I just bought a 40D to give as a Christmas gift, it was a lucky eBay bid at $40, and within about three seconds of receiving it and feeling it in my hands I went to eBay and bought one for myself ($70).
I love this channel. It absolutely debunks the theory that once-great cameras suddenly stop being great. It they took great images THEN, they will take great images NOW.
Hi Martin, I’m generally an unlucky person 99% of the time. But the remaining 1% brought me immense joy recently. Guess what! I bought a brand new Canon 40D recently. I live in Bangladesh but ordered this camera from B&H used department through my friend living in Washington in September 2023. He bought it immediately for me for USD 170/- and sent it through another friend this month. I received it day before yesterday. It’s completely new unused. I felt it immediately after opening the pack as it emitted the typical new camera flavor and has the natural looks of a fresh camera. Hurriedly checked the shutter count, it showed 1874. Perhaps it was a showroom display piece and those actuations were clicked by customers for checking. I already own 5 other Canon pro bodies, all bought used with tons of shutter life left. A hobbyist photographer like me couldn’t have asked for more. In fact, knowledgeable people feed on the ignorance of new gear lovers. What a fantastic festival for seasoned photogs. Thank you for the video.
Just got a Canon 40D with 3 lenses and a camera bag for $150. I'm completely in love with it, especially when combined with the 50mm EF lens. It makes photography an affordable hobby for me. It's a sturdy camera body. I'm not afraid to take it out on dreary days. And the colors this camera produces are amazing!
Love the vintage digital camera videos - keep ‘em coming! I remember those days around the time of the 40D when most photogs felt that digital resolution could finally equal 35mm film. The massive exodus to digital happened around that time or shortly thereafter. Nice memories. These were/are powerful photographic tools in the right hands.
I know what you mean, photography was more enjoyable then for some reason, it felt like it was more about being experimental and trying things out and seeing what you can produce not camera-wars like today.
Don't know how about the picture, but the layout of 30D is 99% of 5D classic. I never touched 40D either, but owned 50D and can confirm, those were really solid cameras! 50D is in many ways a copy of 5D Mark II (menu almost doesn''t differ, I had them both and did my review). Especially with good lens and in good light or with flash (to avoid high ISOs which are not so good in old cameras) they deliver very pretty colours and overall handling. Feeling rather professional, the 10D-50D line is quite underestimated and in its times was higher ranked than the later 60D-90D. Thank you for giving them the deserved credit!
Thanks Paul that’s interesting to read, the 40d was the only xxd camera I used but I can tell in hindsight it’s a very good camera another one will be bought
I had mine for three years. It went all over the world and never let me down. Paired with the 17-55 2.8 IS. It was superb. I was taking night shots handheld at ISO800. A beautiful camera. It’s basically a crop 5D Classic with sensor cleaning.
I’m am one of many top fashion photographers in Los Angeles and I totally agree with everything you said its the photographer not the gear that can make a great shot!
I have a Canon 50D which is the twin of the 40D with increased megapixels from 10 to 15. These cameras have a magnesium alloy frame body which makes it durable and are built like a tank. The next model, the 60D and all that followed used a polycarbonate body which may be lighter but feels like a toy in the hand. No longer as substantial and robust as these older cameras. Both 40D and 50D have similar button arrangements and focus points with the classic 5D Mk 1. I still use my 50D to this very day and it still produces good quality pictures and beautiful color rendition using both crop and full frame lenses. I am so glad of your videos featuring these classic cameras. Everything that you said is exactly my experience with these cameras. They are truly keepers.
you know a photography channel is gold when there is a no bs approach, from lighting to content! this channel is so valuable, all dpreviewers should watch it to get some health back into their gearheads lol
I graduated with a BFA in photo over 10 years ago, and never got to professionally work because there simply was no work available when I graduated. I keep wanting to go back to photo, but now with a camera that's so old, I've been really insecure. Your video made me feel a lot better. This is the model I still have from college, and I can't get a new one at this time. Thank you. This really did help.
Just started using my 40D exclusively for monochrome as it gives a lovely vintage look, especially with the spring sun. It was just in one of my storage boxes with a once-in-a-while CF error (take it out, put it back in, sorted). Edit: Live view. Turn on in settings. 'Set' button to toggle on/off. No auto focus. Use the zoom button to get a good manual focus.
Martin. I truly appreciate the positive messages in your videos that you can still achieve good images on non-expensive gear and still be a photographer.
I’ve purchased a 50D back in 2010 and it was my first digital camera that didn’t make me miss film photography. It still delivers brilliant images and holds up pretty well against current crop sensor cameras. I own a Fuji xt3 as well and, despite its better dynamic range, I wouldn’t say the images it delivers do look any better the ones made with my trusty, old Canon.
I bought my 40D in January 2008. I am still using it (actually it's the only body that I own). Recently I bought Canon 100mm 2.8 Macro and what a pair I have got! No plan to upgrade till the time Getty declines to accept my images from my old workhorse.
Great video, love the enthusiasm 😊 I still have and use my 40d. My kids were/are very interested in photography so I recently got them a 40d each. They love them.
One thing to bear in mind when buying this camera second hand, is that when bought new, it came with a number of `editing suite` discs. This is because the factory-set operation of this camera is designed to under expose shots in order to capture more detail, and by using the editing suite, photos can be adjusted to bring out the hidden detail and lighten dark, under-exposed areas.
This is true. I don’t remember which software versions came on the discs, because I never installed them 😮 However, the (latest) software “Digital Photo Professional v.4” can be downloaded for free from the Canon website. Also the EOS utility. I still had a lot of old .cr2 files from that time and those responded really well when I recently re-processed them in DPP4. I was quite surprised.
Love it. This was my first DSLR. I bought it second hand and used it from 2011-2014. Eventually, I moved to 7D II wich I used from 2016-2024 (RIP), and I now I own, thanks to your review and insights on using classic cameras, a 5D II. I'm really happy with this camera. I feel like riding a classic car.
i switch to 5D from 40D back in the day . 5D II was already there that time . i remember 5D blown out 40D out of the water in term of image quality . good old memories
I used two 40D bodies with multiple EF lenses for years, buying my first one when they first came out and I switched from film and my canon EOS 650. Loved them then and still do. Recently bought a lightly used 5D mark III but plan on keeping 1 40D to use with my 70-200 for the reach and I gave the other body to my son since he just became a father
A patreon bought me one to use in about 2008 and I'm still using it, it's a wonderful responsive camera. About that time people were dumping film and cameras so I bought a lot of film on the cheap and still have some of that batch in the fridge.
Yeah. I had a 40D when I started advanced photography in 2013. It's one of the best among with the 5D and 6D series. The 40D is good enough if You are a mid level photographer. It's a good choice before getting on the 1D series. The 40D makes really good images and the colours are very good. Build quality is next to pro.
Spot on again Martin. 30d, 40d, 5d mk1. Sweet spot cameras. Even the very "ancient" canon d60 has a unique colour profile of its own, really gentle, non harsh looking images.. Thanks Dan.. 👍
Really enjoying your reviews Martin. Nice to see someone talk passionately about older cameras. I recently bought a 40d after seeing so many positive reviews on the camera. One of my favourite cameras ever is the Canon 30D so i thought i'd see whether the 40D was any better. I'd say that the build quality is a step up, as is the ergonimcs and overall speed of the camera. The increase in resolution is also noticeable and the addition of the custom shooting modes is great. However, having compared the images between the two cameras, i've go to say that the 30D still rules in my opinion. There's something about that generation of sensor and Digic II processor that is magic. The colours and tonal quality are just bang-on 99% of the time and the white balance is so good. I have the 5d Classic which is basically the big brother (or sister!!) to the 30D - same sensor (just bigger), image processor, menu etc but i still prefer the 30D. It feels nicer in the hand and more responsive. The 5D Classic feels cluunky and cumbersome. Either way, these cameras are still incredible and worth every penny. It's insane that you can get a 30d and 40d for £50!!! What a great time to shoot digital. Thanks Martin!
yeah the 40d which is similar to the 30d is what i have used and its a lot more responsive than the 5d classic, but the 5d classic can produce some real magic.
I found a historical 40D for £70 and a 30D for £40 over the course of six months. Both were mint condition. I have a 24mm f/2.8 on one and a nifty fifty on the other. They are probably my favourite cameras to use.
