Canon EOS 500D / Rebel T1i preview

Canon’s EOS 500D – or Rebel T1i as it’s known in North America – is the company’s latest entry-to-mid-level DSLR and the successor to the hugely popular EOS 450D / Rebel XSi. Announced towards the end of March 2009, the 500D / T1i externally resembles its predecessor with exactly the same dimensions and similar weight, but inherits a number of features from the higher-end EOS 50D and EOS 5D Mark II models; it also becomes the company’s second DSLR to feature HD video recording.The EOS 500D / Rebel T1i features a jump from the 12.2 Megapixels of its predecessor to the same 15.1 Megapixels as the semi-pro EOS 50D. Canon describes the sensor as being almost the same as the 50D's, and indeed beyond resolution it also shares the same 100-12800 ISO sensitivity range and 14-bit processing. But there are a number of key differences, starting with half the data transfer rate, responsible for the 500D / T1’s slower continuous shooting rate and its 1080p video mode only operating at 20fps (see below).
Additionally while the 50D’s sensor employed gapless micro-lenses, the 500D / T1i does not. The fluorine anti-dust coating on the 50D’s sensor is also not present here. So while the resolution and sensitivity range are the same as the 50D, it remains to be seen how the image quality and anti-dust capabilities compare. Note the 500D / T1i does feature Auto Lighting Optimiser and Peripheral Illumination Correction, but it does not offer AF Micro-adjustmentThe major new feature of the EOS 500D / Rebel T1i, and undoubtedly the one which will gather the most attention, is its HD video recording capability – indeed it’s only the second Canon DSLR to offer the facility after the high-end the EOS 5D Mark II. Unlike any model in the existing Canon EOS or compact range, the EOS 500D / T1i offers a choice of HD video recording quality from 1080p or 720p, the latter allowing longer recording times. This is a considerate and very welcome feature, although frustratingly the 1080p mode only records at 20fps compared to 30fps for the 720p option. Canon explained to us this was due to the limitations of the two-channel readout of the sensor. Perhaps it would have been better to avoid a compromised 1080p mode altogether and the negative comments it has received though, and just concentrate on what will almost certainly be a great-looking 720p mode.


Either way, like all DIGIC 4 models, the video is encoded using H.264 and stored in a Quicktime MOV wrapper. Audio is recorded using a built-in mono microphone and encoded as uncompressed linear PCM, although unlike the EOS 5D Mark II, there’s no microphone input. Like the EOS 5D Mark II, the EOS 500D / T1i records video clips up to 4GB in size which by Canon’s figures, is good for around 12 minutes of 1080p / 20fps video, 18 minutes of 720p / 30fps, or 24 minutes of VGA / 30fps depending on the complexity of the scene. Sadly there’s still no manual control over exposure or aperture while filming video, so like the EOS 5D Mark II, it’s pretty much an automatic affair in this regard.
Speaking of automatic control, the EOS 500D / T1i inherits the Creative Auto mode first seen on the EOS 50D and EOS 5D Mark II. Arguably better-suited to an entry / mid-level DSLR like the EOS 500D / T1i, Creative Auto is essentially a beginner-friendly version of Aperture Priority. So instead of dialling-in an f-number, the CA mode presents an on-screen slider to adjust the background sharpness. A second slider is used to adjust the exposure compensation.
Round the back of the camera the EOS 500D / T1i inherits the superb-looking 3in / 920k VGA screen seen on the EOS 50D and EOS 5D Mark II, and like them exploits the full detail in playback or Live View, not mention its menu system. Sporting 640x480 resolution, this is a big step-up over the 320x240 resolution of the 230k monitor on its predecessor. Also inherited from the higher-end models is an HDMI port to deliver high definition slideshows and movie playback on HDTVs.
In terms of viewfinder and AF system, the EOS 500D / T1i is the same as its predecessor: so you get a Pentamirror viewfinder with 95% coverage and 0.87x magnification, along with a 9-point AF system. The new model also shares the same LP-E5 battery pack as its predecessor, although the new technologies take their toll on life with Canon quoting 400 shots with 50% flash usage to the 500 of the 450D / XSi under the same conditions.
Finally, despite the boost in resolution, continuous shooting has only slowed fractionally from the 3.5fps of the 450D / XSi, to 3.4fps here. The EOS 500D / T1i does however boast up to 170 Large Fine JPEGs at this speed or up to nine RAW files when using a Class 6 SD card or higher.
The EOS 500D / Digital Rebel T1i is expected in May 2009 at a body price of £869.99 GBP / €999.99 EUR / $799 USD, or in a kit with the EF-S 18-55mm IS lens for £969.99 GBP / €1139.99 EUR / $899 USD. An alternative kit including the EF-S 18-200mm IS super-zoom will be priced at £1399.99 GBP / €1639.99 EUR.

