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Reviews for EOS 40D SLR Digital Camera Kit w/ 17-85mm Lens

10.1MP, 3888x2592, CF Card Slot

  • 5
  By member: sots - Jan 10, 2008

Exactly what I've been waiting for

Strengths: Sturdy construction, settings adjustable via two dials (one on the top of the camera and one on the back, like the earlier 20D and 30D models), able to use EF-S lenses like the 17-55 IS, low price.

Weakness: None at all, unless you count the 17-85 lens. I'm not a fan.

After spending nearly two years clinging to a duct-taped-together 20D waiting for the 5D price to drop, now that the time has finally come -- my 20D kicked the bucket and used 5Ds selling for $1600 -- I am shocked to find that I made an entirely different decision. I am even more shocked to find that I don't regret it at all. The 40D is a superb camera, and an entirely viable option for professionals. Added bonuses are the ability to use EF-S lenses (like the excellent 17-55 IS) and the extra reach it gives my 70-200, making it the equivalent of an otherwise much more expensive and more cumbersome lens. Plus, at just over a thousand dollars for the 40D body alone, the price is unbeatable. The only downside is the kit lens that comes with it -- skip that, or sell it if it's cheaper to buy the camera with one. If you need an inexpensive walk-around lens, buy the Canon 50mm 1.8, a.k.a. "the nifty fifty," which can be found for around $70 US.

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  • 5
  By member: akilakis - Nov 17, 2007

The wait is over. Filled with many quality features,...

Strengths: Solid magnesium alloy body construction. Ascetically pleasing with stylish well designed curves. Comfortable grip that fits well in my hands. A whole slew of specs and features that won't fit here.

Weakness: Considered to be pricey, but at the fast rate these cameras are selling, it’s not too pricey for a lot of the shutterbugs out there.

I’m a gadget guy. I love high tech, especially in well designed beautiful electronics that performs better than it looks. I love photography and have taken pictures all over the world using everything from small pocket cameras to digital SLRs. I love this camera because it gives you great extensive control with so many features that is friendly to use resulting in high quality photos. This kit also ships with a great very capable lens considered to be one of the best walk around lens in its class.

Some professional reviews rate the 40D as Canon’s best prosumer camera with qualities that rival some of the more expensive full frame DSLR cameras (one even suggested that “the EOS 40D is much more like a "mini EOS 1D MkIII" than an "upgraded Rebel XTi) at a fraction of the cost. You’re able to use the legendary higher quality L series Canon lenses (at a 1.6 crop factor), but Canon is producing some smaller S lenses that are specially designed for this body type that use the same Ultra Density glass that’s used in the L series such as the super fast razor sharp Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM lens. This lens list for around $1,000 and shows Canon’s dedication to the EF-S body that’s here to stay.

Did I already mention that the most important feature of the Canon 40D is that it has the ability to take amazing photos?

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  • 5
  By member: TheHobbit - Jan 2, 2008

Canon EOS 40D SLR Digital Camera Kit

Strengths: Large LCD screen for easy viewing.

Weakness: None

Great camera. This camera is heavy compared to the Canon Rebel XTI. This feels as heavy as your old film type cameras. When you hold the camera, it just feels good in your hands. It takes very good pictures and can take pictures up to 6.5 FPS. It comes with the canon strap that advertises to other people whenever you're in a tourist spot that you have a very good camera. Don't forget to buy the Canon Speedlite 580EX II if you want to take pictures indoors.

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  • 5
  By member: jciron - Dec 12, 2007

Canon 40D , powerful camera for the money!

Strengths: Professional image Lots of Options Little noise Solid built quality

Weakness: None I can think of.

I've had this camera for a few weeks now. I took photos of our school, my relatives, and puppy...and I am impressed totally with the image quality.
All I can say is...yes photographers are good at what they do...but without excellent equipment like eos40d and great lens...I don't think they can do much.
This is my first DSLR, and I am already taking some photos that I think belong in the magazines...so I am sure you can as well.
I really like the solid magnesium build quality, weather seal, fast charging, and all the options that are logically placed at your finger tip when you need them.
I have yet to discover more functions by reading the manual but so far I am totally pleased with my purchase.
I highly recommend this camera to anyone interested in DSLR.

