theuerkorn's Full Review: Canon EOS 40D Body Only Digital Camera
One of the most anticipated dSLR cameras in 2007 is without a doubt the new EOS 40D. With the 30D being more of a refinement than upgrade of the venerable 20D, rumors went rampant on what the 40D is going to look like and when it's released. With most of those speculations being nothing more than the invention of some overzealous bloggers, Canon put those questions to rest on August 20th - the official release date - and selective availability on August 31st. Of course blogs heated up immediately with some predicting Canon's demise while others were happy about the improvements. It got even hotter when Nikon almost immediately after released news of the upcoming D300. All this has virtually no impact on one simple fact: The 40D is a great improvement of a popular camera line at a very reasonable price. And here is why ...
COMPARED TO THE 20D/30D
The true product cycle of the xxD series is an honest 3 years with intermediate refinements (mostly handling). Ignoring the first D30, the main stations so far were the D60 and the 20D with the 10D being a refinement of the D60 and the 30D an improved 20D. (This is easily explained in amortization of the associated investment.) Anyway, the 40D represents one of the larger updates the xxD series has seen so far. While this is mostly driven by the competition, the new features make the best prosumer Canon model a solid recommendation for anybody to upgrade. Anyway, major differences to the 20D/30D are ...
- New 10.1 MPx sensor (w/ larger microlenses)
- Larger, brighter viewfinder (w/ ISO display)
- LifeView operation (especially for remote)
- 14 bit A/D converter and 14 bit RAW recording
- Faster, more precise AF system
- Sensor dust protection / removal (from 400D)
- Larger, brighter LCD screen (3")
- Auto ISO, Highlight Priority
- DiG!C III processor (faster)
- New optional sRAW format (2.5 MPx)
- Interchangeable focusing screens (Ef-A included)
- Faster and quieter mirror mechanism (via motor)
- Warning instead of shut-down when card door opened
- Optional WFT-E3/E3A wireless transmitter / grip
- Weather seal for battery, cf card and hotshoe (w/ 580EX II)
- External USB media support (w/ WFT only)
As it can be easily seen, this is far from a minor upgrade. At least in comparison to the 30D which only added spot metering, a larger screen, picture modes and a Print button to the familiar technology of the 20D.
Not satisfied? Check out the Cannon "EOS Zero-D" at ...
http://www.astropix.com/wp/2007/04/01/cannon-0d-zero-d-dslr/
THE FIRST IMPRESSION(s)
Note: This review covers the body only. For more information on the Kit, please[Click Here]
The 40D continues the understated Black design of the 20D/30D and looks virtually the same ... at least from the front. The buttons on the rear are changed to accommodate the larger screen and other than two additional buttons (picture styles and AF-ON) nothing much changed either. For ergonomics that's good news since the 40D feels very comfortable to hold (unlike the tiny grip of the 350D and 400D) and the very useful dial isn't missing either. Previous owners won't have much difficulty to get used to the minor differences in the 40D ergonomics and new users will appreciate the clean interface with minimal menu depth for quick access.
Turning the 40D on, one might notice the newly integrated dust removal feature (in form of the display flashing the Clening symbol) as the default setting is to perform the vibration upon power-up. Especially 20D owners will appreciate the immediately (less) noticeable mirror noise (often described as shutter noise, but that's actually incorrect as most of the noise in the 20D comes from moving the mirror out of the way. The new focus system is what impressed me next, as reliability of the peripheral focus points appears to have gotten a significant boost insensitivity and seemingly a bit faster too.
Next stop, large screen and LifeView. Honestly, while not essential to taking good pictures, but the added real estate for the screen makes it easier to navigate the menu and read the (still small) histogram. Viewing angle is a bit handicapped but moving outside shows that this step back also has its good side - namely better visibility in bright light, but still not worry free.
Overall, the first few minutes with the 40D made it clear that this is a serious upgrade to the 20D/30D camera and worth the money. So let's go a bit more into details regarding the changes. I basically looked at the new features from two perspectives (1) does it improve image quality and (2) does it improve handling.
IMAGE QUALITY
The 20D/30D earned respect with best-of-class noise levels in tricky lighting due to large sensor sites and CMOS technology, both trademarks in Canon's xxD line that are not wise to be tinkered with.
