NEW! CANON 30D
It has been known for months that Canon would announce a replacement for the Canon 20D sometime in Feb 2006. Today it is official. The Canon 30D (not to be confused with the D30 of several years ago) is here.
For several weeks now, I've encouraged anyone who wrote to me about buying the Canon 20D to wait and see what the new camera will be like.
Here are the basics from the press release.
* 8.2 Megapixel APS-C size CMOS sensor
* 5 fps and 30 large JPEG frame burst
* 2.5”, 230K pixel, 170º wide viewing angle LCD screen
* Picture Style image processing parameters
* Spot metering and High Precision 9-point AF system
* DIGIC II image processor with 0.15 sec start-up time
* Digital Photo Professional RAW processing software
* 100,000 cycle shutter durability and rugged magnesium alloy body
* Simultaneous RAW and JPEG recording
* Wide 100-3200 ISO range
* E-TTL II Flash
* PictBridge compatibility
* Complete compatibility with all Canon EF and EF-S lenses and EX-series Speedlites
* USB 2.0 Hi-Speed and Video Out connectivity
This is basically a "tweaking" of the Canon 20D with the same essential sensor and probably the same image quality. Upgrades are the spot metering and "Picture Styles" taken from the Canon 5D, and a faster frame rate and more rugged shutter.
If you already have a Canon 20D, I don't see a really compelling reason to upgrade unless you simple must have spot metering and a faster frame rate (5 fps).
If you are thinking of upgrading from the 10D or Digital Rebel, you have a choice, get the 30D at a little less than the 20D used to cost, or save a lot of money and buy a 20D as the prices drop and the remaining stock of bodies is sold.
So which should you get? I would suggest you wait until DP Review has a full review comparing the two cameras, and then make your decision.
Canon's official info is
here and DP Review has info
here .