from:http://www.cameralabs.com

Canon EOS 450D / Digital Rebel XSi intro

Canon’s EOS 450D – or Digital Rebel XSi as it’s known in North America – is the company’s latest DSLR and the successor to the hugely popular EOS 400D / Rebel XTi. Announced towards the end of January 2008, just a few days before the annual PMA show, the 450D / XSi features a number of key improvements over its predecessor – some predictable, others less so.
In the predictable category is the inevitable increase in resolution from 10.1 to 12.2 Megapixels. This gives the new model around 20% more pixels in total, but with an actual image size of 4272x2848 pixels versus the 3888x2592 pixels of its predecessor, you’re actually only getting a modest increase of approximately 10% in each axis. Canon watchers will however note the company has once again trumped its semi-pro model in terms of resolution. The earlier 400D / XTi sported 10.1 Megapixels when the EOS 30D had 8, and now the new EOS 450D / XSi has 12.2 Megapixels to the EOS 40D’s 10.
As expected, the EOS 450D / XSi features Live View, and interestingly Canon has again trumped the 40D by offering both traditional phase-change AF on the 450D / XSi, along with a new contrast-based AF option.
Contrast-based AF allows the 450D / XSi to auto-focus in Live View without flipping down its mirror. This sounds quicker, although in practice, like Panasonic’s L10, this can actually take longer; the benefit though is not losing the image, nor sounding like you’ve taken a shot. Unlike Panasonic’s L10 though, the 450D / XSi can perform contrast-based AF with any Canon lens, without the need for any firmware updates.
Speaking of lenses, the EOS 450D / Rebel XSi is optionally bundled with the recently launched EF-S 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 IS lens. This has the same range as the previous standard kit lens, but now includes Image Stabilisation to combat camera shake. This is undoubtedly to combat rival DSLRs with built-in anti-shake facilities, although as an optical system, the stabilising effect of the Canon lens can be seen through the optical viewfinder.
Other enhancements include an improved viewfinder, bigger screen, quicker AF, slightly faster continuous shooting and spot metering. Interestingly, Canon has also switched from Compact Flash memory to SD cards.
So there’s a raft of improvements, but how well do they work in practice and are they worth having? Find out in our Canon EOS 450D / Rebel XSi review where we’ll check out the new features and compare it against its predecessor and other key rivals including the Sony Alpha DSLR-A350.

from:http://www.cameralabs.com

Canon EOS 50D Digital SLR Camera - With 15.1 Megapixels And DIGIC 4 Image Processor - Canon EOS 50D Now Available For Pre-Order

