I’ve had the 40D for a few days now, and have taken it out a couple of times over the weekend (Saturday, Sunday) sampling images from the nice cheap EF50 lens, and my more expensive, mid-range, 28-135 IS. I’ve enjoyed using it very much, to the extent that I am actively trying to become a better photographer rather than a happy snapper.

In terms of image quality, the 40D is better than the 10D. Not massively so, it has to be said. But that’s because the camera body is only part of the equation, with the lenses (which haven’t changed) having a very significant affect on the resultant pictures. Images seem more detailed, a more colourful, a little sharper. However, the biggest leap is in performance. High iso noise for example, when in JPEG mode with NR on, gives very pleasing images in comparison to the 10D. Auto focus speed is very rapid, as is the cycle time between pictures, and power on is near instantaneous.

The revised menu, ripped straight from a 1DS III (less some features) is great - a particular highlight being a favourites page, where you can place short cuts to even the most buried setting. Live view, for me, is a bit useless. Maybe I just don’t know how to use it, certainly it’s not compatible with my microdrive. However if you are into macro photography, hooking the camera up to your laptop and focusing directly from the laptop screen must be a boon. There’s also more information in the view finder, which allows you to determine at pre-focus, whether or not things are likely to work out.

All said and done, I’m very happy with it. The fact that it makes me want to shoot in RAW, use custom white balance, and actually think about what I’m doing, speaks volumes. AT £500 after rebates, it’s a steal - 6 months ago you’d have paid over double that.

I had been tempted with the Nikon D300, as on paper that’s a slightly better camera. DPReview comparisons show there to be almost nothing between them in the real world. Crucially, unlike the 40D, the D300 is still priced around the 1k mark - factor in a new lens or two, and the D300 becomes a massively more expensive animal, for very little gain. It’s bigger too.

Whilst I’d like some fast Canon L lenses, I can’t justify the price - besides I really didn’t like the 17-40L I once had. To compliment my 28-135IS, down the line, I’ll pick up the Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 DI-II lens as it seems to be terrific value. Then a new bag - I’m liking the Kata T214. That’ll complete the package for another 4 or 5 years. Baby steps though, the first purchase will be an EF50 f/1.8 II from eBay (cheap as chips).