Canon's advanced mid-range EOS — the EOS 30, seven-point AF, quiet, EF mount, 2000.
The Canon EOS 30, introduced in 2000, was a mid-range enthusiast EOS body on the EF autofocus mount, sold as the Elan 7 or EOS 7 in some markets. It succeeded the EOS 50 in the mid-tier, adding a more advanced autofocus system and refined eye-control focus in the eye-control variant.
As a 35mm SLR the EOS 30 used the Canon EF autofocus bayonet and an electronically controlled focal-plane shutter with a top speed of 1/4000. It featured a seven-point autofocus system, through-the-lens evaluative, partial, centre-weighted and other metering patterns, a built-in flash, and a full set of program, priority and manual exposure modes; the eye-control version selected the AF point by the photographer's gaze. Being fully electronic, it required a battery to autofocus, meter, advance and fire.
The EOS 30 suits enthusiasts, travellers and semi-professionals wanting an advanced mid-range EOS body with seven-point autofocus, flexible metering and quiet operation using the wide EF lens range. Its capable AF and metering handle general, travel and documentary work well, and the eye-control option adds focusing convenience. It is a well-rounded, later-era autofocus film SLR that remains very usable today.
On the used market, the EOS 30 is fully electronic and battery-dependent, so confirm power and operation. Check the shutter, the LCD panel, the built-in flash and, on the eye-control version, the calibration. As with related bodies, the rubber grip covering can turn sticky with age. Test the seven-point autofocus, all modes, foam light seals and film transport. EF lenses continue on Canon EF and mirrorless bodies with adapters.