Introduction
The Canon EOS 30D is an 8.2-megapixel Digital Single-Lens Reflex (DSLR) camera designed for advanced amateur and professional photographers. It features a high-sensitivity CMOS sensor and the DIGIC II Image Processor, delivering exceptional image quality and fast performance. Key features include a 2.5-inch LCD monitor, precise spot metering, and a durable shutter mechanism with a 100,000-cycle life. This manual provides essential information for setting up, operating, and maintaining your EOS 30D camera.
Figure 1: Front view of the Canon EOS 30D camera with the built-in flash raised.
Figure 2: Front view of the Canon EOS 30D camera with the built-in flash closed.
Getting Started
1. Battery Installation
The EOS 30D uses a Lithium-Ion Battery Pack (BP-511A/BP-514/BP-511/BP-512). Ensure the battery is fully charged before use.
- Open the battery compartment cover located at the bottom of the camera.
- Insert the battery pack with the contacts facing inward, ensuring it clicks into place.
- Close the battery compartment cover securely.
2. Memory Card Insertion
The camera uses CompactFlash (CF) Type I & II cards for image storage.
- Open the CF card slot cover on the side of the camera.
- Insert the CF card with the correct orientation until it is fully seated.
- Close the CF card slot cover.
3. Attaching a Lens
The EOS 30D is compatible with Canon EF and EF-S lenses.
- Remove the body cap from the camera and the rear lens cap from the lens.
- Align the red or white index mark on the lens with the corresponding mark on the camera body.
- Turn the lens clockwise until it clicks into place.
Operating Instructions
Power On/Off
To power on the camera, set the main switch to the 'ON' position. To power off, set it to 'OFF'. The camera features an automatic power-saving function that turns off power after a set time (1, 2, 4, 8, 15, or 30 minutes).
Shooting Modes
The mode dial allows selection of various shooting modes:
- Basic Zone: Fully automatic modes (e.g., Full Auto, Portrait, Landscape, Close-Up, Sports, Night Portrait, Flash Off).
- Creative Zone: Manual control modes (P: Program AE, Tv: Shutter-priority AE, Av: Aperture-priority AE, M: Manual, A-DEP: Automatic Depth-of-field AE).
Autofocus (AF) System
The EOS 30D features a 9-point wide-area AF system. AF modes include:
- One-Shot AF: For still subjects. Focus locks once achieved.
- AI Servo AF: For moving subjects. Continuously focuses while the shutter button is half-pressed.
- AI Focus AF: Automatically switches between One-Shot and AI Servo AF based on subject movement.
- Manual Focus (MF): Adjust focus manually using the lens focus ring.
AF points can be selected automatically or manually using the multi-controller.
Exposure Control
The camera offers various metering modes:
- Evaluative Metering: Measures light across the entire frame, linked to AF points.
- Partial Metering: Measures approximately 9% at the center of the viewfinder.
- Spot Metering: Measures approximately 3.5% at the center of the viewfinder.
- Center-weighted Average Metering: Measures the entire frame with emphasis on the center.
ISO speed can be set from 100 to 1600 (expandable to 3200). Exposure compensation and Auto Exposure Bracketing (AEB) are also available.
Built-in Flash
The EOS 30D features an auto pop-up, retractable built-in flash with a guide number of 43 ft./13m (ISO 100). Recycling time is approximately 3 seconds. Flash exposure compensation is available.
LCD Monitor
The 2.5-inch TFT color LCD monitor has approximately 230,000 pixels and a wide viewing angle of 170 degrees. It displays shooting information, RGB histograms, and allows magnified zoom playback for focus checking.
Advanced Features
Picture Style
Picture Style settings allow customization of image characteristics, simulating different film types. Available presets include:
- Standard: For crisp, vivid images.
- Portrait: Optimizes skin tones.
- Landscape: Enhances blues and greens, increases sharpness.
- Neutral: Ideal for post-processing.
- Faithful: Matches subject color under 5200K color temperature.
- Monochrome: For black and white photography with filter and toning effects.
- User Defined: Store up to three customized presets.
Continuous Shooting
The camera supports high-speed continuous shooting at approximately 5 frames per second (fps) and low-speed at approximately 3 fps. It can capture up to 30 JPEG, 11 RAW, or 9 RAW+JPEG files in a single burst.
White Balance
White balance settings include Auto, Presets (Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten Light, White Fluorescent Light, Flash), Manual (Custom, or user-set Color Temperature). White balance bracketing and correction are also available.
Viewfinder
The eye-level SLR viewfinder provides approximately 95% coverage. It displays AF points, focus confirmation, exposure information (shutter speed, aperture, ISO), flash status, and warnings.
