Canon Announces the EOS 30D
After all the waiting and holding our breath, Canon finally announced the new DSLR replacement for the top-selling EOS 20D this week prior to the big PMA convention down in Orlando. For the past several months, Canon enthusiasts have been speculating about all kinds of upgrades on the new model which was thought to be named anything from the 3D to the 35D. Hopes of a full-frame sensor were not met unfortunately. The new 30D has a few nice upgrades, but most appear to be minor with the exception of a larger 2.5″ LCD and spot metering. It’s safe to say that the news was disappointing for many. Canon clearly wants to keep the tiers of prosumer and pro cameras separated so that the XT/20D/30D does not cannibalize the sales of the 5D/1D cameras. The nice thing about it however, is that it retails at $1,399 which is cheaper than the 20D. The 30D will be available starting May 15th. But I guarantee you can get a great deal on a 20D right now as retailers try to move inventory for the 30D. From what I see here, it might just be worth it!
- Redesigned body (more EOS 5D like)
- Larger LCD monitor (2.5″)
- Soft-touch shutter release button
- AE/AF lock remains set if shutter is kept half-pressed between shots
- Faster startup and wake from sleep times
- Direct print button on rear of camera
- Spot metering
- 100,000 shot shutter cycle
- ISO selectable in third stop steps
- ISO speed shown in viewfinder as you change it (still not once changed though)
- Selectable 5 or 3 fps continuous shooting
- PictureStyles instead of simple image parameters
- 9,999 images per folder (instead of 100 as per the EOS 20D)
- 15 menu languages (3 new)