Canon EOS 40D review

Review Date : Tue, 4 Dec 2007

Author : WDC Team

Canon EOS 40D
Canon EOS 40D Canon EOS 40D front Canon EOS 40D back Canon EOS 40D front2 Canon EOS 40D top

The 12.2-megapixel Canon EOS 450D features a 3in LCD screen, live view and a revised 9-point AF system.

Pros: Build quality, 6.5fps, 3in LCD screen, image detail.
Cons: Some handling issues, low resolution LCD screen.


The dual-digit range of Canon EOS cameras from the D30 through to the 10D, 20D and 30D have always enjoyed a large following of dedicated enthusiasts and semi-pros. The solid build, higher resolution and enhanced features have proven to be a deciding factor for those upgrading from entry-level models or even compacts – especially in the early digital SLR days when the 3MP D30 and 6MP 10D ruled the roost, before the arrival of Canon’s first sub £1000 camera, the 300D.

Prior to the 40D the previous model in the range was the 30D and this proved to be something of a disappointment as an upgrade, with comparatively minor enhancements over the 20D. This new model seems to be a proper upgrade with some significant new additions to the feature set. Canon has introduced a range of new developments, some of which also feature on its new pro SLRs and some which follow current trends or include technology seen on cameras from other manufacturers.

For the first time too, we are seeing a dual-digit Canon enthusiast camera launching at a price below the £1000 mark – the Canon EOS 40D is £300 cheaper than its predecessor at launch, with an RRP of just £900.

 

 

 

 

Verdict

This is a proper upgrade to the 20D, whereas the 30D felt more of a stop-gap, and as a result the camera has caught up with the times. It's very well made, has some interesting and useful new features and should be popular with previous Canon owners and those wishing to upgrade from either the 400D or another entry-level camera. We would have liked to see a higher resolution sensor, but it's not all about the pixels, especially with the redesign of the sensor to limit the gap between pixels. This leads to sharper images with loads of detail. More importantly, Canon has introduced the 40D at a groundbreaking price for this type of camera, so it represents extremely good value for money. <br><br> <a href="http://www.canon.co.uk" target="_blank">www.canon.co.uk</a> <p><a href="http://www.testreports.co.uk/photography/wdc/stock/Model.asp?Model=24096&ModelPage=true" target="_blank"><img src="/imageBank/w/WDC_banner_manuals2.jpg" border="0" /></a></p>


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Price as reviewed
£900.00

Scores

Design 17/20
Image Quality 18/20
Performance 18/20
Value 19/20
Features 18/20
Overall Score 90%