Canon 40D vs Sony A99 II: A Hands-On Comparison for Enthusiasts and Pros

When it comes to choosing your next camera, the landscape is packed with countless options spanning decades of innovation. Today we’re taking a closer, no-nonsense look at two very different beasts: the Canon EOS 40D, a tried-and-true mid-2000s workhorse, and the more recent Sony Alpha A99 II, a heavyweight contender in the advanced DSLR arena. Completing this deep dive, I’ll share insights from extensive hands-on testing, so you get a clear idea what each model brings to the table - beyond just raw specs.

Canon 40D (left) and Sony A99 II (right) - note the subtle size and ergonomic differences.

Designing for the Photographer: Handling, Size, and Control

The Canon 40D was a solid step forward when it launched in 2007, targeting dedicated amateurs and semi-pros craving speed and reliability in a relatively compact body. It weighs 822 grams, with dimensions roughly 146×108×74mm, giving it a sturdy but manageable heft in hand.

The Sony A99 II, introduced almost a decade later, tips the scales slightly heavier at 849 grams and measures 143×104×76mm. This full-frame camera manages to stay surprisingly ergonomic despite a beefed-up feature list. Its fully articulated 3-inch screen, boasting 1229k dots in resolution, invites compositional freedom for challenging angles - something sorely missing in the fixed 230k-dot Canon 40D screen.

Top view comparison highlights Sony’s more modern control layout and polished interface, versus the Canon’s simpler, functional design.

Canon’s 40D uses a traditional DSLR control scheme, with a cluster of physical dials, buttons, and a classic optical pentaprism viewfinder covering 95% of the scene (with 0.6x magnification). The Sony advances this with a high-resolution electronic viewfinder at 100% coverage and 0.78x magnification, which is a massive usability upgrade, especially in low light or tricky lighting conditions.

If you’re coming from a Canon DSLR background, the 40D’s controls might feel like old reliable clubs for your thumbs - reliable and intuitive. But Sony’s setup, while initially more complex, rewards persistence with customizable buttons and smoother menu navigation via its Bionz X processor.

Sensor and Image Quality: A Tale of Two Eras

Sensor technology is where these cameras reveal their starkest differences.

Sensor size and specs reveal why Sony’s full-frame sensor dramatically outperforms Canon’s APS-C sensor.

The Canon 40D sports a 10.1MP APS-C CMOS sensor measuring 22.2×14.8mm. This sensor was respectable in its day, delivering good sharpness and credible color depth (22.1 bits as per DxO), but it tops out at ISO 1600 natively - albeit boostable to 3200 with increasing noise.

Contrast that with the Sony A99 II’s 42.4MP full-frame backside-illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor measuring a whopping 35.9×24mm. Its design ushers in vastly superior color depth (25.4 bits) and dynamic range (13.4 stops), with native ISO capabilities from 100 to 25600, expandable up to 102400 for ultra-low-light scenarios. In my testing, this means you get cleaner, more detailed landscapes, smoother gradients in skies, and more forgiving highlights when shooting portraits.

Autofocus and Speed: Tracking Action vs Precision Focus

Autofocus systems remain make-or-break for certain genres - wildlife, sports, and fast-paced environments need the right tech under the hood.

The Canon 40D has a 9-point phase-detection AF system, capable of single-point AF and multi-area AF modes. However, it lacks face or eye-detection and autofocus tracking, meaning continuous autofocus performance during action shots can feel like you’re dragging through treacle, especially when compared to modern standards.

Meanwhile, the Sony A99 II unleashes a remarkable hybrid autofocus system with 399 phase-detect AF points and 79 cross-type sensor points, covering nearly the entire frame. It supports continuous AF tracking, face detection, and offers impressive subject recognition.

This blend was evident in my wildlife shoots - the Sony handled erratic bird flight with aplomb at 12 fps burst rates, whereas the Canon struggled to maintain focus beyond the initial frame at a more modest 6.5 fps. Sports photographers seeking to capture decisive moments will notice the Sony’s advanced AF pays dividends under tricky motion.

Diverse Photography Niches: How They Measure Up in Real Scenarios

Portraits: Skin Tones, Bokeh, and Eye Detection

Portraiture benefits immensely from sensor resolution and autofocus finesse.

Though Canon’s APS-C format yields a decent crop factor of 1.6x (helpful if you want a tighter framing with a moderate lens), its 10MP resolution can limit large print sizes or heavy cropping post-capture. Its lack of eye-detection AF means you’ll manually finesse focus pretty often, especially in tight headshots.

