Learn about the incredible Canon EOS 30D digital SLR!

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Whether you’re a veteran of my previous books or a new convert, I think you’ll find this introduction to the Canon EOS 30D quite different from the other books on the market. When Canon finally introduced the 30D as an upgrade to the EOS 20D, I realized that a compact “field guide” wouldn’t hack it for such an advanced camera. Although many shrewd beginners will be buying the 30D as a first digital SLR, the vast majority of you will be serious amateurs – or those who aspire to join those ranks as quickly as possible. 

You don’t need a book that devotes almost third of its pages to little sections that provide the rudiments of shooting the most basic types of pictures. You don’t need to be told that you ought to use a fast shutter speed when shooting sports – you probably already know a dozen different kinds of action situations when slower shutter speeds are superior (such as motor sports with spinning tires, or when panning to capture a long jumper speeding towards the pit.) There’s a good chance that telling you to use a large aperture when shooting a portraits a bit simplistic for your skill level, too. If not, don’t worry, I provide this kind of information, too. I just don’t waste dozens of pages on these basic techniques when they can be covered in a few pages before jumping into the truly cool stuff. Instead, I’m going to emphasize the exciting things you can do in the Canon EOS 30D Guide to Digital SLR Photography
 

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After a couple introductory chapters that help you get your bearings with this innovative camera, we’re going to explore dSLR photography together using a significant new tool. I’ve tried to make the Canon EOS 30D Guide to Digital SLR Photography different from your other 30D learn-up options. The roadmap sections use larger, color pictures to show you where all the buttons and dials are, and the explanations of what they do are longer and more comprehensive. Instead of the checklists devoted to general topics like “architectural photography” or “landscape photography,” you’ll find tips and techniques for using all the features of your 30D to take any kind of picture you want. The Canon EOS 30D Guide to Digital SLR Photography is aimed at both Canon and dSLR veterans as well as newcomers to digital photography and digital SLRs. Both groups can be overwhelmed by the options the 30D offers, while underwhelmed by the explanations they receive in their user’s manual. The manuals are great if you already know what you don’t know, and you can find an answer somewhere in a booklet arranged by menu listings. I've done my best to make my book accessible, friendly, and comprehensive.

Why the Canon EOS 30D is great:

I’ve never been able to tell whether I like Canon or Nikon cameras better, so I've been using both for decades. Each brand has its advantages.  But the 30D really impressed me with some special features, outstanding image quality, and great handling.

First and foremost, it's affordable,if you’re serious about photography. Since the 30D was replaced by the new EOS 40D, the older model can be found for bargain prices, and yet it delivers great ISO performance, and image quality that more than matches that of any other 8 megapixel camera.  Add in some high quality Canon EF and EF-S lenses, and you have an unbeatable combination at a bargain price.

The EOS 30D  is also expandable with accessories like a rock-solid vertical grip for convenient portrait-orientation shots.

The Canon EOS 30D also includes tons of very cool features, such super-speedy 5 fps continuous shooting, and an improved autofocus system

My recommendations for Canon EOS 30D must-have essentials

(And stuff I just like):

(Click picture for a discount price)


My guidebook, natch!
The Canon 580 EX II electronic flash
BG-E2N battery pack/vertical grip
I love this versatile 18-250mm lens!
Wireless remote release
Never leave home without your wireless  release!
Manfrotto Monopod
I own this, and the Manfrotto carbon fiber monopod. Super for sports, landscapes, wildlife.
Tokina 12-24mm zoom.
Here's a chance to save some money on a lens that is excellent, at a lower price.
Screen Protector
Shield your big 2.5-inch LCD from scratching and damage.
Take advantage of your 30D's 5 fps continuous shooting rate and get fast transfer to your computer as a bonus with this fast CF card. While the 4GB Sandisk card is great, I've standardized on 8GB cards. I can shoot all day on a single card for sports and travel photography. Budget Grip/Battery pack
This low-cost alternative to the BG-E2N comes with two batteries, for twice the shooting!
Is it possible that the sharpest lens you own can cost less than $100?  This 50mm f/1.8 lens will exceed your expectations. Great for macro work, too.