Canon EOS 40D video review

[@ZJC743]

I got my 40D thanks to this video and 7 years on its still going strong (143000 photos so far), just got a Canon 7D mark II to replace it as my main camera but will still be using the 40d as a back up for years to come. Thank you!

[@jon0807]

This is one of the best reviews I've seen. Not only of the 40D but compared to other reviews of other cameras as well. Thanks!

[@cameralabs]

Hi, the cameras are sent from the manufacturers to review. They do this for magazines and certain websites. As for the 40D and the Nikon's, yes it is bigger and heavier - you can compare the dimensions at the Cameralabs website.

[@cameralabs]

I believe the EOS Utility will allow you to remote control the 30D, but if it doesn't, anothe rprogram called DSLR Remote Pro will do it. But neither will give you the Live View and focusing on your PC's screen - you'll need the 40D for that.

[@cameralabs]

As a professional publication Cameralabs is lent cameras by the manufacturers - same as the magazines. They do ask for them all back though before you ask! Do also check out the Cameralabs website to see the full reviews which go with the videos you see here...

[@cameralabs]

As far as weather-proofing is concerned, the EOS 40D is by no means waterproof, but features enhancements over both the 30D and 5D: most notably the doors on the memory card and battery compartments now feature thin rubber strips around their perimeters to provide better sealing against the elements.

[@cameralabs]

The 40D has two continuous shooting modes: low and high. Low operates at 3fps, so it sounds like that's what you had it set at. Make sure the continuous shooting icon has a letter H next to it for high speed. Also make sure your shutter speed is fast enough to not slow it down - eg at least 1/250. Feel free to post any other Qs on the cameralabs forum as more people will be able to respond.

[@specdecible]

I've recently purchased this camera for my photography course with the EF-S 17-85mm lens, and i must say it is a really good piece of gear. If you have the opportunity to upgrade to one then dont hesitate, you won't regret it.

[@cameralabs]

The 40D is not obselete by any stretch of the imagination. The 50D does not replace it - it's a new model that's positioned above it at a much higher price. The 40D will remain on sale and remains a superb DSLR for the money. There'll always be new models though and the 40D is now a year old. If it bothers you to not have the very latest, I'd suggest visiting the cameralabs forums where rumours of new models are often discussed. You'll also find out when the trade shows are coming up...

[@willbremridge]

Hi Gordon. I am buying a dslr mainly for use in ski/snowboard photography. I originally wanted the 400d but i am tempted by the 40d because i worry that the 400d may not last as long in the harsh conditions that come with that type of photography. I am slo going to be shooting for a magazine and building a secondary career out of photography. Do you think that the 40d is a much better option or should the 400d suit me fine. cheers Will

[@cameralabs]

That's a decision only you can make! The 70-200mm f4L is better quality, but as you say, the 70-300mm has a longer reach. So it depends what compromise you are willing to make. Do you really need more than 200mm? Is top quality more important to you? There's owners of both lenses at the cameralabs forums if you fancy asking them...

[@cameralabs]

Thanks! Don't forget there are results and samples to go with it at the Cameralabs website, and there's also several 40D owners on the forum too...

[@mattwier]

Hey thanks, I'll check that out. I have the Canon 70-200 f2.8L and 300 f4L so I'm looking forward to see how the work on the 40D.

[@elwingamero3784]

You should do a updated version of this camera 😭😭 I have the 40d and it’s sad to barely see any updated reviews 😭

[@cameralabs]

But what would I do differently? It already covers everything! Plus I did some extra videos for the 40D including using GPS and using Live View with a telescope, have you seen those ones?

[@cameralabs]

Hi dt1266, thanks! You'll be pleased to hear I'll be doing the WFT-E3(A) wireless transmitter in the next few weeks.

[@cameralabs]

Yes I believe it comes with Mac software which also offers the same remote control facilities, but feel free to ask the 40D owners on the cameralabs forums for confirmation and more details.

