Shop & Compare

« Back to product pricing

You are viewing User reviews for...

Canon EOS 30D 8.2 Megapixel Digital SLR Camera Body Only

Back to EOS 30D 8.2 Megapixel Digital SLR Camera Body Only

Avg User Rating
19 User Reviews

Price Range
$1168.98 (1 sellers)

Compare Prices

Specs | Add Your Review

Sort by Date | Rating

Viewing items 1 - 10 of 19

Reviewed by: hgannon
Updated: 01-08-08

Overall Rating: 5 Star Review

Duration of ownership:6 Days

Strengths: -Very fast autofocus system-Variable frames per second-Easy to navigate controls-Navigation wheel and Jump button make menu/photo navigation much quicker-Magnesium body

Weaknesses: -Not 100% weather-proof-Slightly heavy

Overall Evaluation: I found the image quality of the 30D to be quite good, with accurate colours, clear pictures, and an excellent auto-exposure. The only downside to the picture quality is when using the Auto White Balance setting, it's not always accurate - namely with the flash and under tungsten lighting. This is easily corrected however, by changing the White Balance Setting using the handy controls on the top of the camera.The camera has a nice feel, with sturdy construction and a very solid build. The downside to this is it's a little bulky and slightly less portable than the Canon XT or XTi (which have similar features). The magnesium body and plastic casing seem durable - I've dropped the camera from small heights (by accident of course!) a few times and had it hit things like doorframes while it was hanging on my shoulder; so far I've done no damage to the camera whatsoever. It's also been outdoors in both wet and dusty weather with no noticeable effects.The last single feature I'll mention is the option of selecting a single frame rate, three frames per second, or five frames per second. For average use, I've started to find 5 fps too fast; however it's perfect for sports photography or photos at the races.Overall, the 30D has been an excellent camera with few flaws. The one single comment I have contra the 30D is I feel the 40D would now be a better value - 10 megapixels is better than 8, the automatic sensor cleaning is fantastic (which the 30D doesn't have), and the menu is a little more user friendly. Considering the 40D wasn't available when I purchased the 30D, I have no regrets. There will always be something newer, faster, etc.
Reviewed by: touristguy87
Updated: 12-15-07

Overall Rating: 4 Star Review

Duration of ownership:

Strengths: It just does what it is supposed to do and goes on, letting you shoot without worries.

Weaknesses: slightly bigger than the 400D lack of programmable Auto-ISO and NR is a bit outdated

Overall Evaluation: I've been struggling with a 400D for about 6 months now. I don't know why, I just never took a look at this camera until I got thoroughly exasperated and frustrated with the unreliable focus on my 400D plus the price recently came down to $900 or so, for a new 30D body, plus, I realized that I just had to get something faster than ISO1600. It is a solid upgrade over the 400D, better in every way except that I liked the controls better on the 400D, I have to admit that I don't like the control panel. It works better, shoots better, makes less noise, is faster, the batteries work longer...not to mention that it focuses much better and more reliably. It's making me lust after a 5D, actually, but I'm not about to drop $2300 on one. But if you are interested in taking the DSLR plunge, skip the 400D and buy this camera. The 400D is nice (certainly it can take shots that you can't take with a P&S, handheld) but it is about half of what you want and it just misses focus too much. First and foremost, you want it to get a good focus. Second, you don't want it to miss focus. Third, you want the focus to be accurate. The 400D is just not capable of doing this on a reliable basis and it is in fact a little too slow for my tastes, without ISO3200.
Reviewed by:
Updated: 11-26-07

Overall Rating: 1 Star Review

Duration of ownership:4 Months

Strengths: Great camera, for the first three weeks, when it worked. Battery life is unbelievable. Used for over 1000 shots in one day, with well over half of them with flash and did not have to recharge.

Weaknesses: After a few uses, it died and is in for third repair. Worked for three weeks, has not for three months, and canon will not extend the warranty for the 25% of the year it has not worked.

Overall Evaluation: Bought August 13 2007, used for two weekends, died on September 3, 2007 received by canon for repair for the third time on November 8. Today is November 26, I had to call to get status, canon claim they need my lens and CF cart for the repair, but Never requested it.
Reviewed by: testbyg
Updated: 03-21-07

Overall Rating: 4 Star Review

Duration of ownership:1 Years

Strengths: The consumer camera did not get good ISO like Canon 30D yet, I have 20D, 30D, 5D.

Weaknesses: Loud shutter sound, not accurate AWB in yellow light, not all the images has good focus In low light even with AF light from the external flash & good lens with F2.8.

