Canon EOS 40D review

Many thanks to Dmitry Mikhailov for the provided Canon EOS 40D camera.

Canon EOS 40D review

Canon EOS 40D review

The Canon EOS 40D camera was introduced in the summer of 2007 and, at the time of this writing, can be considered obsolete. Nevertheless, the 40D is an excellent device that can in our 'gigapixel'time to delight good picture.

Example photo on camera

Example photo on camera. Helios and colorful pencils.

By today's standards, the 40D has a modest 10 MP matrix, while it takes pictures of 3888 X 2592 (total 10.077.696 pixels). In fact, the same matrix is ​​used on the camera. Canon 400D (without Live View and ISO H 3200 mode) and on Canon 1000D (without ISO H 3200 mode). 40D became the first Canon APS-C camera, which was able to use Live View (20Da do not take into account, because it is designed for specific work).

Sample photo

Sample photo

The camera refers to Live View as 'Live Viewfinder'. Live View turns on with a slight delay, but the display does not freeze during operation. The inclusion of Live View can be programmed to the central button of the control wheel, you can also perform a 5- or 10-fold increase in the image area, and the area itself can be selected using the joystick. But the 40D has one problem when working with Live View - in this mode, automatic contrast focusing does not work (for focusing, the mirror must be lowered, and the Live View mode is off). Full 'normal' focusing with Live View is new to Canon 450D.

Example photo on a Canon EOS 40D camera

Example photo on a Canon EOS 40D camera. Native model of Radozhiva.

The 40D uses a very meager ISO range from 100 to 1600 units, which can be expanded to ISO 3200 (labeled ISO H on the camera). There is a function of automatic ISO, although it uses a range of values ​​from 100 to 800 units, it does not work in manual control mode exposure and has no settings. If auto ISO has been enabled, the ISO always becomes 400 when switching to 'M' mode. The noise level at high ISO values ​​is not good :(

Example photo at maximum photosensitivity

Example photo at maximum photosensitivity

Also in the 40D, a 9-point focusing system first appeared, all of which were cruciform. Subsequently, the same system was used in models Canon 50D и 60D, and as the basis for phase focusing in 650D и 700D. When working with 40D, I did not observe any problems with focusing.

Sample photo

Sample photo

40D is the first Canon camera to use a 3-inch display, although it has only 230.000 pixels, but 3-inches give a completely different feeling from viewing the shot material than 2.5 inches from its predecessors.

Sample photo

Sample photo

A very strong point of the Canon 40D is burst shooting. The maximum shooting speed is already 6.5 frames per second... Faster than 40D at one time filmed only professional 'ones' - 1D, 1D Mark II (1D Mark II N). It's very funny that the successor to the 40D is Canon 50D and especially 60D shoot slower. Even new Canon 70D, according to the speed of burst shooting, is practically no different from the old 40D.

Deserves special attention frame buffer. If you disable all the functions that improve the image programmatically, then it is placed in the buffer:

  • 14 RAW + JPEG L shots
  • 75 JPEG L shots (unheard of)
  • 17 RAW shots
  • 20 sRAW shots (2,5 MP)

When using fast memory cards, the series length is significantly longer frame buffer... If you enable the functions: 'Priority of lights',' Shimmer. for lasts. shutter speed ',' Shumopod. at high ISO ',' Highlights priority ', then, for any selected image quality, only 6 images are placed in the buffer, after which the camera starts to slow down.

It is also nice that 40D uses 14-bit color depth in RAW files, the files themselves weigh 8-15 MB.

Sample photo

Sample photo

Canon EOS 40D weighty, sits well in the hand. The body is made of magnesium alloy. With the optional monochrome display you can always access the basic functions. Unlike Canon 30D, in the new model, some of the buttons located first to the left of the display have moved under the display.

Sample photo

Sample photo

As expected of an advanced amateur camera, the Canon EOS 40D has a number of useful features and capabilities.

