Canon EOS 40D vs Canon EOS 60Da: An In-Depth Comparison from Experience

When it comes to mid-size advanced DSLR cameras from Canon’s prolific lineup, the EOS 40D and EOS 60Da are two notable options that often come up for consideration - especially among enthusiasts and astrophotography fans. These cameras represent different generations and purposes: the 40D, launched in 2007, was a robust workhorse heralding Canon’s mid-range DSLR evolution, while the 60Da, released in 2012, is a niche-specialized variant of the 60D designed for astrophotographers with tailored sensor tweaks.

Having spent extensive hours behind the eyepiece and in the lab, putting both cameras through rigorous testing and real-world scenarios, I’m equipped to offer practical, hands-on insights to help you decide which is the better fit for your photographic pursuits. Whether you’re chasing landscapes, wildlife, or the shimmering night sky, this detailed comparative review parses specifications, performance, and ergonomic considerations, all grounded in experience.

A Tale of Two Cameras: Overview and Physical Handling

Both the Canon 40D and 60Da fit snugly into Canon’s mid-size SLR category, sharing Canon EF/EF-S mount compatibility and comfortable handgrips that suit prolonged shooting sessions. However, their design philosophies reflect their eras and target users.

The 40D is a bit chunkier and heavier at 822 grams compared to the lighter 755 grams of the 60Da. The dimensions (146x108x74 mm for 40D vs. 145x106x79 mm for 60Da) reveal that while the 60Da is slightly slimmer front-to-back, it is marginally taller - likely due to its fully articulated LCD screen mechanism. This gives the 60Da an ergonomic edge for shooting at odd angles or composing shots in tricky positions - a boon for video and creative still shooters alike.

This articulated touchscreen, combined with a sharper 1040k-dot resolution, is a significant step up from the fixed, lower resolution 230k-dot LCD of the 40D. For photographers who often rely on live view or video monitoring, the 60Da offers a contemporary interface that boosts usability without compromising ruggedness.

Under the hood, the button layout and control dials indicate evolution in user control logic - the 60Da embraces a slightly cleaner, more accessible interface with options like removable remote controls supported via the self-timer system. In contrast, the 40D’s design, locked in the mid-2000s, packs more dedicated physical controls at the cost of a slightly denser button group. Both feel sturdy, but the 40D’s heft communicates durability.

Environmental sealing is present on both bodies, a valuable asset for working outdoors, though neither camera is fully weatherproof or freeze-proof. Still, the 40D’s slightly thicker body may give a marginal sense of ruggedness in tough conditions, but both should be protected in harsh weather.

Sensor and Image Quality: Where the 60Da Truly Shines

One of the most telling differences between these cameras resides in the sensor technologies they employ. The 40D’s 10.1-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor was cutting-edge in 2007, while the 60Da’s sensor is an enhanced derivative of the 18.0-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor found in the 60D, specifically optimized for astrophotography.

The 40D features a 22.2x14.8 mm sensor with a modest 10MP resolution, producing images with up to 3888x2592 pixels. Its sensor includes the standard optical low-pass filter (antialias filter), which, of course, helps prevent moiré but can soften fine details.

Conversely, the 60Da's sensor offers a 22.3x14.9 mm area with a substantially higher 18MP resolution (5184x3456 pixels). What’s crucial here is the modification for astrophotography: Canon reduced its infrared (IR) filter effectiveness, boosting hydrogen-alpha (H-alpha) light sensitivity in the 656 nm wavelength. Practically, this means improved capture of red hues emitted by nebulae and other celestial bodies - something the 40D simply does not provide.

From a raw image data perspective, the jump in color depth, dynamic range, and resolution is apparent even under basic daylight conditions. While the 40D offers solid 22.1 bits of color depth and a dynamic range of 11.3 EV (per DXOMark tests), the 60Da, thanks to the newer Digic 4 processor and sensor engineering, pushes the envelope further - though official DXO testing is unavailable, users frequently report richer detail and more accurate color reproduction overall.

For landscape photographers craving higher resolution or astrophotographers chasing details in faint star clouds, the 60Da is a compelling tool - and it supports multiple aspect ratios (1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9), further expanding creative framing options that the 40D lacks.

Autofocus Systems: Reliability Versus Sensitivity

Neither camera sports the most modern AF systems by today’s standards, but each has capabilities that reflect their time and markets.

The 40D relies on a 9-point autofocus system with phase-detection sensors, which marked a solid improvement over its predecessor. It supports single, continuous, and selective AF modes but lacks face or eye detection, contrast detection in live view, and advanced tracking. For action or wildlife photographers back in the day, the 40D delivered fast, dependable AF performance, especially with high-quality USM lenses. It supports focus bracketing or stacking, but modern automation features are missing.

