Canon EOS 40D

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Performance

In our field tests, the EOS 40D's performance pleased us tremendously. In terms of color, Canon cameras are known to produce "out-of-the box" (unprocessed) photos that are just slightly, but pleasantly, saturated with a mildly warmer tone than those from other manufacturers. The EOS 40D is not an exception, and with its Picture Style feature, allows the adventurous to tweak settings to their heart's content.

As for resolution, we paired the 40D with its EFS 17-85mm lens kit and produced highly detailed photos that can be printed at large sizes without quality compromise.

Even up to ISO 1,600, the EOS 40D’s Digic III processor does a good job of image noise control without sacrificing detail. Picture sequence: ISO 100, 400, 800, 1,000, 1,600.

However, what we were most impressed with was the camera's noise control at high ISO levels. With the noise reduction on (which is the default setting), shooting at ISO 1,600 produced photos with the same noise and graininess as those shot at ISO 800 using a reference 8.2-megapixel Canon EOS 350D--which is a good performer at high sensitivity levels.

At this level, grain was just perceptible, but appeared similar to that of high sensitivity film. Even at the special ISO 3,200 mode, photos were still usable for casual purposes. This excellent ISO performance makes the EOS 40D a great camera for low-light photography where high shutter speeds are needed--like at night events and parties.

Though fast, the Canon's 6.5fps was just slightly too slow to capture this softball player's action in greater detail, but focus was spot on in spite of distracting elements in the frame.

Considering that the EOS 40D's resolution has been increased over the last generation with a sensor size that remains the same, this is startling news. A resolution increase without a sensor size increase will cause each light-sensing pixel on the sensor (correctly termed as a "photosite") to be smaller. In turn, the densely packed photosites will create higher electric signal "noise", which usually shows up as increased film grain. It seems the EOS 40D's Digic III processor works well to suppress this usual side effect from resolution increase without an increase in sensor size.

Sports photographers will also appreciate the camera's zippy (but not blazing) 6.5fps continuous shooting capability. Coupled with the highly competent AI-servo AF mode that actively tracks and focuses on moving subjects, we found ourselves capturing well-focused sports subjects in rapid sequential action. However, for the best results, pair the EOS 40D with a lens that has a good focus motor--like Canon's own lenses with a USM motor.

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