With the demand for digital SLR cameras reaching unprecedented levels, Canon is answering the call with the announcement of the next evolution in advanced amateur digital SLR photography, the Canon EOS 50D Digital SLR Camera with 15.1 megapixel resolution and Canon's new DIGIC 4 image processor. Designed to offer extraordinary quality and image control for the advanced photographer with a passion for the art, the Canon EOS 50D Digital SLR Camera includes an expanded ISO range, improved noise reduction, and in-camera photo editing features. Canon has loaded the EOS 50D camera with a number of enhancements and some trickle-down technology from Canon's professional Digital SLR cameras, as well as a new Creative Auto Mode (CA) that gives users more creative flexibility to make image setting adjustments conveniently without the need to be a photo expert.
Canon has built upon the success of the popular EOS 40D model -- which will remain in Canon's line -- with the EOS 50D Digital SLR camera. Expected to be the camera body of choice for advanced amateur photographers this holiday season, the Canon EOS 50D Digital SLR camera carries over the EOS 40D's 14-bit Analog-to-Digital conversion process for smooth tones, and also includes enhanced noise reduction, especially at higher ISO ranges which will help bring those romantic nighttime shots into greater focus and clarity. Capable of shooting 6.3 frames per second (fps), the EOS 50D Digital SLR camera is ideal for shooting everything from beautiful night landscapes to fast-action sports.
The EOS 50D Digital SLR camera's 15.1-megapixel CMOS APS-C size image sensor has been improved thanks to the use of newly designed gapless microlenses over each pixel to reduce noise and expand sensitivity up to ISO 12800. The faster processing speed of the camera's DIGIC 4 image processor contributes to the fast 6.3 frame-per-second (fps) continuous shooting capability (for bursts of up to 90 Large/Fine JPEGs or 16 RAW images on a UDMA CF card), to give shooters the tools they need to capture that perfect moment in perfect clarity.The Canon EOS 50D Digital SLR camera is scheduled for October delivery and will be sold in a body-only configuration at an estimated selling price of $1,399.00. It will additionally be offered in a kit version with Canon's EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM zoom lens at an estimated selling price of $1,599.00.
Canon has answered the call from advanced amateur photographers looking for a solid all-around lens with the introduction of the new EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS zoom lens. With an incredible focal length range equivalent to 29-320mm in the 35mm format, the new EF-S 18-200mm lens will make an excellent addition to any camera bag, and it gives shooters a great lens to capture both standard as well as telephoto images.
The EOS 50D Digital SLR camera provides ISO speeds from ISO 100 up to ISO 3200 in 1/3-stop increments, along with two high-speed settings -- H1 and H2 -- of ISO 6400 and ISO 12800, respectively. Along with a wide ISO range, Canon gives shooters more tools to help maximize clarity and color. The EOS 50D Digital SLR camera offers multiple levels of noise reduction during high-speed shooting. Users can choose from one of four settings- Standard/Weak/Strong/None -- to help reduce digital noise that can result from poor lighting conditions.
As part of the camera's internal image processing, the EOS 50D Digital SLR camera conducts peripheral illumination correction, which automatically evens brightness across the image field, making an image of a blue sky even toned throughout, a function previously accomplished through post-processing software on a personal computer. Thanks largely to the DIGIC 4 processor, this automatic adjustment can be made in-camera during shooting with JPEG images or corrected in post-photoshoot processing with RAW images through Canon's Digital Photo Professional (DPP) software, which is supplied at no extra charge.
Helping to ensure each picture's subject is clearly visible, Canon's enhanced Auto Lighting Optimizer analyzes the brightness of subjects and automatically adjusts dark images so that they appear brighter, perfect for subjects in shade or in backlit situations. The Auto Lighting Optimizer on the EOS 50D Digital SLR camera has been updated not only to optimize images while they are being taken, but can also optimize images post-capture, during playback, to help ensure the subject of each image does not appear too dark. This is especially helpful when an amateur photographer uses the camera, because post-capture enhancement can help maximize image quality without the need of a computer.
A significant upgrade to the Canon EOS 50D camera is its large, clear 3.0-inch Clear View LCD screen which features 920,000 dot/VGA resolution, four times the pixel count of the EOS 40D camera's screen, for better clarity and color. To help show off those fantastic shots, the EOS 50D camera includes an HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) output to display crisp, clear images on a High-Definition TV. The EOS 50D recognizes the needs of today's photographers, and the faster processing speed of the DIGIC 4 processor helps support UDMA cards for faster writing of image files.
