Canon 40D Interactive Review

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Canon 40D Interactive Review

Published by drew
09-19-2007

Page 1

Canon 40D Interactive Review
Entry 1- September 19, 2007

Canon recently introduced the replacement for the 30D Mid Range Digital SLR.

Key Features:
Here are some key features of this camera as outlined by Canon:

Superb image quality: 10.1 Megapixel CMOS Sensor, extensive noise reduction technology, and 14-bit conversion for outstanding color tones and gradation.

Outstanding performance: 6.5 fps, burst rate up to 75 consecutive JPEGs or 17 RAW images and DIGIC III Image Processor.

Strong, rugged build quality: magnesium-alloy exterior, shutter durability-tested to 100,000 cycles, top speed 1/8000, top x-sync speed 1/250.

New AF system with 9 cross-type sensors, and world's first diagonal high-precision cross-type AF at center point with f/2.8 and faster lenses.

EOS Integrated Cleaning System, Picture Style settings, Spot metering, and Highlight Tone Priority for advanced in-camera image control.

Large 3.0-inch LCD monitor and advanced Live View Function with new options for reduced shutter time lag and quiet operation.

Review Format:
In case you are not familiar with our review format here, we will be reviewing different features of the camera with each entry. We have had this camera for well over a week now, and have begun to form some opinions about the overall merit of the camera. Join us as we break down the camera in each entry.

In our first entry we will jump right in and have a look at the AI Servo Autofocus performance of the 40D.

Please use the navigation menu on the left, or the menu at the bottom to move through each entry. Check back soon for regular updates.

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drew strickland

faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is ...

<< < Next Page: Canon 40D AI Servo Autofocus Test (Page 1 of 9 ) > >>

By Noel_Carboni on 09-19-2007, 08:28 AM

Re: Canon 40D Interactive Review

Way to go, Drew! I believe you are covering first the first thing people will want to know right away: How does its performance stack up to the 1D models for speedy shooting. And indeed we see that with the impressive 6.5 fps it actually IS able to do sports shooting, though as expected at a slightly less stellar level than the 1D models. Given that people actually have been able to use the 1D quite effectively, a slight reduction in the in-focus shots in the 40D probably means it will still be quite a good performer in the field as well. For those of us who successfully shot field sports with a D30 (Canon's first prosumer dSLR), I think the 40D might work pretty well.

I note that in the sequence above the error seems to be predominantly back focus (i.e., the image seems better focused on your rear elbow). I should note that I did not look at every single shot. Do you know if the 40D offers a feature like the 1D where one can fine tune the front- or back-focus of a particular lens? I wonder if this is a factor in the performance you measured.

I'm set to pick my 40D up today or tomorrow, depending on whether the shipment arrives at the pro shop.

-Noel

Last edited by Noel_Carboni : 09-19-2007 at 08:35 AM.

By Curtis Cunningham on 09-19-2007, 10:08 AM

Re: Canon 40D Interactive Review

Thanks for all rigorous testing Drew. I appreciate all the work you're putting into this.

For me I am most interested in learning about the low light/high ISO results (especially for shooting weddings where flash is not allowed).

Apart from that the next priority for me would be comments about the 10+MP sensor. Selling mounted, laminated and framed prints is a part of my business model, and so I'm interested to see how the higher Megapixel count on the same sized sensor as the 30D affects the amount of noise.

By Walt Palmer on 09-19-2007, 10:18 AM

Re: Canon 40D Interactive Review

Drew,
Thank you for this test, and putting it in comparison to the 1D-series bodies.

Do you have a friend with a Nikon system? It would be interesting to know how the D2-series stack up in this same test. That would be interesting fodder for editors everywhere, and grist for shooters trying to 'manage expectations'.

Thanks again. I look forward to the image quality and high-iso review next time.

-walt palmer

By Andrew Chase on 09-19-2007, 10:42 AM

Re: Canon 40D Interactive Review

Hello Drew,

Thanks for posting the AI Servo test. I've been reading up on AF "drift" when in AI Servo in a forum (example of 40D focus drift in AI Servo. - FM Forums). And as a prospective buyer I'm getting a little discouraged. Even if the 40D is great in other areas. Why should I spend my money on a new camera that has AF issues when tracking movement?

And as Walt suggested...it would be great if you could compare it to a Nikon DSLR. For me, I would love for you to compare it to the upcoming D300. Better yet how about against the soon to be released Sony A700 too. My other choices.

Being OOF for 58% of the time is not acceptable to me. Is this rate "common" with DSLRs when tracking moving objects? Would a Nikon also have a failure rate of almost 50%? I'd hope not. But then again I have never owned a DSLR.

Last edited by Andrew Chase : 09-19-2007 at 10:48 AM.

By ChrisPerry on 09-19-2007, 11:26 AM

Re: Canon 40D Interactive Review

How does this compare to the 30D it replaces?

A comprehensive test is a good thing. Since Drew did the 1D tests i would tent to trust his results on this test.

But there are so many types of photography and users out there that threads like the 'focus drift' get traction when the test is soooo flawed as to be a joke.

AI servo means just about nothing to me - I use it (sometimes) at weddings for the processional and the 40D beats the 30D hands down - based on the one wedding I shot with the 40D - BUT there are so many variables (speed the girls walked, light amount, light direction, dress color, flowers or how they were held, etc) that my experience is nothing more than anecdotal.

I love my 40D, so any comments I make about it will be shaded by that. Others I supposes expected a 5D/1D mk3 combo on the cheap - you still get what you pay for as this Servo focus test illustrates. The 40D blows the 30D into the weeds in IQ, ISO and focus accuracy/speed based on what I use a camera for.

By Marc_Schoenholz on 09-19-2007, 10:26 PM

Re: Canon 40D Interactive Review

Drew,

This is an incredible service that you are providing. It clearly reinforces the value of being a member and supporter of ProPhoto.

I look forward to the results from further 40D testing.

Marc Schoenholz

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