LAKE
SUCCESS, N.Y., February 21, 2006—Addressing the needs
of a wide assortment 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), or 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 $1,3991, ($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 $1,4991.
"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 subjects.
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
• A single shot AE/AF lock, which retains settings
for subsequent shots simply by keeping the shutter release
half-pressed after taking the first shot.
As
it has with the EOS 5D model, Canon has gone beyond the
simple on/off options for long exposure noise reduction,
adding automatic noise reduction to the EOS 30D SLR's settings.
This is particularly useful in situations where it is difficult
to judge whether there is noise in the image.
Autofocus
and Exposure Control
The EOS 30D camera retains Canon's unique 9-point Wide-Area
AF system, originally introduced with the EOS 20D model.
This innovative focusing system features a diamond-shaped
layout with a dual-precision central AF point that provides
full cross-type performance with maximum apertures as small
as f/5.6, yet achieves up to three times the standard focusing
precision when used with EF lenses featuring maximum apertures
larger than or equal to f/2.8. A convenient Multi-controller
provides fast and easy AF point selection.
While
the EOS 30D SLR uses the same 35-zone metering sensor as
its predecessor, Canon has added a spot metering capability
that covers approximately 3.5 percent of the viewfinder
area at the center. As a result, there are now four metering
modes offered on the EOS 30D SLR: Evaluative (set automatically
in the Basic Zone modes), Partial (approximately 9 percent),
Centerweighted Average, and Spot. AF-point linked Evaluative
metering, E-TTL II autoflash and 12 exposure control modes
(11 AE modes plus manual) are unchanged from the EOS 20D
SLR.
Picture
Style
First introduced on the Canon EOS-1D Mark II N and EOS 5D
cameras, Picture Style is Canon's improved approach to selecting
the presets for sharpening, contrast, saturation, and color
tone that most closely reflect the needs and intent of the
user. Similar to selecting the film type in order to achieve
a desired result, the Picture Style feature offers six setting
choices—Standard, Portrait, Landscape, Neutral, Faithful
and Monochrome—with an additional three user defined
settings available.
Large
2.5-inch LCD Screen
Among the enhancements most immediately noticeable on the
EOS 30D SLR (compared to its predecessor) is the camera's
new 2.5-inch LCD screen with 230,000-pixel resolution, wide
170-degree viewing angle, and LED-backlight design for substantially
improved visibility. While it is identical to the one found
on the EOS-1D Mark II N and the EOS 5D models, the significance
of the EOS 30D SLR's 2.5-inch LCD monitor looms larger than
simply its viewing area (and correspondingly larger and
easier to read menu text). Like the EOS 5D model, the EOS
30D SLR's full-featured INFO screen includes files sizes,
a choice of brightness and RGB histograms, and AF frame
displays. In addition, Quick Review images are now enlargeable
making it quicker and easier to check the focus of a shot
immediately after taking the shot.
Navigating
through the images is also easier on the eyes thanks to
the EOS 30D SLR's improved auto rotate feature. This feature
gives the user the choice of automatically rotating vertical
images to correct the orientation for viewing on the camera's
LCD monitor as well as on a PC, rotating only for the PC
or not rotating the image at all.
Work
Flow
The camera also features improved file handling, which allows
for 9,999 images to be stored in a single folder (compared
with a new folder for every 100 images on the EOS 20D model)
and an improved "jump feature" that permits image
searches by 10 images in one step, 100 images in one step,
or searching by date. Finally, in a stroke of user-friendliness,
error codes that typically send users scurrying to the manual
for a translation now appear on the monitor screen with
an explanation and recommended solutions for correcting
the error.
Direct
Print/Direct Download Functionality
An ease-of-use feature that actually migrates up to the
EOS 30D SLR from Canon's PowerShot line of digital cameras,
EOS 30D SLR users can now access direct print and direct
download functions simply by pressing the print/share button
on the back of the camera. Further, when users connect the
EOS 30D SLR to a PictBridge or other compatible printer,
the user can select paper sizes, cropping, and even some
special effects. One-touch direct downloading is also available
when the EOS 30D camera is connected to personal computers
running Microsoft Windows XP or Mac OS X 10.2-10.4.