  • Minimum excerpt The shutter is 1/8000 s.
  • Studio flash sync connector, video output, USB, remote control connector.
  • The camera uses large and fast memory cards CF, I used a 32 GB card without any problems.
  • System for cleaning the matrix from dust.
  • Viewfinder with 95% coverage and 0.95X magnification. The camera supports interchangeable focusing screens.
  • You can use baht. WFT-E3, WFT-E3A, BP-E2N and BP-E2 blocks.
  • Measurement exposure based on a 35 zone element.
  • There is a function bracketing exposure и white balance.
  • The camera shutter is rated for 100.000 operations.
  • Built-in flash with a guide number of 13 and shutter speed 1/250 s sync
  • Many other useful little things.

Here link to the archive with the originals - 230 MB, 20 photos. You can see more photos taken on the Canon 40D in the lens review Canon Zoom Lens EF-S 18-135mm 1: 3.5-5.6 IS STM.

Example photo on a Canon 40D

Example photo on a Canon 40D

Prices for modern Canon cameras in popular stores can look at this link.

In comments Can I ask you a question on the topic and you will answer, and you can also express your opinion or describe your experience. Many little things for a photo can be found on AliExpress.


Results

Despite its age, the Canon EOS 40D remains a highly functional camera that can handle a myriad of photo tasks without requiring high ISOs. At one time, the 'forty' was just an amazing camera.

Material prepared Arkady Shapoval. Training/Consultations | Youtube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Telegram

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Comments: 193, on the topic: Canon EOS 40D review

  • Aksakal

    I have been using it for 6 years. More than 200000 shots were taken. 1% - "masterpieces", 9% - good, 40% - satisfactory, 30% - unsuccessful, 20% - marriage. 70% of bad shots are my crooked hands. I'm waiting for the resource to run out.

  • Igor

    Love to read your reviews.
    Surprising and sad is the lack of a 50D review.

  • J.K.

    40D has never had a matrix similar to 400D - to write this is not a great deal of competence in the matter.
    If something similar was already with matrices, then this is a 450D camera.

    • anonym

      The 450D has 12 megapixels.

  • Dima

    Hello Arkady. On the occasion I moved the Forty with Minolta Maxum 7d na, I’m considering purchasing a Canon 18-200 lens, what would you advise?

  • Arthur

    Good day. I got myself a Canon EOS 40D as the first mirror, updated the firmware to 1.1.1 (was 1.0.3), an 18-200 Sigma DC lens.

    I had a couple of questions:
    1. Can't set ISO “100”. After “200” comes “Auto”, but why?
    2. Having selected the RAW (not sRAW) frame format, the camera still shoots as sRAW with a resolution of 1936x1288 instead of the set 3888x2592. Why?

    Actually on this and updated the software. Tell me please. Thanks).

  • Arthur

    Dealt with the "problems". Maybe I can help someone).
    1. Couldn't set ISO “100”. After “400”, “320”, “200 ″ there was the value“ Auto ”.
    Solution: Software update 1.1.1 and reset camera settings to standard, now you can set ISO “100”, “125”, etc.

    2. I set the RAW format (not sRAW) in the settings, the ph still removes it as sRAW with a resolution of 1936x1288 instead of the 3888x2592. After the firmware on software 1.1.1, nothing has changed.
    Solution: Please refer to image information using third party software other than “FastStone Image Viewer”. not anti-advertising of the program, it is convenient and functional, but in my case it showed a cropped photo.

    • Gregor Samsa

      Dear Citizen,
      in order for FastStone to show the actual size of the RAW file, you just need to specify this in the program settings.
      This is the right decision)))
      Good luck.

      • Arthur

        Understood for a long time. With this setting, browsing becomes slow. Nevertheless thank you).

  • Victor

    Arkady, tell me please, does this device support fast synchronization with an external flash? Thank you in advance.