Love this video. I have just recently become obsessed with picking up some older canon dslrs and making videos of these older setups and the photos that they can produce. Missing out on an unbelievably cheap canon 5d mk3 that was sold at the 2nd hand store I work at (by a fool who got duped by a customer into a huge discount on an already super cheaply priced body). I was tempted to buy it myself but came back after a day off and it was already gone, 30% cheaper than it should have been. After doing more research I've come across plenty of older bodies around this era, namely 5d mk2, 3, 6d mk1, as well as 40d and 50d. All seem like great options for a budget friendly kit, or as you mention, a "throwaway" body that you are happy to take into less desirable situations where you will be able to enjoy photography without being so worried about bashing up newer gear. Great video! Great advice!
Hey Martin. Well my brother still has his 30d (with a Tamron 17-50 f2.8, I highly recommend that old and cheap lens), it does have amazing tones and colors, especially skin tones, especially in good light. Even before I researched it it seemed to me to have the same color science as the 5d classic (which I not yet tried). The thing that confirmed to me was that lately I have been using DXO Photolab and there when I open a 30d raw file it automatically assigns the same color profile as the 5d classic (as well as the 1dmk2n). For this reason and also because of the big similarity of the features and roughly the same time of the release I think that technically the 30d is the "baby 5d classic" :) That being said when it comes to color science the 40d seems very close, it might be a little nicer when it comes to skin tones (a little more vibrant red). So that is good especially that it has a better screen. For this reason I think the 40d is a better buy that 30d. That small screen is just awful. I am tempted to get a 5d classic but man that small screen just puts me off. You cannot even check of your shot was in focus, so for me is a hindrance. I think they seemed to change color science from 50d up as well. But of course this only is most relevant is someone mostly shoots in jpeg I think. You can assign any camera color profile to raw files. Not to mention that DXO's AI noise reduction is SPECTACULAR. I mean I tried with a very underexposed 3200 ISO raw file from 30d and I am just blown away how you can push and use ANY noisy raw file with that software. It is practically a game changer when it comes to using any camera at high ISO, especially old ones. :) But I am still thinking of getting one of these old canon bodies, because they are so cheap, and there are some refugee youngsters in our church that I want to teach photography with an older DSLR. So 40d or 50d seems perfect for that and I think I might get 50d just for some of the extra features that might really help beginners (especially the better extended ISO and better screen)
I think the 40d is the better but for that screen in the back like you say. That camera seems to be the last of that colour range before they shifted it
Have the 50 1.8 and going for the 24mm next. I’m glad I don’t have any newer cameras that probably would spoil me. The photos that were taken during the heyday of photography when it was the only way we consumed news of the world were taken with gear that would stall many photographers today. Go for the older gear and make meaningful work.
Damn, my 40D has been sat in my dry cabinet for a few years now, this has made me want to go out and use it! I'm actually from London myself, but I've been living here in South China for close to 13 years now. I was thinking of getting my 40D converted to infrared, here it only costs about 30-quid, I imagine it's substantially more than that back in London...! Another great vid, cheers mate.
This was my 2nd ever DSLR and I loved it so much!! I only stopped using it when the shutter finally decided to give up on me but I still have it in my camera cabinet. Recently bought myself a 5D mkiii and have to admit it’s phenomenal BUT if given the chance I’d jump at having another 40D in my arsenal
My first DSLR. Loved it, miss it. I remember this sat below the 5d at one time and cost me about £850 new in 2008(?). I had just three canon lenses; 10 -22mm, 50 f1.8 and a 70-200mm f4. All were great. Initially though I only had the nifty 50 and was stunned at what it could do for something that felt like it had been made by Fisher Price. The 40d felt great and I am sure that scroll wheel is better than my 5d mk3. Just got back 'into' DSLRs after 14 years and the only reason I didn't buy another 40d was because I am old and being used to 35mm film, I never could get used to that crop.
I love these videos about older cameras! I had your 5d vs 6d video reccomended to me which lead me here. My first camera 2018 was a 20D. I still have it. Eventually I found a good deal on a 40D. Loved that camera. Last year I found a good deal on a 6D kit so I sold all the aps-c stuff and invested in full frame and I love it! The 6D is is perfect. It feels so similiar to the 40D but with better ergonomics. I did miss the aps-c crop factor so i went searching for a good deal on a 7D and ended up with a well loved 7D ii. It has everything the 6D is missing for me. I wouldn't mind getting a 40D again though. The files from it are really nice to edit. My only problem is I can't stand CF cards! It's not the cards fault the readers are usually really finicky or expensive. I haven't watched the video yet I can't wait to here what you think of the 40D.
10-18 works a treat especially at 13mm. Had mine for years now and still love it but it replaced a 30D which I also loved. Great video and agree with everything you've said about older gear
I had a 40D for several years and it was a solid workhorse - really nice sensor and great image quality - never regretted buying it. Too bad it didn't have video -
I love my 40D! I recently experimented with my dad's old Olympus OM 50mm on the 40D. My eyes are terrible so the manual focus was a pain and I could not get the focus right. But had they been in focus, those photos would be absolutely stunning. Planning now to get another 40D and put in a micro-prism focusing screen to better use that Olympus 50 and another other vintage lenses I've got.
I bought one new - still one of my favourite cameras even though I have more modern stuff. I agree, 10 Mpx is generally very adequate. The shutter on mine was replaced under warranty, this model did have shutter probs. Thanks for the videos - very enjoyable.
I had a 40D when it first came out, loved it and at the time 10mp was amazing and the photos it produced could be printed to poster size and they looked great. It died a few years later and I off course moved on. Just bought one for £60 as a second to my 6D. It does bug me that people turn there nose up at a 10mp camera…it was great when it first came out and the pictures it makes today are just as good as they where then, so don’t worry about MP. Great review.
Delighted to have discovered your channel, Martin. Your presentations really stand out (in an often noisy and over-hyped, sometimes shockingly ignorant, YT milieu) for their thoughtful low key, yet solidly informative content, as well as the valuable reminder that, despite the dizzying pace of new product releases and spec-races, there are fine reasons to appreciate solid legacy gear such as this model. Indeed, I particularly enjoyed this video, as I own a 40D, which I purchased new in early 2008 along with the EF-S 17-85 and 10-22 lenses. In more recent times, I've enjoyed adapting various vintage M42 lenses to it, as well as adding the Canon 24mm pancake lens, an amazing little performer. And despite more recent purchases of full-frame bodies (5D Mk IV and 6D) I sometimes surprise myself in terms of just how much I find myself really loving the 40D's color rendition. Your video actually reminded me of the actual reasons behind that preference. In terms of continued commitment to the 40D, I just this year added the Canon Battery Pack, both for extending shooting duration and for the better ergonomics in vertical shooting. So, the appreciation of the "modest" 40D is far from waning. Thanks again, from a new subscriber. P.S: I hope you'll soon have a "new" 40D to enjoy. Meantime, I loved the smoky portraits you shot when yours was working.
Little pinkie issue, haha, for those that doubt it trust me it really exists, I never had an issue with my 10D and 40D they were brilliant to hold, but after a year or 3 with Fuji (yes sold the Canon's to get Fuji) I added a Nikon D750 plus a couple of lenses to the kit bag, whilst the new camera was brilliant it never felt at home in the hand, my little pinkie just could not get comfortable as there wasn't room on the grip for it. Why Nikon over Canon, no reason other than having a few old MF lenses at home which could be used on the D750 plus Nikon ran a silly offer with the D750 and the latest 24-120 as a kit, Canon just couldn't match the deal. But everything you say is true, use the kit you have there is no point in buying camera gear to leave it sat on a shelf looking nice and shiny, get it out there doing what it does best, recording your creations.
I still use the 40 D . I bought it for $80.00 1 year ago, it had 3,380 on the shutter. I did own one back in 2009 but sold it. FYI I shot it at 3200 or H mode ISO. I ran it through Topaz 2025 AI I was blown away it look like 100 ISO . I use a Canon 77 D also. Love that 40 D. A man once said one time something is only obsolete when you can no longer use it. Great videos.
I hated my EOS 400D. Realy. My first DSLR after using my Canon A1 for decades. Never used a EOS Film Camera. So much plastic.... My first thougt unboxing the lens... "is it out of order? it is so wobbly". Later I bought a EOS 60D and I was happy with it. Better quality of the body, better dynamic range. It was so much fun to shoot. And today I love the look of the EOS 60D for Portraits more than on my EOS 80D.
