements like a bird taking flight can be readily
captured.
EOS Integrated Cleaning System First introduced on the EOS Digital Rebel XTi camera,
the EOS Integrated Cleaning System is a prime example of trickle-up technology and is now
becoming a standard feature on all new EOS Digital SLRs. The camera's Self-Cleaning Sensor
Unit uses ultrasonic vibrations to literally shake dust particles off of the low-pass
filter in front of the sensor each time the camera is powered up or shut down. Users also
have the option of engaging the "clean now" function at will or bypassing it
altogether. Additionally, the EOS 40D SLR's manual sensor cleaning function raises the
mirror and allows users to clean dust that has stuck to the low-pass filter. Dust that has
been shaken or blown loose is then trapped by adhesive at the base of the sensor unit
housing, preventing the problematic particles from reattaching themselves to the filter
when the camera moves. The second part of the cleaning system is a software solution that
maps the location of any spots that may remain on the sensor. The mapped information is
saved as Dust Delete Data and attached to the image file. Subsequently, the offending dust
information is subtracted from the final image during post processing with a compatible
personal computer, using the supplied Digital Photo Professional software.
Improved SoftwareAmong the most valuable features of the Canon EOS 40D Digital SLR is its compatibility with Canon's Picture Style Editor (PSE) 1.0 software. With PSE, shooters can actually design the look of their photographs by inputting their own preferred style, color, and tone curves. The EOS 40D Digital SLR also ships with the latest versions of Canon's powerful software applications, including Digital Photo Professional 3.1 and EOS Utility 2.1, which now support the camera's Remote Live View and Dust Delete Data functions, as well as incorporating a broad range of additional improvements designed to improve image quality and speed up workflow. Also included are ZoomBrowser EX 5.8 and ImageBrowser 5.8 for easy browsing, viewing, printing, and archiving with compatible computer operating systems, including Microsoft Windows Vista and Windows XP, as well as Mac OS X.
Accessories (Not Included--Must be Purchased Separately) New system accessories for the EOS 40D SLR include the redesigned high-capacity Battery Grip BG-E2N, which facilitates high-volume shooting and easier vertical shooting. Compatible with up to two BP-511A battery packs or a set of six AA-size batteries, the battery grip approximately doubles the number of shots that can be taken, compared with the battery power of the EOS 40D SLR alone. The BG-E2N grip features new sealing material around the battery compartment to better resist water and dust. The new model replaces the original BG-E2 grip and is compatible with the EOS 20D, 30D, and 40D models.
Designed exclusively for the EOS 40D SLR, the new Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E3A
permits wireless transfer and back-up, as well as remote control of the camera in Live
View mode. It can also be connected to various GPS receivers or Hi-Speed USB 2.0 external
storage devices such as convenient flash drives or high-capacity hard drives with much
larger storage capacity than the memory cards in the camera for instant back-up as images
are captured. Compact and affordable, the WFT-E3A wireless transmitter also doubles as a
vertical grip and requires its own BP-511A battery pack in addition to the battery
installed in the camera body.
Software
The Canon EOS 40D is supplied with the Canon EOS Digital Solution Disk (Version 15.0)
The EOS 40D comes bundled with an updated Canon EOS Digital Solution Disk, which features powerful software programs designed to extend the EOS experience to the computer. These include Canon's ZoomBrowser EX for Windows® (Version 5.8), ImageBrowser for Macintosh® OS X (Version 5.8), Digital Photo Professional (Version 3.1), the totally new Picture Style Editor (Version 1.0), Canon's EOS Utility (Version 2.1), RAW Image Task (Version 2.7), PhotoStitch, and PTP TWAIN Driver. Each application is designed to perfect captured images and streamline the digital workflow. ZoomBrowser EX v.5.8 and Digital Photo Professional v.3.1 for Windows are compatible with the new Windows Vista operating system, too.
Digital Photo Professional (Version 3.1) is an image processing program that enables high-speed RAW image processing, high-speed previewing for real-time image adjustment and support for sRGB, Adobe RGB and Wide Gamut RGB color spaces. Because it's CMS (Color Management System) compatible, Digital Photo Professional allows for easy image layout and printing in Adobe RGB in conjunction with Easy-PhotoPrint and PictBridge printers. It also features the Dust Delete Data Detection tool for cleaner images.
EOS Utility (Version 2.1) for Macintosh or Windows handles the connection between the camera and computer, whenever they're connected via USB. It allows remote controlled shooting from the computer, handles downloading of images from the camera to the computer, and allows seamless linking to either Canon's ZoomBrowser/ImageBrowser or Digital Photo Professional software once images have been copied to the hard drive. Furthermore, it's used to upload settings back into a USB-connected camera.