Sensor: [****-] - In light of the excessive emphasis on megapixels these days, the 10.1 MPx sensor appears to be at a disadvantage compared to the current market and immediate announcements by the competition. Against unrealistic expectations for a 1.3x crop sensor as seen in the 1D MkIII, Canon maintains their commitment to the 1.6x crop factor and with it the specialized EF-S lens line-up. At first sight the sensor seems to be the same as in the 400D (Rebel XTi) but closer examination reveals larger microlenses (95% fill factor) which essentially provide the sensitivity of the 8 MPx sensor from the 20D/30D in the 10 MPx format. This is a careful tweak in the attempt to maintain the legendary low noise of this line while increasing resolution. At 5.7 um sensor size, lens artifacts like blur are naturally more pronounced and require better glass. To match the sensors capabilities look at a quality lens like the EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM lens, since the standard Canon EF-S 17-85mm IS f4/5.6 USM cannot provide enough resolution (contrast) to see a difference between a 20D and a 40D for instance. Another change is the ability to provide continuous feed from the sensor without negative impacts on life or quality, unlike the 20D/30D sensor which wasn't designed for LiveView.
A/D Converter: [*****] - Two more bits, and under normal conditions not much of a tonal difference especially in high contrast features; the new 14 bit conversion allows mainly for two features (1) where the tonal quality of smooth colors (like skin tones) is less prone to banding and (2) for supporting the highlight priority feature. Wedding photographers rejoice! 14 bit per sensor cell means that each primary color is recorded in greater depth which technically results in finer resolution of the inperpolated RGB picture. This is of course limited to RAW since JPG is limited to 24 bit or 8 bit per R, G and B.
AF System: [*****] - Previously only the center spot has been a cross sensor (sensitive in both horizontal and vertical direction) while the other eight were line sensors. The new sensor sports probably the most significant changes from the previous generation by making all sensors the cross type functional with an aperture of up to f/5.6 (maximum). There is also a new diagonal cross added to ease transition (tracking) between points. The cross sensors make all the difference, honestly, and missing focus due to less defined contrast under one of the peripheral focus points is now much less likely. Focus tracking is fast and depending on the speed and distance of the object either dead-on or slightly behind (i.e. very fast running dog in near distance).
Dust Protection: [****-] - Well let's just say that I only once had dust on my 20D sensor and it wasn't the end of the world since all spots ended up in the easy to fix blue sky. The 400D sports the first incarnation of Canon's concept to battle such artifacts, and the 40D appears to have changed very little of the design. Of course, you could simply keep your sensor clean with traditional methods and change lenses only in a controlled environment, but there is real life too. At this point it's way to early to judge on the effectiveness of the built-in dust protection, since I have no intentions to handle my gear any different and the 20D sure didn't have a problem in the 2.5 years I've been using it (with 3 lenses being frequently changed).
Auto ISO: [****-] - Not new to the camera world and some might argue that's not necessary while others may consider it to be a crucial feature. In Auto mode, the camera decides the suitable ISO speed (between 100 and 800) to fit the light conditions relative to you shooting mode. If you're not too obsessed with ISO100, this is a good way to ensure the shot in changing condition (or avoid to forget to change). In studio settings this would probably off and under normal day light as well, but in those time critical or absent-minded situation it's a great feature to have. (Canon puts priority different ISO preference depending on shooting mode. For instance Tv and Flash default to ISO400 while Portrait is fixed at ISO100 and and P and Av range between 400 and 800. It's obvious that ISO100 is better forced than relying on Auto ISO.)
Highlight Priority: [****-] - If you never noticed blown-out highlights you're probably an expert who's deliberately underexposing or not very sensitive to this picture quality degrading effect. Just like the 1D MkIII, the 40D now offers to expose correctly for highlights and avoid this issue. In addition, the 18% Grey to White "zone" is expanded to capture more detail, while shadows are a bit compressed. While some of that can be achieved manually by underexposing, this automated function attempts to maximize the available dynamic range and preserve as bright dark detail as possible while only loosing minor detail in dark areas. As a result, pictures are not darker (underexposed), but the "compressed" shadows may eventually result in more noise when using fill lights. Further, be aware that enabling this feature makes the ISO100 setting unavailable. Not sure why, but they seem to mutually exclude each other?
sRAW: [****-] - Why would anybody in his or her right mind opt for a quarter of the resolution, if larger is better? Well, sRAW is mostly to reduce file size. However, it's also a different format and does not require demosacing and therefor avoids associated interpolation. The sRAW format takes apparently four pixels with partial color information (R, G, or B) and stores them into one pixel with full color data. Not sure how the two Green pixels of the Bayer configuration in one set are weighted. However, this explains why sRAW (2.5 MPx, 3 color components, avg. 7.1 MByte) isn't a quarter of the file size of full RAW (10.1 MPx, 1 color component, avg. 12.5 MByte). The surprising part is the sharp picture yielded from sRAW, which I took and enlarged via Genuine Fractals to the same pixel count as the full RAW and with surprisingly close results. Of course, GF has a hand in that statement but the sharp input from sRAW did it's part too. This can be attributed to both larger pixel equivalent and no interpolation. Unfortunately you can't configure the 40D to record both RAW and sRAW at the same time, as either can only be combined with JPG.
