The EOS 40D replaces the 30D, which itself replaced Canon's mid-range 20D model. These were all pitched above the basic entry-level 300D/350D/400D series, with metal build, faster continuous shooting and more advanced controls.

But something odd happened with the 30D. It was a semi-pro camera with an 8MP sensor when the cheaper model in the range - the 400D - had 10 million pixels. Canon's put that right with the EOS 40D, but the improvements in this camera go far beyond a simple sensor upgrade.

First, there's the obvious. The 40D has a huge 3in LCD that makes examining saved pictures and showing them to others much easier. It also has a Live View mode, where you can compose the shot on the LCD rather than the viewfinder.

Inside, Canon's latest DIGIC 3 processor offers 14bit data for improved tonal rendition, better power consumption (Canon quotes a battery life of 800 shots) and a 0.15 second start-up time.

The continuous shooting speed goes up, too. It was impressive enough in the old model, but the 40D can now shoot at 6.5fps. This is twice the speed that other cameras in this price bracket can manage and the Canon can keep it up for 75 JPEGs or 17 RAW files.

The 40D has the same 'integrated cleaning system' now appearing on all EOS SLRs and a Highlight Tone Priority mode, which attempts to tackle that bugbear of digital sensors - blown-out highlights.

Apart from the shooting speed, the 40D doesn't necessarily appear to do much more than other 10-megapixel SLRs costing a lot less money. Much of its appeal, though, is in its construction, design and build quality - the magnesium alloy chassis is a step up from the plastic construction of cheaper cameras.

It's a little bigger than the current crop of entry-level SLRs, too and this makes it easier to hold. In addition, it shares the control layout of higher-end EOS cameras, which is based around a trio of dual-function buttons on the top plate and two control wheels - one at the front at the top of the grip and a large, spinning dial on the rear of the camera.

On the top of the camera is a mono status LCD - cheaper cameras usually display this information on the main LCD, which some users may find annoying. However, when compared with the 400D, the 40D isn't necessarily better.

The 400D's information display is superb, while the 40D's is harder to see if you choose to display it on the main LCD instead. In some ways, the great design of the low-cost 400D has rather shown up some shortcomings in the more expensive model's layout.

And the rear control dial does take up the space normally reserved for a four-way controller. These four-way functions (mostly for menu navigation) are taken care of by a small thumbstick and while this does feel more positive than most, it's still not as good as a decent navipad.

A few negative remarks, then, but this is only in comparison to the little 400D, which has such an excellent control layout and user interface - the longer you use it, the more you appreciate it. Generally, the 40D's controls are very good, including their 'feel', their layout and their accessibility. For keen photographers who've advanced beyond the basics, it'll prove a significant step forward over an 'amateur' camera.