The EOS 50D Digital SLR is also equipped with a high-performance viewfinder featuring 0.95x magnification and the same high-performance Autofocus (AF) system as the EOS 40D camera with nine cross-type sensors for accurate target subject acquisition with lenses possessing maximum apertures of f/5.6 or faster and a high-precision diagonal center cross-type AF point that's effective with f/2.8 and faster lenses, helping photographers ensure better focus of their targets. The AF Microadjustment feature, originally introduced last year with the Canon EOS-1D Mark III professional digital SLR camera, has also been added to the EOS 50D for maximum control over focusing precision.
Canon is taking steps to give advanced amateurs more flexibility with a new "CA" Creative Full Auto setting on the EOS 50D Digital SLR camera's mode dial. This new setting goes a step beyond Full Auto, by allowing users to make adjustments before shooting while still in an Automatic mode, without needing to know the meaning of technical terms such as aperture, shutter speed, etc. In this mode, the camera menu on the back screen spells out options in common language for average photo enthusiasts, allowing them to "blur the background" or "lighten or darken the image." These easy-to-comprehend image options will help amateur photographers improve the shots they are capable of taking, while helping them learn new techniques. When in the new CA mode, users will be able to adjust flash settings, brighten or darken images, blur the background, set the camera's drive mode, and select a picture style directly on the camera's LCD screen.
For photographers who prefer to frame their shots using the camera's 3.0-inch Clear View LCD screen, Canon has improved the Live View function of the EOS 50D Digital SLR camera to include "Quick Mode AF," "Live Mode AF," and "Face Detection Live Mode AF" that detects up to 35 individual forward-looking faces for better focus and clarity when taking group or portrait shots. The camera's Quick Mode AF setting flips the mirror down and carries out regular phase-detection autofocus, while the Live Mode AF and Face Detection Live Mode AF use the camera's CMOS image sensor for contrast detection autofocus. Two detailed grid displays have also been added to Live View shooting as optional settings for easier composition.
In addition to the RAW and JPEG image capture modes that photographers are accustomed to, the EOS 50D Digital SLR camera now offers more manageable resolution settings and file sizes with two sRAW recording formats, sRAW1 and sRAW2. At the sRAW1 setting, resolution is 7.1 megapixels with a file size that is approximately 25 percent smaller than a standard 15.1 megapixel RAW image. With the sRAW2 setting, resolution is 3.8 megapixels at less than half the file size of a standard RAW image, retaining all of the flexibility and creative possibilities associated with full-size, conventional RAW images. The EOS 50D is the first Canon Digital SLR that allows the use of RAW and sRAW settings in Basic Zone as well as Creative Zone shooting modes, even further improving the camera's flexibility.
The Self-Cleaning Sensor Unit for the EOS 50D Digital SLR has also been upgraded and now includes a fluorine coating on the low-pass filter for better dust resistance. The Self-Cleaning Sensor Unit uses ultrasonic vibrations to shake dust particles off of the low-pass filter in front of the sensor each time the camera is powered up or shut down. The second part of the system includes a software component where sensor spots are mapped and saved as Dust Delete Data that is attached to the image file for removal during post processing using Canon's DPP software.
The EOS 50D is compatible with the full lineup of Canon EF lenses as well as the Company's ever-growing line of affordable EF-S lenses created specifically for Canon Digital SLRs with APS-C size image sensors. The Canon EOS 50D Digital SLR camera is scheduled for October delivery and will be sold in a body-only configuration at an estimated selling price of $1,399.00. It will additionally be offered in a kit version with Canon's EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM zoom lens at an estimated selling price of $1,599.00.
Canon has answered the call from advanced amateur photographers looking for a solid all-around lens with the introduction of the new EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS zoom lens. With an incredible focal length range equivalent to 29-320mm in the 35mm format, the new EF-S 18-200mm lens will make an excellent addition to any camera bag, and it gives shooters a great lens to capture both standard as well as telephoto images.
The new lens features Canon's built in Optical Image Stabilization system which gives the equivalent effect of a shutter speed roughly 4 steps faster, for better image clarity, even in shaky shooting conditions. With a minimum focusing distance of 0.45m/1.5 ft. at all zoom settings, this new lens should prove to be ideal for those situations where swapping lenses isn't an option. An ideal complement to the EOS 50D SLR camera and all other EF-S compatible EOS SLR cameras, the EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS zoom lens is scheduled to be in stores this October at an estimated selling price of $699.00*.