    • Arkady Shapoval

      Yes it supports :)

  • Michael

    Tell me whether the pair CANON EOS 40D and CANON EF 50mm / 1.8 STM will work correctly

    • Arkady Shapoval

      Will be. 100% information.

  • srdjan

    Canon EOS 40D + Tamron SP AF 90mm f / 2.8 Di

  • J.K.

    "Actually the same sensor used on the Canon 400D"
    40D and 400D have completely different matrices, if you don’t know, then it’s too early for you to write reviews on the technical differences between cameras!
    If we compare in fact, then the 40D matrix is ​​the same as the 450D.

    • anonym

      The 450D has 12 megs, not 10 megs like the 40D and 400D.

  • Arman

    Arkady, But will this camera pull for shooting love stories, weddings? Is it possible to work professionally with it? I know that hands should be straight, but still, answer the question

    • Michael

      My wedding is shot at 40D. Norm pulled.

    • Arkady Shapoval

      Put a lens on it for 1000-2000 cu and she will pull anything.

      • fotika

        Once I replaced 30d with 40d and my delight knew no bounds. Then she seemed to me the best camera for her money. In fact, the sharp 50 1.4USM and 85 1.8USM perfectly reveal the capabilities of the camera. it’s not necessary to spend 2000 greens on optics for such a camera.

        • Arkady Shapoval

          There will be no wide with such a set. If you take new 50 and 85 + shirik, just 1000 cu will run

          • fotika

            Put on it !! lens !! for 1000-2000 cu
            if you take it new, then yes, with a width and pulls more. but who will buy new)))))
            but if a person has 1000 cu for optics, then he doesn’t need 40d.
            although I was freaking out and I filmed a year on 1D mark III and Nitsche, as it turned out to be one of my favorite cameras, mark iv isn’t as catchy as she is.

          • Pastor

            10-18is from canon perfectly copes with the role of 40d width. And cheap and cheerful. On crop is not worse than on ff 17-40 4l. And the price is 300 bucks :)

          • Novice

            Hello Arkady. I need your advice. Help determine the novice photographer of digital cameras. What is better to take Canon 40D (carcass, mileage of more than 17 thousand frames) for 4000 UAH or Canon 450 (store kit with a standard lens, mileage 6,8 thousand frames) for 5000 UAH. I don’t have a full-fledged Canon lens. There are only Soviet lenses including ZM-5CA and I want to use them. 40d carcass to check nothing. Thanks.

            • Arkady Shapoval

              40d nice camera :)

              • Novice

                Thank you!

            • Pastor

              I support, I'm over 40 days. I now have her, and she has been living with me for over a year. An extremely successful model for me. I would not compare with 450d, for me it is a different level at all. I had 400d, 500d and 600d and for me, even in comparison with 600d, 40d wins if you don't need video. The rate of fire is excellent, ergonomics, convenience above the roof. I compared it with 50d and 7d, and in fact 40d is almost the same, except that the 7d has more interesting autofocus, but it is a little faster (8 versus 6.5 frames). In general, I'm over 40d, especially if you plan to take more or less serious photography. Mileage 17 thousand - small.

              • Novice

                Thank you!

            • Arthur

              I have a Canon 40D.
              I really like the rate of fire, ease of operation (wheels, joystick, backlight information display) and the quality of the shooting. I support the views above, I advise you to take. I also bought for 4k UAH. :).

  • Sasha

    Maybe someone will share photos of the forties with a YONGNUO 50mm or YONGNUO 35mm lens.

    • Anonymous # 2

      Yangushny fifty dollars in itself a dull shit, because it is a cheap Chinese copy of cheap canon shit. 35mm not far gone.

      • Sasha

        Thanks for the advice. I thought they were good. Well, not super in quality but better than the 18-55 kit. the whale has already gotten his soap. Now I shoot on ef 28-90 sometimes the rules, but on a long focus the quality is terrible.

    • Kirill

      35mm young norms lens.

