Well, we recently had a backup camera go south, so we decided to splurge and get the new Canon 40D.

If you're not familiar with it, it's the new 10MP D-SLR with tons of new features to the X0D lineup - built in sensor cleaning, live view mode, highlight priority, a 3" screen, and an all new focusing system.

Today I had my first wedding with it. I can say it lives up to my expectations - and exceeds them!

Here are a few sample shots:

ISO 3200:


ISO 1600:


Noise is practically non-existent, and the new shutter is motor driven, giving a much quieter and more solid feel. With the highlight priority, you really get detail that was impossible to get before (that last image, for example). Whites look clean, highlights are still there but under control. It's like getting an extra 2-3 stops of dynamic range!

The down side to the highlight tone priority is that ISO 100 and ISO 3200 are not selectable. Not usually a big deal, but something to be aware of. The live view mode is nice when you're doing the overhead shot of groups - you can see what you're actually going to get! I honestly thought that would be a "gimmick" feature, but I used it several times.

Focusing was impressive too. The reception was all shot at 1600 - it was quite dark. I don't remember it ever hunting, and rarely did it take more than a fraction of a second to lock on.

Great camera!