Post by USM on Aug 30, 2007 21:03:09 GMT 8
I was one of those guys who managed to buy a 40d.
At a glance, physical appearance of 40d is very similar to 30d except for 2 obvious parts.
1) Larger LCD screen
2) Metal hotshoe
Live View is something interesting as far as Canon is concerned.
I will bring the camera for a spin in the next few days.
1) Can the AF function at f8 without tapping the pins?
No, sad to say that 40d functions the same way as 10d, 20d and 30d. You can't AF at f8 without tapping pins. Only the 1-series can do that. Canon still segments their cameras accordingly.
2) Can existing BG-E2 be used?
Yes, you can still use the existing BG-E2 but a new model BG-E2N will be out soon. The new BG-E2N features new sealing material around the battery compartment to better resist water and dust. The new model is also compatible with the EOS 20D and 30D.
3) How loud is the shutter sound?
Unfortunately, it is still loud.
4) Noise level at ISO 1600 and 3200?
ISO 1600
ISO 3200
Looked pretty clean to me. Digic III processor is at work.
5) AF performance?
To be tested soon....
6) Is the viewfinder a big improvement over the 20/30D?
Insignificant in my opinion. The upgraded viewfinder increases optical magnification from 0.90x to 0.95x, expands the viewing angle from 251 degrees to 264 degrees and raises the eye point from 20mm to 22mm.
7) Overall IQ compared to 20/30D?
I find that the overall IQ is better than 30d.
The camera’s menu is organized in the same tabbed format as the EOS 1D Mark III.
The layout of EOS 40D's back is also quite identical to EOS 1D mk III.
The top panel looks slightly different compared to EOS 30D. Firstly, the 3 buttons functions are different compared to EOS 30D. The display setting is slightly diffferent too. Now you can see the ISO setting on the top panel display screen as well as in the viewfinder. Many a time, we forgot what ISO that we had set until we realised the mistakes later. Canon has answered the users' prayer in this instance by displaying the ISO set on the top screen and in teh viewfinder.
Top panel of EOS 30D
Top panel of EOS 40D
8) Can we still use AF when using live view?
Surprising, EOS 40D allows the users to continue to use AF in live view mode compared to its elder brother EOS 1D mk III which does not support such feature.
You can either use manual or AF (activiated via custom function) focusing when using live view.
9) Can the focusing screen be changed, just like the 1-series?
Yes, for the first time for a mid-range camera, it allows the users to change the focusing screens. Previous models D30, D60, 10D, 20D and 30D do not allow changing of focusing screens.
However, there are only 2 types of screens that you can change on top of the included one.
1) Ef-A Standard Precision Matte (as included)
2) Ef-S Super Prevision Matte
3) Ef-D Precision Matte with grid
(2) is used for manual focusing while (3) is to assist you in composition/framing.
However, I still prefer the grid provided by Nikon in their DSLRs where you have the option to turn it on/off. It is much more hassle free than changing a focusing screen.
At a glance, physical appearance of 40d is very similar to 30d except for 2 obvious parts.
1) Larger LCD screen
2) Metal hotshoe
Live View is something interesting as far as Canon is concerned.
I will bring the camera for a spin in the next few days.
1) Can the AF function at f8 without tapping the pins?
No, sad to say that 40d functions the same way as 10d, 20d and 30d. You can't AF at f8 without tapping pins. Only the 1-series can do that. Canon still segments their cameras accordingly.
2) Can existing BG-E2 be used?
Yes, you can still use the existing BG-E2 but a new model BG-E2N will be out soon. The new BG-E2N features new sealing material around the battery compartment to better resist water and dust. The new model is also compatible with the EOS 20D and 30D.
3) How loud is the shutter sound?
Unfortunately, it is still loud.
4) Noise level at ISO 1600 and 3200?
ISO 1600
ISO 3200
Looked pretty clean to me. Digic III processor is at work.
5) AF performance?
To be tested soon....
6) Is the viewfinder a big improvement over the 20/30D?
Insignificant in my opinion. The upgraded viewfinder increases optical magnification from 0.90x to 0.95x, expands the viewing angle from 251 degrees to 264 degrees and raises the eye point from 20mm to 22mm.
7) Overall IQ compared to 20/30D?
I find that the overall IQ is better than 30d.
The camera’s menu is organized in the same tabbed format as the EOS 1D Mark III.
The layout of EOS 40D's back is also quite identical to EOS 1D mk III.
The top panel looks slightly different compared to EOS 30D. Firstly, the 3 buttons functions are different compared to EOS 30D. The display setting is slightly diffferent too. Now you can see the ISO setting on the top panel display screen as well as in the viewfinder. Many a time, we forgot what ISO that we had set until we realised the mistakes later. Canon has answered the users' prayer in this instance by displaying the ISO set on the top screen and in teh viewfinder.
Top panel of EOS 30D
Top panel of EOS 40D
8) Can we still use AF when using live view?
Surprising, EOS 40D allows the users to continue to use AF in live view mode compared to its elder brother EOS 1D mk III which does not support such feature.
You can either use manual or AF (activiated via custom function) focusing when using live view.
9) Can the focusing screen be changed, just like the 1-series?
Yes, for the first time for a mid-range camera, it allows the users to change the focusing screens. Previous models D30, D60, 10D, 20D and 30D do not allow changing of focusing screens.
However, there are only 2 types of screens that you can change on top of the included one.
1) Ef-A Standard Precision Matte (as included)
2) Ef-S Super Prevision Matte
3) Ef-D Precision Matte with grid
(2) is used for manual focusing while (3) is to assist you in composition/framing.
However, I still prefer the grid provided by Nikon in their DSLRs where you have the option to turn it on/off. It is much more hassle free than changing a focusing screen.
