I have a new Cannon EOS 40D the monitor works, all menu options work and I can preview all pictures taken, however the focusing screen will not come on. I am new to digital photography. I am not sure if I am missing something c and am sticamera operations or if there is a defect with the camera. Any tips will be appreciated. Bill

In the menu's you can choose how long you want to view the picture you just took. Settings are off / 2 sec. / 4 sec. / 8 sec. / always on.
I suggest you try everything but off, and it could be exact what you want.
It is the first menu (with the camera pict) fifth row.

Cannon is notorious for their auto focus and automatic setting to be very discriminant. If you are to close to your subject while in these settings granted your strobe will fire and your flash may flip into position but the shutter just wont work. Cannon is trying to tell you you are too close. You need to back up. If you are trying to get that close up and don't have the proper lens that's all you are going to get.
It is best to go long lens then go for your close up.

I'm sorry to tell you this but you do NOT have anything set wrong. To test my theory turn your camera to full auto. Next make sure your switch on the lens is set to auto. Then just try taking some shots of some objects across the room. If that doesn't allow you to take pictures do the exact same test with a different lens. That way you've taken the lens out of the equation. Sorry I couldn't give you a better answer but I'm pretty sure you'll need to return the camera to cannon.

You need to enable the "live view" mode in the menu, then "set" live view as needed. When you are in this mode the shutter is open and the lens is flipped up to allow the image to hit the sensor and then to your preview screen. Because of this, the camera can't auto-focus, but there is an over-ride mode.

You may find the "video user's manual" links on this page useful to help you find and understand all the functions of your 40D.

This is normal for this camera. Think about it. The CMOS chip can't see through the mirror. After the shot is taken the electronic shutter exposes the CMOS chip and makes an image just like exposing film on a film type camera. Once you get used to it you may like it better. In outdoor or bright light situations it's difficult to view the LCD screen to frame the shot anyway.

Sounds like a software issue, try to upgrade or reload the firmware.

I hope it helps :)

Try getting a card reader, they are cheap. It sounds like the software is having a problem communicating.

I think this might be a firmware issue.www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelInfoAct&fcategoryid=139&modelid=17779#DownloadDetailAct
Here is a link to Canon's website for your 40D there you will find the latest firmware version for your camera. Version 2.0.0 which includes 1.0.8 . In 1.0.8 item #3 in the list of changes it states repairs a phenomenon where reviewed images appear unnatural.

The camera is a Single Lens Reflex (SLR). It is not possible to use the LCD display as a viewfinder. See Canon's answer here: CanonUSA

Your camera works just like a film camera SLR,. You use the eyepiece to frame and focus your picture. The LCD screen is for reviewing pictures taken or menu operations. You cannot preview a shot on screen before it is taken with the camera.