[Sparky98]

The 40D is my first DSLR and I have only taken about 2K shots since I got it in September so I am not the most experienced voice but I have not had the same experiences with my camera as you.

The sensor cleaning doesn't bother me at all. In fact I just ignore it and let it do it's thing and it doesn't slow me down or cause me any problems. You can turn that feature off and initiate a manual clean on your own schedule if you want to.

Mine has never locked up so I can't relate to that.

My batteries seem to be doing fine so no complaints there.

None of my previous cameras had a vertical shutter release so I still use the same procedure - turn the camera, support it with my left hand, steady it with my right hand on top and take the shot. I guess I don't know what I am missing so I can't really relate to that problem.

My LCD stays greasy but so did the back of my AE-1. When I used the viewfinder on my G3 I always geased up it's LCD also. My nose is not exceptionally large but I have just accepted the fact that the back of the camera is going to get greasy. I find my shirt tail does a good job of removing the grease.

I doubt that I will ever use the Direct Print button so I agree with you there. I wish Canon had made that button programmable.

After having used P&S cameras for the last several years I don't feel constrained by the sensor at all. In fact my world has really opened up since I got the 40D. I wouldn't mind having a 5D for the FF sensor but since I have never shot with a FF sensor I guess I don't know what I am missing. Sometimes ignorance is bliss.

I don't have a problem with the joy stick. For me, it is relatively easy to use but occasionally I do find it a little too sensative and move it in the wrong direction.

I have never had the mode dial move accidentally. It may be the way I place mine in my backpack but I take no pains to protect the mode dial and haven't had a problem yet.

I am very happy with my 40D and find few faults with the camera. It may be because I am such a rookie that I don't notice all the flaws but if I had it to do over again I would still buy the 40D.