Canon's mid-range APS-C DSLR from 2006 — 8.2MP with solid build, preceding the popular 40D.
The Canon EOS 30D was released in February 2006 as the prosumer APS-C DSLR update to the 20D, featuring an 8.2MP CMOS sensor, 5.0fps burst rate, and an improved large 2.5-inch LCD display. No video recording — the 30D predates Canon's DSLR video era. No weather sealing. At approximately 700g body only it targeted enthusiast photographers. Single CompactFlash card slot.
The 8.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor pairs with DIGIC II processing. The 9-point AF module provides standard acquisition. Burst shooting at 5.0fps. No video recording — stills only. 2.5-inch LCD. No weather sealing. BP-511A rechargeable battery. Body weight approximately 700g body only, single CompactFlash card slot.
The 30D's improvements over the 20D were modest: a larger 2.5-inch LCD, a revised viewfinder eyepiece, and the addition of exposure simulation in Live View preview. Burst rate and AF performance were unchanged from the 20D. CompactFlash and BP-511A battery aligned it with the original 5D for cross-camera battery compatibility among enthusiast Canon shooters of the era.
On the used market the Canon EOS 30D is very affordable as a vintage Canon APS-C DSLR. Condition checks: shutter count via EXIF (rated 100,000 actuations), CF card slot contacts, BP-511A battery health — shared with the original 5D, 10D, 20D, 40D, 50D — and no weather sealing to account for exposure risk. No video. Compatible with all Canon EF and EF-S lenses.