The Canon EOS 40D is a medium sized prosumer 10 megapixel digital SLR (Single Lens Reflex) camera designed for enthusiasts and action photographers.

Offered as a replacement for the 30D and a step up from the entry level Digital Rebel series of cameras like the Rebel XTi, the 40D enjoys additional features and more robust construction.  Build quality on the 40D is good, the magnesium alloy body has environmental sealing to help keep out dust and moisture.  A vibrating self cleaning anti-dust mechanism has been worked into the filter directly in front of the 10.1 megapixel CMOS sensor.  The Canon DIGIC III image processor provides 14 bit A/D (analog to digital) conversion for increased tonal range.  The image processing system can buffer bursts of up to 75 jpegs at a time and the shutter is capable of running at 6.5 fps (frames per second).

Other highlights and improvements include LiveView for composing images on screen, a larger 3" LCD screen, a brighter viewfinder, 9 Cross Type (extended sensitivity) autofocus points, interchangeable focussing screens, improved menu navigation, and additional custom functions.

Key Features

Self cleaning 10.1 megapixel CMOS sensor

APS-C size sensor (1.6x crop compared to full frame 35mm format)

Compatible with Canon EF and EF-S mount lens

ISOs from 100 - 1600 (expandable to 3200)

Continuous burst shooting at 6.5 fps

LiveView on 3.0 inch, 230,000 pixel LCD display

Auto pop-up E-TTL II autoflash

Hotshoe for external flashes (E-TTL II with Canon EX Series Speedlites)

JPEG , RAW, & RAW + JPEG file options

CF (Compact Flash) Card slot

Magnesium alloy housing with environmental sealing