In their test—which uses the camera's raw output as the basis for measuring sensor performance, evaluating color, dynamic range and low-light shooting—Sony's $1100 A700 outscored Canon's 40D and 50D by a few points, with a 66.3, falling just behind Nikon's D300 and the Pentax K10D. Interestingly, the top scoring sensor of that size is in the Nikon D90, which has a whopping 72.6, 10 points ahead of the Canon 50D's 62.9.

Okay, Sony's Alpha cameras' solid sensor performance actually isn't that surprising, since Sony has a ton of experience making sensors—the Nikon D300 we lurrrrb and that does pretty well in DxO Labs' tests, for instance, packs a Sony sensor. DxO Labs' comparison tool, which has pretty much every major DSLR in its database, is actually pretty neat, if you believe their scores, anyway. [DxO Labs via CNET]

[Canon EOS]

Price: $1499 with 17-85mm Image stabilized lens.

The Verdict: Compared to the 30D, the low light performance has been enhanced added noise reduction. (For the photography we find at trade shows and liveblogs, this is important.) The autofocus was generally faster but still sometimes wonky in low light. The 3-inch LCD is extremely useful for field proofing. The CF door has new weatherproofing. Live view is kind of useless for me without autofocus. My biggest complaint is that the 40D is a little underwhelming compared to, say, the Nikon D300 with it's many more AF points and serious, serious low noise. (They're not really in the same class, if you ask Nikon and Canon reps, but I'd consider jumping up from the 40D to the D300.) And that the 17-85 lens has always been a bit soft for my liking. Can't explain it, but I've never found it to be as sharp as the 18-55 non-IS that came with the 30D. Those are my quick and dirty impressions (now updated with wisdom from the crowd below.) [Canon 40D gallery on Flickr]

The Canon EOS 40D will start shipping in September with a $1,299.00 pricetag for the body and $1,499 for the version with Canon's EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM zoom lens.

Features

Superb image quality: 10.1 Megapixel CMOS Sensor, extensive noise reduction technology, and 14-bit conversion for outstanding color tones and gradations.

Outstanding performance: 6.5 fps, burst rate up to 75 consecutive JPEGs or 17 RAW images and DIGIC III Image Processor.

Strong, rugged build quality: magnesium-alloy exterior, shutter durability-tested to 100,000 cycles, top speed 1/8000, top x-sync speed 1/250.

New AF system with 9 cross-type sensors, and world's first diagonal high-precision cross-type AF at center point with f/2.8 and faster lenses.

EOS Integrated Cleaning System, Picture Style settings, Spot metering, and Highlight Tone Priority for advanced in-camera image control.

Large 3.0-inch LCD monitor and advanced Live View Function with new options for reduced shutter time lag and quiet operation.

Wide range of accessories, including interchangeable focusing screens, extensive remote control options, and new battery grip BG-E2N.

Specifications
Type
Type
Digital AF/AE SLR
Recording Medium
CF Card Type I and II and external media (USB v.2.0 hard drive, via optional Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E3A)
Image Format
0.87 x 0.58 in./22.2 x 14.8mm (APS-C size sensor)
Compatible Lenses
Canon EF, EF-S, TS-E, and MP-E lenses
Lens Mount
Canon EF mount
Lens Focal Length Conversion Factor*
1.6x

Image Sensor
Type
High-sensitivity, high-resolution, single-plate, CMOS sensor
Pixels
Approx. 10.10 megapixels
Total Pixels
Approx. 10.50 megapixels
Aspect Ratio
3:2 (Horizontal : Vertical)
Color Filter System
RGB primary color filters
Low-pass Filter
Fixed position in front of the CMOS sensor

Recording System
Recording Format
DCF 2.0 (Exif 2.21): JPEG, RAW and RAW+JPEG simultaneous recording possible. Multiple options for recording images on a memory card.
Image Format
JPEG, RAW (Canon CR2)
File Size
JPEG/Large: Approx. 3.5MB (3,888 x 2,592)
JPEG/Medium: Approx. 2.1MB (2,816 x 1,880)
JPEG/Small: Approx. 1.2MB (1,936 x 1,288)
RAW: Approx. 12.4MB (3,888 x 2,592)
sRAW: Approx. 7.1MB (1,936 x 1,288)

