In the upper middle class of the EOS models, development is progressing in tenths – at least as far as the product names are concerned: the EOS 40D is the successor to the EOS 30D, which preceded a 20D and 10D. The new is not simply a further development of the series, but a new design, one emphasizes at Canon. Even the 10-megapixel CMOS was not simply taken over from the EOS 400D but reworked with the goal of better noise.
In its dimensions, 22.2 x 14.8 mm, the image sensor is identical on both models. The maximum resolution is 3888 x 2592 pixels or 10.1 megapixels. Image processing with a 14-bit color depth per channel is handled by a third-generation DIGIC processor, which was able to process 129 images in the best JPEG quality without damaging the photographer. The image frequency was 5.8 images, slightly less than the value of Canon (6.5 B / s). A slot for CompactFlash cards is available for storing the images. In addition, Canon has integrated a sensor cleaning system, which according to the manufacturer should work with ultrasonic vibrations.
At the resolution, the EOS 40D is slightly lower in comparison to the 400D by 40 line pairs at ISO 100/400, but in practice this is negligible. Much more important are the significantly improved values of the EOS 40D in dynamics capture (object contrast): With 9.5 f / s at ISO 100/400, the EOS 40D creates a diaphragm more than EOS 400D / 30D and thus reaches the level of the best cameras so far in this discipline .
In addition, the EOS 40D, like the new EOS 1Ds MK III professional model, offers a tonal value priority mode (Custom function II-3) with which the dynamics can be expanded once more. Canon, however, points out that the noise in the dark parts of the picture can rise slightly. In addition, the usable ISO range is limited to ISO 200 to 1600 (otherwise ISO 100 to ISO 3200).
In noise, the differences to the EOS 400D are low, assuming the values for ISO 100/400: 0.6 / 1.1 VN at the 40D versus 0.7 / 1.2 VN at the 400D. The differences for ISO 800/1600 are more pronounced: 1.6 / 2.7 against 1.9 / 2.9. Compared to the predecessor EOS 30D with 8 megapixel sensor, the improvements are clear, with resolution as for object contrast and noise (especially with ISO 400).
The TFT monitor has been enlarged from 2.5 to 3 inches with unchanged resolution (230,000 pixels) and now fills a significant portion of the area at the back of the camera. That's why you moved a few buttons, which can be found on the EOS 30D to the left of the monitor. Only the menu and direct print buttons are still to be found at the top, to the left of the search view. The first thing you need to get used to is because you no longer have to grip your thumb with the thumb from the left, but you have to use the keys from the bottom. Ultimately, however, this is habituation - apart from the fact that the keys could be somewhat larger. In the overall view the user interface at the rear is pleasantly tidy.
The big "thumbwheel" on the back, a long-standing feature of higher EOS models, has been the main focus of the EOS models. It is extremely convenient when navigating in the menus and changing the picture when you are in the playback mode. In addition, there is a small joystick (4-way switch) which facilitates navigation in the menus. For example, use the joystick to toggle between the horizontally arranged menu extensions (a total of 9). You can select between the vertically arranged items with the joystick or the thumbwheel. In the submenu of an entry, press the joystick or the set button on the dial. For a clear overview, the menus leave nothing to be desired, including the large monitor.
As in the past, the housing consists of magnesium and has been formally all-round. Compared to EOS 20D / 30D, the camera has become slightly larger and 40 grams heavier. With 740 grams (without battery), it is still 90 grams lighter than the Nikon D200. The ergonomics are excellent, the handle-shaped housing pre-construction with trigger and dial a pattern of grip. All connections are located on the left housing edge under two rubber bottles, which are folded upwards. In addition to digital interface (USB 2.0 HiSpeed) and video-out are a remote socket and a standard flash connector. The battery and memory card slots are protected against the ingress of moisture.
For the SLR viewfinder, Canon offers a total of three interchangeable dials. In addition to the standard matt disc Ef-A, the Ef-D versions with grating grid and Ef-S for manual focusing are available, all at a price of 25 euros. The search magnifier achieves a rms value of 0.56 - more than for EOS 30D (0.53) and EOS 400D (0.51) for the sensor size, but less than for Nikon D80 / D200 (0.6)
The supplied lithium-ion battery BP-511A with 1390 mAh is responsible for the power supply. Optionally available: the battery handle BG-E2N for around 170 euros, with which one additionally a Hochformatauslöser wins. A wireless file transmitter (WFT-E3) and a network adapter are also included in the accessory program.
The new autofocus system works with nine AF sensors, which are all used as cross sensors in the case of sufficiently bright lenses (up to the opening opening 1: 5.6) - otherwise only the particularly sensitive middle AF field is active as a cross sensor. In addition to matrix measurement with 35 sectors and a mid-range integral method, the metering measurement (approx. 9% of the field of view) and spot measurement (approx. 3.8%) are also available for exposure measurement.
The selection of the exposure programs - time, aperture, program and full automatic, with manual adjustment and six motif programs - is performed via the mode dial in the upper left of the housing. In addition, there are A-DEP, a special program for achieving maximum sharpening depth for a given aperture, and setting positions C1, C2 and C3. It is also possible to select individual user profiles that have been previously saved. This includes settings on the camera (eg shooting mode) and in the menus or individual functions.
Individuality promises also the last tab in the menu ("My Menu"): There you can save up to six menu items, which one then in the fast direct access has - a practical matter, because the search times in the menus thereby significantly reduce. Compiling "My Menu" works with the Register function: You select a menu item and register it for "My Menu". The entries contained therein can be deleted, replaced or resorted at any time.
In addition to the professional models EOS 1D Mark III and 1Ds Mark III, the EOS 40D is now the third SLR camera in the Canon program with live view function. The live image is generated by the image sensor itself, for which the mirror has to be pivoted out of the beam path. In contrast to the professional models, the EOS 40D is also capable of automatic focusing in live view mode, for which the mirror is returned to the initial position at a short time and the AF sensors are activated in the bottom of the mirror box. The Canon designers did not use an additional autofocus device that uses the image signal of the CMOS (as with the Nikon D300).
If desired, the adjusted or corrected exposure can be simulated in Live View mode, in which case the monitor also displays a live histogram.
A further special feature is the "silent recording": With this option, the quiet noise (no mirroring) can be reduced anyway in the live view mode, which can be quite practical in certain situations. For more information on the Canon EOS 40D's live view, please see the section "Camera Tip" in the photo section of this issue.
Evaluation according to new test criteria
Canon EOS 40D
The 10 megapixel camera convinces by high image quality in all sensitivity ranges: Good values in the sensitivities up to ISO 800, at ISO 1600 the value falls into the proper midfield. The resolution is good. In terms of image noise, the Canon is also good. And already comes the device in its sum on a great value and is newer to newer devices in nothing. Together with very short triggering delay and good equipment, the Canon EOS 40D is the test winner in the category of 500 to 1000 Euro. It is also the most expensive model in its category (980 euros).
Canon EOS 40D
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