I recently picked up a 100D to use with the 24mm and 40mm pancake lenses I'd kept after selling a 550D. It was instinctively familiar and the output is lovely. The 100D was the smallest DSLR ever made, and people are catching onto its usefulness as a fully fitted compact, so prices are rising. Canon aps-c DSLRs have fallen from fashion, but they are excellent cameras in their own right.
Hi Martin. Thank you for the video. You don’t seem like a sold-out professional unlike many others. The reasons why I feel this way are; you are always appreciating old gears that work just fine. Not attempting to forcibly feed us the idea that we need the latest gears to turn out good images. Although I’m purely a hobbyist photographer however, I do have some idea about photography as I’m shooting for the last 15 years. And IMO, old gears are superb. I’m looking for a 40D but unsure when can get one. I own the 5D Classic already that makes me smile whenever I shoot with it. Also own the latter two iterations. IMO, 5DII produces better IQ than its younger brother. But the younger brother has other qualities like wide range of auto ISO and faster burst shooting speed that enables me to use it for wildlife photography as well. BTW, I bought all my 5 DSLRs cheap from the used market and couldn't be happier. Needless to say, I'm a Canon user all the way. Thanks again.
I have the 40d still. I keep the old cheap nifty 50mm 1.8 on it. I will take it out in the snow and things like that so I do not have to worry about my newer camera.
Couldn't agree more about the files from the 40D. I have one as a toss-around/travel/no-theft camera. Got it for 80 bucks, mint with just 2500 clicks. The colors and tones are awesome. Like a 5D Classic on steroids (without the FF look of course). And with todays modern software you can really make some magic with those 10 megapixels. Denoise or upres in LR and some clever sharpening and they look amazing. For my money much better than todays APS-C files like the R7 (granted they have way more true detail and res of course)
My first serious camera was a 40D. I began my idiotic mania with birds-in-flight using it. It was a great camera and I still have great images from that time. I traded up to a 7D and then a 1D3 (which I still have) and now have been using the R7 for the last year and a bit. You can do worse than a 40D for sure, even today it is a camera you can do serious photography with.
I have an IR 400D and I really struggle to use it, mostly around the button layout and viewfinder - but I bought it after I had already been using a 90D and 6D. Maybe I'll give it another go. It would be interesting to see a photoshoot on an ancient camera.
hi Dave! I think the 400d button layout is different? Im looking at how much it would cost to put a new 40d kit together as id have to buy a new (used) 40d as well. Some of this is nostalgia as well for me for sure. You already have the 90d which should be really good.
I recently bought one on eBay with just over a 1k shutter actuations. It came with a 17-85 lens, grip and two batteries. All for £130. I've shot close to 1.5k pictures and the battery is still at 80%. Absolutely ridiculous.
Would you recommend the 40d or a cheap rebel like the 600d? I’ve bought a 10-22mm and looking for a crop but don’t know what to pick. It’s newer plastic and nice small format vs older “weather sealed” bigger but nice colors… 🤔 Does the 40d have live view? I’ve heard that it doesn’t have that but that there’s an option for exposure simulation under option 7 operation/others in the menu? Maybe i misunderstood and that there is a live view but not exposure in live view? Thanks!
Funny you make this video now! The other day I was looking at my old Nikon D40 and thought about trading it to MPB for credit. It’s 6 mega pixel crop sensor, photography only camera. They offered me $40 for it, LOL. But I can get a 18-55mm lens for virtually nothing and shoot some stuff on it. It has really good colors for being such an old camera. I have two lenses for it but they are filled with mold from sitting in a camera bag for the last 10 years. Maybe I’ll pick up a used lens and give the kit to a kid getting into photography. Honestly, a new smartphone probably takes “better” pictures but a real camera is so much more fun!
I think it was the D60 I had, and it still works, i found it the other day so ill have to get a lens for that too. they are actually really good capable cameras a great lens for them is the 35mm 1.8g DX the crop sensor version, i really liked that lens.
There is a lot to like about this early dslrs, the build, the ergonomics, the mechanical feeling and of course the sooc images you can gat with them. The colors and tones are really nice and in general there is not much work to do in post. I recently bought a Canon 40d and I use it mostly a 50mm 1.4 and a 24-105L and it is quite amazing how much details and sharpness you still get with a 10.1mp crop sensor. (I would really wonder how much you can squeeze out of the files with the latest software from Topaz or DxO). My Canon 40d make me focus on good lighting, framing and anticipating the right moments again, which finally leads to better images. So the journey back to my photographic beginning was very rewarding Thank you very much for your detailed videos and sharing your experience.
Still have my 40D, it was my wildlife camera e/w EF 100-400mm (mk1) lens. I use it occasionally like the original 5D. Love the early Canon colors! Both still work fine.
My dad has a 30D, and it still produces such lovely photos. Before I bought a 5D mkii I had a 700D, and I’d often take pictures using both the 700D and the 30D and I almost always preferred the look of the pictures from the 30D. Obviously the 700D had many advantages, but the colours were just not as good as the 30D, and it looked more “digital” hard to put my finger on it. Never had the chance to use a 40D, but I’ve heard good things about them.
@@rbanyaga yes the 30D is a great camera still! My favourite overall camera is my 5D mkii, the images from that are simply incredible, and still could be used for professional work today.
Hi Martin, I’m an R series shooter these days but still have my 50D which by all accounts is pretty similar to the 40 , have the nifty 50 on it 😀 still working perfectly 👍
I'm so glad I watched this video! I normally use a Nikon, but someone gave me a Canon 40D, not even sure if works as it doesn't have a battery. But going to get one and hopefully the camera will work. Lens on it is a 28-105mm EF, but looks like it isn't in great shape... will take a few shot and see what happens! Thanks the vid!
brought this awesome canon EOS 40D 10.1MP digital SLR semi-professional camera 📷 in mint immaculate condition. in official box. been well looked after cared for by it's previous owner someone's dad who used it for taking photo's of orchids. came with 3 batteries + battery covers. battery charger. 2 compact flash cards.USB data cable. new official canon shoulder strap. and official carrying bag + inergrated rain cover. and all accessories plus added extras. very affordable in 2024. built like a tank. this is wot you call a camera. 📸
Very inspiring Martin. Love my 40D. I picked one up on eBay for £35 sold for spares to try and fix. Had a weird shutter problem where the bottom 3rd of the picture was over exposed. Would work ok in live view! Just picked up another minter and I do love it with the 50mm 1.8 stm.
Bang on again.. I’ve got a 30D and it a thing of beauty.. I use it a lot. Like you say, the colours on the old canons are exceptional.. You did make me wince a bit at the end though.. I’ve got probably around 15 vintage Russian and Eastern European lenses I’ve picked up for not much.. they’re great with an adapter.. I wonder how you’d get on with them.. they’d be good for portraits .. you may have used them ?.. keep up the great work you do!!
I let you off on the vintage glass😎 Ive got a helios 44-2 im getting the adapter for canon rf so i can do a video with the RP and ill get an adapter for the 5d as well probably I bought it years ago but i broke my previous adapter(dont ask)
Hi Martin, I really like your honest and deep opinions based on experience. As I also watched your take on ISO and Sharpness(probably my favorite video of yours), and you also enjoy low cost cameras, which are always full-frame, is there actually any big difference between Crop and Full frame cameras? I know that in the past FX cameras used to be much better, but as technology moved forward, I think that nowadays the difference between D7500 and D780 is 1 stop of Dynamic range(which is nothing) or more megapixels(vs D850, which is also nothing of practical importance, even more so it forces you to get the most capable lenses). So is there any actual reason to get full frame instead of crop today, besides the 1 stop difference and maybe the shallower dept of field? Cheers!
I have a couple of reviews of crop sensor cameras. I should probably do a video about this but it kind of triggers people too. I think there is no real issue with crop sensor it depends what you are shooting. For me its like this: For portraits id prefer medium format but they are horrible to use and expensive slow focus but best image quality. For landscapes id prefer to use crop sensor due to more depth of field and lighter weight. Full frame offers the best balance for what I do. I feel crop sensors can lack a sort of depth that full frame has, that medium format has even more of. So in the end full frame is the best balance for me. Its also the most developed system with the highest budget for research and development, but some of that trickles down into crop too. So i have no issues with using crop, and id happily shoot them if it werent for portraits where i really prefer the shallow depth of field and overall rendering of full frame. Go ahead and use crop sensors there is absolutely nothing wrong with them at all and they are many times better too, depending on what you shoot.
