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Canon 40D vs Rebel

The Canon EOS 40D and the Canon EOS Digital Rebel (labelled Canon 300D in some countries) are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in August 2007 and August 2003. Both are DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) cameras that are equipped with an APS-C sensor. The 40D has a resolution of 10.1 megapixels, whereas the Rebel provides 6.3 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications
Canon 40D
versus
Canon Rebel
Canon 40D   Canon Rebel
Digital single lens reflex Digital single lens reflex
Canon EF mount lenses Canon EF mount lenses
10.1 MP – APS-C sensor 6.3 MP – APS-C sensor
no Video no Video
ISO 100-1,600 (100 - 3,200) ISO 100-1,600
Optical viewfinder Optical viewfinder
3.0" LCD – 230k dots 1.8" LCD – 118k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive) Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
6.5 shutter flaps per second 2.5 shutter flaps per second
750 shots per battery charge400 shots per battery charge
146 x 108 x 74 mm, 822 g 142 x 99 x 72 mm, 649 g
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Canon EOS 40D and the Canon EOS Digital Rebel? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

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Body comparison

An illustration of the physical size and weight of the Canon 40D and the Canon Rebel is provided in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are available. All width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Size Canon 40D vs Canon Rebel
Compare 40D versus Rebel top
Comparison 40D or Rebel rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Canon Rebel is notably smaller (11 percent) than the Canon 40D. Moreover, the Rebel is markedly lighter (21 percent) than the 40D. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the 40D nor the Rebel are weather-sealed.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete since they do not consider the interchangeable lenses that both of these cameras require. In this particular case, both cameras feature the same lens mount, so that they can use the same lenses. You can compare the optics available in the Canon EF Lens Catalog.

Concerning battery life, the 40D gets 750 shots out of its Canon BP-511A battery, while the Rebel can take 400 images on a single charge of its Canon BP-511 power pack.

The adjacent table lists the principal physical characteristics of the two cameras alongside a wider set of alternatives. If you would like to visualize and compare a different camera combination, you can navigate to the CAM-parator app and make your selection from a broad list of cameras there.

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Body Specifications
# image Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Canon 40D 146 mm 108 mm 74 mm 822 g 750 n Aug 2007 1,299ebay.com
2.
 
Canon Rebel 142 mm 99 mm 72 mm 649 g 400 n Aug 2003 899ebay.com
3.
 
Canon T7i 131 mm 100 mm 76 mm 532 g 600 n Feb 2017 749ebay.com
4.
 
Canon T6s 132 mm 101 mm 78 mm 565 g 440 n Feb 2015 649ebay.com
5.
 
Canon 70D 139 mm 104 mm 79 mm 755 g 920 Y Jul 2013 1,199ebay.com
6.
 
Canon 60D 145 mm 106 mm 79 mm 755 g 1100 Y Aug 2010 1,399ebay.com
7.
 
Canon 50D 146 mm 108 mm 74 mm 822 g 800 Y Aug 2008 1,299ebay.com
8.
 
Canon 450D 129 mm 98 mm 62 mm 524 g 500 n Jan 2008 799ebay.com
9.
 
Canon 1000D 126 mm 98 mm 65 mm 502 g 500 n Jun 2008 449ebay.com
10.
 
Canon 30D 144 mm 106 mm 74 mm 785 g 750 n Feb 2006 1,399ebay.com
11.
 
Canon 400D 127 mm 84 mm 65 mm 556 g 370 n Aug 2006 799ebay.com
12.
 
Canon XT 127 mm 94 mm 64 mm 540 g 400 n Feb 2005 899ebay.com
13.
 
Canon 20D 144 mm 106 mm 72 mm 770 g 700 n Aug 2004 1,499ebay.com
14.
 
Canon 10D 150 mm 107 mm 75 mm 850 g 500 n Feb 2003 1,999ebay.com
15.
 
Nikon D90 132 mm 103 mm 77 mm 703 g 850 n Aug 2008 1,299ebay.com
16.
 
