Canon has today launched a new digital SLR called the EOS 30D, a revamped version of the EOS 20D which was launched in 2004.

Like the 20D before it the EOS 30D boasts an 8.2MP CMOS imaging sensor and is a mid-range SLR aimed at serious amateurs or semi-professional photographers.

Improvements over the EOS 20D include a 2.5? LCD screen with a resolution of 230,000 pixels, compared to the 1.8? (118,000 pixel resolution) monitor on board the 20D.

Differences also include the ability to switch between low and high speed shooting modes which offer 3 frames per second (fps) and 5 fps respectively for up to 30 JPEG images (the 20D has a maximum burst depth of 23 JPEG shots).

Also included is a top shutter speed of 1/8000sec, built-in pop-up flash and E-TTL II flash exposure control. The ISO settings of ISO100-1600 can be set in 1/3 stop increments. ISO is expandable to ISO 3200.

The 30D will succeed the EOS 20D which was unveiled in September 2004 to replace Canon?s 6.3MP EOS 10D.

It will be out next month at a body only price of £1099.99.

? Full details of the EOS 30D will appear in next week?s AP, in shops on Tuesday 28 February.