Hello, I went through the same dilemma that you went through. I had the crop sensor 20D with the Nifty fifty, and after it died I got another crop sensor, the M50 mark II with the new EF-M lenses. Even though the low ISO sensitivity went up considerably, but on the other hand the ISO noise is really bad compared to the 20D.... very much "digital"... I have digressed though, but my point is, that my happiness with the old and new APSc sensors was greatly diminshed as both collapse above ISO 800, and more importantly, lack the SUBSTANCE and texture density that the full frame sensor gives. So, I got myself an 5D mark I. Although the new M50 sensor on paper eats the 5D classic for breakfast, but in practice the 5Ds output even at 3200ISO is amazing, captures the essence, the texture, the three dimensionality - I can almost feel the original light radiating from the photos. The first shot I took with the 5D was at ISO3200 (with the same Nifty fifty I used with the 20D) of my cat on the carpet - and on the monitor it looked and felt exactly as the cat herself. I was watching back and forth, under the same light as I took the photo, and the output on the screen had the same warmth, cohesive texture as the very cat. And the rug: I could tell from the photo the material, the fabric of the carpet, it just felt as 3 dimensional and almost palpable as the real thing. And all that at ISO3200! To me that is the huge difference between crop sensor and full frame: full frame gives me that realism, that authenticity that is missing on the crop sensor, whether old or new technology.
The 40d was my first pro digital camera and I loved it to bits! However now I am shooting with the 1dsmkii The quality and viewfinder in that is so much better! And I am not a huge fan of apsc. Otherwise the 40d is an excellent camera with a genuine ccd sensor!
Enjoyed this video (Sub’d)👍 I already own a Ricoh GRii and a Canon 550D (with a small selection of lenses) and came across a 40D (body only) a week ago advertised by an online UK photography dealer at £45 plus £5.95 postage. Listed as “Good condition” with a 6 month warranty. Need to purchase a CF card or CF adapter but at that price, not a lot to risk and hopefully will prove to be a good buy!
I bought a 40D for $75 last year with only 6k shutter on it. I did use it quite a bit for awhile and it takes great images. I haven’t used it in a bit though because I just haven’t had time and I don’t use it on paid gigs, just for fun. If you already have a nice collection of EF glass, I don’t see the drawback to picking up these older DSLR for cheap and messing around with them.
I own and use my 50d daily, I had a New shutter mechanism fitted @ 15 mpx,, I can't see any reason to change, never had a 24 mm pancake lens, but I will now.
EF-S 10-22 is no worse than 10-18 in picture, but more versatile, faster in aperture (f/3.5-4.5 instead of f/4.5-5.6) and in AF (USM vs STM), having metallic mount (10-18 - plastic), but being bigger, heavier and lacking IS (10-18 has).
@@MartinCastein I own 10-22 and never tried 10-18, but according to available reviews, they are optically more or less the same. Maybe 10-18 just a tiny bit sharper, BC it's much newer, but if we are talking landscapes, I believe at f/8-f/10 no one would spot noticeable difference. I chose 10-22 for vlogging as it allows at least somewhat background separation at 10mm and f/3.5 at a straight arm distance. And the same with dramatic wide-angle close-up photography: the bokeh is much more pronounced than at f/4.5.
It would have been nice if it still worked, I've got a 700d (T5i) I still use it but the only thing I don't like is the iso range and focus points, and I wonder how many focus points that 40d has
Hello Martin, Greetings! As always great video and really interesting. I enjoyed it a lot,thank you. I have one question is this camera better than canon 50d or even canon 60d in terms of color rendition and skin tones for portraits? Thank you and keep putting up these kind of vids🙏
Hi Martin, cheers for the great video. Do you have any thoughts on how the 40D compares to the Nikon D200, specifically regarding colours and general rendering? Many thanks
I have them both. The d200 is a bit less sharp but has more saturation and vintage look. Battery life on the D200 is bad. The camera is even better made but also heavier. The 40 d combined with the 18-55 f4 new lens is the most practical camera and gives me great results. It is also more responsive. You can easily take snapshots with the camera in 1 hand.
You've basically described my setup! I recently acquired a 40D for 78 euros, then I got the 50mm f/1.8 ][ and the EF-S 24mm f/2.8, and I couldn't be happier. Street photography with the 24mm is quite seamless, and I'm blown away by the first test shots. Not that I didn't expect it… I'm another who firmly believes you don't need the latest gear to get good photos. But the 'Canon colours' you mention - that's what blew me away, especially when you get the shot right, as you say. Cheers! //Rick
Hello Martin, thanks to your videos I already ordered my Canon 40d and it will arrive tomorrow but I would like to know, if the Canon 50mm 1.8 stm lens is shared well with said camera, will the automatic and manual focus work well? thanks for your videos
i given her for paychange to the 50d that i use until today , i like that housing ,no video recording that i do not rekate to that sort cammera(dslr) ,a camcoder is mostoften easy to cary with and can continure fotograpgie , the 40d was lower iso units but here was it that i relatet her to brighter collors . at all im fine with the 50d.(that gives me more iso then oi ever done needet and when it was often girsi grey stuff but ok )
Is it possible to get a similar colour rendering in Lightroom with say a Nikon D7500 or D610? To the Canon 5D C or 40D. Just subscribed and loving your videos .
There's no doubt that your channel is one of the best no bs photography channel.
Thank you Pratip! thats very kind of you!
@@MartinCastein 100% agree man!
I just bought a 40D to give as a Christmas gift, it was a lucky eBay bid at $40, and within about three seconds of receiving it and feeling it in my hands I went to eBay and bought one for myself ($70).
I love this channel. It absolutely debunks the theory that once-great cameras suddenly stop being great. It they took great images THEN, they will take great images NOW.
thank you Lee!
Hi Martin,
I’m generally an unlucky person 99% of the time. But the remaining 1% brought me immense joy recently.
Guess what! I bought a brand new Canon 40D recently. I live in Bangladesh but ordered this camera from B&H used department through my friend living in Washington in September 2023. He bought it immediately for me for USD 170/- and sent it through another friend this month. I received it day before yesterday.
It’s completely new unused. I felt it immediately after opening the pack as it emitted the typical new camera flavor and has the natural looks of a fresh camera. Hurriedly checked the shutter count, it showed 1874. Perhaps it was a showroom display piece and those actuations were clicked by customers for checking.
I already own 5 other Canon pro bodies, all bought used with tons of shutter life left. A hobbyist photographer like me couldn’t have asked for more. In fact, knowledgeable people feed on the ignorance of new gear lovers. What a fantastic festival for seasoned photogs.
Thank you for the video.
Wow what a story ❤
আমিও একটা খুঁজতেছি ভালো কন্ডিশনে।
বাংলাদেশ থেকে পাওয়াটা মুশকিল।
@@saif.sammar B&H অথবা MPB তে খুঁজুন। বিদেশে ডেলিভারি নিয়ে কোনো বন্ধু বা আত্মীয়কে দিয়ে দেশে নিয়ে আসুন। আমি ঠিক তাই করেছি।
@@saif.sammarদেশে পাবেন না। বিদেশে B&H অথবা MPB থেকে কারো মাধ্যমে ক্রয় করুন।
Just got a Canon 40D with 3 lenses and a camera bag for $150. I'm completely in love with it, especially when combined with the 50mm EF lens. It makes photography an affordable hobby for me. It's a sturdy camera body. I'm not afraid to take it out on dreary days. And the colors this camera produces are amazing!
Love the vintage digital camera videos - keep ‘em coming! I remember those days around the time of the 40D when most photogs felt that digital resolution could finally equal 35mm film. The massive exodus to digital happened around that time or shortly thereafter. Nice memories. These were/are powerful photographic tools in the right hands.
I know what you mean, photography was more enjoyable then for some reason, it felt like it was more about being experimental and trying things out and seeing what you can produce not camera-wars like today.
Don't know how about the picture, but the layout of 30D is 99% of 5D classic. I never touched 40D either, but owned 50D and can confirm, those were really solid cameras! 50D is in many ways a copy of 5D Mark II (menu almost doesn''t differ, I had them both and did my review). Especially with good lens and in good light or with flash (to avoid high ISOs which are not so good in old cameras) they deliver very pretty colours and overall handling. Feeling rather professional, the 10D-50D line is quite underestimated and in its times was higher ranked than the later 60D-90D. Thank you for giving them the deserved credit!
