Canon EOS 40D

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Judging from the technologies and features introduced to recent dSLRs, we suspect the 40D's new features are a result of Canon's reaction to competitive pressure rather than a willingness to integrate them. Nevertheless, we are glad the 40D has them.

As with other midrange and entry-level Canon dSLRs, the EOS 40D features a 22.2 x 14.8mm, APS-C film-sized sensor with a 1.6x crop factor. While the photos produced by this sensor are not as indulgently detailed as the ones shot by Canon's high-end models, it's a virtue that the body is compatible with Canon's EF-S lenses, which are more compact and affordable than standard EF lenses of the same focal range.

Though some may feel a little "cheated", considering that the significantly cheaper EOS 400D has the same resolution and sensor size, it's worth noting that the EOS 40D is still the most advanced Canon EOS dSLR model that can accommodate EF-S lenses.

Powering the EOS 40D is Canon's latest Digic III processor which promises reduced image noise at higher ISO settings and a burst of 6.5fps; but we will evaluate these claims when we analyse its performance.

A useful feature (now common among dSLRs) introduced in the EOS 40D is the Canon EOS Integrated Cleaning System. This works to reduce dust particles on the sensor via a dust-repelling, antistatic coating on the sensor, and shaking the sensor at extreme frequencies to remove dust.

One of the less useful features on the EOS 40D is the sRAW (small RAW) format, which allows RAW capture at a quarter of the camera's resolution (typically 2.5megapixels at half the file size of a full-resolution RAW image).

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