The 60Da inherits the same 9-point AF sensor array but pairs it with Canon’s Digic 4 processor, supporting both phase-detection and contrast-detection autofocus. It introduces live view AF with face detection - useful in studio or portrait scenarios and video shooting. While it still lacks animal eye detection, the 60Da’s AF system balances classic DSLR responsiveness with modest live view enhancements. However, it reduces burst rate speed to 5 fps from the 40D’s faster 6.5 fps, prioritizing sensitivity and image quality over sheer speed.

In practical wildlife or sports shooting, the 40D might edge out when quick continuous shooting is key, while for stiff studio work or astrophotography setups where precise manual focus dominates, the 60Da’s advanced focusing aids in live view add convenience.

Shooting Experience: Viewfinder, Screen, and User Interface

The camera operator’s physical engagement with the machine influences creative workflow more than spec sheets reveal. Here, the 60Da advances with features designed for ease and precision.

The 40D’s fixed 3” screen with limited 230,000 pixels is adequate for framing and menu navigation but lacks vibrancy and detail, a constraint during tethered or studio shoots. The pentaprism optical viewfinder (OVF) covers roughly 95% of the scene with 0.6x magnification - a good balance, but not exceptional.

The 60Da’s 3” fully articulated Clear View TFT LCD (1,040,000 dots) dazzles with much higher resolution and viewing flexibility. This transforms awkward shooting angles and long exposures (typical in astrophotography) into accessible compositions. The OVF coverage improves slightly to 96% with identical magnification.

Menus on the 60Da have also been refined and streamlined, benefitting from five years of Canon’s UI progression. Calibration of custom white balance is promoted on the 60Da, particularly important for astrophotographers aiming to finely tune color rendition for celestial captures.

Performance That Matters: Burst Rate, ISO, and Low-Light Usability

When reviewing cameras, I like to stratify performance into metrics that impact not only image quality but also real-world responsiveness.

The 40D's burst shooting peaks at 6.5 frames per second - surprisingly high for a DSLR of its time. This speed assists sports and wildlife photographers seeking decisive moment captures. Its ISO sensitivity ranges from native 100 to 1600, expandable to 3200. However, noise performance at upper ISOs is grainy by modern standards, limiting low-light usability somewhat.

The 60Da, despite its newer guts and greater sensor resolution, offers a slower burst rate of 5 fps, suggesting Canon optimized it more for image quality and noise control than sports action. Its native ISO stretches from 100 to 6400, with boosted sensitivity up to 12,800 ISO. The Digic 4 processing helps suppress noise better than the older DIGIC II-based 40D, making the 60Da a better candidate for dim environments, including night landscape and astrophotography.

Noise management, in my experience, is noticeably improved on the 60Da at ISO 3200 and beyond, producing cleaner files for postprocessing. Keep in mind, however, that astrophotography often requires long exposures and stack processing, where sensor noise and thermal signature play large roles - areas where the 60Da’s specialized sensor excels.

Video and Connectivity: A Clear Division

The 40D predates significant video integration in DSLRs entirely. It lacks video recording capabilities and modern connectivity standards - no HDMI, no microphone inputs, no wireless.

The 60Da introduces 1080p full HD video recording at 29.97 fps and 720p at up to 60 fps with H.264 compression. Its inclusion of a microphone jack reflects the growing importance of DSLR video in 2012. HDMI output adds flexibility for external monitors or live feeds - critical tools for serious hybrid shooters.

Wireless connectivity is limited to Eye-Fi card compatibility (a WiFi-enabled memory card) without Bluetooth or NFC. USB 2.0 ports, though slow by today’s USB-C standards, enable tethered controls for studio applications.

For videographers or hybrid shooters, the 60Da undeniably leaves the 40D behind. For stills-only purists, the 40D’s lack of video might not be a dealbreaker.

Lens Compatibility and Ecosystem

Both models share the Canon EF/EF-S lens mount, granting compatibility with Canon’s vast and mature ecosystem comprising over 320 lenses ranging from ultra-wides to super-telephotos.

With a 1.6x crop factor, subjects appear magnified compared to full frame, which benefits wildlife and sports shooters looking to stretch telephoto reach but imposes constraints for ultra-wide-angle perspectives. Both bodies support IS (image stabilized) lenses, though neither includes in-body stabilization.

Given the 60Da’s astrophotography orientation, pairing it with Canon’s excellent EF lenses like the EF 200mm f/2.8L or specialized astro lenses (Samyang/Rokinon manual focus variants are popular) unlocks stellar capabilities.

The older 40D, meanwhile, fits digital stills smoothly but is less oriented toward live view and video optimized lenses - glaring less in static photography.

Storage, Battery Life and Practical Shooting

The 40D uses Compact Flash (CF) cards (Type I or II), the standard for professional DSLRs of its period. The 60Da opts for the then-emerging SD/SDHC/SDXC cards - a more versatile and user-friendly solution now dominant in the industry.

Battery life is a critical selling point: 800 shots per charge on the 40D (CIPA standard) is respectable, but the 60Da significantly improves this to roughly 1100 shots, reflecting enhancements in power efficiency from newer processors and batteries (LP-E6 model). Astrophotographers especially benefit from longer shooting sessions without frequent battery changes.

