Auto Mode (8.0)
The 40D straddles the line between consumer ease and manual functionality. In doing so, the 40D has two dedicated Auto modes: Full Auto and Program Auto. The Full Auto setting distills operation down to a point-and-shoot capacity. Canon describes the level of simplicity in this mode, noting “all you do is press the shutter button.” The Auto mode sets aperture, shutter speed, ISO, metering pattern, drive mode, and focus setting. Users are locked out of these controls in Auto mode to prevent accidental adjustments from being made.
The Program mode on the 40D only assumes control over aperture and shutter speed, setting the camera for an even overall exposure at the selected ISO setting. All other controls remain under the helm of the user. Program shift is available, enabling users to scroll through different pairings of aperture and shutter speed combinations while retaining the same exposure value. A common feature on most DSLRs, program shift offers a comfortable way for shooters to concentrate on the visual effects in an image without worrying about recording a proper exposure.
Movie Mode (0.0)
The 40D has a Live View setting, so it could feasibly record video. However, there is no way to record the feed.
Drive / Burst Mode (8.75)
Fitted with a new DIGIC III image processor, the EOS 40D is 30 percent faster than its predecessor, increasing its maximum burst rate from 5 to 6.5 frames per second. Also included is a low-speed continuous shooting setting that shoots at speeds up to 3.5 fps. Beyond its refined image processor, Canon attributes the increased speed to the camera’s DDR SDRAM memory, 4-channel per line sensor readout, and separate motors for shutter and mirror operation.
The 6.5 fps capture speed is impressive. It’s slightly slow (by modern standards) for sports and action photography, though blazingly quick for events and casual shooting. This is perhaps the most significant upgrade on the 40D, and makes the camera far more capable than preceding models in the line. Its primary competitor, the Nikon D300, shoots at a slightly slower 6 fps, but can be increased to 8 fps with the application of an optional battery grip. Below these two models, the next fastest competitors (aside from previous generations of these cameras) linger in the 3 fps area. The quickest cameras on the market currently move at 8 to 10 fps, though they generally cost 2 to 3 times the 40D’s sticker price.
Canon enhanced the computing power of the camera as well, expanding the buffer capacity to 75 Large JPEGs and 17 RAW files in a given burst. The 30D, by comparison, can only amass 30 Large JPEGs and 11 RAW files before taking a breather. The combination of increased speed and storage capacity results in a much faster camera in use.
A less glamorous, though still welcome addition to the 40D, is the inclusion of a 2-second self timer. The camera can now be set for either 2- or 10-second delays, though mirror lock-up still needs to be activated manually in the Custom Settings menu.
Playback Mode (7.5)
Images can be viewed one at a time or in groups of four or nine. Both the quick control and control dials can be used to scroll through images. The jump button can be set to move through 10 or 100 images, jump to days images were taken, or screen of images when they are viewed in groups.
There is 1.5x to 10x magnification available for reviewing details in an image. When an image is magnified, the four-way controller can move the part of the image in view.
Various amounts of information can be displayed by pressing the info button. The default display shows shutter speed and aperture. When the info button is pushed once, image size and number of images on the memory card is displayed. When pushed twice all shooting information and the RGB histogram is displayed. Three times brings up the brightness histogram.
In the Playback mode menu, the Highlight Alert function can be turned on or off. The parts of an image that are overexposed will blink, warning users to make the necessary adjustments on future exposures.
Print orders are also created in Playback mode. The 40D can be set to print up to 99 copies of an image when connected to a printer via a USB cord.
Custom Image Presets (7.0)
Many prosumer-oriented DSLRs omit automated Scene modes in an effort to make the design more efficient for manual shooters, and help characterize the camera as a “serious” DSLR. Canon axed the Scene modes on its more expensive EOS 5D, though it has maintained a selection of presets on the 40D’s line. Six Preset modes are arranged around the “Basic Zone” portion of the camera’s mode dial.
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Portrait
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Opens the aperture, decreasing depth-of-field and increasing separation between subject and background, sets autofocus to one-shot, drive mode to continuous, metering pattern to evaluative.
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Landscape
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Stops down lens to increase depth-of-field, sets autofocus to one-shot, sets metering pattern to evaluative
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Close-up
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Works with macro lenses. Sets autofocus to one-shot, sets metering pattern to evaluative
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Sports
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Selects quick shutter speed to freeze action. Sets autofocus to AI servo to track moving subject, sets drive mode to high burst, sets metering pattern to evaluative.
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Night Portrait
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Uses flash exposure for subject, long exposure time for background. Sets autofocus to one-shot, sets drive mode to one-shot, and metering pattern to evaluative.
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Flash Off
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Forces pop-up flash off and disengages external flashes, for available-light exposures in low light conditions.
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