Thanks Paul that’s interesting to read, the 40d was the only xxd camera I used but I can tell in hindsight it’s a very good camera another one will be bought
I had mine for three years. It went all over the world and never let me down. Paired with the 17-55 2.8 IS. It was superb. I was taking night shots handheld at ISO800. A beautiful camera. It’s basically a crop 5D Classic with sensor cleaning.
Happy to find someone who appreciates the older gear. The 50D should arrive shortly.
I’m am one of many top fashion photographers in Los Angeles and I totally agree with everything you said its the photographer not the gear that can make a great shot!
I have a Canon 50D which is the twin of the 40D with increased megapixels from 10 to 15. These cameras have a magnesium alloy frame body which makes it durable and are built like a tank. The next model, the 60D and all that followed used a polycarbonate body which may be lighter but feels like a toy in the hand. No longer as substantial and robust as these older cameras. Both 40D and 50D have similar button arrangements and focus points with the classic 5D Mk 1. I still use my 50D to this very day and it still produces good quality pictures and beautiful color rendition using both crop and full frame lenses. I am so glad of your videos featuring these classic cameras. Everything that you said is exactly my experience with these cameras. They are truly keepers.
They really are strong bodies for sure, thanks for your comment good see people having similar experiences.
you know a photography channel is gold when there is a no bs approach, from lighting to content! this channel is so valuable, all dpreviewers should watch it to get some health back into their gearheads lol
I graduated with a BFA in photo over 10 years ago, and never got to professionally work because there simply was no work available when I graduated. I keep wanting to go back to photo, but now with a camera that's so old, I've been really insecure. Your video made me feel a lot better. This is the model I still have from college, and I can't get a new one at this time.
Thank you. This really did help.
Glad this helped!
Just started using my 40D exclusively for monochrome as it gives a lovely vintage look, especially with the spring sun. It was just in one of my storage boxes with a once-in-a-while CF error (take it out, put it back in, sorted).
Edit: Live view. Turn on in settings. 'Set' button to toggle on/off. No auto focus. Use the zoom button to get a good manual focus.
Thanks Steve, yeah its a great camera and for the money really an exceptional deal still.
Martin. I truly appreciate the positive messages in your videos that you can still achieve good images on non-expensive gear and still be a photographer.
Thank you Chris!
I’ve purchased a 50D back in 2010 and it was my first digital camera that didn’t make me miss film photography. It still delivers brilliant images and holds up pretty well against current crop sensor cameras. I own a Fuji xt3 as well and, despite its better dynamic range, I wouldn’t say the images it delivers do look any better the ones made with my trusty, old Canon.
I bought my 40D in January 2008. I am still using it (actually it's the only body that I own). Recently I bought Canon 100mm 2.8 Macro and what a pair I have got! No plan to upgrade till the time Getty declines to accept my images from my old workhorse.
Great video, love the enthusiasm 😊 I still have and use my 40d. My kids were/are very interested in photography so I recently got them a 40d each. They love them.
One thing to bear in mind when buying this camera second hand, is that when bought new, it came with a number of `editing suite` discs. This is because the factory-set operation of this camera is designed to under expose shots in order to capture more detail, and by using the editing suite, photos can be adjusted to bring out the hidden detail and lighten dark, under-exposed areas.
This is true. I don’t remember which software versions came on the discs, because I never installed them 😮
However, the (latest) software “Digital Photo Professional v.4” can be downloaded for free from the Canon website. Also the EOS utility.
I still had a lot of old .cr2 files from that time and those responded really well when I recently re-processed them in DPP4. I was quite surprised.
Love it. This was my first DSLR. I bought it second hand and used it from 2011-2014. Eventually, I moved to 7D II wich I used from 2016-2024 (RIP), and I now I own, thanks to your review and insights on using classic cameras, a 5D II. I'm really happy with this camera. I feel like riding a classic car.
i switch to 5D from 40D back in the day . 5D II was already there that time . i remember 5D blown out 40D out of the water in term of image quality . good old memories
It’s always nice to visit with you Martin.
I used two 40D bodies with multiple EF lenses for years, buying my first one when they first came out and I switched from film and my canon EOS 650. Loved them then and still do. Recently bought a lightly used 5D mark III but plan on keeping 1 40D to use with my 70-200 for the reach and I gave the other body to my son since he just became a father
A patreon bought me one to use in about 2008 and I'm still using it, it's a wonderful responsive camera. About that time people were dumping film and cameras so I bought a lot of film on the cheap and still have some of that batch in the fridge.
20D started it and is comparable to the 5D classic as well concerning sensors. 30D wasn't any better, so the real follow up was the 40D
thanks Tom
Yeah. I had a 40D when I started advanced photography in 2013. It's one of the best among with the 5D and 6D series. The 40D is good enough if You are a mid level photographer. It's a good choice before getting on the 1D series. The 40D makes really good images and the colours are very good. Build quality is next to pro.
Spot on again Martin. 30d, 40d, 5d mk1. Sweet spot cameras. Even the very "ancient" canon d60 has a unique colour profile of its own, really gentle, non harsh looking images.. Thanks Dan.. 👍
Really enjoying your reviews Martin. Nice to see someone talk passionately about older cameras. I recently bought a 40d after seeing so many positive reviews on the camera. One of my favourite cameras ever is the Canon 30D so i thought i'd see whether the 40D was any better. I'd say that the build quality is a step up, as is the ergonimcs and overall speed of the camera. The increase in resolution is also noticeable and the addition of the custom shooting modes is great.
However, having compared the images between the two cameras, i've go to say that the 30D still rules in my opinion. There's something about that generation of sensor and Digic II processor that is magic. The colours and tonal quality are just bang-on 99% of the time and the white balance is so good. I have the 5d Classic which is basically the big brother (or sister!!) to the 30D - same sensor (just bigger), image processor, menu etc but i still prefer the 30D. It feels nicer in the hand and more responsive. The 5D Classic feels cluunky and cumbersome.
Either way, these cameras are still incredible and worth every penny. It's insane that you can get a 30d and 40d for £50!!! What a great time to shoot digital.
Thanks Martin!
yeah the 40d which is similar to the 30d is what i have used and its a lot more responsive than the 5d classic, but the 5d classic can produce some real magic.
I found a historical 40D for £70 and a 30D for £40 over the course of six months. Both were mint condition. I have a 24mm f/2.8 on one and a nifty fifty on the other. They are probably my favourite cameras to use.
Love this video. I have just recently become obsessed with picking up some older canon dslrs and making videos of these older setups and the photos that they can produce.
Missing out on an unbelievably cheap canon 5d mk3 that was sold at the 2nd hand store I work at (by a fool who got duped by a customer into a huge discount on an already super cheaply priced body). I was tempted to buy it myself but came back after a day off and it was already gone, 30% cheaper than it should have been. After doing more research I've come across plenty of older bodies around this era, namely 5d mk2, 3, 6d mk1, as well as 40d and 50d. All seem like great options for a budget friendly kit, or as you mention, a "throwaway" body that you are happy to take into less desirable situations where you will be able to enjoy photography without being so worried about bashing up newer gear.
Great video! Great advice!
Thanks for his Sean its great getting feedback like this
Hey Martin. Well my brother still has his 30d (with a Tamron 17-50 f2.8, I highly recommend that old and cheap lens), it does have amazing tones and colors, especially skin tones, especially in good light. Even before I researched it it seemed to me to have the same color science as the 5d classic (which I not yet tried). The thing that confirmed to me was that lately I have been using DXO Photolab and there when I open a 30d raw file it automatically assigns the same color profile as the 5d classic (as well as the 1dmk2n). For this reason and also because of the big similarity of the features and roughly the same time of the release I think that technically the 30d is the "baby 5d classic" :)
That being said when it comes to color science the 40d seems very close, it might be a little nicer when it comes to skin tones (a little more vibrant red). So that is good especially that it has a better screen. For this reason I think the 40d is a better buy that 30d. That small screen is just awful. I am tempted to get a 5d classic but man that small screen just puts me off. You cannot even check of your shot was in focus, so for me is a hindrance.
I think they seemed to change color science from 50d up as well. But of course this only is most relevant is someone mostly shoots in jpeg I think. You can assign any camera color profile to raw files. Not to mention that DXO's AI noise reduction is SPECTACULAR. I mean I tried with a very underexposed 3200 ISO raw file from 30d and I am just blown away how you can push and use ANY noisy raw file with that software. It is practically a game changer when it comes to using any camera at high ISO, especially old ones. :)
But I am still thinking of getting one of these old canon bodies, because they are so cheap, and there are some refugee youngsters in our church that I want to teach photography with an older DSLR. So 40d or 50d seems perfect for that and I think I might get 50d just for some of the extra features that might really help beginners (especially the better extended ISO and better screen)
I think the 40d is the better but for that screen in the back like you say. That camera seems to be the last of that colour range before they shifted it
I'm deciding between the 40D or the 5D. Which one would you get?