ZoomBrowser EX (Version 5.8) for Windows and ImageBrowser (Version 5.8) for Mac OS X are the easy, user-friendly options for viewing and editing of JPEG and even RAW image files. Both allow viewing of numerous types of images including finished TIFF and BMP files. Both also have a variety of search options for finding images, allow re-naming of single images or batches of files, and offer a variety of options for printing without using a separate image-editing program.
RAW Image Task (Version 2.7) for Windows/Macintosh
This software is an integrated component of ZoomBrowser EX (Windows) or ImageBrowser
(Mac). It allows processing of RAW images from EOS cameras, including the new EOS 40D,
with a variety of adjustment possibilities. These options, as well as the overall color,
contrast and "look" of RAW Image Task, closely mimic the characteristics of
Canon's in-camera JPEG processing.
Canon EOS 40D Specifications
| CANON EOS 40D SPECIFICATIONS | ||
| Resolution: | Approximately 10.1 million effective pixels (total pixels: approximately 10.5 million) | NEW |
| Recording pixels: | 3888 x 2592 | NEW |
| Sensor type: | CMOS sensor, with primary R-G-B filtration | |
| Sensor size: | 22.2 x 14.8 millimeters | |
| Pixel size: | 5.7 microns square | NEW |
| Lens focal length factor: | 1.6x | |
| Sensor dust removal: | EOS Integrated Cleaning System; active removal of dust by vibrating front low-pass filter; automatic removal of dust spots, in Canon Digital Photo Professional software (v. 3.1 or higher) | NEW |
| SHUTTER | ||
| Maximum frames per second: | 6.5 frames per second (fps) at full resolution | NEW |
| Maximum number of frames / burst: | JPEG: 75; RAW: 17 | NEW |
| Shutter speeds: | 30 seconds to 1/8000, plus Bulb (1/3 or 1/2-step increments) | |
| Flash sync speed: | Up to 1/250, with EX-series Speedlites | |
| Anticipated shutter durability: | 100,000 exposures, based on Canon test methods | |
| IMAGE RECORDING | ||
| Computer interface: | USB 2.0 (Hi-speed) | |
| Image recording storage media: | CompactFlash (CF) cards (type I or II, including Microdrives) | |
| Card compatibility: | "FAT32" compatible--OK for cards over 2GB | |
| Image format options: | JPEG (choice of "Fine" or "Normal" compression); RAW (Canon .CR2 RAW file format); RAW + JPEG (any JPEG file size available; JPEG file written as separate file) | |
| Analog to digital conversion: | 14 bits per channel (16,382 separate tones from brightest to darkest, for each channel) | NEW |
| Resolution options: | "Large"--3888 x 2592 (approximately 10.1 million pixels);
"Medium"--2816 x 1880 (approximately 5.3 million pixels);
"Small"--1936 x 1288 (approximately 2.5 million pixels) |
|
| File numbering: | sRGB color space: IMG_0001.JPG or IMG_0001.CR2; Adobe 1998 RGB color
space: first character is always underscore (_) |
|
| Folders: | Automatically created for image storage; new folder can be user-created
with "Manual Reset" function; folders cannot be freely selected on memory card
by the photographer |
|
| Highlight tone priority: | Expands tonal range of bright highlights by about one stop; ISO range limited to 200 to 1600; activated by C.Fn II-3-1 | NEW |
| Data verification: | "Original Image Data" can be appended to each image via Custom Function IV-6-1; requires optional Canon Original Data Security Kit OSK-E3 to check authenticity | NEW |
| Live View viewing options: | Camera's LCD monitor; computer monitor, via USB; computer monitor, via wireless transmitter WFT-E3A | NEW |
| Manual focus (live view): | Viewed on LCD monitor, with option to magnify focus area 5x or 10x | NEW |
| Autofocus (live view): | Possible--C.Fn III-6-1 active, press AF On button; mirror drops down temporarily while AF On button is pressed, allowing AF to function | NEW |
| Silent mode Live View shoot: | Mode 1: First shutter curtain remains open; shooting up to 6.5 fps
possible; Mode 2: Quieter option; 2nd shutter curtain doesn't close until user's finger is
taken off shutter button |
NEW |
| WIRELESS | ||
| Accessory wireless transmitter: | Canon WFT-E3A (optional, dedicated wireless transmitter) | NEW |
| Attachment to camera: | Attaches to base of camera; totally integrated with EOS 40D's design | NEW |
| Wireless transfer methods: | 802.11b or 802.11g; link speed: approximately 11 megabits/second (802.11b) or 54 megabits/second (802.11g) | |
| Connection method: | Infrastructure or Ad Hoc (802.11g functions in Ad Hoc mode) | |
| Maximum wireless distance: | Approximately 490 feet (150 meters), if "receiver" has its own antenna (depends on environment) | |
