Feeling the heat from Nikon, Canon has launched two new digital SLR cameras – EOS40D and the EOS-1Ds Mark III.

The EOS40D is aimed at the amateur and semi-professional.

 Highlights of the EOS40D include:

* 10.1 MP APS-C CMOS sensor
* 6.5fps, 75 JPEG image burst
* High precision wide area AF
* 3.0″ LCD with Live View mode
* DIGIC III processor
* EOS Integrated Cleaning System
* Picture Style
* Magnesium alloy body
* Compatibility with all EF/EF-S lenses and EX Speedlites

The EOS40D is expected to cost $1,300 (body only). 

Canon also rolled out the EOS-1Ds Mark III, an upgrade to the high-end EOS-1D Mark III.

The EOS-1Ds Mark III for the pros comes with a whopping 21 Megapixels and has a weather sealed magnesium alloy body.

Other highlights of the EOS-1Ds Mark III include:

* 5 fps continuous shooting for up to 56 frames
* Dual “DIGIC III” processors
* Highlight Tone Priority
* Auto focus system with 19 cross type sensors and 26 focus assist points
* EOS Integrated Cleaning System
* ISO 100-1600 (expandable to L:50 H:3200)
* 3.0” 230K pixel LCD with Live View mode
* Redesigned viewfinder now wider and brighter

The EOS-1Ds Mark III will go for $8,000. 

Along with the two DSLRs, Canon also launched two new EF-S lenses – EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS and the EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS. Both lenses include a 4-stop Image Stabilizer.

As for us, we’ll stick to our nice little Nikon D80 for the moment.