from:http://www.photoshopsupport.com

Reasons to Upgrade to a DSLR Camera

1.Image Quality - Due to the larger size of image sensors in DSLRs which allows for larger pixel sizes - DSLRs are generally able to be used at a faster ISO which will lead to faster shutter speeds and less grain (ie shoot at 1600 ISO on most DSLRs will have less noise than shooting at 1600 on a Point and Shoot). DSLRs also have built in noise-reduction when genearating JPG images which also helps cut down on noise.
2.Adaptability - DSLR’s ability to change lenses opens up a world of possibilities for photographers. While my point and shoot has a nice little 3x Optical Zoom (and many these days have longer ones) my DSLR can be fitted with many high quality lenses ranging from wide angle to super long focal lengths depending upon what I’m photographing (and of course my budget). Add to this a large range of other accessories (flashes, filters etc) and a DSLR can be adapted to many different situations. It should be noted that when it comes to lenses that the diversity in quality of lenses is great. Image quality is impacted greatly by the quality of the lens you use.
3.Speed - DSLR’s are generally pretty fast pieces of machinery when it comes to things like start up, focusing and shutter lag.
4.Optical Viewfinder - due to the reflex mirror DSLR’s are very much a what you see is what you get operation.
5.Large ISO range - this varies between cameras but generally DSLRs offer a wide array of ISO settings which lends itself to their flexibility in shooting in different conditions.
6.Manual Controls - while many point and shoots come with the ability to shoot in manual mode, a DSLR is designed in such a way that it is assumed that the photographer using it will want to control their own settings. While they do come with good auto modes the manual controls are generally built in in such a way that they are at the photographers finger tips as they are shooting.
7.Retaining Value - some argue that a DSLR will hold it’s value longer than a point and shoot. There is probably some truth in this. DSLR models do not get updated quite as often as point and shoot models (which can be updated twice a year at times). The other factor in favor of DSLRs is that the lenses you buy for them are compatible with other camera bodies if you do choose to upgrade later on (as long as you stay with your brand). This means your investment in lenses is not a waste over the years.
8.Depth of Field - one of the things I love about my DSLR is the versatility that it gives me in many areas, especially depth of field. I guess this is really an extension of it’s manual controls and ability to use a variety of lenses but a DSLR can give you depth of field that puts everything from forground to background in focus through to nice blurry backgrounds.
9.Quality Optics - I hesitate to add this point as there is a large degree of difference in quality between DSLR lenses but in general the lenses that you’ll find on a DSLR are superior to a point and shoot camera. DSLR lenses are larger (more glass can add to the quality) and many of them have many hours of time put into their manufacture (especially when you get into higher end lenses). I strongly advice DSLR buyers to buy the best quality lenses that they can afford. It it’s the difference between a high end lens on a medium range camera or a medium range lens on a high end camera I’d go for quality lenses every time as they add so much to photos. Read more:
from http://digital-photography-school.com

Click Here! for make money from photography

How to Decide Which DSLR Camera is for You?

