Canon's New EOS 30D Digital SLR and Two New Lenses Deliver Top-Tier Technology to Photo Pros and Enthusiasts; New EOS 30D Digital SLR Incorporates User Feedback and Features From EOS 5D Model

Business Wire, Feb 21, 2006

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y. -- Addressing the needs of a wide range of photographers ranging from wedding and portrait specialists to photojournalists and advanced amateurs, Canon's new EOS 30D Digital SLR redefines the mid-range of the growing DSLR market and achieves new standards of excellence for features, durability, versatility and even affordability. Canon also expands its digital SLR lens offerings with new EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM and EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM lenses.

Whether tracking the trajectory of a bridal bouquet from its ceremonial over-the-shoulder launch to its unceremonious diving reception (at five frames-per-second (fps) of course), freezing the action on a hot news story or capturing the essence in the eyes of a portrait subject, Canon's 8.2 megapixel EOS 30D digital SLR delivers.

In stores beginning in mid-March - ideal timing for photographers gearing up for the imminent onslaught of spring weddings - the Canon EOS 30D Digital SLR carries a suggested, body-only selling price of $1,399(1), ($100 less than the EOS 20D digital camera at its announcement). The EOS 30D Digital SLR will also be available in kit form with an EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 II zoom lens for an estimated selling price of $1,499(1).

"We recognize the enormous potential of the advanced amateur digital SLR market," stated Yukiaki Hashimoto, senior vice president and general manager of the consumer imaging group at Canon U.S.A., Inc. "To better support this audience, we will continue to offer the EOS 20D digital SLR at a slightly more affordable price point of $1,299."

The EOS 30D model builds upon the virtues that made the EOS 20D Digital SLR the number one camera in its class virtually from day-one, including Canon's proprietary 8.2-megapixel APS-C size CMOS sensor, powerful DIGIC II Imaging processor, fast five fps shooting capability and field-tested tough construction. This new EOS 30D Digital SLR takes professional photographers even closer to the upper reaches of Canon's pro digital SLR line, incorporating input from users and features and innovations from the EOS 5D and even the EOS-1D Mark II N Digital SLRs, at a fraction of their respective prices.

Top lining the improvements that set the EOS 30D Digital SLR apart from its worthy predecessor are:

--A rugged new shutter fully rated up to 100,000 cycles;

--A brilliant 2.5-inch, 230,000-pixel LCD monitor (that yields a 92 percent increase in viewing area compared with the EOS 20D model's 1.8 -inch monitor); and

--A new spot metering capability that covers approximately 3.5 percent of the viewfinder area at the center while maintaining the 20D model's 35-zone metering sensor (raising the EOS 30D camera's available metering modes to four).

Increasing the new camera's flexibility and ease of use, the ISO speed can now be set from 100 to 1600 in 1/3 stop increments, rather than full stops (and can be pushed to 3200 with ISO expansion). What's more, users can see the ISO setting in the EOS 30D SLR's viewfinder while changing it (and not simply on the monitor display as on the EOS 20D model), which in turn permits photographers to keep their eyes on their subject.

Recognizing the need for efficient and effective work flow controls - particularly for professional photographers - the EOS 30D Digital Camera has improved folder management, providing manual folder creation and raising the number of images in each folder to 9,999 (from 100 as it was on the EOS 20D model). The unit offers enhanced camera-controlled direct print features and incorporates both direct print and direct download capabilities with the single press of the camera's print/share button.

"Canon focused the EOS 30D Digital SLR on professional photographers who need to keep a close watch on their equipment budget and advanced amateurs who want to step up in class and capabilities," added Mr. Hashimoto. "As an accessible primary pro SLR or the affordable second body in the camera bag, the EOS 30D digital SLR provides photo professionals with the advanced features, fast, responsive controls, and exceptional image quality they demand, in a compact, lightweight yet ruggedly constructed stainless steal and magnesium alloy package."

Capture

The EOS 30D SLR continues its predecessor's fastest-in-class shooting rate of five fps but, thanks to improvements in signal processing algorithms, the camera's burst rate has increased from 23 to 30 consecutive frames in JPEG L/F mode and from 6 to 11 consecutive frames in RAW mode. As an added enhancement, in those situations where a slower rate of continuous shooting will suffice, the EOS 30D SLR offers a three fps option that extends the burst capability to 37 shots in JPEG L/F mode.

Canon enhanced several basic functions for easy, efficient use that make the new EOS 30D SLR even more responsive than previous models, including:

--An initial startup time of 0.15 seconds (the fastest of any EOS digital camera on the market);

--A much-improved recovery from the camera's auto power off mode. Where previously the only way to restore operation was by depressing the shutter button half way, the EOS 30D SLR now permits users to awaken the camera by pressing the Playback, Menu or AE Lock button as well; and