|
Top Canon EOS 30D Camera Reviews
Lets Go Digital reviewed the
Canon EOS 30D
and said: "The image quality was already good, but assets such
as Picture Styles give it that little extra surplus value where
the image is concerned. To top it off, the retail price is lower
than the introduction price of the Canon EOS 20D. Taking all of
this into consideration, we advise you not to preoccupy yourself
solely with the amount of Megapixels and arrays of setting
possibilities. It has already been mentioned here and there: the
Megapixels race is over and, in our opinion; it is time to focus
on internal issues concerning the image quality."
DPreview wrote a review of the
Canon EOS 30D
and said: "We have to consider every camera as a whole, the sum
of its parts. Compare it to the competition and it's clear that
the 30D really can hold its own. The primary competition coming
from Nikon's excellent D200, a camera which in many ways betters
the EOS 30D, user interface, features and flexibility are all a
step up."
DC Resource reviews the
Canon EOS 30D
and said: "Photo quality was excellent on this 8.2 Megapixel
camera. Photos were well-exposed, with accurate colors, very low
noise levels (even at high ISO sensitivities), and minimal
purple fringing. As is the case with most D-SLRs, photos are on
the soft side straight out of the camera, and you can compensate
for this by increasing the in-camera sharpening a bit. One
thing that really got nailed home during my time with the 30D is
how important lens quality is. I bought the Canon 17 - 85 EF-S
lens a few months back, and have been less than thrilled with
its sharpness."
Cnet wrote a review on the
Canon EOS 30D
and said: "Among the few key enhancements to the 30D, Canon has
upped the number of sequential frames that you can capture in
continuous-shooting mode to 30 JPEG or 11 raw shots, from 23 or
6, respectively; however the 5fps rate remains. In practice,
however, it typically delivered 14 raw shots until the buffer
slowed it down, as well as essentially an unlimited number of
highest-quality JPEG shots, albeit at a clip of 3.5fps.
Generally, unless you're shooting very fast action such as car
racing, that kind of burst-shooting performance should suffice."
Canon EOS 30D News Release Summary:
LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., February 21, 2006—Addressing the needs of a
wide assortment 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
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 (at five frames per second (fps), of course), or
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 digital SLR delivers.
In stores beginning in mid-March—ideal timing for photographers
gearing up for the imminent onslaught of spring weddings—the
Canon EOS 30D Digital SLR carries a suggested, body-only selling
price of $1,3991, ($100 less than the EOS 20D digital camera at
its announcement). The EOS 30D Digital SLR will also be
available in kit form with an EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 II zoom
lens for an estimated selling price of $1,4991.
"We recognize the enormous potential of the advanced amateur
digital SLR market," stated Yukiaki Hashimoto, senior vice
president and general manager of the Consumer Imaging Group at
Canon U.S.A., Inc. "To better support this audience, we will
continue to offer the EOS 20D digital SLR at a slightly more
affordable price point of $1,299."
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:
• A rugged new shutter fully rated up to 100,000 cycles;
• A brilliant 2.5-inch, 230,000-pixel LCD monitor (that yields a
92 percent increase in viewing area compared with the EOS 20D
model's 1.8-inch monitor); and
• A new spot metering capability that covers approximately 3.5
percent of the viewfinder area at the center while maintaining
the 20D model's 35-zone metering sensor (raising the EOS 30D
camera's available metering modes to four).
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 subjects.
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.
"Canon focused the EOS 30D Digital SLR on professional
photographers who need to keep a close watch on their equipment
budget and advanced amateurs who want to step up in class and
capabilities," added Mr. Hashimoto. "As an accessible primary
pro SLR or the affordable second body in the camera bag, the EOS
30D digital SLR provides photo professionals with the advanced
features, fast, responsive controls, and exceptional image
quality they demand, in a compact, lightweight yet ruggedly
constructed stainless steal and magnesium alloy package."
Capture
The EOS 30D SLR continues its predecessor's fastest-in-class
shooting rate of five fps but, thanks to improvements in signal
processing algorithms, the camera's burst rate has increased
from 23 to 30 consecutive frames in JPEG L/F mode and from 6 to
11 consecutive frames in RAW mode. As an added enhancement, in
those situations where a slower rate of continuous shooting will
suffice, the EOS 30D SLR offers a three fps option that extends
the burst capability to 37 shots in JPEG L/F mode.
