Canon EOS 30D, Digital SLR Camera

Canon’s 8 megapixel EOS 20D has been replace by the new Canon EOS 30D, but some will be upset to learn the new model adopts the same 8.2 CMOS sensor originally designed for its predecessor. That aside, the new model has been brought into line with Canon’s other recent release, namely the 12.8MP full-frame EOS 5D and 8.2MP EOS 1D MkII N. All three now feature a detailed 230K pixel 2.5in screen, spot metering and Canon’s intuitive Picture Styles for predictable in-camera image processing. Somewhere else, the 30D has seen numerous tweaks including a more durable shutter device, capable of 100,000 releases, as well as subtly remodeled magnesium alloy body.

The EOS 30D uses the similar 9-point AF system that’s used in the EOS 20D. I couldn’t really detect any differentiation between the AF of the EOS 30D and EOS 20D in normal operation. The shutter of the EOS 30D is rated by Canon for 100,000 cycles. Shutter lag time is specified at 65ms, the same as that of the EOS 20D.

Through better power management Canon says there should be about a 10% increase in shooting capacity over the EOS 20D. Canons own numbers predict that a fully charged battery should give 1,100 images at 68F with flash off, or 900 images at 32F. The Canon EOS 30D has an auto noise reduction function. It looks at the noise in images with 1-30 second exposure and only applies the long exposure noise reduction algorithm if the camera thinks it’s needed. Since noise reduction needs a second exposure of equal length, skipping this step can significantly speed up shooting when the noise reduction isn’t needed.

Most direct printing functions can be accessed via the “set” button in the center of the rear command dial, so the real need for a dedicated “print” button seems questionable.

The LCD is now 2.5″ (diagonal), the same size as the LCD of the EOS 5D. All in all it’s very worthwhile improvement over the 1.8″ LCD of the EOS 20D.