Normcar21
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I agree completely, Jeff, and saw the same sort of thing myself without being able to vocalize it quite as effectively as yourself. Flat and lifeless hit the mark, imo, and I have extreme doubts about the AF improvements as well simply because the sensor points are too far apart to make any extreme difference in performance. Distance between sensor points is simply too much, and the 1.6 crop remains a 1.6 crop performance as regards overall IQ, there simply seems to be a lack of volume, richness, quality, when compared to the series 1.
However, that is to be expected, or should be expected, but various posts seem to indicate that some are expecting something approximate to a series one AF response with the 40D. That would be wild and crazy for sure, but I have serious doubts, and they are not only on the technical end. Simple marketing dynamics might also tend to militate against such a hope.
I belabor this idea because some actually seem to be hoping that the 40D will be comparable in IQ (IQ is perhaps more involved than capacity to hide noise). Not impossible, but extremely doubtful, imo. I cannot imagine a 1.6 crop being able to compete with 1.3, let alone full frame, where even the noise is no longer noise, but quality texture.
With AF on 9 points, as well, a small subject would get lost between the points, and I doubt that any sensitivity would be able to rescue the problem because the sensors wouldn't be touching the target. That was the problem I experienced with the 30D when attempting, with great frustration, to shoot smaller flying birds. I could actually see them between the sensor points and knew why I had no hope. I knew it because I had 2 years experience with the Mark II and understood the deficiency clearly...no automatic expandable AF spot focus to even 3 points, let alone 7 or 13
Of course both of us are guessing, but I will agree with your guess on IQ alone, without the idea of AF, as it corresponds to my own thoughts over the past week on IQ of the 40D.
There is something nice and smooth, yes, but also lifeless, plastic, and drab as well in those photos. Thanks for the input.
PS, Jeff - my preorder is already history, I'm retaining my Mark II's until the Mark III issue is completely resolved, and then I'll reconsider options. No 40D for me unless real world tests prove that both of us have been way, way off base, which wouldn't bother me, either  Then I'd buy with confidence...er, more confidence, that is.
Great post, Jeff, thanks for sharing!
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