40D - $125
5D - $230
@@joed7185 5d unless you are doing any type of sport/high frame rate photography
I loved the 60D. My first dslr. Absolutely amazing body. Travelled to Greece, and had an 18-200 kit lens. Amazing shots and great travel experience.
Have the 50 1.8 and going for the 24mm next. I’m glad I don’t have any newer cameras that probably would spoil me. The photos that were taken during the heyday of photography when it was the only way we consumed news of the world were taken with gear that would stall many photographers today. Go for the older gear and make meaningful work.
Damn, my 40D has been sat in my dry cabinet for a few years now, this has made me want to go out and use it! I'm actually from London myself, but I've been living here in South China for close to 13 years now. I was thinking of getting my 40D converted to infrared, here it only costs about 30-quid, I imagine it's substantially more than that back in London...! Another great vid, cheers mate.
yeah i think they are £65 here so twice as much really why not get one you might as well at that price!
This was my 2nd ever DSLR and I loved it so much!! I only stopped using it when the shutter finally decided to give up on me but I still have it in my camera cabinet. Recently bought myself a 5D mkiii and have to admit it’s phenomenal BUT if given the chance I’d jump at having another 40D in my arsenal
Emma, you should just get anotherr, they are pretty cheap now! even if you dont use it much, sometimes its just nice to still have it.
@@MartinCastein I’m very tempted to get the shutter replaced on mine as the rest of the camera is basically pristine and use it as a backup body
Keep up the good work Martin. And thanks for doing videos on the older bodies 👍👍👍
Thank you for your real word vids as always, best no bull channel.
Thank you!
My first DSLR. Loved it, miss it.
I remember this sat below the 5d at one time and cost me about £850 new in 2008(?).
I had just three canon lenses;
10 -22mm, 50 f1.8 and a 70-200mm f4. All were great.
Initially though I only had the nifty 50 and was stunned at what it could do for something that felt like it had been made by Fisher Price.
The 40d felt great and I am sure that scroll wheel is better than my 5d mk3.
Just got back 'into' DSLRs after 14 years and the only reason I didn't buy another 40d was because I am old and being used to 35mm film, I never could get used to that crop.
I have 40D and an 80D. The build quality of 40D is amazing. It really feels much more solid than the 80D. 40D also gives excellent images.
Thanks for sharing
I love these videos about older cameras! I had your 5d vs 6d video reccomended to me which lead me here. My first camera 2018 was a 20D. I still have it. Eventually I found a good deal on a 40D. Loved that camera. Last year I found a good deal on a 6D kit so I sold all the aps-c stuff and invested in full frame and I love it! The 6D is is perfect. It feels so similiar to the 40D but with better ergonomics. I did miss the aps-c crop factor so i went searching for a good deal on a 7D and ended up with a well loved 7D ii. It has everything the 6D is missing for me. I wouldn't mind getting a 40D again though. The files from it are really nice to edit. My only problem is I can't stand CF cards! It's not the cards fault the readers are usually really finicky or expensive. I haven't watched the video yet I can't wait to here what you think of the 40D.
And I want to point out a photographed 2 small budget weddings with the 40D and 20D kit! The brides were very happy!
thanks for your comments Brendon, I photographed a few weddings back in the day on the 40d too! a very capable camera.
10-18 works a treat especially at 13mm. Had mine for years now and still love it but it replaced a 30D which I also loved. Great video and agree with everything you've said about older gear
I had a 40D for several years and it was a solid workhorse - really nice sensor and great image quality - never regretted buying it. Too bad it didn't have video -
I love my 40D! I recently experimented with my dad's old Olympus OM 50mm on the 40D. My eyes are terrible so the manual focus was a pain and I could not get the focus right. But had they been in focus, those photos would be absolutely stunning. Planning now to get another 40D and put in a micro-prism focusing screen to better use that Olympus 50 and another other vintage lenses I've got.
I bought one new - still one of my favourite cameras even though I have more modern stuff. I agree, 10 Mpx is generally very adequate. The shutter on mine was replaced under warranty, this model did have shutter probs. Thanks for the videos - very enjoyable.
I had a 40D when it first came out, loved it and at the time 10mp was amazing and the photos it produced could be printed to poster size and they looked great. It died a few years later and I off course moved on. Just bought one for £60 as a second to my 6D. It does bug me that people turn there nose up at a 10mp camera…it was great when it first came out and the pictures it makes today are just as good as they where then, so don’t worry about MP. Great review.
Delighted to have discovered your channel, Martin. Your presentations really stand out (in an often noisy and over-hyped, sometimes shockingly ignorant, YT milieu) for their thoughtful low key, yet solidly informative content, as well as the valuable reminder that, despite the dizzying pace of new product releases and spec-races, there are fine reasons to appreciate solid legacy gear such as this model.
Indeed, I particularly enjoyed this video, as I own a 40D, which I purchased new in early 2008 along with the EF-S 17-85 and 10-22 lenses. In more recent times, I've enjoyed adapting various vintage M42 lenses to it, as well as adding the Canon 24mm pancake lens, an amazing little performer. And despite more recent purchases of full-frame bodies (5D Mk IV and 6D) I sometimes surprise myself in terms of just how much I find myself really loving the 40D's color rendition. Your video actually reminded me of the actual reasons behind that preference.
In terms of continued commitment to the 40D, I just this year added the Canon Battery Pack, both for extending shooting duration and for the better ergonomics in vertical shooting. So, the appreciation of the "modest" 40D is far from waning.
Thanks again, from a new subscriber.
P.S: I hope you'll soon have a "new" 40D to enjoy. Meantime, I loved the smoky portraits you shot when yours was working.
Thank you Steve!
Little pinkie issue, haha, for those that doubt it trust me it really exists, I never had an issue with my 10D and 40D they were brilliant to hold, but after a year or 3 with Fuji (yes sold the Canon's to get Fuji) I added a Nikon D750 plus a couple of lenses to the kit bag, whilst the new camera was brilliant it never felt at home in the hand, my little pinkie just could not get comfortable as there wasn't room on the grip for it. Why Nikon over Canon, no reason other than having a few old MF lenses at home which could be used on the D750 plus Nikon ran a silly offer with the D750 and the latest 24-120 as a kit, Canon just couldn't match the deal.
But everything you say is true, use the kit you have there is no point in buying camera gear to leave it sat on a shelf looking nice and shiny, get it out there doing what it does best, recording your creations.
I still use the 40 D . I bought it for $80.00 1 year ago, it had 3,380 on the shutter. I did own one back in 2009 but sold it. FYI I shot it at 3200 or H mode ISO. I ran it through Topaz 2025 AI I was blown away it look like 100 ISO . I use a Canon 77 D also. Love that 40 D. A man once said one time something is only obsolete when you can no longer use it. Great videos.
The 40D was my first Canon camera too. Last of the XXD line to have a proper mag alloy body too, so not bad on the second hand market.
I hated my EOS 400D. Realy. My first DSLR after using my Canon A1 for decades. Never used a EOS Film Camera. So much plastic....
My first thougt unboxing the lens... "is it out of order? it is so wobbly".
Later I bought a EOS 60D and I was happy with it. Better quality of the body, better dynamic range. It was so much fun to shoot.
And today I love the look of the EOS 60D for Portraits more than on my EOS 80D.
I recently picked up a 100D to use with the 24mm and 40mm pancake lenses I'd kept after selling a 550D. It was instinctively familiar and the output is lovely. The 100D was the smallest DSLR ever made, and people are catching onto its usefulness as a fully fitted compact, so prices are rising. Canon aps-c DSLRs have fallen from fashion, but they are excellent cameras in their own right.
The 40D does greens soooo good! I found the super cheap 70-210mm F3.5 USM worked really well with it.
Hi Martin. Thank you for the video.
You don’t seem like a sold-out professional unlike many others. The reasons why I feel this way are; you are always appreciating old gears that work just fine. Not attempting to forcibly feed us the idea that we need the latest gears to turn out good images.
