Canon EOS 40D

The Canon EOS 40D is a subtle improvement over the 30D, but in many ways it’s also an understudy for the EOS 1D Mark III. The 40D is used by many professionals as well as enthusiasts, and in our tests we found the camera does have a lot to offer in terms of functionality.

The 40D is a bit bulky, with dimensions of 146 x 108 x 74 mm, while the weight is about 822g. It feels quite heavy, but not without a reason. The weight is further augmented due to the the kind of lens it uses. However, to keep things in perspective in true Tech2.0 fashion, we tested the camera with the basic 18-55mm kit lens.

The camera comes with a rubberized grip that makes it easy to hold on to. This helps in centering the weight around your palms, and reducing strain on your wrist. The back of the 40D has undergone some remarkable changes. The first and foremost has to be the 3-inch LCD screen, up from the earlier 2.5-inch job.

I like the complete focus that the 40D is able to give you when you fiddle with the controls. This is vastly aided by the operational separation of the controls with the help of the two dials and the 8-way multi-controller. While the main dial is situated on the top right where your index finger can reach without any strain, the Quick Control dial is right beside the screen, housing the set button.

The all-new AF-on button is yet another addition, giving it “under-the-thumb” reach just as the AE/FE lock and the AF point selection button. The 40D offers direct access to white balance options directly using the button on top alongside the AF-drive button and the ISO speed set, which also helps set the flash exposure compensation.

Right above the optical view finder you will find the dioptric adjustment knob. The mode dial has a varied list to select from. I would suggest that you go through the nomenclature list before getting started.

To make things less complicated, the mode is divided into two sections — Basic Zone and Creative Zone. All the icons bunched up above the auto mode (the rectangular box icon) will give you complete creative control, while the rest offer basic operations.

The Basic Zone includes modes like auto, A-DEP etc, making the camera more of a point-and-shoot affair. However, if it's manual controls that float your boat, there’s the Creative Zone.