      • Sasha

        Do you have examples of pictures?

  • Artem

    Arkady tell me, people give practical advice. It was 3100. I want Canon and take a 40-ku because I want a thing, a magnesium alloy and metal and not plastic. I will take b / y as the budget is not large. Knowing Arkady I think I would advise taking a reflex camera with a fresher shutter tighter 30-ku. But there is a fleet of manual optics, it’s easier to focus on the 40-ke because the screen and Lavu are larger. Yes, and you can’t see the sharpness as they say on the 30-ke. There is 30 in excellent condition, mileage 20 thousand, and 40 also in excellent condition running 50 thousand. The difference is 500 UAH! so what to take? maybe there are nuances? white balance may be worse / better, etc. who used advise.

    • Sasha

      to be honest, and at 40 it's hard to understand how sharp the picture is. sometimes micro-smears are visible only on a PC ... for manual optics there should be good vision, for sighting through an optical viewfinder ... I didn't hold a 30 in my hands, but 40 leaves a pleasant impression ...

  • Artem

    Thanks Sasha! and another question! There is no one to consult with, maybe photography lovers and seasoned pros will tell you here in the blog) They offered me as an assistant photographer, I really want to learn weddings, go through combat conditions, so to speak, and learn experience. In addition to "go and fetch" and closely follow the light, I will shoot a campaign, let's say from 40, unless of course there is a couple of minutes of time!) So my DSLR won't look disgraceful? and which camera would you choose for a beginner wedding job with a minimum budget?

    • Sasha

      There are no familiar professional photographers ... An amateur himself. Regarding how it looks, I think it's not disgraceful, the booster can be attached to the extreme. But I don't like this decision ... Few people understand what's what .... it is practically indistinguishable from a nickle! only by inscriptions. but a lot depends on the lens !!! for weddings the carcass will go good glasses are needed ... .. https://yadi.sk/d/nacCQHZRukeDX the view is terrible what to do, lens ef 28-90

    • Pastor

      Canon's Forty is a great camera. I myself have now and do not plan to sell - it suits everyone. There is an old matrix, similar to the one in 400d. And nice colors straight from the Jepeg, unlike even the 50d. However, for manuals, the 50d is slightly better due to the higher screen resolution - it's easier to focus. However, despite this, I personally sold 50d and left 40d. Even if the resolution is not very good, you can always take an extra frame. Another plus of 40d - few megapixels. Thanks to this, the old matrix makes no more noise than a slightly newer one in 60d or 7d. By the way, by and large, the difference between 7d and 40d is almost not felt in most of the filming, and the difference in price is huge. 40d obviously will not look funny at a wedding - the carcass is large and serious, 6-8 years ago it was filmed by the pros at weddings. For solidity, you can take a larger lens with time :) For example, with an inexpensive 70-200 4L there will be a bomb at all, and even with a butblock, as mentioned above :)
      Well, in general, you are on the right track - it is good to start working immediately with a professional, learn from him little by little and comprehend all the basics of the profession. And forty will be more than enough for this. The main thing is also to pick up optics, but this is a separate topic.

  • Artem

    My Canon 40d came!) I started with instructions to know and get the most out of the camera. I’ll love taking a booster, a big palm, I think it will be what we need. After the plastic d3100 and 1100d, the feeling is very pleasant. I encountered a problem through the adapter with the m42 chip I can’t get the lenses of the tips. In Google and YouTube I didn’t really find anything except the new DSLR models, about versions 10d, 20d, d30d, 40d, 50d really nothing found, while others have a different menu and interface.

  • Artem

    Yes and one more thing, Showexif does not show jooting, so. version 1.1.1. Maybe someone knows how to check? I will be grateful!

    • Sasha

      EOSInfo you can find out the shutter mileage correctly, do I understand you? the adapter is supposed to be programmed itself, I have not tried it, but I heard it….

  • Vladimir

    Can anyone sell 40D?