[@cameralabs]

Hi Will, the 400D has no weatherproofing, but the 40D does. And the 40D focuses and shoots much quicker than the 400D. So if you're shooting action in snowy conditions, I'd definitely get the 40D - but do also get a decent lens with USM focusing and consider a 580EXII flashgun if you're shooting close in a terrain park. Feel free to chat more about this in the Cameralabs forums!

[@Pteradacca]

i just bought a 40D and these videos are fantastic - thank you very much for the time and effort put forth!

[@cameralabs]

Glad to help! There's several 40D owners on the Cameralabs forums if you fancy a chat, or seeing what it's capable of!

[@cameralabs]

I think this is possible, but you may need the top of the range Speedlite 580 EXII, set to Hispeed mode - and it may only have enough charge for, say, 6 flashes.

[@MagZ1905]

I have this camera and I am very pleased with it, but I got a sweet deal on a canon eos 1d mark2, and I am tempted. So, do you have any experience with the 1d mark 2 vs the 40D?

[@cameralabs]

As I recall you need to enable one of the Custom Functions. Under the Custom Functions IV you should find Live View Exposire Simulation - enable this. Do check the Custom Function section in your manual to verify though! Then press Info to toggle the histogram...

[@hansis]

man.. awesome review. i'm still an amateur photographer and i was thinking about buying the 40d too actually, but now that the price for the 30d is down, i'm not exactly sure which one to get.

[@travers114]

Nice view from your house! I'm thinking of getting the 40D, maybe the 50D, but personally I think they're pretty similar.

[@cameralabs]

UV filters don't take away much light, but a poor one can cause problems with contrast, glare, reflections etc - see the Cameralabs forums for discussions on using filters...

[@bbiggs]

Thankyou so much for taking the time out to make a very good review of this new camera! Everything I wanted to know about was answered and I am looking forward to getting this camera eventually. Anybody asking wether or to get this camera body should look at your lens options between companies. Lenes are in my opinion far more important than the body espically when you are starting out in this hobby.

[@carva822]

Excellent review! Is there any possibility that you can make a comparison between the EOS 40D vs. Nikon D80??

[@cameralabs]

Thanks! The fps isn't affected by the lens, so if the shutter speed was fast enough, you'd still get 6.5fps.

[@cameralabs]

It depends on the camera and demand for it. It might sound odd, but you wouldn't want to keep them anyway. As I said, I've been testing them for 15 years, so imagine the technology museum I'd have if I'd kept them all! You'd have hundreds of them!

[@cameralabs]

Yes, they will work fine. The 10D was the only APS-C model from Canon which wasn't EF-S compatible - it came out before they invented EF-S!

[@cameralabs]

Ni Niklas, depends what you want from an upgrade - the image quality won't be any better, but it is a much faster and tougher camera - and of course also has Live View. There is also the forthcoming 450D though - check the Cameralabs front page for details...

[@cameralabs]

Hi dukesy394, your Canon lens will ONLY work on a Canon body - there are some adapters, but you lose a lot of features. As for the AF, the 51-point system of the D300 is v impressive at tracking, but the 40D is no slouch. Both are superb for sports. If you can, pick up both and see which you prefer, but if you buy a Nikon, you will need a new lens.

[@cameralabs]

My 40D has gone back to Canon, but it certainly didn't rattle. Then again, you might be hearing the orientation sensor... Would you mind posting your question on the Cameralabs forums as there's several 40D owners there who could help. As for the WFT-E3(a), it'll be in a few weeks....

[@cameralabs]

Hi, yep, it's normal for IS lenses to whirr a little while in action.

[@cameralabs]

I'd say go for the 50D at that small differecne, but please also ask in the Canon section of the Cameralabs forum.

[@wowJhil]

It is interesting to know what kit lenses there are, and the price for each. Everyone seemed to agree that Nikon's d80 had a better kit lens then the one for Canon d400. Of course the Nikon's is more expensive, but if you would find an "equal" lens for the Canon it would be the opposite! Not strange, cause kit lens is supposed to be less expansive.

