All the camera any amateur could need
Pros:
Build. Strong images for Auto shooter; pristine ones for experienced amateur/pros. 6-plus frames per second.
Cons:
There's a newer big brother available now. Could use expanded ISO range.
The Bottom Line:
The camera's performance is five star. If image quality is important to you, this is your camera.
If you want the freshest features, or need more than 10 MP, keep looking.
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Overall Rating:
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Author's Review
This body is tough, but not weatherproof. Its heavy, in a confidence-inspiring way. And it makes GORGEOUS images. Its not the newest in Canon's prosumer DSLR lineup, so its more suited to the serious amateur looking for value, not the gear hound who upgrades with each new generation.
I used Canon's 30D, 40D, and 50D before deciding to invest in the 40D. My primary reason was the relatively cheap price for the 40D. The 30D wasn't as fast, and I shoot lots of sports and low light images. I also found the larger 40D screen to be superior. I decided against the 50D because not even its strongest distinguishing feature (for me, it was expanded ISO range), was worth the $300 premium over the 40D.
I use Canon's 17-55mm IS USM, 28-135mm IS USM kit version, and the 70-300mm IS USM lenses.
This camera is a pure gem for me. Its silky smooth shutter, 6.3 frames per second shooting rate, variety of simplified and totally manual shooting options gives me tremendous flexibility, and its build give me confidence to fire away in tough conditions.
I pamper my camera between shoots (clean contact points, store in cushy bag, feed it the best lenses) so it will perform well. But I don't coddle it during shoots.
Its custom functions allow you higher ISOs, shutter lockup, and live view, but I don't use those features so often. But they're there if you need them. And that's what excites me. Even though I shoot more than half the time in full MANUAL mode, the camera has so much power it will be years before I exhaust its usefulness. Or before my skill matches its prowess.
A friend of mine had the Err99 error and had to have hers repaired. This is a common problem and usually requires shutter replacement. Investigate this before investing. I am confident that the price I paid and the warranty give me total confidence.
In shooting mode, the camera is great. I demoed the lower-end, but phenomenal performing XSi also. The primary, no, ONLY reason I chose the 40D is the build quality of the body. For me (former college wrestler), holding the XSi was like holding a lightweight toy. It affected my shooting because I didn't have confidence that the camera would remain still when I pressed the shutter button. The 40D provided the extra heft in the body weight to stabilize the camera during handheld shooting.
I am a gadget hound, and love the hot new toys. This camera gives me everything I need and want, and I have ZERO 50D or Nikon D90 envy.
