The Canon EOS D30 sets a new price/performance ratio for
interchangeable-lens digital SLRs. The D30 was built from scratch as
a digital camera, like Nikon's more expensive D1. Comparisons to
the D1 are hard to avoid, because both cameras represent their maker's
current lowest-priced digital SLR, and the D1 costs nearly twice as
much as the D30. But price isn't everything: We were also impressed
with the D30's handling, image quality, ease of use, light weight,
and feature set.
Key controls are grouped around the rubber-coated hand grip, and a large LCD panel on top of the camera shows exposure, flash settings, and the number of pictures remaining. A door on the right side of the camera opens to reveal a single Type II CompactFlash card socket, and a door on the left side of the camera hides the USB and video-out connectors.
The D30's rear panel features a bright 1.8-inch TFT display, an on/off switch, and Canon's trademark control dial. The dial navigates through the D30's menu system, and a button in the middle of the dial lets you select an option without moving your thumb. The control dial is also used to navigate through image playback. Other tools include a magnifier, a 9-thumbnail image preview, and an info screen that shows exposure data and a histogram for each image.
The D30 is always ready to shoot a picture, even if you're reviewing images. A light press on the shutter release button takes the camera out of image playback mode and immediately returns to shooting mode.
Unlike many digital SLRs, the D30 is light and responsive, thanks to lightweight construction materials and a lithium ion battery. Canon provides one battery and a two-bay charger with the camera; an optional battery grip is also available. The grip attaches to the bottom of the camera and accepts two battery packs, doubling the operating time. The grip includes a second shutter release for shooting vertical shots.
Since it is an EOS-family camera, the D30 accepts all of the more than 70 Canon EOS lenses. We tested the D30 with a variety of lenses, ranging from 20 mm all the way up to 400 mm. All performed flawlessly. Picture quality was excellent, and the D30's auto-focus and auto-exposure systems worked well in a variety of difficult lighting situations.
Canon EOS D30 Digital SLR Camera
Company: Canon
Ph: 02 9805 2000; Fax: 02 9888 3650
Price: ERP AU$6,000.
Rating: 5 Star
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