[@BladeDancer314]

it might be the rails that hold the flash, both my 40d's did it, both metal arms become lose when the flash is down and tight when its up. try to raise the flash and see if it still makes the rattle noise. if it is that the manual states that its normal, I cannot remember what page it mentions it.

[@cameralabs]

Sounds like a nice kit, but you haven't said what you'll be using it for! Feel free to post on the Cameralabs forums if you want to discuss it further...

[@HelloNewYorkCity]

err99 means 2 things: 1. the shutter is done (can be cured by restarting, but can return) 2. you have to clean the lens contacts

[@cameralabs]

I mean that the 70-200mm f2.8 is a large and heavy lens, whereas the 400D / XTi is a relatively small and light DSLR. This lens will make the camera feel a bit unbalanced in my opinion...

[@cameralabs]

If you represent a publication that's recognised and known by the manufacturer, then they might lend you kit to write about. I should mention I have been reviewing cameras for over 15 years though, so the manufacturers know me pretty well!

[@cameralabs]

Hi 40D lover, do you have the 28-135mm? If you have this and the 24-105mm, then the latter is much preferrable - it's an L lens with better build and optical quality. It's also much more expensive though... You might enjoy some of the 40D discussions on the Cameralabs forums too...

[@IAmGaz_]

This camera takes Compact Flash cards, and the bigger it is, the more pictures you can take. So I would buy the biggest you can find/afford. Check the Canon website first though to see if there's a limit on the size.

[@Zt24367]

I would go with the 40D, I'm an amateur too and the 40D is my first DSLR and I haven't regretted it once. It's also faster then the 30D and has the sensor cleaning thingy and weather seals on it and I could go on and on about all of the other stuff, but that's just the simple stuff.

[@cameralabs]

I've not tried it on a Mac, but I believe it comes with software which does the same thing, so yes!

[@cameralabs]

There'll inevitably be a D90 coming at some point, but I've no idea when. Remember the D80 was only announced one year ago, so it's not that old.

[@EVolkan]

Wow... Yes, now there's a D90...

[@cameralabs]

@@EVolkan yeeeeees, this was posted over 13 years ago.

[@EVolkan]

@@cameralabs And I just got my D40 for $40. I will check your D90 video in a decade! lol

[@cameralabs]

@@EVolkan ha ha, see you then!

[@cameralabs]

This depends on the subject and AF mode... if you have the camera set to AI Servo mode so it tracks moving subjects, then a slow lens could reduce the maximum fps. But this is only if the camera can keep focused on the subject. If the camera is having difficulty focusing on the subject, then it'll just take the photo anyway even if it's not 100% sharp, thereby maintaining the maximum fps. Bottom line: if you're into fast action shots, a lens which focuses quickly is very useful!

[@lillen300]

well if you use the same good lens on both cameras, what camera gives the best result

[@mattwier]

Gee thanks, now i'm not going to be able to fall asleep tonight because all I'll be able to think about is how much I'm going to love this camera once I get it. lol Nice video! Have you noticed better autofocus on the 40D over the 20 and 30?

[@mwanichi]

Gordon, when are you going to review the Canon 50D?

[@cameralabs]

Hi geocam, as it happens, I have just tested the WFT-E3(A) wireless transmitter, including wirelessly remote controlling the 40D from my garden! (albeit not for timelapse - sorry!). Look out for a full review and video coming in the near future...

[@cameralabs]

We sure will be doing the Nikon D300 when it comes out, but final production models could be at least a month away yet. As for the 40D versus the D200, I think the 40D is better-featured. As for the D80, there's a comparison in the results and verdict pages of our 40D full review - click the link to the right of the video window. The 40D again has more features, but it costs around 50% more... so it depends how important these features are to you...

[@cameralabs]

Hi - yep, the remote control software is also supplied for the Mac! In fact the XSi / 450D has exactly the same software and you can see it in action in our new 450D / XSi review! Check out the verdict page at the Cameralabs website to see how it compares to the 40D...

