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You knew that Canon would do this, right? Hard on the heels of the release of the EOS 5D, The Camera Company That Never Sleeps has come out with the EOS 30D ($1,400 street), an updated version of the highly popular EOS 20D.
Perhaps “refreshed” is a more accurate term for the new camera, which has the same 8MP capture and processor of the 20D (reviewed January 2005). Here’s what’s new or improved on the 30D:
• The rear LCD monitor has been boosted to 2.5 inches, from 1.8 inches on the 20D.
• The shutter mechanism is beefed up, now rated for 100,000 cycles. (The 20D’s projected shutter life was unspecified.)
• A true spotmeter (3.5 percent of the frame) has been added to the selection of evaluative, centerweighted, and 9-percent limited-area meter of the 20D.
• Startup time has been shortened to 0.15 sec from 0.2 sec, and the maximum number of frames in the high-speed 5 fps burst is 30 highest-quality JPEGs or 10 RAW files (up from the 23/6 maximum of the 20D).
• Error messages are now diagnostic, and in some cases will suggest a fix, such as to take out and replace the battery.
• A direct-print button (à la EOS 5D) has been added to the back.
• Also from the 5D, a selection of different Picture Styles
(Faithful, Portrait, Landscape, etc.) lets users specify color/contrast/sharpness presets.
• ISO can be set in 1⁄3-EV increments.
• The file management allows a single folder to hold up to 9,999 images, quite a step up from the 20D’s limit of 100.
• An RGB histogram shows exposure levels of individual color channels, not just overall levels.
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While the big LCD monitor may be the most obvious change, upgrades such as the strengthened shutter, tighter spotmeter, and bigger picture folders show that the 20D has truly been accepted as a professional tool. The 30D is backward compatible with 20D accessories, like batteries, grips, remote switches, and power cords.
Handling of the camera is virtually unchanged. The size went up 2mm (just over 1⁄16-inch) in depth, and weight by about 20 grams (less than 0.75 ounces). What’s missing? We wish Canon DSLRs came with a built-in trigger for wireless TTL flash—like several less-expensive DSLR bodies from other companies. Instead, you will need to buy a Canon Speedlite transmitter ST-E2 ($210 street). The D30 is fully compatible with the E-TTL II automation of current Canon Speedlites.
Is there a price increase? No. In fact, the announced prices, $1,400 (body only), or $1,500 with the 18–55mm f/3.5–5.6 EF-S kit lens, are $100 less than the 20D when it came out. Should you trade in your perfectly good 20D for a 30D? Since image quality should be the same for both, no. But if you’re upgrading from an older EOS model, or in the market for a brand new DSLR, the 30D may be an attractive option.
Vital Statistics
Imaging: 8.25MP (effective) CMOS sensor captures 8.19MP images (3504x2336 pixels) with 12 bits/color in RAW mode. Storage: CF Type I and II cards including Microdrives. Stores JPEG, RAW, and RAW + JPEG. Burst rate: At 5 fps, up to 30 JPEG or 10 RAW. AF system: 9 selectable AF points in a diamond pattern. One-Shot AF, Predictive AI Servo AF, and AI Focus AF (autoselects between one-shot and predictive). Sensitivity EV 1–20 (ISO 100). Shutter speeds: 30–1/8000 sec (1⁄3-EV increments). Metering: TTL 35-zone SPC. Evaluative metering linkable to all AF points, centerweighted averaging, limited-area (approx. 9% of frame), and spotmetering (approx. 3.5%). EV 1–20 (ISO 100). ISO range: 100–1600 in 1⁄3-EV increments, expandable to ISO 3200. Flash: Supports E-TTL II autoflash with EX-series Speedlites, X-sync at 1/250 sec. Viewfinder: Eye-level fixed pentaprism with approx. 95% accuracy and 0.90X magnification. LCD: 2.5-in. TFT with 230,000-pixel resolution. Output: Hi-Speed USB 2.0; video. Battery: Rechargeable Li-ion BP-511A. CIPA battery life rating: Approx. 500 shots, 50% with flash. Size/weight: 5.7x4.2x2.9-in., 1.6 lb. with battery. Street price: $1,400. For info: www.usa.canon.com; 800-652-2666.
NEW & NOTEWORTHY
• Big 2.5-inch LCD monitor.
• True spotmetering added.
• Additional image controls.
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