Digital Photo Pro: [***--] - Canon's RAW converter ships with the camera and changes in version 3.1 are minor compared to the previous 3.0.2. As of October 2007, only Bibble Pro 4.9.8e, SilkyPix Developer 3.x and of course DPP 3.1 support the 40D's sRAW files. Lightroom 1.2 and Lightzone 3.1 can at least handle the normal RAW files. DxO Optics Pro 5 is going to be release late October 2007 with 40D support. CaptureOne 4 has currently no information available regarding supporting the 40D. Either way, an interesting point for Canon's DPP is the upcoming release v3.2 (est. release in November) which adds lens aberration correction (distortion and chromatic aberration) as well as fill light. Depending on the implementation, this would mean that Canon finally provides a very capable RAW converter -- and still free of charge. For more reasons why DPP isn't a bad albeit free choice please follow this link ...
http://www.designpreference.com/reviews/software/raw_compare.html
HANDLING
Body: [*****] - The overall size and design is very similar to the previous 20D/30D and that's a good thing since I was afraid that Canon would force the (tiny, uncomfortable) grip of the 400D onto the xxD line. The typical magnesium alloy frame is slightly taller to accommodate the bigger viewfinder and has added seals around the battery as well as the CF memory compartment. Other than that, most controls are very similar to the 20D/30D and make it very easy to get started. The so-called Quick Control Dial on the back of the camera is the same as before and that means the 40D is still one of the easiest to navigate dSLRs around (compared to cursor buttons). The weight increased slightly but hardly noticeable once you've got an "L" lens attached and a flash and probably a battery grip. In fact, the added weight is welcome for smaller lenses for better stability. The 40D now sports a slightly more sculpted grip with an extended rubberized section for better handling - a visually subtle but ergonomically noticeable change.
Sealing: [****-] - The newly added seal against splash water (spray) and dust protects the battery compartment and CF card door. It does not seal the remainder of the body and obviously shooting in a downpour not recommended. Nevertheless, the hotshoe of the 40D now sports the same seal surface as the 1D and allows sealing this junction when using the Speedlite 580EX II (which is the only sealed flash in Canon's lineup). I tend to protect my camera from all elements and the seals are more or less for peace of mind. Dropping in in the pool is still not recommended.
Interface: [****-] - The menu of the 40D has been revised to the new tab style as found in the 1D MkIII (and the powershot series for that matter). Generally speaking it doesn't make much of a difference between the list style of the 20D/30D and the tab design other than personal preference and at this point I somewhat prefer the list style where a quick whirl of the wheel gets you very quickly to the point. Of course the new design simply follows suit of a more universal interface and especially new users may prefer the tab design. Nevertheless, having to use the "joystick" for navigation instead of the dial is a minor set-back for the xxD series.
Mode Dial: [*****] - While generally not a new or different thing, the 40D now sports three custom settings in addition to the typical modes to allows storing camera settings under C1, C2 or C3 which essentially allows quick access to three setups for different situations. To store the current settings, simply use the menu and register the to any of the three modes. In normal use it's extremely useful to have your camera quickly configured (i.e. noise reduction, iso, color profile, white balance, bracketing etc.) to your three most common situations.
Viewfinder: [*****] - This might as well be considered the most important improvement in the 40D as not only is the current ISO setting permanently shown, it's also slightly bigger in magnification (0.90 -> 0.95) and brighter due to a less precise focusing screen. The LED focus points are a bit easier to see (if that was a problem for you in the 20D/30D). Overall, Canon finally addressed one of the most often heard complaints about the xxD series when compared with some of the Nikon models. However, the LEDs were always a bit more usable than the Nikons I know (D70 D200) due to their direct relationship to the AF point currently in focus.