[@pcwhizmail]

I love your review of the Canon 40D. It's an awesome camera. From my experience, I believe everyone who owns a DSLR should upgrade to a split prism focus screen which costs around $30 on Ebay. It allows for accurate & super-fast manual focus; especially in low light or fast action shots. Also, it's a great tool to verify that the automatic focus is correct when using a lens with a shallow DOF like a 1.2 or 1.4 aperture lens. Thank you Gorden for helping me learn so much about photography!

[@cameralabs]

Well the cheapest will probably be the IS version of your existing lens - the new EF-S 18-55mm IS. But if you can afford it, why not upgrade in quality, range and focusing speed by going for the EF-S 17-85mm IS lens. Check out our Canon kit lens group test at the Cameralabs website!

[@philphie]

almost the same? id ont know where youve been shopping but the price is considerably different and plus 40d is no longer in production but a few are floating around in leftover stock and second hand

[@nuj427]

thanks sooooooooooooooooo much for the review i was planing to get a rebel XSI but my teacher said its not the perfect best one so i was plaing to get this 40d. and too bad the 40d don't use SD cards =[ and i have a question about the computer connect with the camera. i have a macbook pro and i was wondering if all the programs you are showing off the windows will it have it for mac ?? and thank you !

[@cameralabs]

Just briefly, the 40D is quicker and tougher... Have a look on the Cameralabs forum as there's others talking about this comparison...

[@mlclark08]

Excellent review once again and love the website. Would like to see more review videos on the canon lenses such as the 70-200mm f2.8 and f4. But still by far the best camera reviews on the web. Thanks.

[@KiloByte69]

Oh my. I seriously want that camera.

[@amanullang]

hey Gordon, thanx for the review. can you also do one on Tamron lens 17-50 f/2.8 ?? i've been hearing that it's quite a mixed bag. =) thanx.

[@cameralabs]

Thanks! Glad you found the video useful, and look out for the other two 40D videos we've done... and don't forget there's a full review to go with the videos at the Cameralabs website!

[@cameralabs]

No it doesn't - I'd have mentioned it if it did! The only current DSLRs with movie modes are the Nikon D90 and Canon 5D Mark II. See our reviews at cameralabs . com if you want all the details.

[@wile1701]

hi gordon!! i just bought an eos 400D, as we know, the kit lens doesn't have the image stabilizer....what ef lens can you suggest that i can buy that has image stabilizer, all purpose and the most affordable to replace the original lens that comes with the 400D..i;ll be grateful for your response. thanks!

[@cameralabs]

I don't know, I've not tested it yet! It is a budget lens though, so don't expect miracles... If you're using a 40D, you'd probably want a higher-end lens to do it justice...

[@BigAL0006]

im getting it sometime in the next two weeks im so happy

[@sirNemanjapro]

@cameralabs No. A video review. Ive read that on the website.

[@ernestryles]

between this and a nikon d90, which is better for someone who is an intermediate photographer?

[@cameralabs]

Hi Manz069 - things like saturation can easily be adjsted in-camera, or in software later, so if that's the only thing holding you back, I'd say go for it! Feel free to ask on the Cameralabs forums though as there's several 40D owners on there.

[@cameralabs]

I'm a professional reviewer, not a pro photographer! I've posted some photos in the cameralabs forums, but so far there's not many of mine online...

[@frededison]

Try a firmware update if you haven't done that for a while. If your image quality needs improvement then try a better lens. Say an L series model with the red ring, like the one in the video. Not cheap, but premium glass can make a world of difference in your photos.

[@SamarkandChan]

I'm thinking of getting the 450D, but I gotta be sure... Does it work with macs?

[@cameralabs]

Hi Mattwier, you can read about the AF speed of the 40D on the Features page of our full review. It was certainly very quick, but you will need a good USM lens to get the best from it.