Although I’m purely a hobbyist photographer however, I do have some idea about photography as I’m shooting for the last 15 years. And IMO, old gears are superb. I’m looking for a 40D but unsure when can get one. I own the 5D Classic already that makes me smile whenever I shoot with it. Also own the latter two iterations. IMO, 5DII produces better IQ than its younger brother. But the younger brother has other qualities like wide range of auto ISO and faster burst shooting speed that enables me to use it for wildlife photography as well.
BTW, I bought all my 5 DSLRs cheap from the used market and couldn't be happier. Needless to say, I'm a Canon user all the way.
Thanks again.
I have the 40d still. I keep the old cheap nifty 50mm 1.8 on it. I will take it out in the snow and things like that so I do not have to worry about my newer camera.
great voice, delivery, and grounding information
thank you!
Hi Martin, any lens recomandation that you used and you can definitely agree that they give good results on canon 40 d?
Thanks in advance.
?
Couldn't agree more about the files from the 40D. I have one as a toss-around/travel/no-theft camera. Got it for 80 bucks, mint with just 2500 clicks. The colors and tones are awesome. Like a 5D Classic on steroids (without the FF look of course). And with todays modern software you can really make some magic with those 10 megapixels. Denoise or upres in LR and some clever sharpening and they look amazing. For my money much better than todays APS-C files like the R7 (granted they have way more true detail and res of course)
My first serious camera was a 40D. I began my idiotic mania with birds-in-flight using it. It was a great camera and I still have great images from that time. I traded up to a 7D and then a 1D3 (which I still have) and now have been using the R7 for the last year and a bit. You can do worse than a 40D for sure, even today it is a camera you can do serious photography with.
I have an IR 400D and I really struggle to use it, mostly around the button layout and viewfinder - but I bought it after I had already been using a 90D and 6D. Maybe I'll give it another go.
It would be interesting to see a photoshoot on an ancient camera.
hi Dave! I think the 400d button layout is different? Im looking at how much it would cost to put a new 40d kit together as id have to buy a new (used) 40d as well. Some of this is nostalgia as well for me for sure. You already have the 90d which should be really good.
@@MartinCastein Oh yes the 90D is excellent but I actually don't use it! Ever since I Saw your 6D video I have mostly used that.
@@DaveMuller haha well the 6d is really special. Probably the best all round canon camera
I recently bought one on eBay with just over a 1k shutter actuations. It came with a 17-85 lens, grip and two batteries. All for £130. I've shot close to 1.5k pictures and the battery is still at 80%. Absolutely ridiculous.
Excellent!
This with a sigma 10.20 f3.5 is a great combo.
still use my 20D as a backup because canon has no crop mode. still happy with the 8.2MP output and great colors
yes and why not really!
Would you recommend the 40d or a cheap rebel like the 600d? I’ve bought a 10-22mm and looking for a crop but don’t know what to pick. It’s newer plastic and nice small format vs older “weather sealed” bigger but nice colors… 🤔
Does the 40d have live view? I’ve heard that it doesn’t have that but that there’s an option for exposure simulation under option 7 operation/others in the menu?
Maybe i misunderstood and that there is a live view but not exposure in live view?
Thanks!
Funny you make this video now! The other day I was looking at my old Nikon D40 and thought about trading it to MPB for credit. It’s 6 mega pixel crop sensor, photography only camera. They offered me $40 for it, LOL. But I can get a 18-55mm lens for virtually nothing and shoot some stuff on it. It has really good colors for being such an old camera. I have two lenses for it but they are filled with mold from sitting in a camera bag for the last 10 years. Maybe I’ll pick up a used lens and give the kit to a kid getting into photography. Honestly, a new smartphone probably takes “better” pictures but a real camera is so much more fun!
I think it was the D60 I had, and it still works, i found it the other day so ill have to get a lens for that too. they are actually really good capable cameras a great lens for them is the 35mm 1.8g DX the crop sensor version, i really liked that lens.
Mine stopped working. It turned out to be the internal battery. They no longer make the size (2018), but you can use a 2016 and mine fired right up!
I agree. I had one with Sigma 35mm. Amazing colors.
I can highly recommend the Canon EFS 24mm 2.8. Tiny, great focal length, super sharp and beautiful colours.
Thats good to hear Colin, i might have to get this setup still.
@@MartinCastein Yeah, I was surprised how good it is. It’s Sharp with nice contrast wide open at 2.8. Great wee lens
There is a lot to like about this early dslrs, the build, the ergonomics, the mechanical feeling and of course the sooc images you can gat with them. The colors and tones are really nice and in general there is not much work to do in post. I recently bought a Canon 40d and I use it mostly a 50mm 1.4 and a 24-105L and it is quite amazing how much details and sharpness you still get with a 10.1mp crop sensor. (I would really wonder how much you can squeeze out of the files with the latest software from Topaz or DxO). My Canon 40d make me focus on good lighting, framing and anticipating the right moments again, which finally leads to better images. So the journey back to my photographic beginning was very rewarding Thank you very much for your detailed videos and sharing your experience.
Thanks Diego, i need to get another 40d again, i really miss it. I learnt a lot on that camera.
Excellent advice.
Still have my 40D, it was my wildlife camera e/w EF 100-400mm (mk1) lens. I use it occasionally like the original 5D. Love the early Canon colors! Both still work fine.
Great to hear!
My dad has a 30D, and it still produces such lovely photos. Before I bought a 5D mkii I had a 700D, and I’d often take pictures using both the 700D and the 30D and I almost always preferred the look of the pictures from the 30D. Obviously the 700D had many advantages, but the colours were just not as good as the 30D, and it looked more “digital” hard to put my finger on it. Never had the chance to use a 40D, but I’ve heard good things about them.
Wow! It’s so great to hear this. I have the same cameras and find I prefer my 30D images so much more!!
@@rbanyaga yes the 30D is a great camera still! My favourite overall camera is my 5D mkii, the images from that are simply incredible, and still could be used for professional work today.
I prefer the 30d since the button setup is exactly the same as the 5d. Only drawback of the 30d is its lack of af micro adjustment.
ah thats interesting didnt know that, i know a few people that have and love the 30d!
Hi Martin, I’m an R series shooter these days but still have my 50D which by all accounts is pretty similar to the 40 , have the nifty 50 on it 😀 still working perfectly 👍
do it make a video on this camera as a kit.
I'm so glad I watched this video! I normally use a Nikon, but someone gave me a Canon 40D, not even sure if works as it doesn't have a battery. But going to get one and hopefully the camera will work. Lens on it is a 28-105mm EF, but looks like it isn't in great shape... will take a few shot and see what happens! Thanks the vid!
you are welcome!
brought this awesome canon EOS 40D 10.1MP digital SLR semi-professional camera 📷 in mint immaculate condition. in official box. been well looked after cared for by it's previous owner someone's dad who used it for taking photo's of orchids. came with 3 batteries + battery covers. battery charger. 2 compact flash cards.USB data cable. new official canon shoulder strap. and official carrying bag + inergrated rain cover. and all accessories plus added extras. very affordable in 2024. built like a tank. this is wot you call a camera. 📸
Very inspiring Martin. Love my 40D. I picked one up on eBay for £35 sold for spares to try and fix. Had a weird shutter problem where the bottom 3rd of the picture was over exposed. Would work ok in live view! Just picked up another minter and I do love it with the 50mm 1.8 stm.
thats good they are so cheap now and such a good camera for the money
Bang on again.. I’ve got a 30D and it a thing of beauty.. I use it a lot. Like you say, the colours on the old canons are exceptional.. You did make me wince a bit at the end though.. I’ve got probably around 15 vintage Russian and Eastern European lenses I’ve picked up for not much.. they’re great with an adapter.. I wonder how you’d get on with them.. they’d be good for portraits .. you may have used them ?.. keep up the great work you do!!
I let you off on the vintage glass😎 Ive got a helios 44-2 im getting the adapter for canon rf so i can do a video with the RP and ill get an adapter for the 5d as well probably I bought it years ago but i broke my previous adapter(dont ask)
I have a portrait shoot on it somewhere. I will do some portraits again in the new year i think and probably use it then too.
I have an adapter @ m42 to EF and I’ve used a Helios 44 its really great… sorta fits with your push for using older kit..? Cheap yet classy..!!
Hi Martin, I really like your honest and deep opinions based on experience.