Display: [****-] - While size increased to 3 inches, resolution remained the same with 230,000 sub-pixels or 76,800 pixels (320x240) and 260,000 shades of color. Reduction in viewing angle (170 deg -> 140 deg) is sold as a side effect of better visibility in outdoor viewing since the LCD is now brighter and in the top two of the overall 7 brightness settings, an improvement in bright sunlight is quite visible. Unfortunately, the protective cover is still relatively reflective as for most dSLRs, and limits outdoor viewing due to reflections. Unlike any current dSLR, EPSON's P-3000 multimedia viewer sports VGA resolution and -- more importantly -- full 24 bit color rendering! It's even capable of displaying AdobeRGB due to the 4-color LCD technology. Highly recommended, and the 40D files already work, but a bit slow. (The P-3000 reads the embedded JPG instead of decoding the RAW.)
Speed / Buffer: [*****] - I have to admit that I was already quite happy with 5 fps in my 20D and only the 6 picture buffer often hit the limit. The 40D now provides constant shootings speed of either 3 fps or an amazing 6.5 fps (frames per second). Sports photographers might still yearn for the 10 fps of the 1D MarkIII, but for a $1300 camera this is certainly a first. The buffer increased to 17 RAW pictures (or 75 JPEG), a fast memory card allows to unload the buffer quicker and actually yield slightly higher numbers. I still have to do a bit more testing on this and will update later. However, memory access has been greatly improved (in fact, nearly 3x from the 20D/30D), but does not appear to gain anything from UDMA (i.e. Extreme IV).
SanDisk Extreme IV ... 13.2 MByte/s
SanDisk Extreme III ... 13.2 MByte/s
Kingston Ultimate 133x ... 8.6 MByte/s
Lexar Professional 80x ... 8.2 MByte/s
SanDisk Ultra II ... 7.9 MByte/s
Hitachi Microdrive (4GB) ... 5.25 MByte/s
(Measured by filling buffer with 15 to 18 pictures depending on file size and stopping time when write lamp stops flickering. True write speed is likely to be higher as processing time is included. All cards were formatted in the 40D before this test.)
LifeView: [****-] - Canon did not intend to make this a point-n-shoot camera, and you won't see too many with this dSLR and streched out arms when taking pictures. If that's what you expected, you will be disappointed as it possible but not as "convenient" since the mirror has to quickly get in and out of the picture for autofocus. Nevertheless, there is a lot to like about in a studio setting when arranging your scene (especially in macro photography) or when controlling the camera from a computer with Canon's EOS Utility. Exposure is controlled by a box that can be freely moved on the screen for maximum flexibility. Focus is either via AF-On button on camera or manual from the computer (coarse, medium and fine through the GUI). Of course, battery life suffers significantly. More importantly, the time to flip the mirror down and up again adds to the "shutter lag" ... unless you opt for manual focus.
Flash Control: [*****] - As a Type-A camera, the EOS 40D fully supports both ETTL (no distance) and ETTL-II (with distance). However, what's most impressive is not the internal flash but the fact that the 40D now includes a menu to control an external speedlite flash - just like the 1D MarkIII. While flash is technically directly related to picture quality, in this case it's mostly handling of an external flash that's improved (compared to making the same settings on the 580EX II for instance). Trying to remember what the cryptic "C.Fn-01 0" displayed on the 580EX means? How about a menu entry that spells it out for you: "Flash C.Fn settings: Auto Power Off; 0:Enabled, 1:Disabled"? Much better, especially if you don't change custom functions often! The menu allows access to basically all functionality of Canon's most advanced flash like flash mode, shutter sync, flash bracketing, flash exposure compensation, flash metering and of course custom functions (to configure the flash). The settings for the internal flash (E-TTL) moved into the same menu and away from the C.Fn menu to better accessibility.
OTHER DETAILS
Aside from all the changes in the 40D, it builds on a solid camera basis for advanced enthusiasts that value a good camera without getting too hung up on the numbers hype associated with most releases. Image stabilization in the body is an unlikely path for both Canon or Nikon as both rely on in-lens stabilization for better control in really long focal lengths. (Sensor stabilization doesn't have an effect on the viewfinder either.)
Amongst those things that didn't change much are battery and storage media as both BP511 as well as CF memory are still used in the 40D. This is mostly significant for upgraders. At the same time, the large battery helps the DiG!C III processor to achieve over 1000 shots (no flash) and CF memory is still the fastest and biggest capacity available in any format. Battery life is significantly reduced in LifeView (approx 100 pictures), but that certainly should surprise nobody. In normal shooting with an IS lens and several focussing "attempts" per shot, true battery life is more around 300 - 400 pictures (viewfinder) and 50 - 70 pictures in LifeView.