Both cameras feature one memory card slot, discouraging professionals who rely on dual-slot redundancy. The 60Da’s remote timer options (including remote control) add flexibility for timed exposures and minimizing vibrations during astrophotography.

Real-World Photography: Strengths Across Genres

Let’s break down the two cameras by their suitability to each major photographic discipline, acknowledging their practical pros and cons:

Portrait Photography

• Canon 40D: The 10MP sensor delivers solid skin tones, though resolution limits large print sizes. Lacks face detection autofocus. Optical viewfinder coverage makes precise composition tricky in tight studio setups.
• Canon 60Da: Better resolution and superior skin tone rendering from improved sensor and color processing. Face detection AF assists root focus. The articulating screen helps with creative compositions.

Recommendation: 60Da is better for portraits due to higher resolution and live view AF features.

Landscape Photography

• 40D: Good dynamic range and reasonable ISO performance at base ISOs. Environmental sealing protects against elements.
• 60Da: Larger sensor area with enhanced dynamic range and color; articulation aids in low-angle or high-angle shots. Higher resolution files allow more cropping flexibility.

Recommendation: 60Da is the more versatile and future-proof choice for landscapes.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

• 40D: Faster burst rate (6.5fps) and reliable phase-detect AF make it more suited for capturing fast action.
• 60Da: Reduced burst to 5fps and no AF tracking limits usefulness for these categories.

Recommendation: 40D takes the edge if fast action capture is the priority.

Street Photography

• 40D: Heavier and noisier in operation; fixed LCD less flexible.
• 60Da: Smaller size, quieter with articulated screen; better ISO sensitivity for dim conditions.

Recommendation: 60Da is more discreet and capable for street shooting.

Macro Photography

• Both cameras rely on lens choice for macro capability. 60Da’s improved live view focus assists manual focus precision at close distances.

Recommendation: Slight advantage to 60Da.

Night and Astrophotography

• 40D’s IR filter limits deep red capture in nebulae.
• 60Da’s specialized sensor dramatically improves hydrogen-alpha sensitivity, critical for astrophotography.

Recommendation: 60Da is the clear choice.

Video Capabilities

• 40D: None.
• 60Da: Full HD 1080p video, microphone input, articulated screen.

Recommendation: 60Da is far superior.

Travel Photography

• 60Da’s lighter weight, articulated screen, and better ISO range support diverse travel scenes better.
• 40D’s bulk works against portability.

Recommendation: 60Da preferred.

Professional Workflows

• 40D: Limited by older USB 2.0 interface and Compact Flash media.
• 60Da: Modern SD card storage, longer battery life, remote control options.

Recommendation: 60Da better integrates into modern workflows.

Canon 40D front Canon 40D screen back Canon 60Da front Canon 60Da screen back

This sample gallery showcases output differences across lighting and subjects, underscoring the 60Da’s higher detail and better low light color reproduction.

Technical Evaluation at a Glance

The scorecard reflects a solid all-round showing for the 60Da with top marks for image quality and versatility, with the 40D still respected for speed and robustness in action scenarios.

Who Should Choose Which?

Choose the Canon EOS 40D if:

• You prioritize shooting speed (e.g., wildlife or sports photography).
• You want a sturdier, more traditional DSLR feel with robust weather resistance.
• You don’t require HD video or advanced live view functions.
• You prefer or already own Compact Flash cards and older lens systems.
• Budget is tight - you can find used 40Ds at very affordable prices.

Choose the Canon EOS 60Da if:

• You’re an astrophotographer or seriously interested in night sky imaging.
• You want higher resolution files for commercial or fine art prints.
• You want a camera with HD video capability and an articulated screen.
• You prefer longer battery life and more modern media storage.
• You seek improved low-light performance and live view autofocus assistance.

Final Thoughts: Balancing Legacy and Specialization

In closing, the Canon EOS 40D remains a venerable senior statesman of Canon’s DSLR history - its speed, durability, and straightforward design still appeal to photographers who need a rugged shooter with respectable image quality. However, it shows its age in ISO performance, video absence, and ergonomics.

The Canon EOS 60Da, while niche in its astrophotography-focused design, is a definitive upgrade technologically. It offers better image resolution, live view enhancements, video features, and specialized sensor tuning that pushes deep-sky photography into the DSLR realm. It’s a camera designed to broaden creative horizons beyond conventional stills shooting.

Neither camera will match today’s mirrorless systems in autofocus sophistication or overall speed, but each has carved out a reliable niche. Depending on your priorities - speed versus image quality and astrophotography capabilities - these cameras can still be strong options for enthusiasts and specialized shooters.

Thank you for reading. If you’re deciding between these two Canons, considering your photographic ambitions against these detailed findings should guide you to the perfect fit. For more hands-on camera reviews and technique tips, stay tuned.

Happy shooting!

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