As I also watched your take on ISO and Sharpness(probably my favorite video of yours), and you also enjoy low cost cameras, which are always full-frame, is there actually any big difference between Crop and Full frame cameras? I know that in the past FX cameras used to be much better, but as technology moved forward, I think that nowadays the difference between D7500 and D780 is 1 stop of Dynamic range(which is nothing) or more megapixels(vs D850, which is also nothing of practical importance, even more so it forces you to get the most capable lenses). So is there any actual reason to get full frame instead of crop today, besides the 1 stop difference and maybe the shallower dept of field?
Cheers!
I have a couple of reviews of crop sensor cameras. I should probably do a video about this but it kind of triggers people too. I think there is no real issue with crop sensor it depends what you are shooting. For me its like this:
For portraits id prefer medium format but they are horrible to use and expensive slow focus but best image quality. For landscapes id prefer to use crop sensor due to more depth of field and lighter weight. Full frame offers the best balance for what I do. I feel crop sensors can lack a sort of depth that full frame has, that medium format has even more of. So in the end full frame is the best balance for me. Its also the most developed system with the highest budget for research and development, but some of that trickles down into crop too. So i have no issues with using crop, and id happily shoot them if it werent for portraits where i really prefer the shallow depth of field and overall rendering of full frame. Go ahead and use crop sensors there is absolutely nothing wrong with them at all and they are many times better too, depending on what you shoot.
@@MartinCastein Thanks very much :)
Hello, I went through the same dilemma that you went through. I had the crop sensor 20D with the Nifty fifty, and after it died I got another crop sensor, the M50 mark II with the new EF-M lenses. Even though the low ISO sensitivity went up considerably, but on the other hand the ISO noise is really bad compared to the 20D.... very much "digital"... I have digressed though, but my point is, that my happiness with the old and new APSc sensors was greatly diminshed as both collapse above ISO 800, and more importantly, lack the SUBSTANCE and texture density that the full frame sensor gives. So, I got myself an 5D mark I. Although the new M50 sensor on paper eats the 5D classic for breakfast, but in practice the 5Ds output even at 3200ISO is amazing, captures the essence, the texture, the three dimensionality - I can almost feel the original light radiating from the photos. The first shot I took with the 5D was at ISO3200 (with the same Nifty fifty I used with the 20D) of my cat on the carpet - and on the monitor it looked and felt exactly as the cat herself. I was watching back and forth, under the same light as I took the photo, and the output on the screen had the same warmth, cohesive texture as the very cat. And the rug: I could tell from the photo the material, the fabric of the carpet, it just felt as 3 dimensional and almost palpable as the real thing. And all that at ISO3200!
To me that is the huge difference between crop sensor and full frame: full frame gives me that realism, that authenticity that is missing on the crop sensor, whether old or new technology.
@@ShutterNChill Thank you very much for the detailed comment. Now I am sure that the camera to change my D300s will be full frame :)
The 40d was my first pro digital camera and I loved it to bits! However now I am shooting with the 1dsmkii The quality and viewfinder in that is so much better! And I am not a huge fan of apsc. Otherwise the 40d is an excellent camera with a genuine ccd sensor!
Enjoyed this video (Sub’d)👍 I already own a Ricoh GRii and a Canon 550D (with a small selection of lenses) and came across a 40D (body only) a week ago advertised by an online UK photography dealer at £45 plus £5.95 postage. Listed as “Good condition” with a 6 month warranty. Need to purchase a CF card or CF adapter but at that price, not a lot to risk and hopefully will prove to be a good buy!
Aloha Martin, what CF card would you recommend for the cannon 40 D?
I think you should get the sandisk extreme pro, the gold ones, they always work well i find.
Is it worth it to get the shutter serviced or would it be better to just get a new copy? I love the old Canon xxD cameras.
New copy I think, I expect its cheaper.
i wonder if the 450D/rebel xti is the same thing (where it counts) as the 40D ?
I bought a 40D for $75 last year with only 6k shutter on it. I did use it quite a bit for awhile and it takes great images.
I haven’t used it in a bit though because I just haven’t had time and I don’t use it on paid gigs, just for fun.
If you already have a nice collection of EF glass, I don’t see the drawback to picking up these older DSLR for cheap and messing around with them.
I've just bought on for £65 with the genuine Canon battery grip in great condition. I'd love you to get another one and do some portraits with it.
thats really good, i miss mine, i really liked it.
@@MartinCastein Have you got any plans to get another? I'd love you to get another one and do some portraits with it.
@@andrewcroft2570i probably will at some point get another yes, i dont know when, i never get round to it, but yes i will do.
50mm 1.8 is great for potraits on it, i shot quite a lot on that combination
@@MartinCastein I have a 50mm 1.8 STM and I'm going to get the 1.8, 85mm also for my 6D. Also, my 4D arrived today it's great
Wonderful video!
Thank you very much!
I own and use my 50d daily, I had a New shutter mechanism fitted @ 15 mpx,, I can't see any reason to change, never had a 24 mm pancake lens, but I will now.
The 24mm looks like its ideal as a little walk around lens.
EF-S 10-22 is no worse than 10-18 in picture, but more versatile, faster in aperture (f/3.5-4.5 instead of f/4.5-5.6) and in AF (USM vs STM), having metallic mount (10-18 - plastic), but being bigger, heavier and lacking IS (10-18 has).
yes thats a good option too, do you know which is better optically?
@@MartinCastein I own 10-22 and never tried 10-18, but according to available reviews, they are optically more or less the same. Maybe 10-18 just a tiny bit sharper, BC it's much newer, but if we are talking landscapes, I believe at f/8-f/10 no one would spot noticeable difference. I chose 10-22 for vlogging as it allows at least somewhat background separation at 10mm and f/3.5 at a straight arm distance. And the same with dramatic wide-angle close-up photography: the bokeh is much more pronounced than at f/4.5.
Well put!!
It's good one video & foto
Please make a video about the 40d or 50d or the 60d with lens kit !!
It would have been nice if it still worked, I've got a 700d (T5i) I still use it but the only thing I don't like is the iso range and focus points, and I wonder how many focus points that 40d has
It’s just got the old 9 point layout I think everything probably had that back then, I don’t mind it though.
Hello Martin,
Greetings!
As always great video and really interesting.
I enjoyed it a lot,thank you.
I have one question is this camera better than canon 50d or even canon 60d in terms of color rendition and skin tones for portraits?
Thank you and keep putting up these kind of vids🙏
Glad you liked it! hmmm im not sure as I havent used the 50d or 60d so i cant answer im afraid hopefully someone else can help out.
@@MartinCastein Thank you Martin!🙏
Hi Martin, cheers for the great video. Do you have any thoughts on how the 40D compares to the Nikon D200, specifically regarding colours and general rendering? Many thanks
I have them both. The d200 is a bit less sharp but has more saturation and vintage look. Battery life on the D200 is bad. The camera is even better made but also heavier. The 40 d combined with the 18-55 f4 new lens is the most practical camera and gives me great results. It is also more responsive. You can easily take snapshots with the camera in 1 hand.
Very helpful. Many thanks :)@@33antonius
You've basically described my setup! I recently acquired a 40D for 78 euros, then I got the 50mm f/1.8 ][ and the EF-S 24mm f/2.8, and I couldn't be happier. Street photography with the 24mm is quite seamless, and I'm blown away by the first test shots. Not that I didn't expect it… I'm another who firmly believes you don't need the latest gear to get good photos. But the 'Canon colours' you mention - that's what blew me away, especially when you get the shot right, as you say. Cheers! //Rick
oh thats interesting im glad you finding that to be good, i think it seems like a very good choice as a setup. i really want it too.
Hello Martin, thanks to your videos I already ordered my Canon 40d and it will arrive tomorrow but I would like to know, if the Canon 50mm 1.8 stm lens is shared well with said camera, will the automatic and manual focus work well? thanks for your videos
yeah it will be pretty good, not the fastest lens to focus but its pretty good for focus.
i given her for paychange to the 50d that i use until today , i like that housing ,no video recording that i do not rekate to that sort cammera(dslr) ,a camcoder is mostoften easy to cary with and can continure fotograpgie , the 40d was lower iso units but here was it that i relatet her to brighter collors . at all im fine with the 50d.(that gives me more iso then oi ever done needet and when it was often girsi grey stuff but ok )
Is it possible to get a similar colour rendering in Lightroom with say a Nikon D7500 or D610? To the Canon 5D C or 40D. Just subscribed and loving your videos .
Not really no, im afraid not but it really depends what you photograph as to if that will matter much to you or not.
Martin have ya got a 40d yet mate..
Nope not yet Mark.