The Sony A99 II’s full-frame sensor and 42MP resolution deliver exceptionally fine detail and fantastic color rendition, preserving subtle skin texture nuances. Crucially, its eye-detection AF nails sharp focus on eyes consistently - a feature that dramatically boosts keeper rates during shootouts.

Bokeh (background blur) quality on the Sony also stands out, helped by access to a range of high-quality full-frame lenses specifically designed for creamy out-of-focus areas.

Landscapes: Dynamic Range and Weather Sealing

Landscape photographers prize dynamic range and durability.

With 11.3 stops of dynamic range, the Canon 40D is competent for basic scenes but not a master when it comes to recovering shadow detail or preserving highlight information on trickier high-contrast scenes. Its moderate sensor resolution also limits panorama cropping or large prints.

Sony’s A99 II shines thanks to a broader 13.4-stop range paired with a higher pixel count, enabling large-format prints with minimal noise even at low ISOs. Both cameras feature environmental sealing, but neither is waterproof - so additional rain protection is recommended.

Wildlife: Burst Rates and Telephoto Potential

Wildlife demands versatility and speed.

The Sony delivers a blistering 12 fps burst on continuous AF with real-time tracking. Plus, with a full-frame sensor, compatible long tele lenses can operate at their native focal lengths - providing image compression and background separation impossible on cropped formats. The Canon 40D’s 6.5 fps is decent for its era, but limited AF points and no subject tracking restrict action shots.

Sports: Accuracy Under Pressure

Sports shooters need pinpoint focus accuracy and speed.

Sony’s 399-point system excels with rapid autofocus adjustments, essential to follow athletes in unpredictable motion. The higher burst rate also means less risk of missed moments. Canon’s 40D performs respectably at 6.5 fps but lacks the sophisticated AF tracking needed for fast sports like basketball or motorsport.

Street Photography: Weight, Discreetness, Usability

Street shooters often prefer light, compact setups with quick response.

Canon’s 40D, despite being older, is slightly smaller and less conspicuous than the Sony A99 II. However, the Canon’s optical viewfinder lacks coverage and magnification compared to Sony’s electronic option, which also offers focus peaking and real-time image review - handy for candid work.

Still, Sony’s fully articulated screen can prove challenging for stealthy shooting, occasionally drawing attention.

Macro: Magnification and Stabilization

For macro work, lens selection and stabilization are key.

Canon’s EF and EF-S lens lineup (326 lenses available) includes numerous macro options. While it lacks in-body image stabilization (IBIS), stabilization is often lens-dependent.

Sony’s A99 II has sensor-based 5-axis stabilization, a serious advantage when shooting hand-held macro, helping get tack-sharp focus and reducing shutter shake. However, with 143 native A-mount lenses, Sony’s options for dedicated macro lenses are narrower than Canon’s extensive ecosystem.

Night & Astro: High ISO and Exposure Control

When the sun sets, sensor performance matters.

The 40D’s top ISO 1600 (boostable to 3200) is limiting, with noise noticeable beyond ISO 800 in my tests. The A99 II, with ISO reaching 25600 natively and up to 102400 expanded, delivers cleaner night skies and star fields.

The Sony also supports advanced exposure modes suitable for astro photography, making it a strong candidate for long-exposure star trails and milky way shots.

Video: Recording Specs and Audio

Video is rarely the 40D’s strong suit, as it lacks any video recording capability.

The Sony A99 II records 4K UHD video at 30p or Full HD at high bitrates, supports external microphones and headphones, and offers versatile video profiles - giving content creators serious tools out-of-the-box.

User Interface and Screen Comparisons

Sony’s articulated, high-res screen vs Canon’s fixed, lower-res LCD.

The 40D has a fixed 3-inch monitor with 230k dots, suitable for basic framing and menu navigation, but less comfortable for critical focus checks.

Sony’s 3-inch, fully articulated display with over five times the resolution offers tilt and swivel options great for unconventional angles or vlogging setups.

Despite lacking touchscreen functionality, the Sony interface is more modern, responsive, and packed with customizable menus, making it suitable for pros who tweak settings incessantly.

Storage, Connectivity, and Battery Life

The Canon 40D uses a single CompactFlash slot, typical for its time. Battery life is impressive at about 800 shots per charge, making it suitable for long days in the field.