Olympus E-30 142 mm 108 mm 75 mm 701 g 750 n Nov 2008 1,299ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
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Any camera decision will obviously take relative prices into account. The listed launch prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The Rebel was launched at a markedly lower price (by 31 percent) than the 40D, which puts it into a different market segment. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

Sensor comparison

The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. A large sensor will tend to have larger individual pixels that provide better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixel-units in a sensor of the same technological generation. Furthermore, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more possibilities to use shallow depth-of-field in order to isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be more expensive and lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Both cameras under consideration feature an APS-C sensor, but their sensors differ slightly in size. The sensor area in the Rebel is 3 percent bigger. They nevertheless have the same format factor of 1.6. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

Canon 40D and Canon Rebel sensor measures

Despite having a slightly smaller sensor, the Canon 40D offers a higher resolution of 10.1 megapixels, compared with 6.3 MP of the Canon Rebel. This megapixels advantage comes at the cost of a higher pixel density and a smaller size of the individual pixel (with a pixel pitch of 5.73μm versus 7.38μm for the Rebel). However, it should be noted that the 40D is much more recent (by 4 years) than the Rebel, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that make it possible to gather light more efficiently.

The resolution advantage of the Canon 40D implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the 40D for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 19.4 x 13 inches or 49.4 x 32.9 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 15.6 x 10.4 inches or 39.5 x 26.3 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 13 x 8.6 inches or 32.9 x 21.9 cm. The corresponding values for the Canon Rebel are 15.4 x 10.2 inches or 39 x 26 cm for good quality, 12.3 x 8.2 inches or 31.2 x 20.8 cm for very good quality, and 10.2 x 6.8 inches or 26 x 17.3 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Canon EOS 40D has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 1600, which can be extended to ISO 100-3200. The corresponding ISO settings for the Canon EOS Digital Rebel are ISO 100 to ISO 1600 (no boost).

Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensors. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

40D versus Rebel MP

Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for many cameras. This service is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), color depth ("DXO Portrait"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"). Of the two cameras under review, the 40D has a notably higher overall DXO score than the Rebel (overall score 9 points higher), which gives it an advantage in terms of imaging quality. This advantage is based on 1.1 bits higher color depth, 0.5 EV in additional dynamic range, and 0.4 stops in additional low light sensitivity. The adjacent table reports on the physical sensor characteristics and the outcomes of the DXO sensor quality tests for a sample of comparator-cameras.

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Sensor Characteristics
# image Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Canon 40D APS-C 10.1 3888 2592none22.111.370364
2.
 
Canon Rebel APS-C 6.3 3072 2048none21.010.854455
3.
 
Canon T7i APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p23.713.1158680
4.
 
Canon T6s APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/30p22.612.091570
5.
 
Canon 70D APS-C 20.0 5472 36481080/30p22.511.692668
6.
 
Canon 60D APS-C 17.9 5184 34561080/30p22.211.581366
7.
 
Canon 50D APS-C 15.1 4752 3168none21.811.469663
8.
 
Canon 450D APS-C 12.2 4272 2848none21.910.869261
9.
 
Canon 1000D APS-C 10.1 3888 2592none22.010.971962
10.
 
Canon 30D APS-C 8.2 3504 2336none21.510.873659
11.
 
Canon 400D APS-C 10.1 3888 2592none22.111.066462
12.
 
Canon XT APS-C 8.0 3456 2304none21.810.863760
13.
 
Canon 20D APS-C 8.2 3504 2336none21.911.072162
14.
 
Canon 10D APS-C 6.3 3072 2048none21.110.957157
15.
 
Nikon D90 APS-C 12.2 4288 2848720/24p22.712.597773
16.
 
Olympus E-30 Four Thirds 12.2 4032 3024none21.310.453055
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.
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The 40D offers Live View, so that it can project the live image that the sensor receives onto the rear screen for framing. The Rebel lacks this capability. Both cameras are still-image focused and cannot record videos.
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Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The 40D and the Rebel are similar in the sense that both have an optical viewfinder. The latter is useful for getting a clear image for framing even in brightly lit environments. The viewfinders of both cameras offer the same field of view (95%), but the viewfinder of the 40D has a higher magnification than the one of the Rebel (0.59x vs 0.55x), so that the size of the image transmitted appears closer to the size seen with the naked human eye. The following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Canon 40D, the Canon Rebel, and comparable cameras.

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Core Features
# image Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Canon 40Doptical Y3.0 / 230 fixed n 1/8000s 6.5/s Y n
2.
 
Canon Rebeloptical n1.8 / 118 fixed n 1/4000s 2.5/s Y n
3.
 
Canon T7ioptical n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n
4.
 
Canon T6soptical Y3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
5.
 
Canon 70Doptical Y3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/8000s 7.0/s Y n
6.
 
Canon 60Doptical Y3.0 / 1040 swivel n 1/8000s 5.3/s Y n
7.
 
