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Rent NowThe Canon EOS 30D is an advanced amateur DSLR from Canon’s EOS xxD series, released as a mild but well-regarded evolution of the acclaimed EOS 20D. It’s positioned for serious creative photographers who wanted refined handling and additional shooting controls without a sensor or processor change, retaining the imaging performance that made the 20D a benchmark camera in its class.
At the core of the 30D is an 8.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor paired with Canon’s DIGIC II image processor, the same imaging pipeline used in the 20D, delivering the wide dynamic range and low noise that sensor combination was known for. Autofocus is handled by a high-precision 9-point AF system with a center f/2.8 cross-type point, providing dependable focus acquisition for general photography, portraits, and moderate action shooting. Continuous shooting offers selectable high-speed (5fps) and low-speed (3fps) modes, capturing up to 30 JPEGs or 11 RAW files in a single burst, an increase over the 20D’s buffer depth.
Metering is handled through a TTL system offering evaluative, partial, spot, and center-weighted average modes, with the addition of true spot metering being one of the 30D’s notable upgrades over its predecessor. The camera introduced Canon’s Picture Style system, consolidating image processing parameters and color settings for more consistent, customizable results straight out of camera. The EOS 30D also features Canon’s E-TTL II flash metering system for reliable exposure with the built-in flash or compatible EX-series Speedlites.
Handling centers on a 2.5-inch LCD monitor with approximately 230,000 pixels, notably larger than the 20D’s screen and viewable at a wider 170-degree angle, along with a bright, optical viewfinder. The shutter is electronically controlled with a speed range of 30 seconds to 1/8000 second, rated for 100,000 cycles, an improvement in durability over the previous generation. White balance offers 6 presets, auto, custom settings, and color-temperature-based selection from 2800K to 10000K.
Build quality includes a subtly redesigned body compared to the 20D, with energy-efficient design improvements yielding up to approximately 750 shots per charge (CIPA standard) using the BP-511A battery, with an optional BG-E2 grip allowing AA battery use. The camera stores images on CompactFlash (Type I or II) or Microdrive media, and uses Canon’s EF/EF-S lens mount, giving it access to Canon’s full range of EF lenses, including EF-S optics designed for APS-C sensors.
Key Features
– 8.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor with DIGIC II processor
– 9-point autofocus system (center f/2.8 cross-type point)
– Selectable 5fps/3fps continuous shooting (up to 30 JPEG / 11 RAW burst)
– Evaluative, partial, spot, and center-weighted metering
– Canon Picture Style processing
– E-TTL II flash metering with built-in pop-up flash
– 2.5″ LCD monitor (230,000 dots, 170-degree viewing angle)
– Optical viewfinder
– Electronic shutter, 30 sec to 1/8000 sec, rated for 100,000 cycles
– Approximately 750 shots per charge (CIPA standard, BP-511A battery)
– CompactFlash (Type I/II) and Microdrive storage
– Canon EF/EF-S lens mount
