The EOS 30D is in my opinion the best x0D camera in this line. It is even better as the 40D in some respects. For example higher ISO noise, ergonomics(better placed buttons), better build quality and the little sensitivity advantage of the sensor(ISO100 is more like 125 etc.)
IQ is very good. Sharp. Nice color. Very good dynamic range. Low noise even at higher settings. Details at ISO1600 are fine.
AF is very fast and accurate. Even with screwdriver lenses.
Viewfinder is big and bright. Maybe not as good as Nikon D200, but I don´t care about this as the D200 has more disadvantages compared to the 30D.
5fps are fun. Good for action.
It is very lightwight and handy. Not too small, it has the right size for me. I don´t know why some people prefer the brick-like feeling of the D200 compared to this camera. I hate it to have an overweighted camera in my hands.
Battery life excellent. 1500 shots with one single charge is no problem.
Overall a very lovely camera with good ergonomics and superb IQ. I use an Canon EF-S 18-55mm IS and Sigma 10-20mm.
Problems:
My first 30D had backfocus problems. Canon wasn´t able to fix that. Be sure to check the focus.
Wish this camera had an real AF assistance lamp. Not only the flash strobe. I don´t understand why canon has dropped this feature with the 10d(D30 and D60 had it).
Pretty useless print button.
I hate it that the camera overtakes the number of shots when a non-formatted card is inserted. Even from Nikon cameras! I had an card in use in an old Nikon D1H. Folder number was 889 and the image number around 1400. The 30D has used this numbers, too. That´s somehow annoying when you want to keep file number in relation to the actuation number.
Camera shuts down when opening CF door. This annoying misfeature was dropped with the 40D. Nikon never had this.
IQ is very good. Sharp. Nice color. Very good dynamic range. Low noise even at higher settings. Details at ISO1600 are fine.
AF is very fast and accurate. Even with screwdriver lenses.
Viewfinder is big and bright. Maybe not as good as Nikon D200, but I don´t care about this as the D200 has more disadvantages compared to the 30D.
5fps are fun. Good for action.
It is very lightwight and handy. Not too small, it has the right size for me. I don´t know why some people prefer the brick-like feeling of the D200 compared to this camera. I hate it to have an overweighted camera in my hands.
Battery life excellent. 1500 shots with one single charge is no problem.
Overall a very lovely camera with good ergonomics and superb IQ. I use an Canon EF-S 18-55mm IS and Sigma 10-20mm.
Problems:
My first 30D had backfocus problems. Canon wasn´t able to fix that. Be sure to check the focus.
Wish this camera had an real AF assistance lamp. Not only the flash strobe. I don´t understand why canon has dropped this feature with the 10d(D30 and D60 had it).
Pretty useless print button.
I hate it that the camera overtakes the number of shots when a non-formatted card is inserted. Even from Nikon cameras! I had an card in use in an old Nikon D1H. Folder number was 889 and the image number around 1400. The 30D has used this numbers, too. That´s somehow annoying when you want to keep file number in relation to the actuation number.
Camera shuts down when opening CF door. This annoying misfeature was dropped with the 40D. Nikon never had this.