Canon EOS 40D
This is a condensed review of the Canon EOS 40D provided by DPReviews.com. The full review can be found at the link provided.
Conclusion - Pros
Excellent resolution, good per-pixel sharpness
Good tonal response, dynamic range extended compared to competition, EOS 30D
Highlight tone priority option delivers even more dynamic range with very little downside
Trademark Canon CMOS noise free images, remain detailed even at high sensitivities
New 'High ISO speed noise reduction' option removes any trace of chroma noise, film grain like
Confidence to use camera at high sensitivities (ISO 1600, 3200)
A/D conversion now 14-bit (questionable real-world advantage), RAW files recorded as 14-bit
Excellent long exposure capability, no noticeable hot pixels even at 30 seconds with NR off
Wide range of image parameter adjustment (-4 to +4 for most)
Live view on LCD with 5x and 10x live magnification and 'drop mirror' auto-focus
Instant power on time, excellent operational speed, always feels responsive
Just over six frames per second continuous shooting, although high shutter speeds required
Good nine point auto focus system, works well even in low light
Slightly larger viewfinder, optional focusing screens
ISO sensitivity now permanently displayed on top LCD and viewfinder status bar
New warning screen if CF door opened during write (no more lost images)
Quieter mirror mechanism, very quiet in live view (3 silent shooting options)
Supports both EF and smaller, lighter EF-S 'digital' lenses
Excellent build, very robust, compartment door weatherproofing, good ergonomics
New AF-ON button brings consistency of control with EOS-1D series
Proper RAW+JPEG with immediately selectable JPEG image size
Optional sRAW reduced resolution RAW
Dust reduction from Canon's 'Integrated Cleaning System'
Excellent supplied software bundle, remote capture and good RAW conversion (DPP)
Quick magnification up to 10x (perfect for checking focus), easier panning (joystick)
Excellent battery life, light weight and small batteries
E-TTL II flash metering, includes distance information from lens
Even larger 3.0" LCD (although no increase in pixel count)
Playback jump by 10, 100 images or by shot date or screen
Fully customizable 'My menu' surprisingly useful
Three user memories via 'C1/C2/C3' on mode dial
Optional WFT-E3 wireless transmitter (802.11 b/g) / vertical grip
Conclusion - Cons
Average automatic white balance performance, still very poor under incandescent light
Picture Style tone curve not indicated in camera menu (contrast is an offset, not absolute)
Continuous shooting rate slower than specified, 6 fps @ 1/500 sec, 6.3 fps @ 1/4000 sec
No contrast detect AF in Live View
Flash must be up for AF assist lamp (although AF is good even in low light)
Virtually pointless print button, should be customizable 'FUNC' button
No mass storage USB support (although pretty fast WIA throughput)
