Quick camera response empowers you to capture every fleeting photo opportunity. When such moments arise, you can quickly start up the EOS 40D in only about 0.15 seconds. Then capture the scene at an impressive 6.5 frames per second in the continuous shooting mode, with up to 75 Large/Fine JPEG shots per burst. This speedy response was made possible by accelerated 4-channel reading and an optimized shooting sequence. You can also select a low-speed 3fps setting, depending on your needs. Response is further enhanced by a minimal shutter release time lag of 59ms. The shutter has a maximum speed of 1/8000 sec. and high speed X-sync at 1/250 sec.

Focusing is fast, accurate and easy in all shooting conditions thanks to a new improved AF sensor with 9 cross-type AF points and more precise AF detection. All 9 AF points feature a cross-type sensor for f/5.6 and allow both vertical and horizontal line sensitive focus detection for highly stable focusing. Detection performance is improved by a small sensor pitch, and the cross-type AF sensor at the center AF point is sensitive to vertical and horizontal lines at f/2.8. Accelerated sensor signal reading enables accurate focusing even during 6.5fps continuous shooting. When subjects are extremely defocused, two-line focusing with horizontal line sensitive sensors at the center reduces inconsistent focusing detection to allow quick, accurate AF control.

Live View mode displays your images in real-time on the camera's LCD - directly from the CMOS sensor - almost exactly as they will appear in your photos. Such precision feedback greatly enhances your speed and efficiency when composing shots in studios or on location. Live View mode now includes convenient AF Shooting, which can be activated by simply pressing the AF-ON button. No image is displayed while the button is pressed. Once the button is released, the focused image is displayed and can be captured with a press of the shutter button. Live View mode also includes new Silent Shooting, which is made possible by an electronic 1st-curtain shutter on the CMOS sensor that enables shooting with the mechanical shutter completely open. Since there is no shutter cocking noise, operation is almost completely silent.

Bundled EOS Utilities also provides Remote Live View mode, which can display the scene in real-time on a computer monitor via wired (USB 2.0 Hi-Speed) or wireless connection (requires Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E3/E3A).