Overall Evaluation: I am happy with it and I recommend it for any photographer, keep in mind that what is important the one behind the camera not the camera, but the camera could make our work better._____The new camera will have: Higher ISO with No grain (or noise), ISO 10,000 Olympus FE, ISO 6400 EOS-1D Mark IIIChips with Optical Image stabilization in all direction Weatherproof function3.5-inch LCD screen with high resolutionGood AWB auto white balanceQuieter shutter sound (Two modes): electronic (no sound) & mechanical.Six steps or more for Battery charge level & warning flashing light for the end of the battery.Fulltime Live View function like (Olympus E-510 SLR).Bigger Sensor 1000 MP (one day), Kodak 39 megapixels (the KAF-39000)Image Sensor Dust Protector.Two memory cards in the camera useful for wedding if one is full you move to the second card (or internal memory stores inside the camera temporally until you have time to change the card).The Sony F717 has the best AF in low light (use leaser or night shot)._____Now if you need it buy it, but if you are going to get upset when the next model comes with this futures wait_____I am a full time photographerMy specialty sport, wedding and other portraitsI have:20D, 30D, 5D24-70 F2.8, 16-35 F2.8, 70-200IS F2.8, II extender, 50 F1.4Wedding done on 20D & 24-70 (Backup 30D, 16-35 F2.8, 50 F1.4)Sport done on 20D, 70-200IS F2.8 & II extender (Backup 30D, 24-70 F2.8)For enlargement with good light (studio or outside) I use 5D with 24-70 F2.8
Reviewed by: Cliff P.
Updated: 11-03-06

Overall Rating: 5 Star Review

Duration of ownership:15 Days

Strengths: 1.Images focus very consistence, keep rate is higher.2.Large LCD screen3.Good In-Camera processing, like sharpening.

Weaknesses: Images is a bit dark

Overall Evaluation: My 20D has a big problem. Image keep rate is very low. For some reason, even on L lens no matter Prime or Zoom, most of the images taken were soft. But there're always very few piece were outstanding sharp, not much though. 30D fixed this issue, all images were consistence and in-camera sharpening make it perfect to print, means less work on post-processing. Large LCD is also a plus for most of the user. But don't know why compare to 20D, photos seem a bit dark, maybe just happen to my copy, so I always keep + 1/3 on AE bracketing. After 3 days, I sold my 20D. A nice upgrade for me!
Reviewed by: xiliu
Updated: 08-14-06

Overall Rating: 4 Star Review

Duration of ownership:2 Days

Strengths: spot metering is quite handy

Weaknesses: the LCD is only large, but not very clear

Overall Evaluation: The overall performance is quite good so far. But if you are on a budget, get a 350D, and put more money on lens. A better lens is more important.
Reviewed by: rcheung07
Updated: 07-20-06

Overall Rating: 5 Star Review

Duration of ownership:2 Weeks

Strengths: Build Quality, Comfort when holding in hand, 2.5 inch display, Ability to reading ISO in the viewfinder.

Weaknesses: Not a 100% viewfinder. Little bit on the pricey side.

Overall Evaluation: This was an upgrade from a Rebel XT. I'm still a beginner photographer but the move from XT to 30D was a good one. The feel and build quality is just to much better. I went hiking with the XT and I just couldn't hold the XT in my hand for a long period of time but that changed with the 30D due to the bigger grip and rubber feel. The weight is also much more balanced when using long range lens ex: 70-200 f4, etc vs. the lightweight XT. Great purchase over the XT.
Reviewed by: Inua89
Updated: 06-29-06

Overall Rating: 5 Star Review

Duration of ownership:2 Months

Strengths: Great build quality, 2.5" LCD, picture quality, 5 fps burst speed, loads of features and settings.

Weaknesses: None so far.

Overall Evaluation: This is my first digital SLR. I previously had a Canon A1 35mm camera that I loved. I really liked the ability to go from fully automatic to fully manual with that camera. The point and shoot digital cameras that I have also had are nice but I wanted something more - and the ability to change lenses. I was considering the Rebel XT and the 20D. The Rebel XT is a nice camera but when I compared it to the 20D I thought the build quality was noticeably less solid. Because I want this camera to last me a long time I decided to go with the 20D. The 20D also had some other nice features. The only thing I felt the 20D lacked was a larger LCD and just as I was getting ready to order it I heard about the 30D with the bigger LCD! The 30D also had a slightly faster burst speed, a longer shutter life and a few other slight improvements. I bought mine as a body alone along with a 28-135 IS lens. I felt the 18-55 lens was fairly cheap and I lean more towards telephoto shots than wide angle so I picked the 28-135 instead of the 17-85 IS. So far I have been very happy with the 30D and lens. I am not a professional - I just take pictures for fun. I think the image quality is excellent and I have had no problems with the camera. My Canon dealer told me that the "megapixel war" is about over and I fell that, realistically, 8.2 MP is plenty for me. I will probably never do 16 X 20 prints although I'm sure the 30D would do a fine job with it. The camera has a lot of features and settings and for an enthusiast level photographer like me, it will take me a long time to learn all that the camera can do. I think the manual is fairly easy to read so that will help and the included software is easy to use. The only other camera I would consider over the 30D is the Nikon D200. The Nikon is 10 MP and has gotten some excellent reviews. However, it's a couple hundred dollars more expensive and once you're at that price, for only a couple hundred more than that you can get another camera a little better still. I drew the line at the 30D and have been very happy I did. It's an excellent camera and one I hope to have for a long time.
Reviewed by: overclockxp
Updated: 06-28-06

Overall Rating: 5 Star Review

Duration of ownership:6 Months

Strengths: Quiet Shutter, Huge LCD, ISO in Viewfinder

Weaknesses: Came with dust on the sensor!

