Canon EOS-40D review sample

[Ian]

I'm expecting a 40D to arrive today for review - and I will be one of the first to get to evaluate the new image stabilised version of the 18-55 standard zoom. I've also requested the 50mm f/1.4, though the 17-85 EF-S IS was not available.

As well as asking for anyone to post questions I can answer with the benefit of having these eval items to hand, I'm also interested to hear some feedback from the several DPNow regulars who already own a 40D; what are your particular positive and negative impressions?

Ian

[Ian]

Re: Canon EOS-40D first impressions

I'm expecting a 40D to arrive today for review - and I will be one of the first to get to evaluate the new image stabilised version of the 18-55 standard zoom. I've also requested the 50mm f/1.4, though the 17-85 EF-S IS was not available.

As well as asking for anyone to post questions I can answer with the benefit of having these eval items to hand, I'm also interested to hear some feedback from the several DPNow regulars who already own a 40D; what are your particular positive and negative impressions?

Ian

I'm patiently waiting for some feedback from 40D owners on the forum

Here are my first impressions:

• Nice big 3 inch screen
• Buttons relocated to below the screen, plus the new tabbed menu layout - how has this gone down, especially from those of you who have upgraded from another EOS model?
• Do you like the little stubby joystick control? The Sony A700 has one too; a bit bigger though.
• I think it's a shame that Canon didn't go for a sealed body like the Nikon D200 and D300, but it does command a substantial price advantage.
• The 6.5fps continuous shooting rate sounds very impressive and the shutter/mirror action is, I feel, better dampened and muted compared to the 20D/30D.
• Not yet had a decent chance to try out the improved AF - any comments there from your experience?
• The live view looks a bit primitive compared to what Oly/Leica and Nikon (D300) offer - AF in live vie blanks the screen, for example and I haven't yet found a LV histogram or visible exposure/WB adjustment - will be studying the manual tonight!
• The new IS version of the 18-55 kit zoom looks interesting. No USM on this one though. And still no lens hood - you have to buy it separately - which must be unique to Canon these days.

More from me once I've had a longer play!

Ian

[StuartR]

[Ian]

Re: Canon EOS-40D review sample

Thanks Stuart. I have spent some more time with the 40D - it wasn't supplied with a printer manual for some reason, so it has been a real test of the user interface for me to find the different functions

I have found the live view histogram and it's good to see all the channels displayed separately, though it also blocks out a fair proportion of the frame - it could have been made semi transparent.

You are right, I'm very lucky to get to try differnt brands and models all the time and this is why, I hope, my experience is useful to others who don't get the opportunity.

So far all the status information has only been made available via the top LCD. If it's not also available on the main LCD as an option, I'd say that would be a negative.

Any other comments? Anyone thinking of buying one - any questions I can research and answer?

I also have a Sony Alpha A700 and the new Olympus E-3 to compare it with. Also a Panasonic Lumix DMC-L10.

Ian

[paul.r.w]

Re: Canon EOS-40D review sample

Just go and play with your toys!

[Ian]

Re: Canon EOS-40D review sample

Just go and play with your toys!

The sun is shining So I'll gladly obey

Ian

[StuartR]

Re: Canon EOS-40D review sample

So far all the status information has only been made available via the top LCD. If it's not also available on the main LCD as an option, I'd say that would be a negative.

Ian

It is available but I'm away from the camera at the mo - IIRC there is an option you have to set and then it's just a matter of pressing the "info" button on the back. It's very useful for people like me who wear glasses - nice big font

[Patrick]

Re: Canon EOS-40D first impressions

I'm patiently waiting for some feedback from 40D owners on the forum

Here are my first impressions:

• Nice big 3 inch screen
• Buttons relocated to below the screen, plus the new tabbed menu layout - how has this gone down, especially from those of you who have upgraded from another EOS model?
• Do you like the little stubby joystick control? The Sony A700 has one too; a bit bigger though.
• I think it's a shame that Canon didn't go for a sealed body like the Nikon D200 and D300, but it does command a substantial price advantage.
• The 6.5fps continuous shooting rate sounds very impressive and the shutter/mirror action is, I feel, better dampened and muted compared to the 20D/30D.
• Not yet had a decent chance to try out the improved AF - any comments there from your experience?
• The live view looks a bit primitive compared to what Oly/Leica and Nikon (D300) offer - AF in live vie blanks the screen, for example and I haven't yet found a LV histogram or visible exposure/WB adjustment - will be studying the manual tonight!
• The new IS version of the 18-55 kit zoom looks interesting. No USM on this one though. And still no lens hood - you have to buy it separately - which must be unique to Canon these days.

More from me once I've had a longer play!

Ian

Hi Ian

I haven't as yet had to much opportunity to properly exploit my new 40D. I used it in Scotland and the Black Country Museum and thats about it. So far no real quibbles, yes the stubby joy stick is small but it works effectively enough.
I pushed my credibility a couple of weeks ago doing a talk at Aldridge Photo Society on my methods with portraiture and after only a hours familiarization before I used live view to project the image to demonstrate the effect of reflectors on the subject. A small bug in that for speeds sake I tried to use sRAW Photoshop wouldn't recognize it after exposing the image, and I hadn't tested for that one.