[@nuj427]

thanks but after i saw the review of your 450D i kinda think i should just get that or XTI even better to save my self some money but i don't know if i really need so high frame per sec like a 40d or just some ok like rebels

[@Dukesy]

hi Gordon Im in need of your help, i have a canon 400d with a ef-s 17-85mm and i am pleased with it but i am thinking of upgrading and keeping the ef-s 17-85mm and getting a 40d as i mainly shoot action and sports. I like the fact the 40d has 6.5fps but i have seen that the nikon d300 has a 51 point af. will the 51 point af help alot? Would it be worth paying more for the d300 and would i need to get a new lens? or would the ef-s 17-85mm fit the nikon? also should i consider the d200?

[@alextheromanian]

is this a decent upgrade from the XS or 1000D or should i just invest in better glass?

[@NickSotgiu]

Hi Gordon, Im getting the Canon 40D with: EF-S 17-85mm EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM What do you think?

[@PPWarrior]

Hi! I've got a question about the Canon 40D. Is the Canon 40D is weather resistant or not?

[@Randolph_]

is the pop up flash of this 40d similar to the 50d with a motorized sound when you pop it up?

[@killazx9]

Great review as usual. If you can also show some close up shots of the camera from time to time while you are talking instead of just holding it in yours hands in front of the camera, that would be even better.

[@acidburnhigh]

Thanks Gordon ! I buy this camera ... and your video about it helped me a lot to decide. you make great videos !

[@jabflyer]

Just an awsome review, it actually made me buy a 40D today for replacing my 4 months 400D. The upgrade was worth every penny. Keep up the good work! Kurt (Norway)

[@cameralabs]

Hi texjeff, thanks for your comments. You could always fast-forward through the bits with me if you don't like them! As for the close-ups of the camera, they're necessary to see the details as the compression of KZbin can make them hard to see when further away.

[@snaphu]

Wow Gordon this is just what I needed! I just purchased this camera today and I am a little overwhelmed by it! Your overview of it makes it seem less scary and so user friendly.. many thanks! S.

[@TommyPh500d]

What would you rather have the 5d mark ii or the 7d? and currently i have the 500d

[@andretinongenso]

gordon,,which one do you prefer? 40D or 50D? i can't decide lately by myself.. its very confusing.. any other suggestion anyone? thanks..=)

[@cameralabs]

That's a big question Pierre and one which has been discussed several times on the Cameralabs forums - so could I direct you over there for a more detailed discussion? Thanks!

[@NickSotgiu]

I'll be using it for sports/portrait and nature.

[@CrappyVlog]

I use this body as an intern! I am planning to purchase a 60D when I can.

[@PoisonWaffle]

Thanks for the excellent review! One of these days I'm going to get a DSLR... if I can ever afford it. But for now I'll just have to keep building snap-on lenses out of PVC and telescope parts for my Cybershot S-85...

[@cameralabs]

It sure does, as does the remote control software.

[@cameralabs]

Thanks everyone! I'm not sure I'll be able to do that Tamron lens, but I think there's people disucssing it (or similar) on the Cameralabs forums...

[@Smilingmoon039]

is it true that the eos 40d has a movie function like the nikon d90?

[@cameralabs]

I'd love to say so, but if you go back over some of our older videos you may spot it elsewhere! Glad you like this video review anyway... and don't forget to visit cameralabs for our full review of the EOS 40D complete with sample images and comparisons!

[@royraiden]

What is "noicy"?The 6.5 fps apply to both jpeg and raw, otherwise it would be quite useless.

[@cameralabs]

Nice lenses! I think you'll be impressed...

[@gigiboxa]

hello! i have an 40 d but i cant see the green information in the viewfinder. haow to configure/?

[@cameralabs]

Do you mean Summer in the Northern Hemisphere? (I as as we're in new Zealand and it's Summer now!). If so, then 6 months is a long time, so I'd wait and see what comes out between now and then... check the Cameralabs website for the latest news...

[@travers114]

True, but it also has reduced battery life, and of course, the higher price point. I haven't decided yet, and will wait a little while longer. Some people actually prefer the 40D over the 50D. The 40D would more than fill my needs, but the 50D would be nice. :P

[@germandude1982]

can I use tethering with my mac, too? or is it only PC