The Canon EOS 30 is a single lens reflex camera. It is the successor of the Canon EOS 50E and was introduced in the early 2000s. Under the name “Canon EOS Elan 7E” the 35mm camera was sold on the American market. Japanese customers could buy it as “EOS 7”.
The Canon EOS 30 offers the possibility of interchangeable lenses. It comes with an EF bayonet. The camera is equipped with an autofocus. This can be controlled by eye movement. With the EOS 33 this function is missing.
The 35mm camera has an exposure meter. It is designed for an ISO range from 6 to 6400. The correct ISO value is read out by the DX code on the film cartridge and the light meter is set accordingly. Only values between ISO 25 and ISO 5000 are supported. Exposure is measured through the lens (TTL) with the 35mm SLR.
The Canon EOS 30 can automatically set the aperture and exposure time. For this purpose the camera has different exposure modes. The exposure time can be set manually. The aperture is also freely selectable.
If you want to take long time pictures, there is the bulb setting. In this mode the film is exposed as long as the shutter release button is pressed. The shortest exposure time is 1/4000 second.
There is a built-in flash for taking pictures in low light conditions. An external flash can also be used with the camera. For this purpose there is a hot shoe on the top of the camera. The fastest shutter speed when taking pictures with flash is 1/125 second.
The dimensions of the miniature camera are 14.6 x 10.3 x 6.9 cm. It weighs 575 grams. The 35 mm camera is powered by two CR123A batteries (eBay / Amazon*).
Films for the Canon EOS 30
The Canon EOS 30 is built for the 35mm format. 35mm films are still made by different producers. A great film choice is for color pictures the Agfaphoto Vista 400* and for black and white pictures the Ilford XP2 Super*.
The color film is a negative film and is processed in the C-41 development process. C-41 films are developed by almost all photographic laboratories.
The area of the negatives of the Canon EOS 30 is 24 mm x 36 mm. The film is transported at a speed of up to four frames per second. At the end of the roll it is automatically rewound into the cartridge.
The Canon EOS 30 is no longer in production. The value of a used copy of the camera depends mainly on its condition.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Single lens reflex camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Film transport | Automatic |
| Film transport mechanism | Motor |
| Picture format | 24 mm x 36 mm |
| Lens mount | Canon EF mount |
| Focus | Autofocus |
| Viewfinder | Pentaprism finder |
| Exposure times | 1/4000 second to 30 seconds, Bulb |
| Bulb mode | Yes |
| Light meter | Yes |
| Supported film speeds | ISO 6 to 6400 |
| Auto DX (Film sensitivity) | Yes |
| Exposure modes | Program automatic, Aperture priority, Shutter priority, Manual mode |
| Exposure compensation | ± 3EV (0,33EV to) |
| Double and/or multiple exposure function | Yes |
| Flash | Integrated flash |
| Flash Connection | Hot Shoe |
| Flash sync speed | 1/125 s |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Self-timer | Yes |
| Power supply | 2x CR123A batteries |
| Size | 14,6 x 10,3 x 6,9 cm |
| Dimensions in inches | 5.75 x 4.06 x 2.72 inches |
| Weight | 575 Grams |
| Estimated value / Used price | 73,26 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 100 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of May 18, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 163,58 Euro (176.43 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 167,21 Euro (180.76 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 122,94 Euro (132.05 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Canon EOS 30
What kind of lenses can I use with the Canon EOS 30?
The Canon EOS 30 uses interchangeable lenses with an EF mount. This gives you a wide variety of lenses to choose from, depending on your photographic needs. You'll find many lenses available both new and used.
How does the camera focus?
The EOS 30 has autofocus, and it's a really cool feature. You can even control the autofocus with your eye movements! This is a unique feature not found on all cameras of that era.
Does this camera have a built-in flash?
Yes, it does! The Canon EOS 30 has a built-in flash for shooting in low-light conditions. There's also a hot shoe for using external flashes if you need extra power or more control over your lighting.
What type of film does the camera use?
The Canon EOS 30 uses standard 35mm film. This is a common format, so finding film shouldn't be a problem. You can use color or black and white film.
How is the light metering done in this SLR?
The light meter in the 35mm SLR reads the ISO from the film cartridge and measures the light through the lens (TTL). It supports a wide range of ISO values, ensuring accurate exposure in various lighting conditions.