Canon's new 10.1-million pixel CMOS sensor uses technology straight from the professional EOS-1D Mark III. It's totally re-designed, reaching new levels of light-gathering efficiency and low-noise performance. The APS-C size sensor has the same effective lens conversion factor (1.6x) as the previous EOS 30D. In conjunction with the new DIGIC III Image Processor and this new CMOS sensor, the EOS 40D images break new ground in total image quality. With the EOS 40D, analog to digital signal conversion is executed by a 14-bit processor (16,384 tones), which generates digital data of fine gradation without tonal skipping. Canon's proprietary RAW and new small RAW (sRAW) images take full advantage of this rich 14-bit gradation and can be processed with Canon's Digital Photo Professional software. JPEG images with 8 bits per color derived from 14-bit data are provided in four sizes (10.1MB, 8.0MP, 5.3MP or 2.5MP), which also are available in the EOS 40D's RAW+JPEG mode.
Canon's Newest Digital Powerhouse
Developed to maximize performance between the capture and recording stages of digital photography, the EOS 40D's DIGIC III Image Processor is faster and more powerful than ever. This latest-generation DIGIC III Image Processor works in concert with Canon's CMOS sensor to achieve even higher levels of performance. It's a key reason for both the EOS 40D's incredible speed and improved image quality. Color reproduction and noise reduction in low light situations are dramatically improved. The EOS 40D is the fastest digital SLR ever offered at this price level. It shoots as fast as an incredible 6.5 fps, making it ideal for everything from wildlife to sports. And that's for up to 75 JPEGs, or 17 RAW images in one burst. Whether it's the 0.15-second startup time, the high-speed mirror drive, the brief shutter lag time (only 59 msec.), or the predictive AF focusing for capturing the action, the EOS 40D will get you your shot.
Dust Control, Guaranteed
Photographers who must change lenses in dusty environments will find the advanced Canon EOS Integrated Cleaning System a tremendous time saver. Dust that settles on the sensor surface is removed using ultrasonic vibration. This Self Cleaning Sensor Unit routine is automatically activated whenever the camera is powered on or off (it can also be manually activated). A special collar positioned around the sensor collects the loosened dust. Dust particles can also be automatically removed via software. By shooting a plain white subject, the photographer can acquire dust position data that is transmitted along with the image (whether JPEG or RAW). Canon Digital Photo Professional (DPP) version 3.1 or higher software can then be used to manually or automatically erase the dust spots. It's not one feature, it's a built-in system to minimize the effect of dust in high-resolution digital images.
Sharp, Fast Focus, No Matter The Light
The EOS 40D takes some of the most advanced features from Canon's professional cameras and incorporates them into its design. It has a newly designed, high-precision 9-point wide area AF that uses cross-type points with lenses f/5.6 or faster, enabling the camera to focus faster, more accurately, and in ever more complex lighting. Each of the nine AF points has this cross-type coverage, a first in Canon AF SLRs. Adding to this AF performance, the 40D incorporates a diagonally mounted, high-precision cross-type sensor at the center AF point that is sensitive to both vertical and horizontal lines when fast lenses (f/2.8 or faster) are used, for added accuracy and precision with these wide-aperture lenses. It's the world's first AF SLR where both lines of a cross-type sensor offer high-precision AF coverage. All focus points can be chosen automatically, or accessed using the 40D's intuitive, thumb operated Multi-Controller.
3.0-Inch LCD Monitor with Advanced Live View Function
Live View Function is a powerful feature on the EOS 40D. It enables viewing your subjects directly on the huge 3-inch LCD monitor. It's easy to magnify any part of the scene 5x or 10x for precise manual focus. But now, one press of the AF-on button gives instant access to AF; Live View Function returns as soon as the button is released. Users can even choose a grid overlay, perfect for keeping straight lines in your subject straight in your pictures. In the studio, Live View Function can be used remotely via a computer through the EOS 40D's USB connection, or wirelessly or via Ethernet with the optional Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E3A attached. Live View Function also adds a totally new method for near-silent shooting, with two silent shooting modes. A new AF On button, positioned for easy reach with the right thumb, can instantly allow AF whenever it's depressed in Live View Function (Live View Function is temporarily cleared for AF, and returns immediately when your thumb is removed from the button).
Great Results in Any Condition
The EOS 40D has an extensive ISO range (from 100 to 1600 plus ISO 3200 in extended mode) which is selectable in 1/3-stop increments. The sensor features a newly developed set of narrow-gap microlenses and noise reduction circuits to improve performance at high ISOs, and optimized photodiode configurations for improved performance at all ISOs. It's simply more efficient, and that translates into better images. With the EOS 40D's improved white balance, your colors will be spot-on. Nine different white balance modes are featured for specific lighting conditions. Where you used to have to change films or attach expensive filters to compensate for light temperature, the EOS 40D does it all automatically. Presets for daylight, shade, overcast situations, indoor tungsten and fluorescent light, plus flash, custom, color temperature and white balance bracketing ensure accurate whites and colors anytime. When shooting in basic automatic modes, the EOS 40D has a new Auto Brightness/Contrast Correction feature that adjusts less than perfect exposures to ensure both proper dark and highlight points in the image, as well as optimal contrast. This feature is perfect for underexposed scenes, as one might get on the beach or in snow, in situations where the flash is not powerful enough and in hazy, overcast situations with little or no contrast. A Highlight Tone Priority feature extends the EOS 40D's tonal range of bright areas, minimizing loss in highlight detail. This vital Custom Function lets you get better detail in bright light, especially in situations with contrasty light. It's a perfect feature for working with harsh studio lights, and invaluable outdoors when ambient light is in constant flux.
Rugged Inside and Out
The EOS 40D has a solid, substantial feel that complements its compact dimensions. Designed to withstand the rigors of everyday use, it is constructed with lightweight and ultra-rigid magnesium-alloy that fits perfectly in your hands. When you demand flawless performance again and again, choose the EOS 40D. It has a high-speed shutter unit, designed to respond in an instant, reaching a top shutter speed of 1/8000 second and tested to withstand a remarkable 100,000-cycle shutter life. A top flash sync speed of 1/250 second ensures full flash flexibility, in bright or dim light. Turn the EOS 40D on, and it's ready to go in a scant 0.15 second. If you wait before focusing, the EOS 40D's Self Cleaning Sensor is automatically activated, ensuring no dust interferes with the next photo.
Pin-Point Image Precision
The EOS 40D has a newly refined, bright, sharp viewfinder with improved optics. It offers 0.95x magnification, a 26.4 degree angle of view and a 22mm eyepoint. It makes it easy to compose images, and with all relevant shooting information, including ISO and a new Black and White icon displayed right in the viewfinder, it's easy to change settings without moving the camera away from the eye. The EOS 40D also introduces interchangeable focusing screens, including those for critical manual focus and architectural photography, another professional feature delivered. The EOS 40D has all the choices an advanced photographer could want. 35-zone evaluative metering is ideal for quick shooting with auto exposure. There's also a spot meter, which analyzes 3.8 percent of the composition, perfect for ultra-precise metering. Center-weighted average metering measures the entire composition, yet places emphasis on the center of the image. With partial metering, 9 percent of the image is metered. With these versatile metering options, it's always easy to get the right exposure. Canon's Picture Style settings are also incorporated in the EOS 40D. Thes