In
addition to its standard PictBridge features, which are
compatible with most PictBridge-compliant printers regardless
of manufacturer, the 30D model supports additional direct
printing features exclusively when the camera is connected
to one of the new PIXMA Pro9500 or PIXMA Pro9000 desktop
photo printers. These features include:
•
Full support for Picture Style settings: Photographers
can print images according to their preferences for sharpening,
contrast, saturation, and color tone, as well as monochrome
and other special effects;
• Fine adjustment of other image quality settings
such as color balance, overall brightness, face brightness,
and microcontrast levels as well as a red-eye correction
function; and;
• Expanded paper selection, including a range of
fine art paper stocks available in a variety of sizes
up to 13"x19".
Canon
included these to meet the needs of camera users who pay
close attention to details and want to fine tune their image
quality to the highest possible degree. As a result, customers
who purchase the EOS 30D camera together with a compatible
PIXMA Pro printer will achieve levels of quality and convenience
that are only available with this new Canon-to-Canon solution.
DIGIC
II Image Processing Technology
At the heart of the EOS 30D SLR—as it is throughout
Canon's EOS line of digital cameras—is the proprietary
and renowned DIGIC II imaging processor. This power-efficient
processor enhances picture definition, vibrancy and quality,
while helping increase the speed of the camera's startup,
autofocus, shutter response, playback, and image processing
speed.
New
Lenses
While the EOS 30D SLR is compatible with all Canon EF and
EF-S lenses, two impressive new additions to the Canon imaging
arsenal—a large aperture standard zoom lens and ultra-fast
medium telephoto lens—will be arriving in stores at
the same time as the EOS 30D SLR.
The
EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM offers image quality on a par
with Canon's highly regarded L-series lenses. It has a large
maximum aperture which, combined with higher shutter speeds
can minimize subject motion blur. Shallow depth-of-field
separation of a subject from its background is much easier
to achieve and the f/2.8 maximum aperture allows a bright
finder and extremely precise focusing with f/2.8 compatible
AF sensors. The internal stabilization has a sharpness benefit
equivalent to a three-stop faster shutter speed, making
this lens outstanding in low light situations. Smaller and
lighter than lenses of similar specifications, the EF-S
17-55 mm f/2.8 IS USM lens has a 35mm equivalent focal length
of 27-88mm and is compatible only with the EOS 30D, EOS
20D, EOS Digital Rebel XT and EOS Digital Rebel SLRs. The
new EF-S 17-55mm f2.8/ IS USM will be available in May for
an estimated selling price of $1,1491.
The
EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM is a revision of Canon's legendary
EF 85mm f/1.2L USM lens, first introduced in 1989. In the
ensuing years, its enormous maximum aperture and handy focal
length made it a favorite of wedding, portrait, and sports
photographers. While its image quality remains a benchmark,
improvements in AF speed as well lens coatings that minimize
ghost and flare are newly incorporated to make the new lens
more attractive to professional photographers. In addition
to its 1.8x faster auto focus, the EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM
lens offers high-speed manual focus, distance encoding for
E-TTL II flash, and a circular aperture diaphragm that improves
the appearance of background areas. The EF 85mm f/1.2L II
USM will be available in March for an estimated selling
price of $2,0991.
Canon
will debut the EOS 30D Digital SLR along with the EF-S 17-55mm
f/2.8 IS USM and the EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM lenses in its
booth (#3509) during the Photo Marketers Association (PMA)
exhibit in Orlando, Fla., from February 26-March 1, 2006.
About
Canon U.S.A., Inc.
Canon U.S.A., Inc. delivers consumer, business-to-business,
and industrial imaging solutions. The Company is listed
as one of Fortune's Most Admired Companies in America and
is rated #35 on the BusinessWeek list of "Top 100 Brands."
Its parent company Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ) is a top patent
holder of technology, ranking second overall in the U.S.
in 2005, with global revenues of $31.8 billion. For more
information, visit www.usa.canon.com.
