Canon EOS 30d Released
On Februray 21, Canon released the next generation of their mid-level dSLR cameras, the DOS 30d. Aside from the name so closely resembling a previous generation, the d30, there is apparently some frustration from Canon fans on the seemingly small upgrades to the 30d over its predecessor, the 20d.
Specifications
- 8.2 megapixel, same as the 20d. This seems to be a big point for Canon bashers. But realistically, I rarely have had an image where I thought the 6.1 megapixel size from my 10d wasn’t enough. Aside from specialized applications, the point where we’re at now with megapixels is just adding to file size and storage needs without adding to image quality.
- 2.5″ LCD screen, increased from the 1.8″ on the 20d
- Faster startup. This one is pretty marginal to me, I keep my camera on whenever I use it and don’t let it turn off.
- Direct Print button on the back – eh, don’t really care, I dump all my cards to my server anyway. Does anybody really use a $1,500 camera like this?
- Spot metering
- ISO selectable in 1/3 stops. This sounds like a good idea, but the more I thought about it the less difference I think it will make. I usually go back and forth between 100 and 400 ASA with the occassional jump to 1600 or 3200 when the light is really dark. I don’t see that being able to set 160 compared to 200 would be that big of a deal.
- Selectable between 3 and 5 frames per second. Why? I don’t see a situation using a motor drive (eh, old film term) when you wouldn’t want the fastest possible.
- 9,999 files to a folder instead of 100. Yes, very cool feature for those that copy a card to your computer through Explorer. If you’re still doing that, download DIM and let it do the work for you.
