Capturebuzz

Canon USA has just announced the highly-anticipated Model EOS 40D digital SLR body. This model has been the subject of rumors and speculation on major photography forums for several months. Canon practices evolution rather that revolution in it’s product lines making it relatively easy to guess model names and features.

The new EOS 40D will not disappoint photographers as it is packed with many new features and improvements including a newly enhanced 10.1MP CMOS imaging sensor, re-designed 9-point autofocus, interchangeable focusing screens, integrated sensor cleaning system, new LCD with Live View function, and 6.5fps continuous shooting capability (for bursts of up to 75 large/fine JPEGs or 17 RAW images).

Key Features

• Magnesium alloy body
• 22.2 x 14.8 mm CMOS sensor
• 10.1 million effective pixels
• DIGIC III processor
• Canon EF/EF-S lens mount
• EOS Integrated Cleaning System
• 9-point TTL autofocus with cross-type sensors
• Interchangeable focusing screens
• Auto ISO in Creative Zone exposure modes
• ISO sensitivity in viewfinder
• 3.0″ TFT LCD with Live View
• Improved burst buffer
• sRAW file recording format
• 6.5 fps high-speed continuous shooting
• New Battery Grip BG-E2N (not included)

Enhanced Durability

Canon design engineers have made the EOS 40D’s magnesium alloy exterior even more ruggedly dependable than its predecessors with upgraded dust and weather resistant construction, particularly around the camera’s connection ports, battery compartment and single-slot compact flash memory card door. Should the user inadvertently open the compact flash card door while the camera is writing to the card, a warning will pop up on the LCD screen and an open door “alarm” will sound, but the image(s) will continue writing to the memory card without interruption.

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 autofocus 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.

Price and Availability

The Canon EOS 40D body will be available at retailers in September for a price of $1,299.99 (US MSRP). The Canon EOS 40D kit adds the EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM Zoom Lens for a price of $1,499.99 (US MSRP).