So how do you decide which DSLR to buy? There are an increasing array of them on the market so you have a real choice ahead of you.
Here are a few factors to consider when looking for a DSLR:
1. Price - a good place to start when thinking about buying a DSLR is obviously price. DSLRs price range in price from some quite affordable deals at the lower end to extremely high prices at the professional end. Set yourself a budget for your purchase early on but make sure that you keep in mind that you’ll need to consider other costs of owning one including:
Lenses (some deals offer ‘kit lenses’ but you should consider upgrading - see below for more on this)
Batteries (all models will come with one but if you are travelling you might need a spare)
Memory Cards (some models come with one but most are inadequate in terms of size. Even if you’re lucky enough to have one included you’ll probably want to upgrade to at least a 1 gigabyte card).
Camera Bag (some dealers will throw one in - but once again don’t expect a high quality ‘free’ bag. Your DSLR is something worth protecting - invest in a good bag)
Filters (at the least you’ll want to get a UV filter for each lens you purchase - but you might also want to consider other types down the track also).
Extended Warrantees (there’s a variety of opinions on whether they’re good or not - but they’re worth considering)
window.google_render_ad();
2. What will You use it For? - when you head into a camera store to purchase any type of question the first thing most sales people will ask you what type of photography you want to do. It is well worth asking yourself this question up front as it will help you think through the type of features and accessories you’ll need.
Will this be a general purpose camera for recording ‘life’? Are you wanting to travel with the camera? Is it for sports photography? Macro Photography? Low Light Photography? Make a realistic list of the type of photography you will use it for (note I said ‘realistic’ - it’s easy to dream of all kinds of things you’ll photograph - but in reality most of us only do half what we think we will).
3. Size - DSLRs are all more sizeable than compact point and shoot cameras but there is a fair bit of variation in size between them also. Some photographers don’t mind carrying around weighty gear but if you’re going to use it for on the go photography (travel, bushwalking etc) then small and light models can be very handy.
4. Previous Gear - the attractive thing about DSLRs is that in many cases they are compatible with some of the gear you might already have.
This is particularly the case for lenses. The chances are that if you have a film SLR that your lenses might well be compatible with a DSLR made by the same manufacturer. Don’t assume that all lenses will be compatible (particularly older gear) but it’s well worth asking the question as it could save you considerable money.
If you have a point and shoot camera you might also want to look at the type of memory card that it takes as some models of DSLRs could also be compatible with them. This probably won’t be a major consideration as memory cards are considerably cheaper than they used to be but it could be a factor to consider.
5. Resolution - ‘how many megapixels does it have’ is a question that is often one of the first to be asked about a new camera. While I think ‘megapixels’ are sometimes over emphasised (more is not always best) it is a question to consider as DSLRs come with a wide range of megapixel ratings. Megapixels come into play as you consider how you’ll use your images. If you’re looking to print enlargements then more can be good - if you’re just going to print in small sizes or use them for e-mailing friends then it’s not so crucial.
6. Sensor Size - Another related question to consider is how big the image sensor is. The term ‘crop factor’ comes up when you talk about image sensor size - I’ll upack this further in a future article as it’s perhaps a little complicated for the scope of this one. In general a larger sensor has some advantages over a smaller one (although there are costs too). But I’ll unpack this in a future post (stay tuned).
7. Future Upgrades - will you be in a position to upgrade your camera again in the foreseeable future? While entry level DSLRs are attractively priced they tend to date more quickly than higher end models and you run the risk of growing out of them as your expertise grows and you thirst for more professional features. Ask yourself some questions about your current level of expertise in photography and whether you’re the type of person who learns how to master something and then wants to go to a higher model that gives you more control and features. It’s a difficult question but you might find it’s worthwhile to pay a little more in the short term for a model that you can grow into.
8. Other Features
Most DSLRs have a large array of features that will probably overwhelm and confuse you at first as you compare them with one another. All have basic features like the ability to use aperture and shutter priority, auto or manual focus etc but there’s also a lot of variation in what is or isn’t offered. Here are some of the more common features that you might want to consider:
Burst Mode - the ability to shoot a burst of images quickly by just holding down the shutter release - great for sports and action photography. DSLRs vary both in the number of frames that they can shoot per second as well as how many images they can shoot in a single burst.
Maximum Shutter Speed - most DSLRs will have a decent range of speeds available to you but some will have some pretty impressive top speeds which will be very useful if you’re into sports or action photography.
ISO Ratings - Similarly, most DSLRs will offer a good range of ISO settings but some take it to the next level which is useful in low light photography.
LCD Size - It’s amazing how much difference half an inch can make when viewing images on your cameras LCD. I noticed this recently when testing a camera with a 2.5 inch screen after using my own 1.8 inch one. While it might not change the way you shoot photos (people tend to use viewfinders at this level to frame shots) it certainly can be nice to view your shots on a larger screen.
Anti Shake - in the past few weeks a range of new DSLRs have been announced by manufacturers in the lead up to the Christmas rush. One of the features that is featuring more and more in them is anti shake technology. While it’s been common to get ‘image stabilisation’ technology in lenses the idea of it being built into camera bodies is something that is attractive.
Dust Protection - another feature that has started appearing in the latest round of cameras is image sensor dust protection (and in some cases self cleaning for image sensors) - something that will help alleviate a lot of frustration that many DSLR photographers have. To this point this is a feature that is mainly on lower end DSLRs but it’s bound to appear on new professional models also.
Connectivity - Getting photos out of your DSLR and into a computer or printer generally happens these days via USB but some people like FireWire and/or Wireless.
Semi-Auto Modes - As with point and shoot cameras - many DSLRs (especially lower end ones) come with an array of shooting modes. These generally include ‘portrait’, ’sports’, ‘night’ etc. If you rely upon these modes on your point and shoot you may well use them on your DSLR too. Higher end DSLRs often don’t have them.
Flash - Generally professional grade DSLRs don’t offer built in flash and just have a hotshoe while entry level DSLRs include a built in flash.Read more: "How to Choose a DSLR Camera"

