Canon EOS 40D — Another Step Towards Reality

Well, the much anticipated Canon EOS 40D looks to be another step closer to reality. Amazon now has a listing for the camera body, with a price point exactly as I anticipated — $1300.

[EDIT - The link has been removed from the Amazon web site. Looks like someone released early!]

[EDIT 7/20/07 - New links to pre-order on Amazon. Kit with 28-135IS. Body Only.]

The specs don’t show much that wasn’t anticipated, either — 10.1MP, sensor dust removal, 3″ LCD on the back, 14-bit RAW processing (which likely means new DIGIC III chip), etc. The camera will also, supposedly, have a “live view” LCD mode, allowing use sort of like a point-n-shoot.

To me, the biggest advantage of the 40D over the XTi or 30D is the DIGIC III processor. 14-bit processing will greatly expand the dynamic range, and allow for much better shadow detail and even lower noise at high ISO settings.

Amazon’s anticipated shipping date is September 20.

[Edit 7/20/07 - A full spec list and preview are available at BobAtkins.com]