Folders
Automatically created by camera; can be user-created with "Manual Reset" file naming setting
File Numbering
Continuous numbering
Auto reset
Manual reset (the image numbering is reset to 0001, a new folder is created automatically)

Color Space
Selectable between sRGB and Adobe RGB
Interface
USB 2.0 Hi-Speed, mini-B port. NTSC/PAL for video output

White Balance
Settings
Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, White Fluorescent Light, Flash, Custom WB setting, user-set Color Temperature (2,500~10,000K)
Auto White Balance
Auto white balance, taken from imaging sensor
Personal White Balance
White balance bracketing: Three consecutive images written to CF card for each firing of shutter; Up to +/- 3 levels in 1-step increments
White balance shift: blue/amber bias and/or magenta/green bias +/- up to 9 levels; manually set by user

Viewfinder
Type
Eye-level SLR with solid glass pentaprism
Coverage
Approx. 95% horizontally and vertically
Magnification
0.95x (-1 dpt with 50mm lens at infinity)
Eyepoint
Approx. 22mm
Dioptric Adjustment Correction
-3.0 to +1.0 diopter
Mirror
Quick-return half mirror (Transmission: reflection ratio of 40:60)
Viewfinder Information
AF (AF points, focus confirmation light), Exposure (shutter speed, aperture, ISO speed, AE lock, exposure level, spot metering circle, exposure warning), Flash (flash ready, flash exposure compensation, high-speed sync, FE lock, red-eye reduction light), Image (monochrome shooting, maximum burst, white balance correction, CF card information)
Depth-of-Field Preview
Enabled with depth-of-field preview button; possible in Live View Function
Eyepiece Shutter
None

Autofocus
Type
TTL-CT-SIR AF-dedicated CMOS sensor
AF Points
9 cross-type AF points, including center AF point; fully functional with f/5.6 or faster lenses

Additional high-precision, diagonal cross-type sensor at Center AF point, used with lenses f/2.8 or faster
AF Working Range
EV -0.5 ~18 (ISO 100 at 73 F/23 C)
Focusing Modes
Autofocus (One-Shot AF, Predictive AI Servo AF, AI Focus AF), Manual Focus (MF)
AF Point Selection
Automatic selection, Manual AF point selection
Selected AF Point Display
Superimposed red illumination in viewfinder; also visible on top or rear LCD panel when AF point select button is pressed
AF-assist Beam
Intermittent firing of built-in flash

Exposure Control
Metering Modes
35-zone TTL full aperture metering
Evaluative metering (linked to all AF points)
Partial metering (approx. 9% of viewfinder)
Spot metering (approx. 3.8% of viewfinder)
Center-weighted average metering

Metering Range
EV 0-20 (ISO 100 at 73 F/23 C with EF 50mm f/1.4 USM lens, ISO 100)
Exposure Control Systems
Program AE (shiftable), Shutter-priority AE, Aperture-priority AE, Auto Depth-of-field AE (non-shiftable), Full auto (non-shiftable), Programmed image control modes, Manual exposure, E-TTL II autoflash program AE
ISO Speed Range
Equivalent to ISO 100-1600* (in 1/3-stop or whole stop increments), ISO speed can be expanded to ISO 3200

* Standard output sensitivity. Recommended exposure index.
Exposure Compensation
Exposure Compensation (user-set): +/-3 stops in 1/3- or 1/2-half increments
AE Lock
Auto: Applied in One-Shot AF mode with evaluative metering when focus is achieved
Manual (user-set): By AE lock button in all metering modes

Shutter
Type
Vertical-travel, mechanical, focal-plane shutter with all speeds electronically controlled
Shutter Speeds
1/8000 to 30 sec. (1/3-stop increments), X-sync at 1/250 sec.
Shutter Release
Soft-touch electromagnetic release
Self-timer
10 sec. delay, 2 sec. delay
Remote Control
Canon N3 type terminal

