Tone Curve Assist function has some promise "... for the automatic adjustment of failed
shots." Some print enhancements have also been included. I am finding many unadvertised
small fixes and changes in v2.1. At this date, there are a lot of RAW conversion software
applications available. While many are showing promise, I continue to use DPP because I like
its conversion quality best. And it does hurt anything that Canon gives us this software with
the camera.
Newly released with the Canon EOS 30D is EOS Utility Ver.1.0. Not to be confused with
EOS Viewer Utility, "EOS Utility Ver.1.0 integrates and upgrades CameraWindow and EOS
Capture, bringing together all the functions that involve communication with the camera. It is
the gateway that allows users to download images to a computer, adjust camera settings,
shoot photos remotely, monitor folders when the WFT-E1A wireless transmitter is used and
even see images as they are shot. It supports automatic image transfer using the [new]
Print/Share button on the EOS 30D, as well as selectable linked display in Digital Photo
Professional and ZoomBrowser/ImageBrowser. This means that Canon EOS users can now
download their images directly into Digital Photo Professional, ZoomBrowser EX or
ImageBrowser – a huge workflow improvement, integrated from shooting all the way to
printing." Ok, that might be a very good use for the new "Print" button. :)
Canon's white paper details other included software and their enhancements.
The one change from the 20D that everyone can like is a lower introductory price.
The big decision - which
Digital SLR is for you?
If your budget is tight, you want a compact Digital SLR, do not need a fast frame rate and do
not need the higher grade build quality and additional features of the Canon EOS 30D, the
Canon EOS 350D Digital Rebel XT is probably the choice for you. It is a huge leap up from most
of the point and shoot digicams available - and is an exceptional value.
If you need a full frame sensor and/or a higher megapixel count but do not need a higher
frame rate, look at the
Canon EOS 5D. There is a noticeable increase in available detail in a
ump from 8.2 to 12.8 megapixels.
If you are looking for the ultimate sports camera, need very rugged build quality and/or need
weather sealing, the
Canon EOS 1D Mark II N
is likely your best choice. The
Canon 1-Series Digital
SLR Cameras
represent the ultimate in features and performance.
For everyone else (a very high percentage of the market), the Canon EOS 30D delivers the
very high performance at a modest cost they are looking for. Many serious amateurs and
professionals will be choosing this body as their primary camera. Many others will be choosing
the 30D as their backup camera (I am a member of this group).
Should I upgrade? If you have a 20D, you must look at the new enhancements and
determine if they are worth the cost to you. For some, the Canon EOS 30D will easily be
worth that cost. And there is always something exciting about getting the latest model. Many
others will wait for the next generation to be introduced - and buy a lens instead. :)
If you have an older Digital SLR or one of the Digital Rebel models, this is a more substantial
upgrade - One that should be considered carefully.
