For an advanced digital camera, Canon's EOS 30D remains fairly easy to use. Its overall price point, with a suggested retail price of $1,299, is about average among digital cameras in this class, but the price might be a little high considering its age. Despite being an older camera model, the EOS 30D is a worthwhile digital SLR option, though.

With its 8.2 megapixels of resolution, the EOS 30D can create high-quality prints up to 16x20 inches. Many newer models contain more resolution, but many photographers won't need the extra pixels. Unlike some consumer-level digital cameras with high resolutions, the enthusiast-level EOS 30D creates extremely sharp prints, even in low light. The unit's images have very little noise, even at high ISO settings.

The EOS 30D's 2.5-inch LCD is extremely sharp and bright, and it offers a 170-degree viewing angle. The LCD is easy to see from almost any direction and regardless of the exterior light. With the overall size and price of the camera, a larger LCD might be nice, but this LCD works well. The EOS 30D's viewfinder is an SLR, meaning the view from the viewfinder is directly though the lens.

This model's response times are outstanding; you can shoot your first photo less than half a second after pressing the power button. It's one of the fastest models for startup on the market, regardless of price. Shutter lag was not noticeable with the EOS 30D, in either autofocus or pre-focus modes. Shot-to-shot delays are less than half a second without the flash but range from about 1 to 3 seconds with the flash in use. The EOS 30D's continuous-shot mode is especially impressive, allowing for five frames per second for several seconds.

As with most enthusiast-class digital cameras, the EOS 30D is a large model compared with point-and-shoot models, measuring almost 3 inches in thickness and weighing at least 2 pounds with a lens and battery. Despite its bulk, this model is pretty easy to hold and use, and the EOS 30D's overall ergonomics are good. It offers a lot of manual-control features, and it can be tricky to learn to use, especially for beginner-level photographers, but it's easier to use than many in its class. We especially appreciated the handy menu structure of the EOS 30D.

You can use a variety of lenses with the EOS 30D, including any EF lenses. Some configurations of this model ship with a starter lens included, and some ship with the camera body only. (This review is for the body-only model.) This model also includes a built-in flash with a hot shoe for an external flash unit. You even can add an optional wireless transmitter, allowing you to connect with a wireless network for uploading photos.

The EOS 30D obviously isn't for beginner users, not with its high starting price and with its complex manual-control features. Only intermediate and experienced photographers will be able to take advantage of this model's features. This model offers several above-average features for an advanced digital camera. This model's biggest drawback is that it's a little older than some of its competitors, but if you can find the EOS 30D at a bargain price, it still has enough above-average features to make it a good buy.


Pros: Great response times, model has good balance, great image quality, good collection of add-on components
Cons: Camera's age limits value, key add-ons drive cost upward quickly, resolution could be higher

Warranty
1 year, limited