Built-in Flash
Type
Auto pop-up, retractable, built-in flash in the pentaprism
Guide Number
13/43 (ISO 100 in meters/feet)
Recycling Time
Approx. 3 sec.
Flash-ready Indicator
Flash-ready indicator lights in viewfinder
Flash Coverage
17mm lens focal length (equivalent to 27mm in 35mm format)
Flash Metering System
E-TTL II autoflash
Flash Exposure Compensation
+/-2 stops in 1/3- and 1/2-stop increments;

Can be set on EOS 40D body or with most EX-series speedlites

LCD Monitor
Type
TFT color, liquid-crystal monitor
Screen Monitor size
3.0 in.
Pixels
Approx. 230,000 pixels
Coverage
Approx. 100%
Brightness Control
7 levels provided

Playback
Image Display Format
Single image, 4-image index, 9-image index, Jump, Magnified zoom (approx. 1.5x to 10x), Histogram, AF point display, Auto rotate, Rotate
Live View: View image before shooting on LCD monitor; live histogram and live simulation of exposure level possible with C.Fn IV-7-1
Highlight Alert
In the single image display and (INFO) display, over-exposed highlight areas will blink

Image Protection and Erase
Protection
Single image or all images in the memory card can be protected or cancel the image protection
Erase
Single image, select images, all images in a CF card or unprotected images
Direct Printing from the Camera
Enabled with the Print/Share button
Compatible Printers
CP and SELPHY Compact Photo Printers, PIXMA Photo Printers and PictBridge compatible printers (via USB Interface Cable IFC-200U, included with camera kit)
Settings
Print quantity, style (image, paper size, paper type, printing effects, layout), trimming, tilt correction (compatibility varies, depending upon printer in use)

Menus
Menu Categories
Shooting
Playback
Setup
Custom function/My Menu

LCD Monitor Language
18 (English, German, French, Dutch, Danish, Portuguese, Finnish, Italian, Norwegian, Swedish, Spanish, Greek, Russian, Polish, Simplified/Traditional Chinese, Korean, Japanese)

Power Source
Battery
One dedicated Battery Pack BP-511A
AC power can be supplied via the optional AC Adapter Kit ACK-E2
Number of Shots
Normal shooting, at 73 F/23 C:
No flash: approx. 1100 images
50% flash use: approx. 800 images

at 32 F/0 C:
No flash: approx. 950 images
50% flash use: approx. 700 images

(tests comply with CIPA industry test standards)

The above figures apply when one fully-charged Battery Pack BP-511A is used
Battery Check
Automatic
Power Saving
Provided. Power turns off after 1, 2, 4, 8, 15, 30 min.
Back-up Battery
One CR2016 coin-type lithium battery. Battery life approx. 5 years

Dimensions and Weight
Dimensions (W x H x D)
5.7 x 4.2 x 2.9 in./145.5 x 107.8 x 73.5mm
Weight
26.1 oz./740g

Operating Environment
Operating Temperature Range
32-104 F/0-40 C
Operating Humidity Range
85% or less

[Canon]

Most of the major details we've heard before stand, such as the 10.1MP CMOS sensor, but a couple differ for the better, most notably the 3-inch LCD display (up from 2.5) and 6.5 fps and 75 large JPEG burst. There also appears to be a new 802.11b/g wireless transmitter accessory, the WFT-E3A.

Product Features

• 10.1-megapixel CMOS sensor captures enough detail for photo-quality poster-size prints
• Large 3.0-inch LCD display with enhanced Live View and broadened color gamut
• 6.5 frame-per-second continuous shooting capability (for bursts of up to 75 Large/Fine JPEGs or 17 RAW images)
• sRAW mode; 35-zone metering system; integrated Self-Cleaning Sensor Unit
• Powered by BP-511A, BP-511, or BP-512 lithium-ion battery pack; stores images on CF cards