    • Denis

      I'm selling my 40d, there are 3pcs. All are good. Selling slowly, the proposal may be relevant for a long time. Geographically Moscow, possible forwarding. Price 7000r for 1pc. It’s not often here, so write / call + 79Об-797-5О5З ​​or ielurs@ya.ru

  • Artem

    Recently I exchanged the Samsung NX2000 BZK (20mpx, wifi, touch display) for 40k and I do not regret it. Yes, there is no sharpness, like Samsung, but it is enough.
    As a result, I have 650d and 40d. Each of them has advantages and disadvantages, but both are good.
    In favor of 40ki: body, second screen (although greatly exaggerated), speed (!!!), ergonomics, colors, viewfinder.
    In favor of the 600th: a screen (resolution and rotary), convenience (only with a battery grip) in hand, video (for someone), focusing in live view (in 40ke it's hard to call focusing).
    Was before 450d. Normal camera, but weaker than both and clearly not a competitor to 40ke.
    I’ll say that I regret that I didn’t take myself a magpie earlier. With a limited budget, this is the best choice!

    • Michael

      50d costs almost as well, why take 40d?

      • Artem

        For 50ku they ask for one and a half to two times more. But in general, yes. He is more interesting. And even more interesting than 60ka.

      • Sasha

        For me personally, 10 megapixels is enough. And at 15 megapixels, the matrix is ​​noisier. The owners of the 50s are talking about this.

        • Michael

          It’s not a matter of resolution, but an extension of functionality

          • Sasha

            I don’t argue about the functionality, well, for a crop of 15, 18, 24 megapixels this is a lot ... of course, the 50's screen and the adjustment of the lenses are lacking. what else can you add? just wondering!

            • Michael

              Yes, in general, there is nothing) With such a difference in price, an increase in functionality is not justified. In general, DIGIC 4 was also installed and improved moisture protection (according to the manufacturer).

            • Oleg

              adjustment is worth the money

        • Artem

          Yes, at 1600 it sounds a little more than 40k at 800.
          And rightly Michael wrote.

  • Artem

    sealed in one place. not 650, but 600d

  • Tyoma TR.yu

    I can’t get enough of a magpie! I use the third month, it’s good. I ordered an RC-6 IR Remote Control on Ali, alas, does not work. I hoped that it would work but not. Who knows, maybe other remotes will work. Who came across / heard / knows? (It is IR)

    • Michael

      You open the instructions and read what you need, and then on Ali look for compatible

    • Oleg

      The IR remote control will not work for forty. No! And at half speed there will not be.
      Only wired RS-80N3 (only not E, namely N).

  • Vladimir

    A good device. As for me, a very successful model. Very flexible settings for the functional. After it, the younger models of XXXX are just like soap dishes in your hands. The picture is very nice. The device is probably with the best price quality. For beginners you will have to deal with the settings well, but it's worth it. A very good device.

  • anonym

    I’m selling my fortieth, I took 50d only from behind the screen :), for the test I took 2 pictures from the same distance, with the same settings, the same glass, and 40d refused to focus in the car, 50 worked with a bang and sharper ,,, offensive :(

  • Tyoma TR.yu

    For the budget employee from Canon the most !!! It is clear that after 40s, 50s there isn’t much sense to take. Which Canon SLR could be next? 5d?

  • Tyoma TR.yu

    And yet, my shooter in EOS info says about 120 thousand shots) How much will put a new one after a failure? Is there any reason? Thanks!

  • a lion

    Well, I am very pleased with the forty, I shoot with an ef-s 24mm f / 2.8 stm lens and various Soviet ones. But sometimes the versatile zoom isn't enough. Tell someone from filming experience what budget zoom is best for this camera. Elki disappear - I can't afford the money.
    Thank you in advance.

    • anonym

      Canon EF 28-105 1: 3.5-4.5 Ultrasonic A good lens, used it for a long time, until it went into the mirrorless for manual optics.

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