I was feeling a bit fed up today, and having read a lot of positive things about the new Canon EOS 40D, thought that I’d pop into town to see if I could have a play with one.

Jessops in central Reading had a couple still in stock and let me have a play around with one.

I wanted to get the 30D instead of the 400D last year, but as I needed lenses, couldn’t justify the extra cost, and I have been waiting for the much rumoured 40D ever since.

All I can say is “I Want One Now” and if the money had been in the bank today, I’d have walked out with one.

The focussing is incredibly swift, its really comfortable to hold without resorting to the additional battery grip (unlike the 400D), and the Live View function that allows you to compose using the rear LCD screen is certainly impressive, though how often I would use it is debatable.

Its quite a bit bigger and heavier than the 400D, so I would probably keep hold of my current camera as a bacjup when travelling, but my mind is made up and the money is spent before its even in the bank.

Its very expensive compared to the now heavily discounted 30D at £839 body only street price or £799 online price, so I think that I’ll hold off until the new year so that there is time to work out any early issues, and see what the price is doing then.