| Wireless channels: | 11 (in North American market) | |
| Ethernet (wired) transfer: | Yes; Ethernet 100Base-TX (maximum distance approximately 1,000 feet); link speed: approximately 100 megabits/second | |
| Transfer options: | 1. FTP mode (images sent to folder on host computer); 2. PTP mode (remote control of camera possible from computer); 3. HTTP mode (view camera's files using web browser; remote firing of camera possible) | |
| Security options: | Encryption: WEP or TKIP/AES; authentication: open system, WPA-PSK, or WPA2-PSK | |
| USB "host" capability: | Plug compatible USB devices into WFT-E3A, for use with the EOS 40D; GPS devices (write GPS time, coordinates, and altitude info into each file's EXIF info); external hard drive (connect compact external USB hard drive, and write files directly from camera to the hard drive as if it's an additional memory card) | NEW |
| LCD | ||
| LCD monitor: | 3.0-inch (diagonal) TFT color; approximately 100% coverage; approximately
230,000 pixels on monitor; approximately 140 degrees viewing angle |
NEW |
| LCD monitor brightness: | Adjustable in 7 levels (via Menu) Video-out: Yes (to standard TV monitor); NTSC or PAL, selectable on Menu |
|
| Video-out: |
Yes (to standard TV monitor); NTSC or PAL, selectable on Menu |
|
| FOCUSING | ||
| Number of AF points: | Nine, all cross-type AF points | NEW |
| Center AF point: | Unique hybrid cross-type AF point; world's first high-precision AF point
with both horizontal and vertical high-precision; additional standard precision,
cross-type sensors for lenses from f2.8 to f5.6 |
NEW |
| AF point selection: | 1. Manual AF point selection via 9-way multi-controller on back of camera; 2. automatic AF point selection | |
| AF activation: | Shutter button, or new AF On button at back of camera | |
| AF modes: | One-Shot AF (for stationary subjects); AI Servo AF (for tracking moving subjects); AI Focus AF (auto selection of One-Shot or AI Servo AF) | |
| AF sensor: | Entirely new Canon CMOS AF sensor | NEW |
| AF sensitivity range: | EV -0.5 to 18 (at 73 degrees F / 23 degrees C, ISO 100) | |
| EXPOSURE | ||
| Shutter speeds: | 30 seconds to 1/8000 second, plus Bulb (1/3 or 1/2-step increments); x-sync at 1/250 | |
| ISO range: | 100 to 1600, in 1/3-step or full-stop increments; ISO can be expanded to
3200 via C.Fn I-3-1 |
|
| Auto ISO: | Can be set in any exposure mode, including P, Tv, Av, and M; ISO usually
based at 400; typical auto range is 100 to 800, depending on conditions; manual exposure
mode: auto ISO fixed at 400 |
NEW |
| Exposure modes: | Manual, Aperture-priority (Av), Shutter-priority (Tv), Program AE, plus three custom modes |
NEW |
| Full-auto modes: | Green Zone, Portrait, Landscape, Close-up, Action, Night Portrait, Flash Off | |
| Metering: | 35-zone metering sensor; Evaluative metering (linked to all AF points); Center-weighted metering; Partial metering; Spot metering at center of picture (approximately 3.5% of picture area) | |
| Metering range: | EV 0 to 20 (all patterns, at normal temperatures) |
|
| Exposure compensation: | Possible in P, Tv, Av, and A-DEP exposure modes; +/- up to two stops, in 1/2 or 1/3-stop increments (via Quick Control Dial) | |
| Autoexposure bracketing: | Possible in P, Tv, Av, M, and A-DEP exposure modes; +/- up to two stops, in 1/2 or 1/3-stop increments | |
| FLASH | ||
| Compatible flashes: | All Canon EX-series Speedlites, including new Speedlite 580EX II |
|
| Camera menu sets flash: | Yes (580EX II only, as of August 2007) | |
| E-TTL II flash metering: | Flash metering not linked to active AF point; distance from compatible EF
lenses now used; entire metering area can be averaged using Custom Function 14-1 |
|
| Modeling flash: | 1-second burst of flash possible at 70Hz when depth-of-field preview button is pressed (580EX/EX II, 550EX, 420EX, MR-14EX, MT-24EX, and Speedlite transmitter only) | |
| Wireless E-TTL: | Fully compatible, including ratio setting over six-stop range |
|
| Flash exposure compensation: | Up to +/- 2 stops can be set on camera body (can also be set on compatible Speedlites) | |
| Built-in flash: | Covers lenses as wide as 17mm (27mm equivalent); Guide Number 43 (feet)/13 (meters), ISO 100 | |
| VIEWFINDER | ||
| Viewfinder focus screen: | New interchangeable "Ef" series focusing screens; standard screen: Ef-A--precision matte screen very similar to EOS 30D; optional Ef-D screen--precision matte with grid lines; optional Ef-S screen--Super precision matte (superior manual focusing with fast lenses, f1.8 to f2.8) | NEW |
