Learn about the incredible Canon EOS 40D digital SLR!

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Whether you’re a veteran of my previous books or a new convert, I think you’ll find this introduction to the Canon EOS 40D quite different from the other books on the market. When Canon finally introduced the 40D (which was much more of an upgrade from the 30D than the 30D was from the 20D), I realized that a compact “field guide” wouldn’t hack it for such an advanced camera. Although many shrewd beginners will be buying the 40D as a first digital SLR, the vast majority of you will be serious amateurs – or those who aspire to join those ranks as quickly as possible.

You don’t need a book that devotes almost third of its pages to little sections that provide the rudiments of shooting the most basic types of pictures. You don’t need to be told that you ought to use a fast shutter speed when shooting sports – you probably already know a dozen different kinds of action situations when slower shutter speeds are superior (such as motor sports with spinning tires, or when panning to capture a long jumper speeding towards the pit.) There’s a good chance that telling you to use a large aperture when shooting a portraits a bit simplistic for your skill level, too. If not, don’t worry, I provide this kind of information, too. I just don’t waste dozens of pages on these basic techniques when they can be covered in a few pages before jumping into the truly cool stuff. Instead, I’m going to emphasize the exciting things you can do in the Canon EOS 40D Guide to Digital SLR Photography.

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After a couple introductory chapters that help you get your bearings with this innovative camera, we’re going to explore dSLR photography together using a significant new tool. I’ve tried to make the Canon EOS 40D Guide to Digital SLR Photography different from your other 40D learn-up options. The roadmap sections use larger, color pictures to show you where all the buttons and dials are, and the explanations of what they do are longer and more comprehensive. Instead of the checklists devoted to general topics like “architectural photography” or “landscape photography,” you’ll find tips and techniques for using all the features of your 40D to take any kind of picture you want. The Canon EOS 40D Guide to Digital SLR Photography is aimed at both Canon and dSLR veterans as well as newcomers to digital photography and digital SLRs. Both groups can be overwhelmed by the options the 40D offers, while underwhelmed by the explanations they receive in their user’s manual. The manuals are great if you already know what you don’t know, and you can find an answer somewhere in a booklet arranged by menu listings. I've done my best to make my book accessible, friendly, and comprehensive.

Why the Canon EOS 40D is great:

I’ve never been able to tell whether I like Canon or Nikon cameras better, so I've been using both for decades. Each brand has its advantages. But the 40D really impressed me with some special features, outstanding image quality, and great handling.

First and foremost, it's affordable, if you’re serious about photography. The 40D is priced about $500 less than its closest competition, the Nikon D300, and yet it delivers similar high ISO performance, and image quality that more than matches that of any other 10 megapixel camera. Add in some high quality Canon EF and EF-S lenses, and you have an unbeatable combination at a bargain price.

The EOS 40D is also more expandable than any previous Canon dSLR at this price. There are three different focusing screens available, including one with a useful alignment grid; a rock-solid vertical grip for convenient portrait-orientation shots; and a wireless transmitter for direct transfer of your photos to a laptop or other computer.

The Canon EOS 40D also includes tons of very cool features, such as Live View capability that allows previewing the actual image on the camera’s three-inch LCD screen before you snap a picture; super-speedy 6 fps continuous shooting, an improved autofocus system with nine sensitive cross-type sensors, that’s more accurate than anything this side of the Canon EOS 1D Mark III; and automatic/manual sensor cleaning.

My recommendations for Canon EOS 40D must-have essentials

(And stuff I just like):

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My guidebook, natch!	The Canon 580 EX II electronic flash	BG-E2N battery pack/vertical grip	Canon EOS 40D camera with 28-135mm zoom

Wireless remote release Never leave home without your wireless release!	Manfrotto Monopod I own this, and the Manfrotto carbon fiber monopod. Super for sports, landscapes, wildlife.	Budget Grip/Battery pack This low-cost alternative to the BG-E2N comes with two batteries, for twice the shooting!	Screen Protector Shield your big 3-inch LCD from scratching and damage.

Take advantage of your 40D's 6 fps continuous shooting rate and get fast transfer to your computer as a bonus with this fast CF card.	While the 4GB Sandisk card is great, I've standardized on 8GB cards. I can shoot all day on a single card for sports and travel photography.	Is it possible that the sharpest lens you own can cost less than $100? This 50mm f/1.8 lens will exceed your expectations. Great for macro work, too.	Already own a bunch of EF or EF-S lenses? Upgrading from a Canon EOS 30D? Buy just the 40D body and save your $$$ for more lenses!

Tokina 12-24mm zoom. Here's a chance to save some money on a lens that is excellent, at a lower price.	Canon WFT-E3A Wireless File Transmitter Transmit your photos directly from your 40D to your laptop.	I love The "Bigma", the 50-500 f/4-6.3 zoom from Sigma. Great image quality and the range you need for sports, wildlife, portraits.	Canon EF 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6L IS USM Lens Ready for one big splurge? This is one premium "L" lens that does it all. Treat yourself just once!

FAST! This Canon 50mm f1.2 is the available-light photographer's dream lens! You need this.	FAST! This Canon 85mm f/1.2 is legendary. Absolutely beautiful for portraiture!	FAST! Photojournalists and anyone looking for speed indoors will love this Canon 24mm f/1.4 lens.	FAST! Although it's a "normal" lens on the 40D, this speedy 35mm f/1.4 is excellent indoors and out.