Your point about the screen blanking out to AF I can't recall that being a problem when I was testing, I shall have another look. Even so is it a hardship? I ask. if the photographer is doing Macro manual focus is best anyway, and arguably the same could be said of other studio work.
Not sure I actually like the 3inch screen, very effective for viewing the image, but it looks rather vulnerable to me.

Patrick

[Ian]

Re: Canon EOS-40D first impressions

Hi Ian

I haven't as yet had to much opportunity to properly exploit my new 40D. I used it in Scotland and the Black Country Museum and thats about it. So far no real quibbles, yes the stubby joy stick is small but it works effectively enough.
I pushed my credibility a couple of weeks ago doing a talk at Aldridge Photo Society on my methods with portraiture and after only a hours familiarization before I used live view to project the image to demonstrate the effect of reflectors on the subject. A small bug in that for speeds sake I tried to use sRAW Photoshop wouldn't recognize it after exposing the image, and I hadn't tested for that one.

Your point about the screen blanking out to AF I can't recall that being a problem when I was testing, I shall have another look. Even so is it a hardship? I ask. if the photographer is doing Macro manual focus is best anyway, and arguably the same could be said of other studio work.
Not sure I actually like the 3inch screen, very effective for viewing the image, but it looks rather vulnerable to me.

Patrick

Hi Patrick,

I've seen plenty of comments about the new tabbed menus - mostly positive.

I like the stubby joystick - I think this will become standard on most cameras eventually.

I hadn't thougtht about the potential vulnerability of the screen - I don't think a protector is available. You can stow the screen facing inwards with the new models that have the articulating version.

I'm still getting used to the 40D - without a manual - on other live view cameras I have used the AF in live view involves a brief interruption to the live view but on the 40D so far with mine it stays blank for as long as the AF button is pressed. To maintain the illusion of live view on the other cameras the screen isn't blanked at all but freezes momentarily.

I haven't yet worked out how to set AE bracketing, but it isn't particularly obvious.

Not using the main screen to complement the top screen with settings info is a missed opportunity - or something I haven't yet found

Ian

[StuartR]

Re: Canon EOS-40D first impressions

Not using the main screen to complement the top screen with settings info is a missed opportunity - or something I haven't yet found

Ian

Ian - press the info button twice.

Or, as I have, use the 5th menu option and set "INFO button" option to "Shoot. func." to get the required display for just one push of the button.

Not quite the same layout as the top plate LCD but near enough IMHO.

I take it this is what you were after?

[Patrick]

Re: Canon EOS-40D first impressions

Hi Patrick,

I've seen plenty of comments about the new tabbed menus - mostly positive.

I like the stubby joystick - I think this will become standard on most cameras eventually.

I hadn't thougtht about the potential vulnerability of the screen - I don't think a protector is available. You can stow the screen facing inwards with the new models that have the articulating version.

I'm still getting used to the 40D - without a manual - on other live view cameras I have used the AF in live view involves a brief interruption to the live view but on the 40D so far with mine it stays blank for as long as the AF button is pressed. To maintain the illusion of live view on the other cameras the screen isn't blanked at all but freezes momentarily.

I haven't yet worked out how to set AE bracketing, but it isn't particularly obvious.

Not using the main screen to complement the top screen with settings info is a missed opportunity - or something I haven't yet found

Ian

You can download a manual here:-

https://www.tribcsp.com/~sigma2/40D-Manual/EOS40D_EN.pdf

Patrick

[Ian]

Re: Canon EOS-40D first impressions

You can download a manual here:-
www.tribcsp.com/~sigma2/40D-Manual/EOS40D_EN.pdf

Patrick

I have a manual on CD, but it's not much use when out and about shooting.

Ian

[StuartR]

Re: Canon EOS-40D review sample

You can also get a pdf version of the manual here:

http://www.tribcsp.com/~sigma2/40D-Manual/EOS40D_EN.pdf

Think I read it may also be available on Canon's site somewhere?

[StuartR]

Re: Canon EOS-40D first impressions

I have a manual on CD, but it's not much use when out and about shooting.

Ian

Haven't you got a suitable printer "on test"? Nice big PDF would be a good trial?

[Patrick]

Re: OK Ian I Concede

Hi Patrick,

I've seen plenty of comments about the new tabbed menus - mostly positive.

I like the stubby joystick - I think this will become standard on most cameras eventually.

I hadn't thougtht about the potential vulnerability of the screen - I don't think a protector is available. You can stow the screen facing inwards with the new models that have the articulating version.

I'm still getting used to the 40D - without a manual - on other live view cameras I have used the AF in live view involves a brief interruption to the live view but on the 40D so far with mine it stays blank for as long as the AF button is pressed. To maintain the illusion of live view on the other cameras the screen isn't blanked at all but freezes momentarily.

I haven't yet worked out how to set AE bracketing, but it isn't particularly obvious.

Not using the main screen to complement the top screen with settings info is a missed opportunity - or something I haven't yet found

Ian

Hi Ian

After all my knocking of live view I give in.
We went out today to Charllecote Park the light was dreadful so ended up in the Victorian Kitchen there, taking pictures of the old utensils and live view proved itself.

Framed up, selected the area I wanted to focus on with the special rectangle it can be moved exactly where you want it, magnified it, focused, made the exposure. Wonderful
I haven't played with AF+ live view yet but it can be done.

I will post some results when I have been through the images.

Patrick