My Canon 40D (17 photographs in this post) cost just £75. All the images in this post were taken using the Canon 24mm f2.8 or the Canon 18-55 kit lens.
Despite being released in 2007, remains a surprisingly good camera to buy in 2025—especially if you’re looking for an affordable yet capable DSLR. Here’s why it’s still worth considering:
1. Fantastic Build Quality
The 40D has a magnesium alloy body, giving it a solid, professional feel. It has also improved weather-sealing, making it more durable than many modern entry-level DSLRs.
2. Excellent Image Quality for the Price
Its 10.1MP APS-C sensor may seem outdated, but it still delivers crisp, natural-looking photos with great colour reproduction. If you mainly shoot for web or prints up to A4 size, this is more than enough.
3. Superb Ergonomics & Controls
Unlike budget DSLRs, the 40D has a top LCD panel, a large grip, and dedicated dials for quick adjustments—making it a joy to use, especially if you’re moving up from a beginner camera.
4. Fast & Reliable Autofocus
The 9-point autofocus system may not match modern mirrorless cameras, but it’s fast and accurate, especially in well-lit conditions. Paired with a decent lens, it’s still great for portrait, street, and event photography. I have photographed weddings with one.
5. Burst Speed & Performance
With 6.5fps continuous shooting, it’s surprisingly quick, making it a decent option for capturing sports, wildlife, or action shots.
6. Inexpensive Yet Reliable
- You can find a Canon 40D body for as little as £50-£100 on the used market (mine was £75 and in new/ perfect condition).
- Canon’s EF lens ecosystem gives you access to fantastic, affordable lenses that work perfectly with it.
- It has a long battery life, unlike many mirrorless alternatives.
7. Perfect for Beginners & Hobbyists
If you’re getting into photography and want a low-cost, high-quality DSLR to experiment with manual controls, the 40D is an ideal choice.
Who Should Buy It in 2025?
- Beginners who want a cheap, reliable DSLR!
- Photography enthusiasts who love classic Canon colours.
- Collectors & retro camera lovers who appreciate old-school DSLRs.
- Anyone on a budget looking for an upgrade from an entry-level camera.
- Cheap EF-S lenses are available everywhere!
The Canon 40D might not have 4K video, Wi-Fi, or crazy-high megapixels, but it remains a brilliant, budget-friendly choice in 2025!
This is the tree Issac Newton was sitting under when the apple fell on his head. As declared/confirmed by the American tourist I was stood next to. I smiled.
The colour rendition on the Canon EOS 40D is one of its standout qualities, even in 2025. Canon has long been known for its excellent colour science, and the 40D is no exception. Here’s why its colours still hold up today:
1. Natural & Pleasing Tones
The 40D produces rich, well-balanced colours straight out of the camera. Skin tones, in particular, are natural and warm, making this camera a great choice for portrait photography.
2. Classic Canon Colour Science
Canon cameras are known for their vibrant but not overly saturated colours, and the 40D follows this tradition. Reds, greens, and blues are well-represented, and the colours generally look true to life without needing much post-processing.
3. Strong JPEG Processing
Even if you shoot in JPEG, the 40D’s in-camera processing ensures that colours remain punchy yet realistic. The default Picture Styles (Standard, Portrait, Landscape, etc.) allow you to tweak the look without editing in software.
4. RAW Files for More Flexibility
If you shoot in RAW, you can bring out even more detail in colours, adjusting white balance and saturation without losing image quality. The 10-bit RAW files from the 40D give you enough room for editing while still keeping the classic Canon look.
5. Well-Controlled White Balance
The auto white balance (AWB) is surprisingly reliable, handling different lighting conditions well. Even under artificial light, colours don’t shift too much towards an unnatural cast, and adjustments in post-processing are minimal.
6. Works Beautifully with Classic EF Lenses
Lenses play a big role in colour rendition, and Canon’s EF lenses complement the 40D perfectly. Classic lenses like the Canon 50mm f/1.8 or the EF 85mm f/1.8 help produce even richer, more cinematic colours.
7. A More Film-Like Look
Unlike some modern digital cameras that can look overly sharp or clinical, the Canon 40D has a slightly softer, more film-like colour rendering, especially in well-lit outdoor conditions.
Photographs from the Canon 40D also convert well to black and white.
Final Verdict
If you love classic Canon colours—especially warm skin tones, deep blues, and vibrant yet natural greens—the 40D is still an excellent choice in 2025. While modern cameras have improved dynamic range and colour depth, the 40D’s output remains timeless, appealing, and incredibly easy to work with.