from: http://digital-photography-school.com

Click Here! for make money from photography

Canon EOS 40DOverview
by Shawn Barnett, Dave Etchells, and Siegfried WeidelichPreview Date: August 20, 2007Full Review: October 24, 2007
Hardcore Canon digital SLR fans need wait no more for their next camera. The Canon 40D has arrived. Some updates that appear on the 40D are a little late, others are a sign of the times.
With the same rugged, conservative shape, the Canon EOS 40D will be mostly familiar, save for a few moved controls, an extra button or two, and a very large 3.0-inch LCD.
Its 10.1-megapixel sensor finally gives Canon's semi-pro digital camera parity with the majority of its competitors, and a 6.5-frame-per-second continuous mode helps speed things up over the current competition at this price level.
The Canon 40D also has an improved viewfinder, an enhanced Live View mode, better dust sealing, and the DIGIC III image processor that allows 14-bit analog to digital conversion for better color rendition. Canon's improved upon the standard 9-point AF array on the EOS 40D by making all points Cross-type, which, combined with other improvements, results in a claimed 30% greater AF speed.
Other additions on the Canon 40D include interchangeable focusing screens, a much-needed AF-ON button, the EOS Integrated Cleaning System for sensor dust reduction, and three new optional accessories: an IS version of the 18-55mm kit lens; a new backward-compatible, weather-sealed battery grip; and a new Wireless File Transmitter that will allow remote control of the camera as well as transmission of a Live View image from the camera to the computer.
At first blush, the Canon 40D consists mostly of incremental improvements, once again. The EOS 40D is not as groundbreaking as some would like, but it's arguable that serious photographers don't want to have to learn whole new ways using their main tools. It's also important to note that Canon's semi-pro SLRs, both the 20D and 30D, are much loved by their owners, producing excellent image quality despite the "mere" 8-megapixel sensor. The line in general has never been about sex-appeal, but about solid, reliable performance.
History. Canon's EOS SLR system is the oldest and still the largest lens line where the focus motor is built into the lens itself, with no mechanical coupling between the lens and camera body. Other lines, like Nikon, Pentax, and Minolta/Sony, have a mixture of "screw-drive" lenses and electronically coupled lenses. Dating back to 1987, the EOS (Electro-Optical System) line has a huge and growing selection of lenses, some of which Canon has recently updated to meet the greater demands of digital imaging technology.
As the first major manufacturer to use large CMOS sensors in their SLRs, Canon was an early leader in delivering amazing image quality from its sensors even at high ISO. Canon was also the first to deliver a digital SLR with a full-frame sensor, and they delivered it years before anyone else in the form of the 11.4-megapixel EOS-1Ds, which shipped in 2003 (see our preview of the latest in this line, the 1Ds Mark III, announced simultaneously with the EOS 40D). As of this writing, Canon is the only SLR manufacturer to ship a full-frame (35mm-sized) digital SLR.
And Canon was the first SLR manufacturer to introduce a digital SLR priced under $1,000, the EOS Digital Rebel (300D). That revolutionary SLR was also introduced on August 20, back in 2003.
Subsequent semi-pro SLRs from Canon got nearer the $1,000 mark, dropping from the EOS 10D's $2,000 to the 20D's $1,499. The 30D dropped to $1,399, and now the EOS 40D debuts at $1,299. Its price and improved functionality allow it to compete more favorably against both the more expensive Nikon D200 and less expensive Nikon D80, both of which had the 30D surrounded with a long list of impressive features, if not necessarily superior image quality (though both certainly have higher resolution than the 30D).

from:http://www.imaging-resource.com

Click Here! for make money from photography