Canon EOS 40D

The camera benefits from the new EOS technology platform introduced earlier this year with the professional EOS-1D Mark III. Canon�s DIGIC III processor delivers responsive operation, improved colour rendering and near-instant start-up time. The EOS Integrated Cleaning System combats sensor dust, while a strong magnesium alloy body with weather resistance ensures lasting durability.

�The EOS 40D represents an important step in the development of EOS for the advanced amateur market. It incorporates many of the technologies pioneered in our latest EOS-1 series cameras,� said Mogens Jensen, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging, Europe. �For digital photographers, the benefits of upgrading to the EOS 40D are real and significant. For analogue SLR users, there�s never been a more compelling reason to make the switch.�

Key features

* 10.1 Megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor
* 6.5 fps continuous shooting, max. burst 75 JPEGs
* New AF system with 9 cross-type sensors
* DIGIC III processor
* 3.0� LCD with Live View mode
* EOS Integrated Cleaning System
* Clear and bright viewfinder
* Customisable Picture Style processing parameters

Speed and image quality

Canon�s third generation CMOS sensor improves on its predecessor with redesigned pixels that keep noise to a minimum. The EOS 40D maintains high image quality up to ISO 1600, expandable to H:3200 for situations where flash use is not permitted or desired. Highlight Tone Priority mode gives wedding and landscape photographers the option to boost dynamic range for highlights when shooting above ISO 200 � reproducing more tonal detail from wedding dresses, clouds and other light coloured objects.

The DIGIC III processor powers a burst rate of 6.5 fps, working with the image buffer to handle up to 75 Large JPEGs (17 in RAW) without pause. Images are processed at 14-bits for a greatly expanded colour depth, providing smoother gradations and exceptionally accurate colour reproduction.

New cross-type AF system

A key advancement of the EOS 40D is its new 9-point cross-type AF system. All nine AF points can achieve focus on both horizontal and vertical planes. A central AF point is capable of accurate focusing up to aperture f/2.8, with eight outer points working up to f/5.6. In response to requests, the dedicated AF Start (AF-ON) button allows photographers to execute auto focus with their thumb.

LCD with Live View mode

The Live View mode simplifies shooting from awkward angles such as ground-level macro or mounted tripod shots. The 3.0� LCD displays a real-time image in Live View mode, including a selectable grid overlay and a live histogram that simulates image exposure. The AF-ON button can be configured to flip the camera mirror momentarily and engage auto focusing. For the studio environment, remote Live View lets the photographer compose, adjust settings and capture the shot from a PC using the supplied EOS utility software.