Canon enhanced several basic functions for easy, efficient use
that make the new EOS 30D SLR even more responsive than previous
models, including:
• An initial startup time of 0.15 seconds (the fastest of any
EOS digital camera on the market);
• A much-improved recovery from the camera's auto power off
mode. Where previously the only way to restore operation was by
depressing the shutter button half way, the EOS 30D SLR now
permits users to awaken the camera by pressing the Playback,
Menu, or AE Lock button as well; and
• A single shot AE/AF lock, which retains settings for
subsequent shots simply by keeping the shutter release
half-pressed after taking the first shot.
As it has with the EOS 5D model, Canon has gone beyond the
simple on/off options for long exposure noise reduction, adding
automatic noise reduction to the EOS 30D SLR's settings. This is
particularly useful in situations where it is difficult to judge
whether there is noise in the image.
Autofocus and Exposure Control
The EOS 30D camera retains Canon's unique 9-point Wide-Area AF
system, originally introduced with the EOS 20D model. This
innovative focusing system features a diamond-shaped layout with
a dual-precision central AF point that provides full cross-type
performance with maximum apertures as small as f/5.6, yet
achieves up to three times the standard focusing precision when
used with EF lenses featuring maximum apertures larger than or
equal to f/2.8. A convenient Multi-controller provides fast and
easy AF point selection.
While the EOS 30D SLR uses the same 35-zone metering sensor as
its predecessor, Canon has added a spot metering capability that
covers approximately 3.5 percent of the viewfinder area at the
center. As a result, there are now four metering modes offered
on the EOS 30D SLR: Evaluative (set automatically in the Basic
Zone modes), Partial (approximately 9 percent), Centerweighted
Average, and Spot. AF-point linked Evaluative metering, E-TTL II
autoflash and 12 exposure control modes (11 AE modes plus
manual) are unchanged from the EOS 20D SLR.
Picture Style
First introduced on the Canon EOS-1D Mark II N and EOS 5D
cameras, Picture Style is Canon's improved approach to selecting
the presets for sharpening, contrast, saturation, and color tone
that most closely reflect the needs and intent of the user.
Similar to selecting the film type in order to achieve a desired
result, the Picture Style feature offers six setting
choices—Standard, Portrait, Landscape, Neutral, Faithful and
Monochrome—with an additional three user defined settings
available.
Large 2.5-inch LCD Screen
Among the enhancements most immediately noticeable on the EOS
30D SLR (compared to its predecessor) is the camera's new
2.5-inch LCD screen with 230,000-pixel resolution, wide
170-degree viewing angle, and LED-backlight design for
substantially improved visibility. While it is identical to the
one found on the EOS-1D Mark II N and the EOS 5D models, the
significance of the EOS 30D SLR's 2.5-inch LCD monitor looms
larger than simply its viewing area (and correspondingly larger
and easier to read menu text). Like the EOS 5D model, the EOS
30D SLR's full-featured INFO screen includes files sizes, a
choice of brightness and RGB histograms, and AF frame displays.
In addition, Quick Review images are now enlargeable making it
quicker and easier to check the focus of a shot immediately
after taking the shot.
Navigating through the images is also easier on the eyes thanks
to the EOS 30D SLR's improved auto rotate feature. This feature
gives the user the choice of automatically rotating vertical
images to correct the orientation for viewing on the camera's
LCD monitor as well as on a PC, rotating only for the PC or not
rotating the image at all.
Work Flow
The camera also features improved file handling, which allows
for 9,999 images to be stored in a single folder (compared with
a new folder for every 100 images on the EOS 20D model) and an
improved "jump feature" that permits image searches by 10 images
in one step, 100 images in one step, or searching by date.
Finally, in a stroke of user-friendliness, error codes that
typically send users scurrying to the manual for a translation
now appear on the monitor screen with an explanation and
recommended solutions for correcting the error.