Technical Details

• Resolution: Approximately 10.1 million effective pixels (total pixels: approximately 10.5 million)
• Recording pixels: 3888 x 2592
• Sensor type: CMOS sensor, with primary R-G-B filtration
• Sensor size: 22.2 x 14.8 millimeters
• Pixel size: 5.7 microns square
• Lens focal length factor: 1.6x
• Sensor dust removal: EOS Integrated Cleaning System; active removal of dust by vibrating front low-pass filter; automatic removal of dust spots, in Canon Digital Photo Professional software (v. 3.1 or higher)
• Maximum frames per second: 6.5 frames per second (fps) at full resolution
• Maximum number of frames / burst: JPEG: 75; RAW: 17
• Shutter speeds: 30 seconds to 1/8000, plus Bulb (1/3 or 1/2-step increments)
• Flash sync speed: Up to 1/250, with EX-series Speedlites
• Anticipated shutter durability: 100,000 exposures, based on Canon test methods
• Computer interface: USB 2.0 (Hi-speed)
• Image recording storage media: CompactFlash (CF) cards (type I or II, including Microdrives)
• Card compatibility: "FAT32" compatible—OK for cards over 2GB
• Image format options: JPEG (choice of "Fine" or "Normal" compression); RAW (Canon .CR2 RAW file format); RAW + JPEG (any JPEG file size available; JPEG file written as separate file)
• Analog to digital conversion: 14 bits per channel (16,382 separate tones from brightest to darkest, for each channel)
• Resolution options: "Large"—3888 x 2592 (approximately 10.1 million pixels); "Medium"—2816 x 1880 (approximately 5.3 million pixels); "Small"—1936 x 1288 (approximately 2.5 million pixels)
• File numbering: sRGB color space: IMG_0001.JPG or IMG_0001.CR2; Adobe 1998 RGB color space: first character is always underscore (_)
• Folders: Automatically created for image storage; new folder can be user-created with "Manual Reset" function; folders cannot be freely selected on memory card by the photographer
• Highlight tone priority: Expands tonal range of bright highlights by about one stop; ISO range limited to 200 to 1600; activated by C.Fn II-3-1
• Data verification: "Original Image Data" can be appended to each image via Custom Function IV-6-1; requires optional Canon Original Data Security Kit OSK-E3 to check authenticity
• Live View viewing options: Camera's LCD monitor; computer monitor, via USB; computer monitor, via wireless transmitter WFT-E3A
• Manual focus: Viewed on LCD monitor, with option to magnify focus area 5x or 10x
• Autofocus: Possible—C.Fn III-6-1 active, press AF On button; mirror drops down temporarily while AF On button is pressed, allowing AF to function
• Silent mode Live View shoot: Mode 1: First shutter curtain remains open; shooting up to 6.5 fps possible; Mode 2: Quieter option; 2nd shutter curtain doesn't close until user's finger is taken off shutter button
• Accessory wireless transmitter: Canon WFT-E3A (optional, dedicated wireless transmitter)
• Attachment to camera: Attaches to base of camera; totally integrated with EOS 40D's design
• Wireless transfer methods: 802.11b or 802.11g; link speed: approximately 11 megabits/second (802.11b) or 54 megabits/second (802.11g)
• Connection method: Infrastructure or Ad Hoc (802.11g functions in Ad Hoc mode)
• Maximum wireless distance: Approximately 490 feet (150 meters), if "receiver" has its own antenna (depends on environment)
• Wireless channels: 11 (in North American market)
• Ethernet (wired) transfer: Yes; Ethernet 100Base-TX (maximum distance approximately 1,000 feet); link speed: approximately 100 megabits/second
• Transfer options: 1. FTP mode (images sent to folder on host computer); 2. PTP mode (remote control of camera possible from computer); 3. HTTP mode (view camera's files using web browser; remote firing of camera possible)
