Canon has introduced the new EOS 40D Digital SLR with a new autofocus sensor and enhanced 10.1-megapixel CMOS imaging sensor. Designed for amateur photographers and entry-level professionals, the EOS 40D offers a super-efficient Digic III image processor, the latest creation of Canon's proprietary image processing engine. The 6.5-frame-per-second shooting speed capability results in bursts of up to 75 large/fine JPEGs or 17 RAW images for continuous shooting, derived from the processor; DDR SDRAM high-speed memory; four-channel-per-line sensor readout; and two separate motors for shutter and mirror operation.
The camera features a 3-inch LCD screen and raised brightness level of the 230,000-pixel screen. Canon also broadened the color gamut compared to the EOS 30D Digital SLR, and narrowed the viewing angle from 170 degrees to a still-wide 140-degree perspective in the EOS 40D.
The camera is built with a magnesium alloy exterior and has an added, upgraded dust- and weather-resistant construction protecting the connection ports, battery compartment and single-slot CompactFlash memory card door. The improved 10.1-megapixel CMOS APS-C size-image sensor provides noise reduction and expansion of sensitivity up to ISO 3200. The camera is compatible with the full line of Canon EF lenses and EF-S lenses.
Also included are optional Highlight Tone Priority and High-ISO Noise Reduction functions. The EOS 40D has all the same capabilities of previous models, along with additional features including the "sRaw" recording format, which cuts the number of pixels by one-fourth (compared with standard RAW images) and reduces the file size by half, resulting in more flexibility and creative possibilities.
The improved autofocus uses a newly designed 9-point autofocus sensor, providing cross-type measurement for maximum apertures up to f/5.6. Because of the autofocus, the EOS 40D is 30 percent faster than the EOS 30D. Other changes include three custom exposure modes, the ability to adjust the flash setting of the Canon Speedlite 580EX II directly from the camera, two interchangeable focusing screens (in addition to the standard precision matte screen) and automatic ISO capability in Creative Zone exposure modes.
The selling price is estimated at $1,299 or $1,499 for the kit version.