Digital Gadgets

Canon launches EOS 30D

Addressing the needs of a wide range of photographers ranging from wedding and portrait specialists to photojournalists and advanced amateurs, Canon’s new EOS 30D Digital SLR redefines the mid-range of the growing DSLR market and achieves new standards of excellence for features, durability, versatility and even affordability.

Canon is pleased to announce the new EOS 30D, replacing the award winning EOS 20D. Retaining the 5fps, 8.2 Megapixel performance of its predecessor, the upgraded camera enjoys a larger, wider viewing angle 2.5in LCD, extended 100,000 shutter cycle durability, spot metering, and a variety of refinements designed to enhance the photographic experience.

Canon also expands its digital SLR lens offerings with new EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM and EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM lenses. Whether tracking the trajectory of a bridal bouquet from its ceremonial over-the-shoulder launch to its unceremonious diving reception, freezing the action on a hot news story or capturing the essence in the eyes of a portrait subject, Canon’s 8.2 megapixel EOS 30D delivers.

The EOS 30D model builds upon the virtues that made the EOS 20D Digital SLR the number one camera in its class virtually from day-one, including Canon’s proprietary 8.2-megapixel APS-C size CMOS sensor, powerful DIGIC II Imaging processor, fast five fps shooting capability and field-tested tough construction. This new EOS 30D Digital SLR takes professional photographers even closer to the upper reaches of Canon’s pro digital SLR line, incorporating input from users and features and innovations from the EOS 5D and even the EOS-1D Mark II N Digital SLRs, at a fraction of their respective prices.

Top lining the improvements that set the EOS 30D Digital SLR apart from its worthy predecessor are:

* 8.2 Megapixel APS-C size CMOS sensor
* 5fps and 30 large JPEG frame burst
* 2.5in/230K pixel LCD screen with 170deg wide viewing angle
* Picture Style image processing parameters
* Spot metering and High Precision 9-point AF system
* DIGIC II image processor with 0.15 sec start-up time
* Digital Photo Professional RAW processing software
* 100,000 cycle shutter durability and rugged magnesium alloy body
* Simultaneous RAW and JPEG recording
* Wide 100-3200 ISO range
* E-TTL II Flash
* PictBridge compatibility
* Complete compatibility with all Canon EF and EF-S lenses and EX-series Speedlites
* USB 2.0 Hi-Speed and Video Out connectivity

Some notable enhancements include a new 2.5-inch 230K color LCD, Canon’s more flexible Picture Style menu, an increased burst depth, and the welcome ability to change the ISO while looking through the viewfinder. Those of you looking for more than a refined 20D will have to wait and see if we get the rumored 10 megapixel 35D announcement before the day is up. More pix after the break. With a street price rumored to be $1399, the newest member of the EOS lineup is nicely priced. The question is, does it offer enough of a feature upgrade for current 20D users? Time will tell.

Increasing the new camera’s flexibility and ease of use, the ISO speed can now be set from 100 to 1600 in 1/3 stop increments, rather than full stops (and can be pushed to 3200 with ISO expansion). What’s more, users can see the ISO setting in the EOS 30D SLR’s viewfinder while changing it (and not simply on the monitor display as on the EOS 20D model), which in turn permits photographers to keep their eyes on their subject.

Recognizing the need for efficient and effective work flow controls - particularly for professional photographers - the EOS 30D Digital Camera has improved folder management, providing manual folder creation and raising the number of images in each folder to 9,999 (from 100 as it was on the EOS 20D model). The unit offers enhanced camera-controlled direct print features and incorporates both direct print and direct download capabilities with the single press of the camera’s print/share button.