would like to see, however, is a single button press to Zoom-To-100% at the location of the
active AF point.
One last LCD-related addition function - A new in-camera-software-only auto image rotation
now exists on the Canon EOS 30D. In addition to auto rotate on/off, the 30D can display auto
rotated but vertically taken shots in non-rotated orientation on the LCD to make better use
of the display. In other words, If you take a portrait-oriented shot with this new option
enabled, The picture will fill the LCD and be upright when the camera is in the same
orientation as the shot was taken in. Compatible software applications will display auto
rotated shots in the proper orientation once transferred to a computer. I like this feature - I
expect to see in all subsequently released Canon Digital SLRs.
The Canon EOS 30D provides more granularity in ISO settings by allowing 1/3-stop
increments (vs. 1 stop increments in the 20D - from 100 to 1600 with ISO 3200 available.
The ISO setting is now visible in the viewfinder while the ISO speed button is pressed. Both
are nice improvements.
n additional metering mode is now provided. The Canon EOS 30D shares the spot
metering capabilities of the EOS-1 Series and EOS 5D. This is a very useful upgrade in my
opinion - and leaves one less differentiator between the 30D and the more expensive bodies.
The Canon EOS 30D incorporates Canon's Picture Style controls - just like Canon's other
recently-released DSLRs. Canon has made a lot of talk about Picture Styles but I personally
don't find them very useful. I select Neutral and adjust my settings during post-processing.
But, everyone is different - and apparently many like this simple-to-use feature (or at least
Canon thinks so). Users intending to do no post-processing may want to select the "Standard"
style. What I do like is that Canon is standardizing the imaging parameters across its DSLR
line.
With reduced energy consumption, the 30D should be good for roughly 10% more shots
per battery charge. I was seeing approximately 600 shots from a fully-charged
BP-511A
on the
20D, so the 30D should deliver in the upper 600 range from the same battery. My battery is
still showing full charge with over 400 shots on it. Also good is a new 4-step battery level
display.
The Canon EOS 30D is shown above with a Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens mounted.
Like the 5D, the Canon EOS 30D has a professional-grade shutter rated to approximately
100,000 cycles. While most 20Ds will not see the 50,000 shutter actuations its shutter is rated
for, serious amateurs and pros will appreciate the double-length rated shutter life on the
30D. By the way, this is referring to the expected life of the shutter only - the shutter can be
replaced by Canon Service.
While still able to shoot at a fast 5 fps rate, the Canon EOS 30D is also switchable to a low-
speed 3 fps continuous shooting rate. The 30D can also shoot at rated speed with non-USM
(Ultrasonic Motor) lenses while the 20D fell back to 3.5 fps when using these. A larger
buffer is very welcomed by most (especially sports shooters). Compare ...
