Canon EOS 30D

Size / Portability (7.25)
The 30D is much smaller than the 1D series. At 5.7 x 4.2 x 2.9 inches, the same size as the 20D, it's a bit larger than Canon's entry-level Rebel XT and that class. However, for DSLRs, the smaller size generally forces designers to sacrifice a vertical grip, reduce control spacing and compromise durability.

Handling Ability (8.0)
Canon users will benefit from 30D's close similarity to the 20D, the 5D, and Canon DSLRs in general – they won't really need to look at the manual to use it. More generally, the 30D is a comfortable camera to hold and operate. The hand grip is large, but its smooth curves lend themselves to both large and small hands.

The 30D does not have a vertical grip or shutter release, which typically add more than an inch to the height of a camera as well as considerable weight. Like the 20D before it, the 30D should be popular among photographers who need to cart a couple of cameras around for many hours at a time.

Control Button / Dial Positioning / Size (8.0)
The 30D has Canon's distinctive large Quick Control Dial set flat on the back of the camera. True to its name, the dial allows users to make quick adjustments and scroll through menu items or images in playback. Users new to Canon cameras will get used to it quickly and appreciate it. The 30D also has a small four-way controller, a more common control for DSLRs and one that is sadly absent from the 1D series cameras.

All buttons and dials work smoothly and have a nice feel – it's easy to tell when they're activated, and they provide just the right resistance when in use. We found that the Quick control dial on the 30D we tested has a bit more resistance than those on other Canon cameras, but the difference did not affect the control's usefulness.

Like the 20D and Rebel XT, the 30D has scene modes accessible from its mode dial. Scene modes were apparently a little too down-market for the $3200, full-frame 5D, but the 30D otherwise resembles it greatly, even incorporating its direct print/download button.

On the downside, the 30D buries certain controls in menus when we would rather access them directly. The options for flash sync are in a couple of separate menus, for instance, and the mirror lockup is buried in the custom features submenu.

Custom Functions allow the user to access modify options that most people will set once and leave alone. One exception is the mirror lockup control, which is inconveniently buried here.

Ease of Use (7.0)
The 30D is comfortable to handle and has straightforward controls. We wish that a few controls were easier to access – flash sync, mirror lockup and setting a custom white balance, for instance. Still, we like the way the 30D feels and the mechanical quality of the controls. The 30D is a solid, substantial camera, but it's not so big that most users would get worn out shooting all day with it. Also, its inclusion of various scene modes and dedicated mode dial, allow the camera to be immediately familiar to those graduating from an entry-level DSLR or compact model.