The Canon EOS 40D - It's Arrived!

The Canon EOS 40D is Canons next generation digital SLR! Combining market leading experience with technical innovation to blow the competition out of the water! There's certainly a lot of buzz about this model, but is it justified? We took a closer look.

The Canon EOS 40D Digital SLR features brand new features such as the EOS Integrated Cleaning System, powerful DIGIC III Image Processor, a 10.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor, 3.0 inch LCD monitor and Canons Live View Technology.

With all of this the Canon EOS 40D brings digital photography into a new league.

The camera body is similar in design to all EOS models, although many will see this as a positive feature of Canon digital SLR cameras!

Although it is based on the image sensor used in the EOS Digital Rebel XTi, the EOS 40D Digital SLR's 10.1-megapixel CMOS APS-C size image sensor has been significantly improved thanks to the use of larger micro lenses over each pixel to reduce noise and expand sensitivity up to ISO 3200. 

The EOS 40D retains the model 30D camera's 1.6x focal length conversion factor (compared to full-frame digital image sensors or 35mm film) and is compatible with the full line-up of Canon EF lenses as well as the Company's expanding selection of high-quality, affordable EF-S lenses created specifically for Canon digital SLR's with APS-C size image sensors.

New Features of the Canon EOS 40D

• Superb 10.1 Megapixel CMOS Sensor with extensive noise reduction, and a 14-bit conversion for outstanding color tones.


• Outstanding DIGIC III Image Processor, 6.5 fps, burst rate up to 75 consecutive JPEGs or 17 RAW images.


• A Strong, stable magnesium alloy camera body.


• 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


• EOS Integrated Cleaning System, Picture Style settings, and Highlight Tone Priority for advanced in-camera image control.


• Large 3.0-inch LCD monitor and advanced Live View Function with new options for reduced shutter time lag and quiet operation.


• Wide range of accessories, including interchangeable focusing screens, extensive remote control options, and new battery grip.

First introduced on the EOS Digital Rebel XTi camera, the EOS Integrated Cleaning System is a great example of the new upgraded features of the EOS 40D.

This models Self-Cleaning Sensor Unit utilizes 'ultrasonic vibrations' to dislodge and shake dust particles from the low-pass filter every time the 40D is turned on or shut off. There is also an option for users to choose to run a 'cleaning'.

In addition, the Canon EOS 40D has a manual sensor cleaning function that raises the internal mirror & thus allows users to clean away debris or dirt that has become stuck to the low-pass filter surface.

Dirt that has been shaken loose by this process is then trapped by an adhesive layer at the base of the sensor housing.

Thisthen stops any dirt or dust from returning to the filter and causing further problems!

We have found this feature becoming more common in the latest digital SLR releases.

What's the bottom line?

The Canon EOS 40D is an amazing successor to the Canon EOS 30D.

It has been an anxiously awaited release for some time.

Just take a look at the buzz in the main forums!

Serious about digital photography? Then you will want to take a closer look at the Canon EOS 40D!