| Viewfinder display: | Similar to EOS 30D; new: ISO is always displayed; new: B/W shooting mode icon; new: maximum burst available now two digits | NEW |
| Dioptric adjustment: | User-set from -3.0 to +1.0 (range can be extended using optional Canon dioptric Lens E, plus rubber frame Eb) | |
| Mirror lock-up: | Possible via Custom Function III-6-1 | |
| Eyepiece shutter: | None (cover is provided on included strap) | |
| COLOR | ||
| Color space: | Standard sRGB or Adobe 1998 RGB (separate setting on Menu) | |
| White Balance: | Auto; Pre-set (Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Flash); color temperature (set by user from 2500K to 10,000K in 100K increments); custom (shoot white object or 18% gray card, base WB on that neutral object) | |
| White Balance correction: | Fine-tuning of overall color, in any white balance mode; amber–blue correction, in 9 steps; magenta–green correction, in 9 steps; set on graph on LCD monitor, using 9-way controller; both types of correction can be combined | |
| White Balance bracketing: | Three separate files written with a single click of the shutter; can be varied in the amber–blue direction, or the magenta–green direction; can be adjusted up to +/- 15 mireds (equivalent to 3 steps on the 9-step adjust scale); can be combined with standard auto exposure bracketing (9 files written to CF card) | |
| Picture style: | Extensive range of settings for user to tailor color, contrast, sharpness, etc. to their preference; same characteristics as previous EOS SLRs with Picture Style control | |
| Black and white recording: | Set via monochrome setting within Picture Styles menu | |
| CONNECTIONS | ||
| Computer connection: | USB 2.0 Hi-speed, via small "B"-type USB connection | |
| Remote control: | N3-type push-in terminal (same as EOS 20D, EOS-1D Mark II, etc.) | |
| Video-out: | Single-pin mini-jack | |
| PRINTING | ||
| Direct Printing compatibility: | PictBridge printing to compatible Canon and other brand printers | |
| Compatible images: | JPEG, RAW, or sRAW, if they comply with DCF protocol | |
| Preview effects on camera's LCD: | Printing effects can be previewed (includes brightness, levels, contrast,
color saturation, color tone, and color balance--face brightener and red-eye correction
cannot be viewed) |
|
| Connection to printer: | Via USB cable included with camera | |
| DPOF image marking: | Compatible; images can be "tagged" while reviewing on LCD monitor | |
| POWER | ||
| Battery: | BP-511A, BP-511, or BP-512 (rechargeable lithium-ion, same as EOS 30D) (BP-511/BP-512: 1100mAh; BP-511A: 1390mAh) | |
| Shooting capacity: | Approximately 1100 shots (at 68 degrees F / 20 degrees C); approximately 800 shots (at 32 degrees F / 0 degrees C) | |
| Charger unit: | Canon CB-5L or CG-580 (also can be charged with compact power adapter CA-PS400) | |
| AC adapter: | AC adapter kit ACK-E2 (optional; consists of adapter AC-E2, and "dummy battery" DR-400) | |
| Battery grip (optional): | Battery grip BG-E2N or BG-E2 | |
| Date/time back-up battery: | CR2016 lithium battery--coin-type; user-replaceable (estimated life 5 years) | |
| BODY | ||
| Body exterior material: | Magnesium alloy top, front, and rear covers | |
| Chassis material: | Polycarbonate and stainless steel | |
| Lens mount: | EF lens mount; metal; compatible lenses: all Canon lenses for EOS cameras | |
| Compatible with EF-S lenses: | Yes | |
| OTHER | ||
| Custom functions: | 24 custom functions, in four distinct categories; 9 entirely new custom
functions |
NEW |
| Operating temperature range: | 32 degrees to 104 degrees F, at 85% or lower humidity (0 degrees to 40 degrees C) | |
| Dimensions (W x H x D): | 5.7 x 4.2 x 2.9 inches (145.5 x 108 x 73.5 millimeters), very slightly larger than EOS 30D | NEW |
| Weight (without battery or CF card): | 26.1 ounces (740 grams), approximately 1.4 ounces (40 grams) heavier than EOS 30D | NEW |
Amazon are taking pre-orders for delivery in September. Order now if you want to be the first on your block with an EOS 40D. I think it's a significant advance over the EOS 20D/30D (and of course even more of an advance over earlier models and the Rebel series). It's not just the extra pixels of the EOS 40D, in fact they aren't very important. It's the new sensor design plus 14-bit A/D which should give lower noise and better dynamic range, the higher speed operation, the larger LCD, the "live view" mode, a degree of weatherseling and the new AF system. They all add up to a camera that's a definite improvement over earlier models. I'm not just saying that, I placed my order for an EOS 40D with Amazon on August 20th!