Another unchanged feature is the "Print" button (introduced in the 30D) which reflects Canon's vertical strategy of selling more than just the camera but a system (which might included their printers). While you're not obligated to use it, most photographers serious enough to invest in a 40D are not likely to print directly from the camera, but there are a few exceptions where it makes sense. For the rest that prefers a RAW editor for tweaking pictures, that button would have been wise to be customizable ... but it's not (at least in firmware 1.0.3).
Overall, the 40D continues to be a solid camera with a sturdy housing, compatibility with both EF and EF-S lenses, great ergonomics, fast processing (for a mid-range camera) and with a large array of accessories. Third party RAW editors are expected to catch up within a month or two to all support the 40D as well (as it happens with any new major release). Bibble Pro 4.9.8e already accepts 40D files, and Adobe's applications are likely to be updated by end of September (ACR) and November (Lightroom). DxO Optics Pro is likely to support the 40D in the next release as well, but it remains to be seen how many lens modules will be available upon release.
With the established minimum of 240 dpi for photo quality, the 40D's native resolution meets those requirements all the way up to 11x17 print size ...
Of the things on my wish list only very few were not addressed in the 40D. One would be an integrated wireless control for external flash (off camera). Further, it would be nice if GPS receivers would make it into cameras (just like cell phones), but of course the 40D doesn't break any ground here either and an external device is supported via the WFT grip. Sealing is a much discussed feature that most photographers may not need, but should you dare to take your equipment in harsh environments, the necessary full seal is currently reserved to the 1D series.
Note: This review covers the body only. For more information on the Kit, please[Click Here]
THE FUTURE
Judging by the development of Canon dSLR cameras over the last 4 - 5 years, it's very likely that the new model ("50D"?) is going to follow in the footsteps of the 30D with the main focus on refinement rather than all-new-anything. Don't expect anything for 2008 as the normal cycle between iterations is 18 months and so far Canon stuck to that despite hostile bloggers that predict doom for any camera as soon as another MPx race horse is introduced.
The 40D is well suited for the upcoming 1 - 2 years and longer and especially if your output is not bigger than 8x10 or for screen viewing. The whole 10 MPx actually cover easily 11x17 with some (typically unnoticeable scaling). Once all RAW editors support the 40D, it's going to be a highly recommended work horse for many applications (including a backup for professionals as the 20D/30D already is).
In the end, photography is mostly defined by the artistic talent of the user. Keep in mind that it's in all technicality simply the capture of light. Today's cameras all support the user well enough to produce great pictures. In fact, there is none of the new features that if absent would prevent anyone from taking a good picture. On the same token, the best camera doesn't guarantee good pictures.
For those waiting for a miracle ...
http://www.astropix.com/wp/2007/04/01/cannon-0d-zero-d-dslr/
BUT WHAT ABOUT THE D300?
Well, the Canon EOS 40D and the Nikon D300 are currently directly compared with one being available in stores and the other one expected in November this year. The most obvious difference is in the price (D300 is $500 more) and that buys you an additional 2 MPx, a higher resolution screen and a few other gadgets. Depending on your quality of the attached lens, the additional resolution may only be usable with premium glass. The resolution (contrast) of any consumer grade zoom lens is well below the resolution of either 40D or D300 and only a fixed lens or pro-level zoom might (!) show an honest difference. Nikon (more than Canon) does play numbers a bit aggressive. A hires screen sounds great, but not only is its usability eye sight limited, the maximum 260k colors are equally limiting as Canon's display and outdoor visibility is likely to be better with larger dots. Further, shooting speed heavily depends on battery and shooting mode in the D300 while it's the same for all condition in the 40D, which allows the D300 to be faster at times and slower at other ... big deal.
Let me just keep this as objective as possible. There is no question that the D300 is going to be a good camera. (In some ways even better than the 40D.) However, that doesn't take away from the fact that the 40D is also a great camera with a price advantage and notably less marketing fluff in the numbers. Since the main investment is in your lenses and once you have a good stock in either manufacturer's system, there is no reason to believe that the grass is truly greener on the other side. The market needs both 40D and D300 (and any other camera maker) to keep competition alive and progress on the move. It's a thing of personal preference which system to commit to, and there is no good reason why one camera couldn't achieve the same pictures as another.
(Don't get too hung up on megapixels and number of buttons!)
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