Overall Evaluation: The Canon 30D is not a huge improvement over the 20D but it has some nice amenities. -The 2.5 inch LCD is awesome. That was the first thing I noticed, of course. And that was enough to hook me into buying it and selling the 20D. I haven't had a chance to try out the new metering or the picture styles. Besides, once I upgrade my hard drive I'll being shooting exclusively in RAW so picture styles won't matter. -Image quality is the same as the 20D. However, now ISO can be controlled in 1/3-stop increments so noise can be controlled very well depending on the lighting situation. Don't be mislead by the number of megapixels the competitors offer. The more pixels packed into the sensor means a possibility of more noise. That's why the full frame 1D series packs 16.7 MP and the 5D has 12 MP. If you were to pack that many pixels into a 1.6 crop factor sensor the noise would be horrible. -The shutter on the 30D is quieter than the 20D's. Thank you Canon! Although the shutter on the 20D never really bothered me as I don't shoot during piano recitals or weddings (yet), if I ever do the quieter shutter will be worth it. Shutter life is published as 100,000 actuations, something new for Canon to make known publicly. -ISO in the viewfinder finally! Thanks again Canon! This requires the press of a button on top while looking into the viewfinder which is kind of awkward. It will take a while to get use to all of this new fancy stuff but it is about time the ISO in the viewfinder happened.-I can't believe I spend $1,100 for a new camera and it comes with dust on the sensor. This was the same with the 20D. Can't Canon clean these puppies before sending them out? And I am talking about a noticeable speck of dust right out of the box right smack dab in the middle of the frame. How annoying. So when you order your 30D be sure to order some Sensor Swabs and some Eclipse ethanol alcohol and a Giottos Rocket blower. Cleaning the sensor is super easy and instructions can be found all over the Internet.-Construction wise the 30D is a very solid camera. I only handle the 30D with the camera strap around my neck. I don't plan on dropping it. The magnesium body is very sturdy. -The 30D is a well balanced camera and can be used comfortably with many lenses. The Rebel XT was too small for my taste when used with anything heavier than the kit lens. The kit lens is a great way to get a cheap wide angle lens; however, buy one off ebay or the for sale forum on fredmiranda.com but just buy the body only and save. -I like the 30D very much. Obviously. Many people ask around the forums on the Internet, "Which camera should I buy?" It depends. The only way to tell is to go and handle the different cameras. I prefer the weight and size of the 30D over the smaller XT series. Some people say get the XT and save for glass (lenses). I say get the camera that feels right in your hands. -Another question people ask is, "Which lens should I buy?" Once again it depends. Are you going to shoot indoors or outdoors, landscapes or portraits, low light or lots of light, and what's your budget like? Lenses I use include the Canon 24-105 IS f/4, Canon 17-40 f/4 and Tamron 28-75 f/2.8. I really like the Canon 24-105. Talk about sharp. A friend of mine borrowed my Canon 24-105 and he liked it so much he ordered himself some L glass. The Tamron 28-75 is a handy lens for indoor or lower light situations but not wide enough to be used indoors for group shots. Other lenses I've used include the Canon 17-85 IS (not my favorite so I sold it - soft and barrel distortion), Canon 85 f/1.8 (sharp and great lens but a little long for my use), Canon 28-105 f/3.5-4.5 II USM (nice lens but I needed a wider aperture but it is a nice lens for not much money with a nice range and great for beginners).-Accessories you'll need: another battery, wired remote, hand grip - buy from ebay card reader - get a pen style from ebaycarrying case - Tamrac Velocity 5 fits greatflash - Sigma Super 500 DGlarger compact flash cards - I use 2GB Kingston Pro Elite and PQI 4 GB cardslens filters - UV and Circular Polarizer-Verdict: The 30D is an awesome, capable camera with borderline professional potential. The 30D with some L glass and you're set for a photography adventure.
Reviewed by: tonytone30
Updated: 06-26-06

Overall Rating: 4 Star Review

Duration of ownership:30 Days

Strengths: Quality construction, nice big LCD, fast burst, option packed, huge lens options, price, image/color quality, price, long battery life, good "raw" software, price.

Weaknesses: No IR transmittal from the box, not weather sealed, fully automatic setting can mismeter in bright sunlight.

Overall Evaluation: Great camera at a great price. That being said, I think that a wiser purchase would be the Nikon D200 for a few hundred more you are getting a weather sealed camera and several other goodies. If you are commited to canon with lenses like myself, the 30D is a smart buy. I am upgrading from a rebel XT and this was a no brainer. You will feel the difference when you pick it up but very much so when you press the shutter. It is very different from the XT. I would equate it to the difference between when a Ford door closing and when a Lexus door shuts. Its a big difference and you can feel, hear, and see the difference.