For our first entry we have decided to investigate the "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."
From the very first time we saw the specs for this camera we were impressed by what was being offered for the money. Just a few years ago 6.5 fps would have been considered more than enough for serious sports photography. It is weather sealed to boot. Could we really have a serious sports camera for $1,299? It immediately occurred to us that we would indeed have to do the running test on this camera to see how it compares to the
1D MKIII and 1D MKII.
This is a rigorous autofocus test that we have been using in
other reviews to test the AI Servo performance of the Canon 1D MKIII and 1D MKII with fast moving subjects.
Canon 40D AI Servo Autofocus Torture Test: 
This series had 31 out of 57 Out of Focus (oof) images.
Here are the trial results for 4 test runs:
35 out of 54 oof = 65%
31 out of 57 oof = 64%
32 out of 56 oof = 57%
26 out of 47 oof = 55%
Overall Average:
58% Out of Focus Canon 40D
AI Servo, Center Point Only Autofocus, 300mm f/2.8, Default Settings
Canon 40D 58% Out of Focus
vs.
Canon 1D MKII 44% Out of Focus
vs.
Canon 1D MKIII 40% Out of Focus
Not surprisingly, both the 1D MKIII and the 1D MKII outperform the 40D in this autofocus torture test. For the extra money it looks like the normal pro sports shooter might get another 14-18 shots in focus per 100 photos taken.
So, is the 40D a budget 1D. Well, in terms of this test, no. But, the camera did perform many, many other tasks very well. Tune into the next entry to learn how it performed with regard to image quality and high iso shooting.
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