Canon EOS 40D

DSLRs are fast becoming the camera type of choice for even the amateur user, which means the step-up models are becoming all the more important, especially as they may encourage entry into the world of professional photography. The Eos 40D represents a significant move from the starter cameras, and offers the well-rounded amateur an opportunity to specialise their craft.

For those unfamiliar with the body design of the double-digit Eos range, it resembles a more robust version of the models below it. As with most SLRs, an ‘if it ain’t broke don’t fix it’ sensibility is applied, as the right-hand grip and default major controls are all present and correct.

With a 3” LCD sat at the back of camera, much of the controls that were more evenly spread on previous models have been moved to accommodate. For the most part this simply means a line of buttons related to playback control or image info lining the underside of the screen, although the Menu button is rather bizarrely relegated to the top left corner. On the right side the thumbstick is a pleasant departure from a standard d-pad, feeling intuitive enough not to force the user to look back every few seconds.

One of the more intriguing additions to the 40D is the AF-ON button, which functions in a similar manner to a half-press on the shutter release. Working especially well with the AI Servo focus mode, the AF-ON seems like a minor aid on paper, but actually helps to speed up the taking of certain images. Another addition is the Picture Style button, which offers a series of tone and saturation presets.

Being one of many functions that can easily be replicated in the likes of Photoshop, changing the picture style will only appeal to those uninterested in post-shooting editing. These two selections, along with a few functions within the camera itself, seem to infer the 40D is being prepped for life in a studio rather than on location, especially when the other major new feature is considered.

A few years back it was relatively well accepted that being able to use the screen as a viewfinder worked well on compacts and bridge models, but the pro end was a no-go. The 40D has confusingly made the addition, allowing users through a complex series of button presses and function alterations to use the large LCD as a viewfinder.

Without the benefit of autofocus, and the slow-to-respond in frame movement of the Zoom function, there’s a somewhat minimal amount of practical use of the Live View function. The primary use of the screen will be to access the menu, which utilises the space to ensure text is large and easily readable.

With these extra, seemingly minority use functions being added, it would stand to reason that the usage of the 40D had been adversely affected. Fortunately the simplicity of handling and general ease of use has been retained, keeping many of the traditional Eos elements to ensure step-up users aren’t flummoxed.

Each control feels solid and weighty, with the only real exception being the AF-ON button – this could stand to be larger and more prominent. The under-screen controls are a little too recessed, but thankfully more responsive than the design relates. The entire body feels strong and sturdy, with the extra weatherproofing of particular use when out and about.

Boasting 6.5 fps as opposed to the 5 fps offered by the 30D, there’s also the capacity to take up to 75 JPEGs at this speed. Although this may increase the amount of editing needed, the usefulness when dealing with fast-moving objects far outweighs the extra time deleting images.

There are plenty of options on offer to tweak image quality, from switching to RAW files to altering the picture style. For the most part the camera remained at high-res JPEGs and within the Shutter and Aperture Priority modes, relying on auto ISO and white balance. During decent conditions, even when using a 70-200mm zoom lens there was no real amount of noise to be found. Indoors images edged a little toward the saturation end, even on automatic settings, making the entire image seem a little overly warm.

There was little to pick out of the 40D in picture quality terms that could ever be called a major issue, as only minor colour balance problems arose. As expected, the image quality on the 40D is excellent, not tripping up in any significant areas.
Although the resolution may not be enough of a stellar step-up to make any headlines, the surrounding features and functions are generally intelligent and practical.

Overall the Eos 40D is a solid if unspectacular return for Canon that will largely delight those into more active photography, but which should still manage to grab a few of the more indoors types along the way.