Canon EOS 40D - Expert Reviews

Review summary: This 10 megapixel digital single lens reflex has several evolutionary improvements over the EOS 30D, including the extra two million pixels, a larger LCD screen and what is called "live view" function. Live view is using the LCD screen as the ...

Pros: The picture quality from the CMOS sensor and image processor is smooth, film-like and noise free even at high ISO settings. Dynamic range is as good as it gets, with detail well preserved both in highlights and shadows. The mechanical refinement of ...

Cons: The larger LCD is a low resolution affair, with 230,000 pixels, compared with nearly one million on the Nikon D300 and the Sony A700. This diminishes the usefulness of live view and also affects picture review. And there is no auto-focus assist lamp ...

Verdict: This is a fine camera with worthwhile advances on its predecessor. Canon has dominated this segment of the market for DSLRs between $2000 and $3000, but now faces stiff competition. The Sony A700, the Nikon D300 and the Olympus E-3 are coming soon, ...

Review summary: The chassis is robust and hardwearing

Pros: Huge LCD screen, Impressive continuous shooting speed, 10-megapixels

Cons: No great advances in image quality

Verdict: On the top of the camera is a mono status LCD - cheaper cameras usually display this information on the main LCD, which some users may find annoying. However, when compared with the 400D, the 40D isn't necessarily better

Review summary: Canon's decision to upgrade its popular 30D SLR for serious amateurs was no great surprise. The 30D was an outstanding camera, but in some ways an infuriating one, and the new 40D irons out most of the wrinkles while adding some great new features

Pros: More megapixels, Excellent colour rendition, Wider ISO range, Useful extras, such as Live View, New custom modes

Cons: Some idiosyncratic functions

Verdict: A beautifully engineered upgrade that's a no-brainer for Canon fans

Review summary: The EOS 40D replaces the 30D, which itself replaced Canon's mid-range 20D model. These were all pitched above the basic entry-level 300D/350D/400D series, with metal build, faster continuous shooting and more advanced controls

Pros: Huge LCD screen, Impressive continuous shooting speed, 10-megapixels

Cons: No great advances in image quality

Verdict: If you need 6.5fps shooting and you want a tough, long-lasting camera, the 40D is great value for money

Review summary: It's like meeting an old friend for the first time.