Canon 40D Review

The Canon 40D is a "step up" from the Canon Digital Rebel series and offers a more rugged construction and better accessory availability. The noise control at high ISO (up to 1600) is phenomenal and allows for shooting in much lower-light situations than many other cameras.

The Canon 40D is a well built camera with some advanced features to set it apart form its little brother, the Digital Rebel. High shutter speed capability, 6.5 frame per second burst, add on battery pack capability and outstanding noise control at high ISO make this a great camera for both amateurs and pros. The biggest drawback to the camera is a common one for Canon - only one thumb wheel on the top of the camera. Canon relies on a button system to modify what control the top thumb wheel activates. The main drawback to this is that hitting the right button without moving the camera to look at the controls can be iffy. Also, there is a larger back thumb wheel that is active only in the "/" mode of the camera that can be used for aperture control rather than just menu options. It really doesn't make a lot of sense why Canon would chose to have this wheel disabled in the default "on" mode but it is available if you switch to the "/" mode. Other than the thumb wheel oddities, the Canon 40D camera is certainly a solid performer in the bridge between amateur and pro cameras.

Thanks to CSI Rentals for the loan of this equipment.