Connectivity and Software
USB Connection
Connect the camera to a computer using the USB 2.0 Hi-Speed interface cable (IFC-400PCU) for image transfer and remote control shooting.
PictBridge Direct Printing
The EOS 30D supports direct printing to PictBridge-compatible printers, including Canon SELPHY Compact Photo Printers and PIXMA Photo Printers.
Included Software
The camera comes with the Canon EOS Digital Solution Disk, which includes:
- ZoomBrowser EX (Windows) / ImageBrowser (Mac): For viewing and editing JPEG and RAW images.
- Digital Photo Professional: For high-speed processing of RAW images and advanced adjustments.
- EOS Utility: Manages camera-computer connection, remote shooting, and image downloading.
- PhotoStitch: For creating panoramic images.
Accessories
The EOS 30D is part of the extensive Canon EOS system, offering compatibility with a wide range of accessories.
Lenses
Compatible with all Canon EF and EF-S lenses, from ultra-wide angle to super telephoto.
Speedlites
Supports EX Series Speedlites with E-TTL II flash metering. The Speedlite 430EX is well-suited for the EOS 30D, offering high output and AF-assist beam functionality.
Battery Grip BG-E2
The optional Battery Grip BG-E2 provides extended shooting capacity by accommodating two BP-511A Lithium-ion battery packs or six AA-size batteries. It also offers a vertical shutter release and additional controls for comfortable vertical shooting.
Remote Controls
The camera supports remote control via an N3-type terminal for wired remote switches (e.g., RS-80N3, TC-80N3) and the optional Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E1A for wireless image transmission to a computer.
Maintenance
Cleaning
- Camera Body: Wipe with a soft, dry cloth. For stubborn dirt, use a cloth lightly dampened with water.
- Lens: Use a lens blower to remove dust, then gently wipe with a lens cleaning cloth and lens cleaning solution if necessary.
- Image Sensor: Sensor cleaning should be performed by authorized service personnel to avoid damage.
Storage
- Store the camera in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight and high humidity.
- Remove the battery pack when storing the camera for extended periods.
- Use silica gel packets to absorb moisture if storing in humid environments.
Troubleshooting
This section addresses common issues you might encounter with your EOS 30D.
- Camera does not power on: Check if the battery is inserted correctly and fully charged.
- "CF card full" or "CF card error" message: Ensure the CF card has sufficient space and is not damaged. Try reformatting the card (this will erase all data).
- Images are blurry: Check focus mode (AF/MF), ensure proper AF point selection, and verify shutter speed is fast enough to prevent camera shake.
- Flash does not fire: Ensure the flash is raised (if using built-in flash) and charged. Check flash settings and external Speedlite connection.
- LCD screen not displaying: Check brightness settings. If completely blank, a hardware issue may be present.
For more complex issues, refer to the full service manual or contact Canon customer support.
Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Image Sensor | 8.2 Megapixel CMOS (APS-C size, 22.5 x 15.0mm) |
| Image Processor | DIGIC II |
| Lens Mount | Canon EF mount (compatible with EF and EF-S lenses) |
| Recording Media | CompactFlash (CF) Card Type I & II |
| Recording Format | JPEG, RAW, RAW+JPEG |
| ISO Speed Range | 100-1600 (expandable to 3200) |
| Autofocus System | 9 AF points, TTL-CT-SIR AF-dedicated CMOS sensor |
| Shutter Speeds | 1/8000 to 30 sec., X-sync at 1/250 sec. |
| Continuous Shooting | High-speed approx. 5 fps, Low-speed approx. 3 fps |
| LCD Monitor | 2.5 inch TFT color, approx. 230,000 pixels, 170° viewing angle |
| Built-in Flash Guide No. | 43 ft./13m (ISO 100) |
| Interface | USB 2.0 Hi-Speed, NTSC/PAL video output |
| Power Source | One Lithium-Ion Battery Pack BP-511A/BP-514/BP-511/BP-512 |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 5.7 x 4.2 x 2.9 in. / 144 x 105.5 x 73.5mm |
| Weight (body only) | 24.7 oz. / 700g |
| Operating Temperature | 32-104°F / 0-40°C |
| Operating Humidity | 85% or less |
Safety Information
Please read and follow these safety guidelines to ensure safe operation and prevent damage to your camera:
- Do not expose the camera to water or extreme humidity.
- Avoid dropping the camera or subjecting it to strong impacts.
- Do not attempt to disassemble or modify the camera. Refer servicing to qualified technicians.
- Keep batteries away from heat sources and do not short-circuit them.
- Use only Canon-approved accessories and power sources.
Warranty and Support
For information regarding warranty coverage and technical support, please refer to the documentation provided at the time of purchase or visit the official Canon website. Support resources typically include FAQs, driver downloads, and contact information for customer service.
