Comparisons
Canon EOS 20D - Like most people, we were very impressed with the Canon EOS 20D when it was introduced nearly two years ago. It was an enormous advance over the 10D, and with 8.2 megapixels of resolution and a 5 frames per second burst speed, it was significantly more capable than competing cameras. The 30D is a little more capable-- in minor ways. Its large LCD will make it easier to evaluate images during shooting, but the images themselves will be the same. Adding 1/3 steps to the ISO setting is good, but it's a detail. Spot metering is great, but we can't imagine that anyone passed up the 20D over its lack. In short, the 30D shows several improvements over the 20D, but it's basically the same camera: the 20D was a breakthrough, while the 30D is an update.
Nikon D70s - The Nikon D70 was originally a competitor to the Canon 10D, and it matched up closely – a 6 megapixel, 3 frame-per-second DSLR for between $1000 and $1500. We like the D70's interface better – the two control dials on the D70 and its direct access to more parameters are faster and more intuitive. When the faster, higher-res 20D came out, however, the D70 looked less like a pro's backup camera, and more like an entry-level DSLR. Even for $900, including a kit lens, the updated D70 is not as good a deal as the 30D.
Nikon D200 - A 10-megapixel camera with a 5-frame-per-second burst rate, the D200 looks better than the 30D where prominent specs are concerned. Deeper down, the D200 has a range of shooting controls and customization options that many pros will appreciate, and that the 30D is missing. The D200 is also much faster to operate and has better autofocus. At low ISOs, the D200 image quality looks better, but noise does the Nikon in at the high sensitivities. The Nikon D200 sells for $1700, about $300 more than the 30D.
Olympus EVOLT E330 - Olympus positions the E330 as a high-end entry level DSLR, available with an 18-180mm zoom online for $1425. The 7.5-megapixel E330 has a live LCD view, providing veterans of compact digital cameras the interface they find familiar. As interesting as a DSLR with a live view LCD might be from an engineering standpoint, the E330 is limited compared with the 30D. Its burst rate is only 3 fps and delivers only 15 shots, which is slow compared to the 30D's 5 fps for 25 shots. The E330 has only 3 autofocus points, which means that, for many shots, the user has to focus, recompose, and then shoot; the 30D's 9 AF points are much more convenient.
Value (8.0)
Today, we don't think there is a more capable DSLR for $1400 than the 30D. It's clear that many users get very good results from the 20D; the 30D has the same sensor, image processor, autofocus and optical system, as well as a few improvements.
The problem is that, in two years, 30D owners will have 4-year-old technology on their hands. At the rate camera technology advances, that will leave them far behind. For users who expect to get value out of their camera in the course of a year or two, the 30D is appealing. Those who would find the need to upgrade soon disappointing, on the other hand, might want to look elsewhere.
Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters - The 30D has custom shooting modes and a real full-auto mode, so even casual users can get their shots with it. Still, the 30D is overkill for casual photographers. This market is looking for something smaller, cheaper, and more convenient.
Budget Consumers - There are cheaper DSLRs, but the 30D is a budget pro DSLR. We can well imagine consumers wanting something sturdier and faster than a Canon Rebel XT or a Nikon D70s, but for as little money as possible. The 30D is an economical choice, given its capabilities.
Gadget Freaks - The gadget freak will be disappointed by the 30D. The camera isn't cutting-edge in any significant respect – no new technology was introduced on it.
Manual Control Freaks - The 30D's manual controls are complete. We wish a few of them were easier to access in a hurry. Setting a new custom white balance should be possible without a trip to the main menu, for instance, and all the options for flash sync ought to live in one place.
Pros/Serious Amateurs - The pros who are wearing out their 20Ds might as well buy 30Ds – they will do the same job. As a bonus, the 30D shutter is supposed to last longer, and it has a nice, big LCD. The 30D's picture styles are even set up to match the color reproduction of the 5D and 1D series cameras, making it convenient to shoot the cameras side-by-side without worrying too much about color matching.
