The EOS 40D since I have already briefly after its launch, have so much experience in dealing with it.
I think the 40D is a great camera, which is pretty much met all requirements of an amateur. The resolution is very fine and perfectly adequate, the rate (about 6 frames / second) will help me for example when photographing fast insects very, "to make" the right picture. Also the auto focus is great and compared to my previous 20D much more precise and reliable even in low light (9 cross-type sensors goodness).
About further technical details, I do not want to leave me, you can read about all too well. Justify I have but of course, the 1 star deduction.
This has 2 reasons:
1. The camera has (unfortunately like every other Canon DSLR currently) no rotating or swiveling display. Especially with macro shots could an old man like me use this very well, because of health reasons I come from niedirigen postures very difficult back up. Unfortunately, Canon has this plea has not been answered, unlike some other manufacturers.
2. When I left as a precaution always adjust the camera and lenses at Autofouks of reliable Canon workshop, I learned that the camera had a "slight front focus" (quote), as "all 40D".
I think that's simply unacceptable for a quite expensive and modern camera case one of the leading manufacturers. Of course, free and quickly under warranty (1 year) has been corrected, but something should not happen.
Apart from these minor criticisms probably no amateur photographer needs a lot more than can offer this DSLR.
