As we predicted earlier, Canon today released the Canon EOS 30D. The EOS 30D is best described as a refined 20D.
How disappointing.
This is not the 10 megapixel Nikon D200 killer as was hoped for, but at least they added spot metering –how long have we waited for that?
Rob Galbraith said-
“But, the D200’s higher pixel count, greater burst depth, way-cool wireless flash system support, large viewfinder image, more expansive configuration options, reasonably smooth shutter and really quite nice feel in the hand may make it a more compelling offering to those comparing the two at their local camera store, despite the fact the Nikon will be a few hundred dollars more. For much of what we snap, the 20D is a better choice than the D200, so it’s likely the 30D will be as well. But for many snapers, those who can stick to lower ISO settings and don’t snap much action, the D200 may seem like the more appealing option.”
The EOS 30D features the same 8,19 megapixel CMOS image sensor, multi-layer low-pass optical filter and DIGIC II processing as its predecessor the EOS 20D.
Canon EOS 30D features
* A new 2.5-inch, 230,000 pixel rear LCD monitor with wide viewing angle
* Canon’s more flexible Picture Style menu, which replaces the Parameters menu of the 20D
* Sharpening of in-camera JPEGs can be turned off, which is a first for a Canon entry-level or midrange digital SLR
* ISO 100-1600 is now selectable in 1/3 stop increments
* ISO can be set without taking one’s eye away from the viewfinder
* Increased burst depth: 11 frames for RAW CR2 snapping, 30 for Large Fine JPEG and 9 for RAW+JPEG
* A more-durable shutter that’s rated for 100,000 cycles
* A slightly-shortened mirror blackout time of 110ms; Canon’s specification for shutter lag remains the same as the 20D at 65ms
* Viewfinder information now includes a dedicated Flash Exposure Lock (FEL) indicator
* Switchable High-Speed Continuous (5 fps) and Low-Speed Continuous (3 fps) frame rate settings are now included
* An Auto setting in the Long Exposure Noise Reduction Custom Function
* The ability, like several more-pricey Canon digital SLRs, to simultaneously apply long exposure noise processing to one picture while capturing another
* The addition of a 3.5% spot metering mode
* 0.15 second camera startup time
* A more-precise 4-increment battery charge indicator
* Reduced energy compensation, for a promised improvement of 10% more frames per charge
* No more new folders created every 100 photos; in the 30D, a folder can hold 9999 photos
* A new automatic rotation option that enables verticals to not be rotated on the rear display but appear rotated in compatible browser software on the computer
* The ability to zoom in on a photo in Quick Review mode
* During playback, the image+snapping data screen will display either an RGB or Brightness histogram, file size and will optionally display AF markings
* Improved Jump function
* Refined multicontroller operation
* More-detailed error code information, which now appears on the rear LCD monitor (in addition to the top LCD panel); the camera settings information screen will also display Images Failed to Transfer when the WFT-E1/E1A is in use and a transmit error occurs
* More ways to wake the camera up from an Auto Power Off snooze
* Direct image transfer from the camera to a computer using the PTP protocol
* A revamped software package that includes Digital Photo Professional (DPP) 2.1, EOS Utility 1.0 (a new image transfer, camera settings and camera control application), Image Browser 5.6 (Mac) and ZoomBrowser EX 5.6 (Windows); DPP adds user-settable noise reduction and support for RAW files from the Canon EOS D2000 and D6000
* New and potentially useful direct printing capabilities (plus a dedicated direct print/image transfer button)
The Canon EOS 30D will start shipping in March 2006, at an expected manufacturer’s retail price of US $ 1.399.
That piece of glass sure looks nice though.
Update
The Imaging Resource has a short Q&A on the Canon 30D.
“Tuesday’s launch of the Canon EOS 30D was well-received by most readers, but there are a few who were surprised that the replacement to the 20D didn’t include a higher resolution sensor.
… I managed to get hold of Chuck Westfall, Canon USA’s Director of Media and Customer Relationship, to ask him a few questions on the subject.”
11 users commented in " The Canon 30D has Arrived! "
Follow-up comment rss or Leave a TrackbackIs anyone out there going to upgrade to this model?
Are you disappointed with this announcement?
What’s on your mind?
Disappointed. This is simple stuff (except the LCD technology) that they could have put on the first 20D… the most useful feature is the bigger buffer.
BUT. It does suggest the megapixel war is over with the lines being drawn around 8mp, 10mp, 16mp.
Agreed. The megapixel war needed to end.
I think it’s a great camera, there was just so much more expected from the hordes.
I really have to hand it to Nikon who is clearly the underdog, for executing better.
Very Disapointed!!!
Its a great camera, but I’ll be keeping my 20d.
I don’t care about the new gadgets, just wan’t good pictures. And as I see it, pictures will be the same as my 20d.
On the upside, I have 2000$ cad to spend, what should I buy?
I’m not sure what universe Rob is living in. The D200’s AF is significantly better than the 20D’s or the 5D’s particularly in low-light. I’ve tested this in light much lower than a high school gym. He was likely very familiar with the 20D’s focusing system, and not at all with the new system in the D200.
Not a bad camera but, I’m hanging onto my 300D. For now it does what I need it to do.
well honestly, i was waiting for this camera. and I think 10MP was about right. they screwed up this camera. and the d200 may hit the spot now. NIKON looks like they planned it right, Canon is going to lose some sales. including me
I think you’re right Mitch. The folks at Nikon must be jumping up and down with glee today.
After all that speculation this shows a lack of imagination at Canon. Maybe they’re all tuckered out from the from the effort made for the 5D. As a happy 20D owner I take this as a confirmation that the 20D is indeed a fine camera for its price range.
I held off for the D200 as the 20D just seemed over-priced and dated and the D70 a little dinky. The 5D is under-spec’d for the $$ even with a FF sensor. The D200 came out and it was everything and more that I had wanted…expect for all the hysteria about banding. This glitch raised questions and made me wait to see what Canon would come up with as a response to the D200. And this is it? This is all that they can come up with. Well, thank goodness for the D200. The banding issue, as I can vouch, was a glitch and know several people with new D200’s that all produce some of the most spectacular quality images I have seen produced from a DSLR; and with no banding at all. So I am happy knowing I am not missing out on anything what-so-ever by purchasing the D200.
An oppurtunity missed by Canon. But what could they do to match the D200, at it’s price and given it’s quality and features, without effecting 5D sales?
Well I got burned with a 10D … talk about how to lose money fast when the 20D came out
under half the price that I paid and the 30D is even cheaper. Not only that I can’t
keep up with the numbering system that Canon seems to have embarked on .. the 10D
you would think was more feature packed than the 30D or the 20D but no .. it is
an outdated underrated camera that was grossley overpriced. Personally, I feel
like I should have bought the Fuji. Just a shame that I had so much Canon gear.
I will probably upgrade to the 30D - I can’t lose the money like I did with my 10D.
That is what worries me with the 5D … they will bring something out between the 5D
and the 30D to offset the D200 because nikon has the drop on them. The 30D should
have gone to 10mp but Canon don’t seem to have a plan at the moment from what I
can see. The 10D is not the sharpest camera on the block. Make a good anchor
only not heavy enough. Canon shot themselves in the foot when they put the 20D
on the market at such a low price, and then putting out the 300 fully features
for under $2000 and then the 350D. They screwed up the market and the pricing.
So my little Tamron 28-300 is a great little lens and for a quarter of the
price of the Canon … so I wont be getting burnt on that one. Gives outstanding
results. Great portrait lens. I tell you that because I am a disgruntled Canon
owner .. have been since 1974 and what a mistake I made in going this way again.