Canon EOS 40D Digital SLR - Features

New 9-Point Cross-Type AF System

A key advancement of the EOS 40D is its new 9-point cross-type AF system. All nine AF points can achieve focus on both horizontal and vertical planes. A central AF point is capable of accurate focusing up to aperture f/2.8, with eight outer points working up to f/5.6. In response to requests, the dedicated AF Start (AF-ON) button allows photographers to execute auto focus with their thumb.

While the EOS 40D SLR maintains the nine-point wide area AF coverage first introduced on the EOS 20D camera, Canon has made significant improvements to its speed, precision and functionality, minimizing subject recognition problems in the process. The EOS 40D camera's completely redesigned nine-point AF sensor provides cross-type AF measurement at all nine focusing points for maximum apertures up to f/5.6, and for the first time in any EOS camera, the central AF point offers enhanced precision for both vertical and horizontal subject contrast when using EF or EF-S lenses featuring maximum apertures of f/2.8 or faster. AF calculation speed with the EOS 40D camera is 30 percent faster than the EOS 30D model.

One-Shot AF

One-Shot AF provides sharp, instant focus for stationary subjects. When the shutter button is depressed halfway, AF is locked in. The photographer can recompose the shot at will, secure in the knowledge that focus on the subject will not be lost, regardless of where the subject ends up in the frame.

Predictive AI Servo AF

Predictive At Servo AF tracks moving subjects to predict proper focus with incredible precision. Continuous adjustments to the AF lens drive and shutter release operation, calculated as the system detects the subject's movement, continue right up to the moment when the mirror rises and the aperture stops down. This sophisticated system makes incredible stop-action shots simple and automatic.

AI Focus AF

AI Focus AF addresses the reality of many shooting situations, where subjects move and then stop. In this mode, the camera switches automatically between One-Shot AF and AI Servo AF by reading subject movement. The system's flexibility allows the user to concentrate on all the other aspects of the shot, knowing that the optimal AF system will be automatically selected.

Canon EOS 40D Exposure Control

The Canon EOS 40D Digital SLR retains the same 35-zone metering sensor as its predecessor. Available patterns include Evaluative metering, which is linked to all AF points and is set automatically in the Basic Zone modes, Centerweighted average metering, Partial metering and Spot metering, covering approximately 9 percent or 3.8 percent of the viewfinder at center, respectively. The camera's E-TTL II autoflash and 12 exposure control modes (11 AE modes plus manual) are also unchanged from the EOS 30D SLR model. However, as a result of user input, Canon has added three Custom exposure modes. As an added convenience, particularly for wireless flash operations, users can adjust the flash settings of the Canon Speedlite 580EX II directly from the camera.

The Canon EOS 40D camera offers ISO speeds from ISO 100 to ISO 1600 in 1/3-stop increments. Users can also opt for a high-speed setting of ISO 3200. For the first time in any EOS camera, the 40D model offers Auto ISO capability in Creative Zone exposure modes. This valuable new feature adjusts the ISO speed to the optimal setting based on low light or shaky shooting conditions. Additionally, the EOS 40D provides full-time display of the active ISO speed setting, both in the viewfinder as well as on the top LCD data panel.

The EOS 40D is fully customisable to the photographer's shooting preferences. The mode dial contains space for three sets of user-defined settings, allowing the photographer to switch instantly between several shooting setups.

Canon EOS 40D
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