Canon EOS 30D - First impression

A lot of people expressed disappointment when Canon introduced their new EOS 30D. Rumours had predicted a revolutionary camera, which turned out to be at "modest" upgrade of the EOS 20D. Websites all over the world claimed that the EOS 30D was merely an EOS 20D with a larger LCD screen. How wrong can you get?

It's interesting to see that the same websites were full of commendation when Canon launched the EOS 5D some time ago. What they seem to have missed is the fact that the EOS 30D in many respects is an upgraded EOS 20D body with an EOS 5D interiour. Why does an upgrade need to be radical to get positive feedback? When you have one of the worlds best developed camera bodies, loved by its users and giving reviewers headace because there is no vital flaws to criticize, it should be an excellent starting point for further development. By adding the latest technologies, one should assume that everything is in place for achieving an optimum result.

On the outside, Canon EOS 30D appears to be an EOS 20D with a larger LCD-screen. That is, in itself, a good improvement, but it's the inside of the camera that is most impressive. EOS 30D has the same fundamental assets as the EOS 20D, such as an 8.2 MP CMOS image sensor, DiGIC II image processor, 5 fps continuous shooting, 9-point auto focus system and a robust body from magnesium alloy.

Improvements and new functions
The LCD screen is not only larger (now 2.5" diagonally), it also has higher resolution (230,000 pixels) and considerably wider viewing angle. The buffer memory is expanded to hold 11 RAW images or 30 images in JPEG Large Fine quality, there is now a choice between high-speed and slow burst shooting, the shutter is more durable (garanteed to a minimum of 100,000 exposures), the spot meter is more condensed with 3.5% metering area (the same as EOS 5D), plus that the ISO values are displayed inside the viewfinder during setting. EOS 30D also has the fastest startup time among any EOS model (only 0.15 s.), reduced power consumption for 10% more capacity and a 4-step battery level display.

Some will surely appreciate the new direct print options with a Print/Share-button, better folder management with up to 10,000 images in each folder, improved bundled software package with Digital Photo Professional included, more playback functions with enlarged image also in Quick Review, automatic image rotation and improved "jump" function. The information display is also improved, with selectable RGB histogram, display of AF-point and file size.

The EOS 30D has new "Custom Function" settings for image noise reduction and magnified view. Additionally, error codes are now explained on the screen. Also new are the options to retain AE/AF-lock for subsequent shots, and the symbol for separate lock for flash exposure (FE-lock) is now displayed in the viewfinder. The EOS 30D also features improved recovery from Auto Power Off.

In my opinion, the most significant improvement is the implementation of "Picture Styles", inherited from the EOS 5D. It is an ingenious feature which gives the photographer intuitive control over the photographic result with amazing flexibility. Picture Styles are factory defined combinations of various camera settings, choice of colour matrix and processing algorithms, as well as settings for sharpness, contrast, colour saturation and colour tone. Available combinations are adjusted to suit various scene types, such as Standard, Portrait, Landscape, Neutral and Faithful, but there is an option to overrule these settings manually. The variations are virtually limitless, giving a total of almost 50.000 possible combinations.

An extra bonus for potential buyers is the fact that the asking price of the EOS 30D is lower at introduction than when the EOS 20D was launched.

In use
The lens used for this preliminary test was the EF 24-105 mm f/4 L IS USM. It is quite heavy, it has a modest wide angle (eqv. 38.5 mm) and is not particularly powerful (f/4.0). It is still a most suitable lens for allround photography. Mediocre max. aperture is compensated by the addition of an optical stabilizer.

In my opinion, the only real construction flaw is the position of the main switch. Its position, far down on the back side of the camera, gives unreasonably awkward access. This is to some degree a matter of habit, but it would be far better to have the switch on the top right portion of the camera. When the power is switched on, the EOS 30D is immediately ready for action. The dual-function buttons on the camera top also require some adoption. One function is set with the dial on top of the grip, the other with the large quick-dial on the back. Any EOS-experienced photographer will recognize the procedure and praise the dials as classic Canon features.

The viewfinder is large and bright (relative to the lens' f/4 maximum aperture), but I think it's a shame that it crops the recorded image to 95% horisontally and vertically. If precise compostion is required, "excessive" areas must be removed during image editing. With 8.2 MP image resolution, this is not a big issue in the sense that a few pixels are lost, but it will add some extra work.

The auto focus is fast and sensitive, but it does not deal with low contrast as well as many of its competitors. I also miss a dedicated AF-lamp on the camera. Focus assist in dim light may be aquired by lifting the built-in flash but it is more troublesome when you are in a hurry. On the other hand, the flash gives considerably more power (range) than an AF lamp, so one solution is not neccessaily better than the other. The shutter response is felt as instantaneous.

The expanded buffer memory and the choice of fast and "slow" continuous shooting are major improvements for action photography. The new shutter mechanism is also said to be more durable, but I didn't notice any significant difference in its noise level, compared to the EOS 20D.

Construction
If you have experience with other EOS models, the EOS 30D will feel like an old friend. The assumption that the camera body is robust, was experienced first hand in Orlando. A group of youngsters came running to get on a bus just when I passed. In the process, they almost ran me over and the camera fell off my shoulder and to the ground. The lens got a nasty dent on the front ring and the camera got a few scratches from rolling over the tarmac.

Obviously, I got upset, angry and in dispair over the incident as it was not my own camera and since I had a job to do. A few test shots proved that there was nothing wrong with neither the camera nor the lens, apart from their cosmetic scratches. This truly came as a pleasant surprise, as the fall was quite rough from about one meter's height.

The LCD screen is considerably larger on the EOS 30D than the EOS 20D, a most welcome improvement during image control and menu navigation. The improvement of its viewing angle is not that important, I think, apart from when showing the pictures to a group of people. In direct sunshine, the glossy surface of the protecting glass gives considerable reflections but since the screen is active only during reviewing and camera setting, it has no practical importance.

First impression
After having used the camera for nearly two weeks and taken some 400 pictures, my first impression is very good. I liked the EOS 20D and I love the EOS 30D. My equipment was quite large and heavy (slightly above 1.5 kg) but the camera lies exceptionally well in the hand and the operation is generally intuitive and comfortable.

My only concern is the position of the main switch. As it doubles as a lock for the quick-dial, I see the neccessity of placing it close to the dial, but I would prefer a position above the dial, rather than below it.

My test sample was the first mass produced specimen arriving in Norway (received express over night the morning I left for PMA in Orlando). Therefore, no restrictions applies to the published images. Not surprisingly, the exposure and white balance proved to be just as reliable and stable as the EOS 20D, with the same option of fine-tuning the white balance.

Unfortunately, no tripod was brought to Orlando, so a sturdy table had to do the job for my preliminary test of the camera's image noise. Hence, my apologies for the poor image composition. Included in the EOS 30D Custom Functions, there is an option for auto, on or off activation of the digital noise reduction circuitry. During my "test", it was activated.

All published images were made with "Standard" Picture Style and in both JPEG Fine og RAW file formats. Unfortunately, no compatible software for RAW conversion were supplied with the camera and Adobe has not yet updated their Camera RAW for EOS 30D, so I had no option but to evaluate the JPEG images only for the time beeing.

A large, comprehensive review of the Canon EOS 30D will follow as soon as possible.

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