• Security options: Encryption: WEP or TKIP/AES; authentication: open system, WPA-PSK, or WPA2-PSK
• USB "host" capability: Plug compatible USB devices into WFT-E2A, for use with the EOS 40D; GPS devices (write GPS time, coordinates, and altitude info into each file's EXIF info); external hard drive (connect compact external USB hard drive, and write files directly from camera to the hard drive as if it's an additional memory card)
• LCD monitor: 3.0-inch (diagonal) TFT color; approximately 100% coverage; approximately 230,000 pixels on monitor; approximately 140 degrees viewing angle
• LCD monitor brightness: Adjustable in 7 levels (via Menu)
• Video-out: Yes (to standard TV monitor); NTSC or PAL, selectable on Menu
• Number of AF points: Nine, all cross-type AF points
• Center AF point: Unique hybrid cross-type AF point; world's first high-precision AF point with both horizontal and vertical high-precision; additional standard precision, cross-type sensors for lenses from f2.8 to f5.6
• AF point selection: 1. Manual AF point selection via 9-way multi-controller on back of camera; 2. automatic AF point selection
• AF activation: Shutter button, or new AF On button at back of camera
• AF modes: One-Shot AF (for stationary subjects); AI Servo AF (for tracking moving subjects); AI Focus AF (auto selection of One-Shot or AI Servo AF)
• AF sensor: Entirely new Canon CMOS AF sensor
• AF sensitivity range: EV -0.5 to 18 (at 73 degrees F / 23 degrees C, ISO 100)
• Shutter speeds: 30 seconds to 1/8000 second, plus Bulb (1/3 or 1/2-step increments); x-sync at 1/250
• ISO range: 100 to 1600, in 1/3-step or full-stop increments; ISO can be expanded to 3200 via C.Fn I-3-1
• Auto ISO: Can be set in any exposure mode, including P, Tv, Av, and M; ISO usually based at 400; typical auto range is 100 to 800, depending on conditions; manual exposure mode: auto ISO fixed at 400
• Exposure modes: Manual, Aperture-priority (Av), Shutter-priority (Tv), Program AE
• Full-auto modes: Green Zone, Portrait, Landscape, Close-up, Action, Night Portrait, Flash Off
• Metering: 35-zone metering sensor; Evaluative metering (linked to all AF points); Center-weighted metering; Partial metering; Spot metering at center of picture (approximately 3.5% of picture area)
• Metering range: EV 0 to 20 (all patterns, at normal temperatures)
• Exposure compensation: Possible in P, Tv, Av, and A-DEP exposure modes; +/- up to two stops, in 1/2 or 1/3-stop increments (via Quick Control Dial)
• Autoexposure bracketing: Possible in P, Tv, Av, M, and A-DEP exposure modes; +/- up to two stops, in 1/2 or 1/3-stop increments
• Compatible flashes: All Canon EX-series Speedlites, including new Speedlite 580EX II
• Camera menu sets flash: Yes (580EX II only, as of August 2007)
• E-TTL II flash metering: Flash metering not linked to active AF point; distance from compatible EF lenses now used; entire metering area can be averaged using Custom Function 14-1
• Modeling flash: 1-second burst of flash possible at 70Hz when depth-of-field preview button is pressed (580EX/EX II, 550EX, 420EX, MR-14EX, MT-24EX, and Speedlite transmitter only)
• Wireless E-TTL: Fully compatible, including ratio setting over six-stop range
• Flash exposure compensation: Up to +/- 2 stops can be set on camera body (can also be set on compatible Speedlites)
• Built-in flash: Covers lenses as wide as 17mm (27mm equivalent); Guide Number 43 (feet)/13 (meters), ISO 100
• Viewfinder focus screen: New interchangeable "Ef" series focusing screens; standard screen: Ef-A—precision matte screen very similar to EOS 30D; optional Ef-D screen—precision matte with grid lines; optional Ef-S screen—Super precision matte (superior manual focusing with fast lenses, f1.8 to f2.8)