Direct Print/Direct Download Functionality
An ease-of-use feature that actually migrates up to the EOS 30D
SLR from Canon's PowerShot line of digital cameras, EOS 30D SLR
users can now access direct print and direct download functions
simply by pressing the print/share button on the back of the
camera. Further, when users connect the EOS 30D SLR to a
PictBridge or other compatible printer, the user can select
paper sizes, cropping, and even some special effects. One-touch
direct downloading is also available when the EOS 30D camera is
connected to personal computers running Microsoft Windows XP or
Mac OS X 10.2-10.4.
In addition to its standard PictBridge features, which are
compatible with most PictBridge-compliant printers regardless of
manufacturer, the 30D model supports additional direct printing
features exclusively when the camera is connected to one of the
new PIXMA Pro9500 or PIXMA Pro9000 desktop photo printers. These
features include:
• Full support for Picture Style settings: Photographers can
print images according to their preferences for sharpening,
contrast, saturation, and color tone, as well as monochrome and
other special effects;
• Fine adjustment of other image quality settings such as color
balance, overall brightness, face brightness, and microcontrast
levels as well as a red-eye correction function; and;
• Expanded paper selection, including a range of fine art paper
stocks available in a variety of sizes up to 13"x19".
Canon included these to meet the needs of camera users who pay
close attention to details and want to fine tune their image
quality to the highest possible degree. As a result, customers
who purchase the EOS 30D camera together with a compatible PIXMA
Pro printer will achieve levels of quality and convenience that
are only available with this new Canon-to-Canon solution.
DIGIC II Image Processing Technology
At the heart of the EOS 30D SLR—as it is throughout Canon's EOS
line of digital cameras—is the proprietary and renowned DIGIC II
imaging processor. This power-efficient processor enhances
picture definition, vibrancy and quality, while helping increase
the speed of the camera's startup, autofocus, shutter response,
playback, and image processing speed.
New Lenses
While the EOS 30D SLR is compatible with all Canon EF and EF-S
lenses, two impressive new additions to the Canon imaging
arsenal—a large aperture standard zoom lens and ultra-fast
medium telephoto lens—will be arriving in stores at the same
time as the EOS 30D SLR.
The EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM offers image quality on a par with
Canon's highly regarded L-series lenses. It has a large maximum
aperture which, combined with higher shutter speeds can minimize
subject motion blur. Shallow depth-of-field separation of a
subject from its background is much easier to achieve and the
f/2.8 maximum aperture allows a bright finder and extremely
precise focusing with f/2.8 compatible AF sensors. The internal
stabilization has a sharpness benefit equivalent to a three-stop
faster shutter speed, making this lens outstanding in low light
situations. Smaller and lighter than lenses of similar
specifications, the EF-S 17-55 mm f/2.8 IS USM lens has a 35mm
equivalent focal length of 27-88mm and is compatible only with
the EOS 30D, EOS 20D, EOS Digital Rebel XT and EOS Digital Rebel
SLRs. The new EF-S 17-55mm f2.8/ IS USM will be available in May
for an estimated selling price of $1,1491.
The EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM is a revision of Canon's legendary EF
85mm f/1.2L USM lens, first introduced in 1989. In the ensuing
years, its enormous maximum aperture and handy focal length made
it a favorite of wedding, portrait, and sports photographers.
While its image quality remains a benchmark, improvements in AF
speed as well lens coatings that minimize ghost and flare are
newly incorporated to make the new lens more attractive to
professional photographers. In addition to its 1.8x faster auto
focus, the EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM lens offers high-speed manual
focus, distance encoding for E-TTL II flash, and a circular
aperture diaphragm that improves the appearance of background
areas. The EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM will be available in March for
an estimated selling price of $2,0991.
Canon will debut the EOS 30D Digital SLR along with the EF-S
17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM and the EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM lenses in its
booth (#3509) during the Photo Marketers Association (PMA)
exhibit in Orlando, Fla., from February 26-March 1, 2006.
About Canon U.S.A., Inc.
Canon U.S.A., Inc. delivers consumer, business-to-business, and
industrial imaging solutions. The Company is listed as one of
Fortune's Most Admired Companies in America and is rated #35 on
the BusinessWeek list of "Top 100 Brands." Its parent company
Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ) is a top patent holder of technology,
ranking second overall in the U.S. in 2005, with global revenues
of $31.8 billion. For more information, visit
www.usa.canon.com.
Canon EOS
30D Best Price:
|
