Canon EOS 30D
Announced February 21, 2006
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Strong
The Canon EOS 30D is a robust and responsive midrange DSLR that offers reliable performance and excellent image quality for serious amateurs. Although it represents only an evolutionary update over its predecessor, its durable build and intuitive control system make it a capable tool for photographers who appreciate a tactile shooting experience.
Weighted from 12 reviewer scores
Pros
- Excellent image quality and high-sensitivity performance
- Responsive operation with fast autofocus and quick startup
- Improved 2.5-inch LCD monitor and intuitive control layout
- Durable magnesium alloy body with a professional-grade shutter
- Advanced metering options and flexible picture styles
Cons
- LCD screen limitations including dimness, lack of protection, and poor visibility
- Ergonomic and operational quirks
- Inconsistent white balance and suboptimal color rendition
- Missing modern features like live view and high-resolution sensors
- Limited upgrades compared to the previous model
- Launch price $1,399 (USD)
- Sensor 8.2MP APS-C CMOS
- Burst 5 fps mechanical
What the Reviewers Say
All 12 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
Is this product missing a reputable review? Share a link to a review article or YouTube video for consideration.
-
Nobody should then be too surprised that the EOS 30D, despite its relatively minor range of updates still deserves our Highly Recommended rating.
- Cameralabs 87%
Canon’s EOS 30D may be little more than an evolutionary step forward, but it’s crucial to remember it improves upon a camera which most agreed was already excellent.
-
The Canon EOS 30D has the perfect price point and features including excellent image quality to become the favorite Digital SLR for a significant number of photographers - amateur and professional alike.
-
For the serious amateur or semi-pro it is the ideal camera.
-
The 30D is a nice camera with superb continuous-shooting performance and all the features most amateurs will ever need.
-
As a new camera the Canon EOS 30D is a bit of a disappointment, but viewed as an upgrade to an already very good camera, it performs its role well.
- CNET 7.6/10
An excellent midrange digital SLR, the 30D has given way to its even more excellent successor, the 40D. However, it remains a great choice if you can find it at a good price.
-
The Canon 30D is a good, advanced amateur camera. It's an improved version of the Canon 20D. While the Canon 30D is now outdated, it will serve advanced photography enthusiasts well.
- Photo Review 9.2/10
The camera body has been re-designed to accommodate the same 2.5-inch, 230,000-pixel rear LCD monitor as the EOS 5D and, although this makes the 30D slightly larger and heavier, it provides a bigger, better display with a much wider viewing angle.
-
While I will certainly use my modern gear far more often in the future, I will definitely bring this guy out from time to time just to shoot with something a little different, and bring me back a little to the early days of my photography.
-
Shoot with a 30D, and if you know what you're doing, you'll get fantastic results.
-
I really liked using the Canon EOS 30D. [...] Given its features and price, you can’t go wrong with this camera.
