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The Wait is Over: Canon U.S.A.'S Highly Anticipated EOS 40d Digital
SLR Delivers High-Resolution Image Quality, High-Speed Shooting And
High-End Functionality
Fastest in Class 6.5 FPS Shooting
Speed, New Autofocus Sensor and Newly Enhanced 10.1 Megapixel CMOS
Imaging Sensor Combine to Boost the EOS 40D's Appeal While Maintaining
its Accessible Mid-Market Pricing
LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., August 20, 2007 – Following
months of intense anticipation by Digital SLR enthusiasts worldwide,
the EOS 40D DIGITAL SLR Camera from Canon U.S.A., Inc. is scheduled
to begin sailing into stores in early September. Building on the
success of Canon's perennially popular "prosumer" EOS 20D and
30D models, the EOS 40D advances the state-of-the-art for mid-range
Digital SLR cameras, making it a natural first choice for advanced
amateur photographers and entry-level professionals, and an ideal
second body for more established photo pros. Indeed, given the
level of feature upgrades and improvements, technological wizardry
and user-requested creative controls, the Canon EOS 40D SLR's
"prosumer" appellation may refer more to its accessible price
point than to the exceptional quality, clarity and resolution
of the images it creates.
From the camera's newly enhanced, 10.1-megapixel CMOS imaging sensor
(designed and manufactured by Canon) and its proprietary and
super-efficient DIGIC III image processor, to its completely redesigned
autofocus sensor and fast, 6.5 frame-per-second (fps) continuous
shooting capability (for bursts of up to 75 Large/Fine JPEGs or 17 RAW
images), the EOS 40D SLR puts the fun in functionality and makes
serious photo business a positive pleasure.
Indeed, at 6.5 fps, no Digital SLR in the EOS 40D mid-range class
and price category has so high a continuous shooting capability1,
making it ideal for shooting – and actually capturing –
speed-sensitive outdoor and wild-nature shots as well as a wide
variety of action and sports scenes. The speed of the EOS 40D
SLR comes from Canon's balanced combination of its latest processor,
DIGIC III, DDR SDRAM high-speed memory, four-channel-per-line
sensor readout, and two separate motors for shutter and mirror
operation.
"This newest member of Canon's Digital SLR family takes mid-range
Digital SLRs to exciting new heights with enhanced resolution
and image quality, faster shooting and processing speeds and better
overall functionality than ever before," stated Yuichi Ishizuka,
senior vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group,
Canon U.S.A."The EOS 40D Digital SLR Camera incorporates many
Canon innovations and advancements that differentiate our products
from the competition, while respecting and reinforcing our long-standing
traditions of providing superior value and innovative imaging
technology."
Display's the Thing
The most easily visible upgrade on the EOS 40D Digital SLR is
the camera's larger three-inch LCD screen (compared with the EOS
30D's 2.5-inch monitor). Still, size is only the beginning of
the difference between these two cameras' displays. In order to
increase viewing ease in outdoor conditions such as bright sunlight,
Canon raised the brightness level of the EOS 40D camera's 230,000-pixel
LCD screen, broadened the color gamut and narrowed the viewing
angle from 170 degrees to a still wide 140-degree perspective
in all directions. An added advantage of the larger-sized display
is the ability to use a larger font size for text, making it easier
to read setting and menu options on the screen. The camera's menu
is organized in the same tabbed format as the EOS-1D Mark III
Digital SLR.
Canon
extends its "ease-of-reading" policy to the EOS 40D SLR's viewfinder as
well. The upgraded viewfinder increases optical magnification from
0.90x to 0.95x, expands the viewing angle from 251 degrees to 264
degrees and raises the eye point from 20mm to 22mm.
Enhanced Durability
Recognizing
the often rigorous shooting conditions encountered by professional and
advanced amateur photographers, Canon design engineers made the EOS 40D
SLR's magnesium alloy exterior even more ruggedly dependable than its
predecessors with upgraded dust and weather resistant construction,
particularly around the camera's connection ports, battery compartment
and single-slot compact flash memory card door. Should the user
inadvertently open the compact flash card door while the camera is
writing to the card, a warning will pop up on the LCD screen and an
open door "alarm" will sound, but the image(s) will continue writing to
the memory card without interruption. The EOS 40D SLR also retains many
of the outstanding features of the EOS 30D model, such as its fast
0.15-second initial start-up, its extremely durable shutter (rated up
to 100,000 cycles), its top shutter speed of 1/8000 sec and 1/250
maximum X-sync flash shutter speed setting.