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  • 5
  By member: mainomega - Dec 3, 2007

Great Camera

Strengths: 10.1 MP sensor, Canon name, fast FPS, size, weight, flash, features

Weakness: a bit expensive

I upgraded from a Rebel XT and I am impressed. One of the nicest features is Live View, if I need a high shot I can at least still frame the subject correctly. The fast FPS is amazing, I've already gotten some great shots I would have missed without the fast FPS. I wish the warranty was longer but I can't really complain as this thing is built like a tank. I'm saving for some L lenses but I am extremely satisfied with the included lens and camera.

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  • 5
  By member: LoriAnnBerry27 - Apr 11, 2008

LOVE IT

Strengths: Everything

Weakness: none

LOVE IT. LOVE IT. My first DSLR and I have had so much fun. Check out my pics. The more I use the more I learn!
Definitely worth the money!

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  • 5
  By member: darbetello - Jan 3, 2008

Great Camera, Great Value, Your Search is Over

Strengths: Solid construction, menus easy to navigate, great quality photos, excellent battery life

Weakness: none that I have found

After tons of research, both online and in stores, we bought this camera for our trip to Hawaii, and as an entry level SLR to start an art photography business. After considering the Canon 5D, we settled on this one because of the comparable featured with the lower price tag. We couldn't be more pleased with our choice. The menus and options are so easy to navigate, we were able to use it right out of the box. But the more we learn about the functions and features, the more powerful and versatile we find this camera.

The body is sturdy and held up to all the environments we put it through in Hawaii, including rain forests, beaches and zodiac raft rides. The grip is comfortable and the controls are always within easy reach, with many of the most commonly used easily accessed by external buttons without having to navigate menus.

The 17-85mm lens was quick and responsive with a smooth focus. The quality of the images we were able to get still amazes us. I was a little hesitant about getting the EF-S lens, but wanted a good landscape and architecture lens. We have been thrilled with its quality, versatility and speed.

Bottom line . . . this is our first DSLR camera and it has turned out to be the best purchase we could have made.

http://ai.pricegrabber.com/uploaded_images/020000-020999/020288.jpg   http://ai.pricegrabber.com/uploaded_images/020000-020999/020289.jpg   http://ai.pricegrabber.com/uploaded_images/020000-020999/020290.jpg  

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  • 4.0
  reviewgist.com - Dec 26, 2009

Best Black Digital Camera For Kids

Image is Good according to 53 Digital Camera experts. -- "Excellent colour rendition"-tech.co.uk -- "first-rate photo quality"-review.zdnet.com -- "The 40Ds image quality is excellent."-macworld.com Read more to find expert opinions on more features like Video, Optics, Interface, Battery, etc.

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  • 4.3
  testseek.com - Jul 27, 2008

Canon EOS 40D

TestSeek.com has collected 90 expert reviews for Canon EOS 40D and the average expert rating is 86 of 100. The average score reflects the expert community’s view on this product. Click below and use TestSeek.com to find all ratings, product awards and conclusions.

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  • 5.0
  DCResource - Oct 25, 2007

DCRP Review: Canon EOS-40D

It's hard not to like the Canon EOS-40D. It's a digital SLR that does just about everything you could possibly want -- and it does them all well. While it remains to be seen how it will compare to new offerings from the competition, the 40D is still good enough to recommend without the slightest hesitation. <p>

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  • 5.0
  Imaging Resource - Oct 24, 2007

Canon EOS 40D

In many ways the Canon EOS 40D seems a bit behind the market, coming late to the 10-megapixel game. But the image quality speaks for itself: Canon was right to wait until they could do it very well. Images captured from ISO 100 to 800 are essentially no-compromise when printed at 13x19 inches. Canon added a lot of new technology along the way, making the Canon 40D's spec sheet seem pretty flashy....

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  • 4.5
  photographyblog.com - Sep 22, 2007

Canon EOS 40D Review

The Canon EOS 40D is a new mid-range digital SLR camera aimed firmly at the keen enthusiast photographer. Successor to the 18-month old 30D model, the Canon 40D offers a large number of significant features that make it an enticing proposition for both current 30D owners and those interested in a more advanced DSLR. There's a 10.1 megapixel CMOS sensor, 6.5fps continuous shooting mode for up to...

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  • 4.5
  cameralabs.com - Sep 12, 2007

Camera Labs – Canon EOS 40D review

Canon had to come back fighting with the EOS 40D, and it’s certainly delivered the goods. The new DSLR may resemble its predecessor from the outside, but features worthy upgrades in almost every department. The key specifications of resolution, continuous shooting, autofocus, weatherproofing, screen and viewfinder have all been improved, and there’s now also the addition of Live View,...

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