Although the reactions are mixed (some people are just very unappeasable), but majority of Canon fans on DPReview seem to be happy with the 40D feature sets. One fan rejoiced “Canon pulls ahead of Nikon“, and another one yahoo-ed “40D - weathersealed!!! yes!!!“. It is indeed a fine machine. However by comparing to the Nikon D200, which is in the same class as Canon 40D and almost two years older, Canon just did a lot of catch-up. Even CNet agrees (see Canon fights back with two SLRs).
Here is the comparison of the major features side-by-side on DPReview of Canon EOS 40D and Nikon D200. It basically showed a close match of feature sets when the photo-taking aspects are concerned.
Canon’s catch-up done since 30D against Nikon D200
- Dust and weather resistant construction (weather seal)
- More pixels (8.2MP to 10.1MP)
- Increased viewfinder optical magnification from 0.90x to 0.95x
- Custom settings with the mode dial
- High ISO noise reduction
- Infamous CF door that causes loss of data if opened during image writing
- ISO information in viewfinder
- AF-on button
- Blinking highlight alert and AF point display in playback
Canon EOS 40D interesting new features
- Improved sensor pixel design with larger micro-lenses over the image sensor pixels that improves signal-to-noise ratio and improves sensitivity; 14bit analog-to-digital (A/D) conversion. We can expect better image quality.
- 9-point cross type AF sensors, which should improve speed, precision and functionality, minimizing focus hunting in low light/contrast situations.
- Integrated cleaning system. Similar to other manufacturers’ DSLRs, the sensor uses a ultrasonic vibration during start-up and shutdown to shake the dusts off. However the effectiveness of this feature is questionable. Canon now appears to offer a similar “dust ref” software feature as in Nikon to map out the dusts from the photos.
- Live view. It does not auto-focus in this mode. However it is possible to achieve auto-focus by temporarily lower the mirror. This could be limiting the usefulness of the live view feature to mostly studio and macro photography.
What Canon still lags behind
- GPS connectivity. Geo-tagging is quite a hot trend.
- Spot metering coverage. Still a little wider.
- FLASH capability; wireless FLASH (not with RF transmitter)
- Exposure compensation/bracketing range
Overall Nikon still wins in ergonomics and the attention to details, which is difficult to go into details in words. However I have to admire the fine machine Canon just introduced. I believe the competition is always good for consumers like you and me. It leads to cameras with better performance/price ratio.
Updates
10/26/2007: Canon EOS 40D review by DPReview.
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December 3rd, 2007 at 6:20 am
The notion that Canon is somehow just catching up to Nikon now is silly, they have been out in front of Nikon for some time. The Nikon 200D, and Canon 40D are not direct competitors, I believe the 200D, and 40D list for $1800 & $1300 respectively. In fact the Nikon D80 would be a closer match, not to mention that the 40D has better image quality then the D200 to boot.
December 3rd, 2007 at 6:33 am
Bruce,
Thanks for commenting.
I think it is very clear from the post that Canon 40D was in catch up mode for many features compared to D200. The Nikon D200 and Canon 40D were the best in DX format before D300 came out so it is very natural to compare them. In fact, I got tons of search hits from people who are comparing them.
Many people think image quality is the ultimate gauge of a camera. However this really depends on what people are using the camera for and how they are going to use it. I think Nikon excel at making cameras a better tool to help users to get the shots. This probably is the result of Nikon’s deeper root in film photography.
The image quality from D200 is also very respectable by all means and the difference is minuscule. Most noted the high iso noise performance. However ISO noise performance is not equal to image quality because people use the camera at all kinds of situations. If you consider the better white balance and better flash photography from Nikon, which has been the case traditionally, the image qualify from D200 is not always worse than 40D.
Thanks.
Max
December 4th, 2007 at 6:14 am
Ok,I would say we’re talking personal preference now, so I don’t really disagree on that account.
December 6th, 2007 at 9:40 pm
The Canon 40D and the Nikon D200 are now selling within $100 of each other. Although the D200 is two years older I would still prefer it over the 40D due to its superior flash system and ergonomics. I rarely make make prints larger than 8×11 so the minuscule difference in photo quality is of little use for my needs. Everyone has their own preferences. You can’t go wrong with either system.
March 28th, 2008 at 11:22 am
D200 is no doubt a bit superior camera to Canon 40D when it comes to overall picture quality. Canon 40D still comes with preset dials for newbies to turn and play with, as with D200 it is aimed at Pro photographers with manual setting presets only. Being used both cameras, I have to say if you rant about picture quality, that means you don’t know what you are talking about. Any good lense and any good photographer will produce outstanding results. At the end of the day, its not the cameras you’d be collecting but the line of lenses. So focus on who makes better lenses for what you’d be doing, not who makes better ISO.
April 16th, 2008 at 8:21 am
The two cameras are not even close, every serious photographer agrees the 40D far outperforms the D200. NExt time you go to a sporting event, compare the number of white (canon) lenses to black lenses.
April 18th, 2008 at 6:08 am
Johnny,
People at the sporting events with white lenses are probably not using the 40D but the professional models such as 1D Mark II N, or Mark III, etc. Nikon recently released the D3 and many high caliber lenses with AFS-VR. Even through they are still black, I am sure they can compete with Canon’s.
Max
April 18th, 2008 at 2:50 pm
The Nikon 200D, and Canon 40D are not direct competitors,frankly speaking ,i think either is ok if you want to buy .bith of them are brand .we can believe their quality.
April 21st, 2008 at 4:28 pm
Personally I still to this day use my dads Kodac Brownie and people are happy with my images captured.
April 30th, 2008 at 12:23 am
I recently changed my camera system from Nikon to Canon. I believe the Nikon-Canon debate will carry on forever. You have to realize that a camera is a tool to capture images therefore image quality for me is very important. I am no proffesional but as a amateur I found the Nikon to handle very well and had great ergonomics. Then I wanted to upgrade lenses. IMO Canon offers a wider range “proffesional” lenses (L-series) than proffesional Nikon glass. Nikon lenses are (very)pricy and difficult to get(in South Africa) wheras I found the Canon range to suit the needs of every style and level of photography at a reasonable price. I am happy with my change. I had to get used to handeling my new equipment but I am very happy with the performance and quality of the L-glass. Camera systems is a personal thing and debate is good. If I had an unlimited budget I would probably have stayed with my Nikon system.
Good shooting everybody!
(Canon 40D with EF 70-200 f4 L IS, 30D with EF-S 17-85 IS)
May 10th, 2008 at 8:37 pm
Bloody hell a camera is a camera. If your a good photographer you’ll make something out of a disposable kodak point and shooter that is found at your local dollar store. Nikon and Canon will always rival each other and will be always trying to build a camera that outperforms one another. The D3 and the D300 are the “most powerful” right now, and without a doubt canon will come up with something that will crush the current D3 reign. And then Nikon will do the same. And on and on. Its inevitable, thats how it works; its human history. I personally know my Nikon inside and out and would go for the d200 because thats what I’m used to, not to mention the lenses and accessories I have, that would need to be replaced if I’d get a Canon. Go out, rent both of em and play around with them. Whatever feels good is my conclusion.