Improved Image Quality
Although it is based on the image sensor used in the EOS Digital
Rebel XTi, the EOS 40D Digital SLR's 10.1-megapixel CMOS APS-C
size image sensor has been significantly improved thanks to the
use of larger microlenses over each pixel to reduce noise and
expand sensitivity up to ISO 3200. The EOS 40D retains the model
30D camera's 1.6x focal length conversion factor (compared to
full-frame digital image sensors or 35mm film) and is compatible
with the full line-up of Canon EF lenses as well as the Company's
expanding selection of high-quality, affordable EF-S lenses created
specifically for Canon Digital SLRs with APS-C size image sensors.
Adding
to the improved virtuosity of the images captured by the EOS 40D SLR is
the camera's 14-bit Analog-to-Digital (A/D) conversion process. Able to
recognize 16,384 colors per channel (four times the number of colors
recognized by the EOS 30D SLR's 12-bit conversion capability), the EOS
40D camera is able to produce images with finer and more accurate
gradations of tones and colors. The EOS 40D also incorporates the
optional Highlight Tone Priority and High-ISO Noise Reduction functions
first introduced earlier this year with the EOS-1D Mark III
Professional Digital SLR.
DIGIC III
DIGIC III is
the latest generation of Canon's proprietary image processing engine.
DIGIC III technology ensures that the fine details and natural colors
of the images are optimally recorded and, as an added bonus, is also
responsible for the EOS 40D SLR's high-speed performance, faster signal
processing and even its efficient energy consumption.
sRAW
In
addition to retaining the RAW image capture capabilities of its
predecessors, the EOS 40D SLR now offers a more manageable "sRAW"
recording format. In sRAW mode, the number of pixels is reduced to
one-fourth that of a standard RAW image and the file size is cut in
half, while retaining all of the flexibility and creative possibilities
associated with full-size, conventional RAW images.
Improved Autofocus and Exposure Control
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.
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 consumer 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
Canon EOS 40D Digital SLR is also the first camera in its class to
offer two interchangeable focusing screens in addition to the standard
precision matte screen. Users can opt for a grid-type focus screen that
makes it easier to verify horizontal or vertical alignment while
determining image composition, as well as the Super-Precision Matte
focusing screen that makes it easier to grasp the "sweet spot" of
manual focusing when using a lens with a maximum aperture of f/2.8 or
faster.
Enhanced Live View
Previously the province
of the EOS-1D Mark III DSLR (one of Canon's top-tier professional
cameras), the Live View function now gives EOS 40D camera users an
expanded and exceedingly convenient and comfortable set of shooting
options. By permitting the framing and capturing of subjects using the
camera's LCD screen instead of the viewfinder, the shooter gains a 100
percent field view to more easily achieve the desired composition. A
new Custom Function on the EOS 40D allows autofocus during Live View by
pressing the camera's AF-ON button. At that point, the reflex mirror
goes down and AF is carried out in the normal way. Letting go of the
AF-ON button resumes Live View functions. Also, in the Live View
shooting mode the user can magnify the image by five or ten times in
order to ensure that the shot is optimally focused. Live View is at its
best during tripod shooting – particularly for close-up photography
where precise focusing is imperative. As a side benefit, the Live View
shooting mode helps to reduce vibration by lifting the reflex mirror
out of the optical path well in advance of the exposure, improving
image quality at slow shutter speeds. A new electronic 1st-curtain
shutter function in Live View mode reduces release time lag and
operational noise even further to avoid spooking wildlife or disturbing
people nearby with unwanted camera sounds. Additionally, as the release
time lag is miniscule, even instantaneous movements like a bird taking
flight can be readily captured.
EOS Integrated Cleaning System
First introduced on the EOS Digital Rebel XTi camera, the EOS
Integrated Cleaning System is a prime example of trickle-up technology
and is now becoming a standard feature on all new EOS Digital SLRs. The
camera's Self-Cleaning Sensor Unit uses ultrasonic vibrations to
literally shake dust particles off of the low-pass filter in front of
the sensor each time the camera is powered up or shut down. Users also
have the option of engaging the "clean now" function at will or
bypassing it altogether. Additionally, the EOS 40D SLR's manual sensor
cleaning function raises the mirror and allows users to clean dust that
has stuck to the low-pass filter. Dust that has been shaken or blown
loose is then trapped by adhesive at the base of the sensor unit
housing, preventing the problematic particles from reattaching
themselves to the filter when the camera moves. The second part of the
cleaning system is a software solution that maps the location of any
spots that may remain on the sensor. The mapped information is saved as
Dust Delete Data and attached to the image file. Subsequently, the
offending dust information is subtracted from the final image during
post processing with a compatible personal computer, using the supplied
Digital Photo Professional software.