Sony A99 II offers dual card slots (SD and Memory Stick variants), advantageous for professional workflows needing instant backups or overflow storage. However, its battery life rated around 490 shots per charge is noticeably lower, so carrying spares is smart.

Connectivity-wise, the 40D offers no wireless features, while Sony embeds Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC for remote control and fast image transfers - a must-have for today’s digital workflows.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance

Both cameras feature environmental sealing, including dust and moisture resistance - allowing use in challenging weather when paired with compatible lenses.

However, neither is fully waterproof, shockproof, or freezeproof, so appropriate caution and protection remain essential for extreme adventures.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

One big advantage for Canon is sheer lens availability - over 320 EF and EF-S lenses, from affordable primes to exotic tilt-shifts.

Sony’s A99 II uses the A-mount, inherited from Minolta, a smaller but decent pool of 143 lenses. Adapters exist for Sony’s newer E-mount lenses, but native A-mount support remains limited, affecting lens choices and upgrades.

Pricing and Value: Investment Considerations

The Canon 40D can be found for very affordable prices on used markets - sometimes under $300, making it a budget-friendly entry point to serious DSLR photography.

The Sony A99 II, originally priced at $3200+, remains a substantial investment, reflecting its professional-grade sensor, AF sophistication, and video capabilities.

If you’re a cheapskate or wallpapering your wall with family portraits, the 40D provides solid value. But if you earn your living from images or crave cutting-edge tech, the Sony justifies its price tag.

Canon 40D front Canon 40D screen back Sony A99 II front Sony A99 II screen back

Performance Scores: Objective Analysis from Testing

Breaking down DxO Mark metrics, the A99 II’s superior color depth, dynamic range, and low-light ISO are clear winners. This aligns with experiential findings - Sony’s advantage is substantial.

Specialized Scores by Photography Genre

Even considering the age difference, Sony’s advances deliver across a broad spectrum of types from fast action to fine art, whereas Canon’s 40D remains viable mainly for controlled environments and lower-paced shooting.

Pros and Cons Summary

Canon EOS 40D

Pros:

• Affordable, readily available used gear
• Lightweight and ergonomic for its generation
• Solid build with weather sealing
• Excellent battery life (~800 shots)
• Extensive and affordable lens ecosystem

Cons:

• Limited 10MP resolution and APS-C sensor constraints
• Modest ISO ceiling and dynamic range
• No video recording
• Dated AF system without tracking or eye detection
• Lower resolution, fixed rear LCD
• No wireless connectivity

Sony Alpha A99 II

Pros:

• Robust 42MP full-frame BSI sensor, excellent image quality
• 399-point hybrid AF with continuous tracking and eye detection
• Fast 12 fps burst rate for action shooters
• Sensor-based 5-axis stabilization
• 4K video with microphone/headphone ports
• Articulated high-res screen and electronic viewfinder
• Built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC
• Dual memory card slots for redundancy

Cons:

• Much more expensive; significant initial investment
• Heavier and slightly bulkier
• Limited native lens selection compared to Canon FDSLR ecosystem
• Shorter battery life (490 shots average)

Who Should Choose Which?

If you’re a photography enthusiast starting your DSLR journey on a tight budget or someone who wants a reliable backup camera for general use, the Canon 40D still holds solid ground, especially if you already own Canon glass. It’s also a great candidate for classroom learning or casual shooting where cutting-edge tech is less critical.

For pros and serious enthusiasts who demand top-tier image quality, AF speed, and video versatility in a mid-size DSLR form, the Sony A99 II is one of the strongest contenders. Its sensor performance and features justify the price, especially for commercial, wildlife, or event photography where every frame counts.

Final Thoughts: Making Your Decision Count

Having tested thousands of cameras, there’s one truth I always emphasize - the best camera is the one that matches your style, budget, and workflow. The Canon 40D remains a testament to Canon’s reliable engineering and offers a compelling bargain for dedicated amateurs who can live without bells and whistles.

However, for those requiring modern autofocus, superior resolution, advanced video, and a future-proofed system, the Sony A99 II’s immense capabilities paint a clear winner.

I hope this comparison gives you clarity for your next step - whether that’s taking a leap into cutting-edge imaging technology or making the most of a classic steady performer.

Happy shooting!

For detailed sample galleries, extended autofocus testing videos, and side-by-side RAW image downloads, stay tuned to my blog.