jray
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Let's see, we've already started finding problems with the 30D without seeing any production model test results.
Are the added features over the 20D worth the upgrade? Well it depends on where you are upgrading from, and what features are important to you.
I still use 10Ds. Although I was tempted to upgrade when the 20D came out (instant on, high precision focus mode with f2.8 or faster lenses, lower noise at high ISO, mush faster write times to the memory card verses the 10D, a grip that could use AA batts, etc), there were a few things that held me back. The shutter noise was aggravating, and the reduced body size was not a plus in my book, however the six RAW file buffer size was the real turn off for me.
I shoot RAW. Yes there are times when I shoot jpg files for one reason or another, but most of the time I live in the RAW mode. Six frames just didn't cut it. The 30D fixes the buffer problem for the most part IMO, and coupled with the fast memory card write time of the 20D, this should make for a decent high speed platform.
What about the 30D's new features?
- Selectable 3/5fps rate: Great, I really wanted this feature.
- Improved AF performance: This is always a plus, but real world comparison tests are needed.
- ISO selectable in 1/3 stops: Thank you Canon. Now we need to see if the noise is also equally distributed.
- ISO in viewfinder: I'm glad for this, but I came up with a system to set ISO without looking.
- Better joystick: Having used a 20D but not owning own, I'll have to assume it's better.
- RGB histogram: Nice. I shoot RAW and use the histogram for exposure decisions in most cases.
- 3.5 degree spot meter: Since I use the histogram for exposure, this is less of a big deal to me.
- Improved shutter design: Once again, always a plus. I hope it's quieter like the 5D.
- Larger LCD: Always a plus if the intensity stays high.
Things they didn't add:
- More pixels: Good! I'm glad to see Canon knows when to stop. More than 8-9MP on a 1.6x 35mm format is just asking for trouble. More noise, and the one problem that is insurmountable, diffraction limiting at smaller apertures.
- Body size: I would have liked a 5D sized body, thank you very much.
- MLU: Yep, I would love this. In fact I'd like to see a few user assignable button combinations. I mentioned such a scheme on the RB forums a few years back.
Some are mentioning things that were not upgraded without having any information to support it. For example, the mention that images will not be of any better quality on the 30D, is non-supported by anything I've read so far. Yes, Canon intends to use the same sensor as the 20D, but this does not mean they haven't made other advances to improve noise figures and possibly dynamic range.
I have yet to see a Canon DSLR replacement come out that did not show at least slight advancements in high ISO noise figures, and quite often improved dynamic range as well. I'm hoping the 30D will be no exception.
As far as evolutionary verses revolutionary, what did you expect. All new technologies will hit certain stumbling blocks as they mature, and digital photography is no exception. Since there is little to be gained for 1.6x image sensors by adding additional pixels, the manufacturers have to concentrate their attention on other things. Lower noise, especially at higher ISO setting, higher usable ISO setting due to the previous, better dynamic range, inherently sharper images created by the use of less aggressive AA filters through better microlens designs, etc. There are lots of places where improvements can be made that are not related to producing larger MP sensors for a particular format.
Anyway, as a 10D owner I will be watching the 30D test results a reviews carefully since I feel this might be a camera I could live with for a few years.
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