• Viewfinder display: Similar to EOS 30D; new: ISO is always displayed; new: B/W shooting mode icon; new: maximum burst available now two digits
• Dioptric adjustment: User-set from -3.0 to +1.0 (range can be extended using optional Canon dioptric Lens E, plus rubber frame Eb)
• Mirror lock-up: Possible via Custom Function III-6-1
• Eyepiece shutter: None (cover is provided on included strap)
• Color space: Standard sRGB or Adobe 1998 RGB (separate setting on Menu)
• White Balance: Auto; Pre-set (Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Flash); color temperature (set by user from 2500K to 10,000K in 100K increments); custom (shoot white object or 18% gray card, base WB on that neutral object)
• White Balance correction: Fine-tuning of overall color, in any white balance mode; amber-blue correction, in 9 steps; magenta-green correction, in 9 steps; set on graph on LCD monitor, using 9-way controller; both types of correction can be combined
• White Balance bracketing: Three separate files written with a single click of the shutter; can be varied in the amber-blue direction, or the magenta-green direction; can be adjusted up to +/- 15 mireds (equivalent to 3 steps on the 9-step adjust scale); can be combined with standard auto exposure bracketing (9 files written to CF card)
• Picture style: Extensive range of settings for user to tailor color, contrast, sharpness, etc. to their preference; same characteristics as previous EOS SLRs with Picture Style control
• Black and white recording: Set via monochrome setting within Picture Styles menu
• Computer connection: USB 2.0 Hi-speed, via small "B"-type USB connection
• Remote control: N3-type push-in terminal (same as EOS 20D, EOS-1D Mark II, etc.)
• Video-out: Single-pin mini-jack
• Direct Printing compatibility: PictBridge printing to compatible Canon and other brand printers
• Compatible images: JPEG, RAW, or sRAW, if they comply with DCF protocol
• Preview effects on camera's LCD: Printing effects can be previewed (includes brightness, levels, contrast, color saturation, color tone, and color balance—face brightener and red-eye correction cannot be viewed)
• Connection to printer: Via USB cable included with camera
• DPOF image marking: Compatible; images can be "tagged" while reviewing on LCD monitor
• Battery: BP-511A, BP-511, or BP-512 (rechargeable lithium-ion, same as EOS 30D) (BP-511/BP-512: 1100mAh; BP-511A: 1390mAh)
• Shooting capacity: Approximately 1100 shots (at 68 degrees F / 20 degrees C); approximately 800 shots (at 32 degrees F / 0 degrees C)
• Charger unit: Canon CB-5L or CG-580 (also can be charged with compact power adapter CA-PS400)
• AC adapter: AC adapter kit ACK-E2 (optional; consists of adapter AC-E2, and "dummy battery" DR-400)
• Battery grip (optional): Battery grip BG-E2N or BG-E2
• Date/time back-up battery: CR2016 lithium battery—coin-type; user-replaceable (estimated life 5 years)
• Body exterior material: Magnesium alloy top, front, and rear covers
• Chassis material: Polycarbonate and stainless steel
• Lens mount: EF lens mount; metal; compatible lenses: all Canon lenses for EOS cameras
• Compatible with EF-S lenses: Yes
• Custom functions: 24 custom functions, in four distinct categories; 9 entirely new custom functions
• Operating temperature range: 32 degrees to 104 degrees F, at 85% or lower humidity (0 degrees to 40 degrees C)
• Dimensions (W x H x D): 5.7 x 4.2 x 2.9 inches (145.5 x 108 x 73.5 millimeters), very slightly larger than EOS 30D
• Weight (without battery or CF card): 26.1 ounces (740 grams), approximately 1.4 ounces (40 grams) heavier than EOS 30D