Canon 50Doptical Y3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/8000s 6.3/s Y n
8.
 
Canon 450Doptical n3.0 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 3.5/s Y n
9.
 
Canon 1000Doptical n2.5 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
10.
 
Canon 30Doptical Y2.5 / 230 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s Y n
11.
 
Canon 400Doptical n2.5 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
12.
 
Canon XToptical n1.8 / 115 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
13.
 
Canon 20Doptical Y1.8 / 118 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s Y n
14.
 
Canon 10Doptical Y1.8 / 118 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
15.
 
Nikon D90optical Y3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/4000s 4.5/s Y n
16.
 
Olympus E-30optical Y2.7 / 230 swivel n 1/8000s 5.0/s Y Y
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
padding

One feature that is present on the 40D, but is missing on the Rebel is a top-level LCD. While being, of course, smaller than the rear screen, the control panel conveys some of the essential shooting information and can be convenient for quick and easy settings verification.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the 40D and the Rebel write their files to Compact Flash cards.

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Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Canon EOS 40D and Canon EOS Digital Rebel and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
# image Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Canon 40DY- / ----2.0---
2.
 
Canon RebelY- / ----1.1---
3.
 
Canon T7iYstereo / monoY-mini2.0YYY
4.
 
Canon T6sYstereo / monoY-mini2.0YY-
5.
 
Canon 70DYstereo / monoY-mini2.0Y--
6.
 
Canon 60DYmono / monoY-mini2.0---
7.
 
Canon 50DY- / ---mini2.0---
8.
 
Canon 450DY- / ---mini2.0---
9.
 
Canon 1000DY- / ----2.0---
10.
 
Canon 30DY- / ----2.0---
11.
 
Canon 400DY- / ----2.0---
12.
 
Canon XTY- / ----2.0---
13.
 
Canon 20DY- / ----1.1---
14.
 
Canon 10DY- / ----1.1---
15.
 
Nikon D90Ymono / mono--mini2.0---
16.
 
Olympus E-30Y- / ----2.0---
padding

Studio photographers will appreciate that the Canon 40D (unlike the Rebel) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

Both the 40D and the Rebel have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The Rebel was replaced by the Canon XT, while the 40D was followed by the Canon 50D. Further information on the features and operation of the 40D and Rebel can be found, respectively, in the Canon 40D Manual (free pdf) or the online Canon Rebel Manual.

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Review summary

So how do things add up? Which of the two cameras – the Canon 40D or the Canon Rebel – has the upper hand? Is one clearly better than the other? Below is a summary of the relative strengths of each of the two contestants.


Arguments in favor of the Canon EOS 40D:

  • More detail: Offers more megapixels (10.1 vs 6.3MP) with a 27% higher linear resolution.
  • Better image quality: Scores markedly higher (9 points) in the DXO overall assessment.
  • Richer colors: Generates images with noticeably better colors (1.1 bits more color depth).
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Requires less light for good images (0.4 stops ISO advantage).
  • Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.59x vs 0.55x).
  • Easier setting verification: Features an LCD display on top to control shooting parameters.
  • Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.0" vs 1.8") for image review and settings control.
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (230k vs 118k dots).
  • Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/8000s vs 1/4000s) to freeze action.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (6.5 vs 2.5 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • Longer lasting: Can take more shots (750 versus 400) on a single battery charge.
  • Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (2.0 vs 1.1).
  • Better studio light control: Has a PC Sync socket to connect to professional strobe lights.
  • More modern: Reflects 4 years of technical progress since the Rebel launch.


Reasons to prefer the Canon EOS Digital Rebel:

  • More compact: Is smaller (142x99mm vs 146x108mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
  • Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 173g or 21 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (31 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More heavily discounted: Has been around for much longer (launched in August 2003).

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the 40D is the clear winner of the match-up (14 : 4 points). However, the relative importance of the various individual camera aspects will vary according to personal preferences and needs, so that you might like to apply corresponding weights to the particular features before making a decision on a new camera. A professional wildlife photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a family photog, and a person interested in architecture has distinct needs from a sports shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

40D 14:04 Rebel

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Canon 40D and the Canon Rebel place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best DSLR Camera listing whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of technical specifications can provide a useful overview of the capabilities of different cameras, it says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the 40D and the Rebel in practical situations. At times, user reviews, such as those published at amazon, address these issues in a useful manner, but such feedback is on many occasions incomplete, inconsistent, and unreliable.