Improved Software
Among the most valuable features of the Canon EOS 40D Digital
SLR is its compatibility with Canon's Picture Style Editor (PSE)
1.0 software. With PSE, shooters can actually design the look
of their photographs by inputting their own preferred style, color
and tone curves. The EOS 40D Digital SLR also ships with the latest
versions of Canon's powerful software applications, including
Digital Photo Professional 3.1 and EOS Utility 2.1, which now
support the camera's Remote Live View and Dust Delete Data functions,
as well as incorporating a broad range of additional improvements
designed to improve image quality and speed up workflow. Also
included are ZoomBrowser EX 5.8 and ImageBrowser 5.8 for easy
browsing, viewing, printing and archiving with compatible computer
operating systems, including Microsoft Windows Vista and Windows
XP, as well as Mac OS X.
Accessories
New
system accessories for the EOS 40D SLR include the redesigned
high-capacity Battery Grip BG-E2N, which facilitates high-volume
shooting and easier vertical shooting. Compatible with up to two
BP-511A battery packs or a set of six AA-size batteries, the battery
grip approximately doubles the number of shots that can be taken,
compared with the battery power of the EOS 40D SLR alone. The BG-E2N
grip features new sealing material around the battery compartment to
better resist water and dust. The new model replaces the original BG-E2
grip and is compatible with the EOS 20D, 30D and 40D models.
Designed exclusively for the EOS 40D SLR, the new Wireless File
Transmitter WFT-E3A*/** permits wireless transfer and
back-up, as well as remote control of the camera in Live View
mode. It can also be connected to various GPS receivers or Hi-Speed
USB 2.0 external storage devices such as convenient flash drives
or high-capacity hard drives with much larger storage capacity
than the memory cards in the camera for instant back-up as images
are captured. Compact and affordable, the WFT-E3A wireless transmitter
also doubles as a vertical grip and requires its own BP-511A battery
pack in addition to the battery installed in the camera body.
EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens
Developed in response to consumer demand for a high-quality yet
affordable optically image stabilized lens, the Canon EF-S 18-55mm
f/3.5-5.6 IS standard zoom lens adds a phenomenally flexible lens
to the EOS 40D SLR shooter's imaging arsenal. While it features
the wide-angle to mid-range zoom flexibility of its non-IS predecessor,
this new EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens offers the significant
advantage of a true lens-shift image stabilization system that
yields up to a full four stops of image-shake correction.
The
higher performance provided by Canon's lens shift IS system (compared
with the in-camera sensor shift type offered in some competitive SLRs)
includes the ability to optimize the lens performance for specific
shooting situations such as low-light, long-zoom or movement while
shooting (or virtually any combination of the three). What's more, the
shooter can see the image stabilization effect in the viewfinder. As
the image already appears steady, more accurate framing and composition
is possible, the AF point can be placed more precisely, and the
photographer can concentrate on the optimal shot more comfortably.
Compact
and lightweight, the optional EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS zoom lens is
manufactured by Canon specifically for the EOS 40D SLR and any other
EOS SLR that takes EF-S lenses including the EOS 30D, EOS 20D, EOS
20Da, EOS Digital Rebel XTi, EOS Digital Rebel XT and the original EOS
Digital Rebel camera. An ideal complement to the EOS 40D SLR, the EF-S
18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens is scheduled to be in stores in October at an
estimated selling price of $199.99.i
The Canon EOS 40D Digital SLR is scheduled for early September
delivery and will be sold in a body-only configuration at an estimated
selling price of $1,299.00i. 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 $1,499.00i.
About Canon U.S.A., Inc.
Canon
U.S.A., Inc. delivers consumer, business-to-business, and industrial
imaging solutions. The Company is listed as one of Fortune's Most
Admired Companies in America and is on the 2006 BusinessWeek list of
"Top 100 Brands." Its parent company, Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ), is a top
patent holder of technology, ranking third overall in the U.S. in
2006†, with global revenues of $34.9 billion. To keep apprised of the
latest news from Canon U.S.A., sign up for the Company's RSS news feed
by visiting www.usa.canon.com/pressroom.
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