From this unofficial 40D fanboy site comes this generic prose:

Canon's new EOS 40D brings proven EOS technology to a new level, giving photographers an unbeatable photographic experience. The EOS 40D incorporates a host of new features with Canon's highly acclaimed 8.2 megapixel CMOS sensor and DIGIC II Image Processor. The EOS 40D includes enhanced operational features such as a new 2.5 inch LCD monitor, true spot metering, a durable new shutter mechanism and Canon's Picture Style feature, all in an sturdy, magnesium-clad body. With all these new features the EOS 40D is truly perfection, refined.

Canon 40D Specifications:
*10.2 Megapixel APS-C size CMOS sensor

* 5 fps and 30 large JPEG frame burst

* Integrated Cleaning System

* 2.5", 230K pixel, 170º wide viewing angle LCD screen

* Picture Style image processing parameters

* Spot metering and High Precision 9-point AF system

* DIGIC III image processor with 0.15 sec start-up time

* Digital Photo Professional RAW processing software

* 100,000 cycle shutter durability and rugged magnesium alloy body

* Simultaneous RAW and JPEG recording

* Wide 100-3200 ISO range

* E-TTL II Flash

* PictBridge compatibility

* Complete compatibility with all Canon EF and EF-S lenses and EX-series Speedlites

* USB 2.0 Hi-Speed and Video Out connectivity

That's it? We hope there are more upgrades than this. If not we might have to recommend the 30D — on sale, of course — over the newer body. The final answer will come in 2 weeks, at PMA where the news will (might?) officially drop.

The leaked, and unconfirmed specs, below.

Canon EOS 40D DSLR Specifications

* 10.1 MP CMOS sensor
* 5fps, 30 JPEG image burst
* Integrated Cleaning System
* 2.5in LCD with 230K pixels and 160º viewing angle
* Picture Style image processing
* Spot metering & 9-point AF
* DIGIC II processor with 0.2 sec start up
* Digital Photo Professional software
* Magnesium alloy body
* Compatible with all EF/EF-S lenses and EX Speedlite flashes
* Including powerpack and accessories

Designed to inspire. Built to last.

CMOS sensor
An 10.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor provides the sensitivity needed for clean, detailed images with fine colour gradation. Large sensor pixels allow for wide dynamic range and reduced noise at higher ISO speeds. The 22.5 x 15mm sensor size adds an effective 1.6x increase to the focal length of EF lenses, extending reach at the telephoto end.

5 fps shooting
The camera delivers fast 5 fps shooting for continuous bursts of up to 30 large JPEG images (11 in RAW). A new 3 fps shooting mode provides greater control for variable-speed sequences.

Large LCD
Illuminated by 6 LEDs, the bright 2.5 Inch 230K pixel LCD is viewable from 85° in almost all directions.

Picture Style
Picture Style pre-sets provide easy control over image processing parameters. Each style offers a different colour response - similar to the way film types are changed to achieve different effects. Sharpness, contrast, colour tone and saturation are adjustable within each pre-set.

Spot metering
Spot metering allows you to base the optimal exposure value on a concentrated spot (3.5%) in the scene - useful in high-contrast scenes where precise metering control is required.

High precision 9-point wide-area AF
Select from one of nine fixed focusing points across the scene for fast, accurate focusing even with off-centre subjects and 'rule-of-thirds' compositions.

DIGIC II
DIGIC II renders colours with precision and accuracy. Fast and efficient, DIGIC II prolongs battery life* and delivers instant 0.15 second start up time.

Digital Photo Professional software
The Digital Photo Professional software permits high-speed processing of lossless RAW images.

Magnesium alloy body
A compact magnesium alloy body provides durability while keeping the camera's weight down to 700 grams.

EF lenses and accessories
The EOS 40D is compatible with over 60 EF lenses (including the EF-S Series) and all EX Series Speedlite flash units. The E-TTL II flash algorithm passes key shooting data from compatible EF lenses - such as focal length, point of focus and distance information - to the Speedlites for consistently accurate flash exposures. Untethered shooting is possible with the optional Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E1.

Connectivity
Video Out allows reviewing on a TV screen. Connect with USB 2.0 Hi-speed for fast data transfers

A few tantalizing details were leaked last September about the upcoming Canon EOS 40D, foreseeing the company's next DSLR using a 10.1 megapixel image sensor, 2.5 inch viewscreen, an anti-dust feature, and using CompactFlash cards. It won't be long before we find out how accurate this prediction was. – Charlie White

Canon EOS 40D [Digital Photography Blog]

If Internet moles can be trusted, expect to see the compact flash-friendly EOS 40D on September 26. – Nicholas Deleon

Canon EOS 40D Info Leaked [CrunchGear]