Expert reviews

This is where reviews by experts come in. The table below provides a synthesis of the camera assessments of some of the best known photo-gear review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

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Expert Camera Reviews
# image  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Canon 40D..+ +..+ +4.5/54.5/5 Aug 2007 1,299ebay.com
2.
 
Canon Rebel......+ +.... Aug 2003 899ebay.com
3.
 
Canon T7i4.5/5..3.5/580/1004.5/54/5 Feb 2017 749ebay.com
4.
 
Canon T6s5/5+..77/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2015 649ebay.com
5.
 
Canon 70D5/5+ +..83/1004.5/55/5 Jul 2013 1,199ebay.com
6.
 
Canon 60D5/5+..79/1004/54.5/5 Aug 2010 1,399ebay.com
7.
 
Canon 50D..+ +..+ +4.5/54.5/5 Aug 2008 1,299ebay.com
8.
 
Canon 450D..+ +..+ +4/54.5/5 Jan 2008 799ebay.com
9.
 
Canon 1000D..82/100..+ +3.5/54.5/5 Jun 2008 449ebay.com
10.
 
Canon 30D..+ +..+ +o.. Feb 2006 1,399ebay.com
11.
 
Canon 400D..+ +..+ +o4/5 Aug 2006 799ebay.com
12.
 
Canon XT..80/100..+ +o.. Feb 2005 899ebay.com
13.
 
Canon 20D......+ +.... Aug 2004 1,499ebay.com
14.
 
Canon 10D......+ +.... Feb 2003 1,999ebay.com
15.
 
Nikon D90..+ +..+ +4/54.5/5 Aug 2008 1,299ebay.com
16.
 
Olympus E-30......71/1004.5/54/5 Nov 2008 1,299ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
padding

The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The ratings were established in reference to similarly priced cameras that were available in the market at the time of the review. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and comparing ratings of very distinct cameras or ones that are far apart in terms of their release date have little meaning. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.

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Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you would like to check on the differences and similarities of other camera models, just make your choice using the following search menu. There is also a set of direct links to comparison reviews that other users of the CAM-parator app explored.

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    Specifications: Canon 40D vs Canon Rebel

    Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

    Camera Specifications
    Camera Model Canon 40D Canon Rebel
    Camera Type Digital single lens reflex Digital single lens reflex
    Camera Lens Canon EF mount lenses Canon EF mount lenses
    Launch Date August 2007 August 2003
    Launch Price USD 1,299 USD 899
    Sensor Specs Canon 40D Canon Rebel
    Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format APS-C Sensor APS-C Sensor
    Sensor Size 22.3 x 14.9 mm 22.7 x 15.1 mm
    Sensor Area 332.27 mm2 342.77 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 26.8 mm 27.3 mm
    Crop Factor 1.6x 1.6x
    Sensor Resolution 10.1 Megapixels 6.3 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 3888 x 2592 pixels 3072 x 2048 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 5.73 μm 7.38 μm
    Pixel Density 3.03 MP/cm2 1.84 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability no Video no Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 1,600 ISO 100 - 1,600 ISO
    ISO Boost 100 - 3,200 ISO no Enhancement
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 64 55
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 22.1 21.0
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 11.3 10.8
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 703 544
    Screen Specs Canon 40D Canon Rebel
    Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder Optical viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 95% 95%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.59x 0.55x
    Top-Level Screen Control Panel no Top Display
    LCD Framing Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 1.8inch
    LCD Resolution 230k dots 118k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen Fixed screen
    Shooting Specs Canon 40D Canon Rebel
    Focus System Phase-detect AF Phase-detect AF
    Continuous Shooting 6.5 shutter flaps/s 2.5 shutter flaps/s
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium CF cards CF cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot Single card slot
    Connectivity Specs Canon 40D Canon Rebel
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    Studio Flash PC Sync socket no PC Sync
    USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 1.1
    HDMI Port no HDMI no HDMI
    Wifi Support no Wifi no Wifi
    Body Specs Canon 40D Canon Rebel
    Battery Type Canon BP-511A Canon BP-511
    Battery Life (CIPA)750 shots per charge400 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 146 x 108 x 74 mm
    (5.7 x 4.3 x 2.9 in)
    142 x 99 x 72 mm
    (5.6 x 3.9 x 2.8 in)
    Camera Weight 822 g (29.0 oz) 649 g (22.9 oz)
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