Canon EOS 40D v Nikon D40x

[d22]

I am looking at a canon or nikon camera and see on the specs for the canon 40D "Multi-BASIS TTL, 9 focus points (diamond shape, cross-type)"

1. Are both these cameras equipped with "focus points" and do they help get the picture into focus?

2. How do focus point assist getting the perfect pic (now this sounds obvious) but my olympus doesn't appear to have any so why not?

3. Do "focus points" only work in settings such as Centre weighted and those other ones I never remember?

Thanks
Dean

[ziggy53]

Hi Dean,

All you wanted to know about autofocus:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autofocus

All you wanted to know about auto-exposure and in-camera metering systems:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metering_mode

[Sprout Crumble]

Sorry to be so blunt, but the D40x isn't remotely in the same league as the 40D. The D200 is Nikons closest match cost and spec-wise. Thats come right down in price recently so a decent deal.
I'm a little biased though and consider the 40D the best price/performance balance on the market today.

[Dusty Sensiba]

The D40x is more in the class of Canon's Digital Rebel XTi.

The 40D is also significantly larger. Go to a camera shop or
Best Buy or something and try them out. You'll see right away
why the 40D costs twice as much.

[Glenn NK]

What the last two said (Dusty and Sprout).

One is a Miata, the other an M3.:rofl

[evoryware]

maybe he meant 400D? :dunno