Canon EOS 30D will not operate

Even though there is a screen on the back of the camera the 30D is not capable of "Live View"

You can view your menus and pictures after they have been made not live view.

If you have done all that was listed in your description "normally" error 99 is an electronic malfunction however, a camera firmware update may also fix the problem. Canon has these updates on their site and it can prove beneficial in this case. One of the offices I look after had two Canon 30D's great camera and they used them hard for two and a half year and at 80,000 frames I had Canon Canada replace the shutter and shutter button which is a weak link in the electronic chain. The shutter release button gets oils from the users hands down into the circuit and causes faults as well. Most times you can see a slight build up of oils in the switch between the button and the camera body. Don't bother trying to clean it the stuff is already down inside. Try the firmware update first then if the problem is solved you are good to go if not then it's service time.

In your set up menu there is a function that will allow the camera to auto power off. Normally this has several setting from a few seconds to several minutes. My first thought is that this has been altered and the camera has been set to power off in a few seconds.

There is a small Lithium coin battery on the side of the battery compartment that is the memory battery for the camera functions. Remove the battery pack first, then holding the camera with the lens facing your body look at the top back ledge of the battery compartment and see lettering CR2016. slide your finger down the back ledge and feel the ridges. with slight pressure slide the compartment up and take out the CR lithium coin battery. replace with a like new battery. If you ever need to reset a stuck program in the camera, remove this battery for a few minutes and the camera will re-boot to factory settings. This battery last for about 5 years.

If your Mac does not have iPhoto, which is part of iLife from Apple, you can find the software from Canon USA here: 30D Eos

You will have to select the operating system on that page for the proper software

When you disconnected the camera, did you use the "safely remove hardware" icon at the bottom right of your computer screen or did you just yank out the cord?

Hi - You can download the manual from the link underlined in blue below:


Canon EOS 30D

For info on fixing error 99 see here.

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Informatica

Canon Vista compatible software now available ...with added support for some cameras, but not older ones. Go here: http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=DownloadIndexAct and navigate to your camera model and select "Drivers/Software" link. RAW Codec for Vista and updates to Zoombrowzer and DPP are available for the following: EOS-1Ds Mark II, EOS-1D Mark III, EOS-1D Mark II N, EOS-1D Mark II, EOS 5D, EOS 30D, EOS 20D, EOS 400D DIGITAL, EOS DIGITAL REBEL XTi, EOS Kiss Digital X, EOS 350D DIGITAL, EOS DIGITAL REBEL XT, EOS Kiss Digital N

A more appropriate product is Suntax DRF14C for Canon 10D, 30D.
http://www.suntax.com.sg/DRF14.html

I seem to recall hearing that the power switch can be a problem on the 30D .. I'm not going to suggest you take it apart to clean the contacts .. better go to a Canon Dealer I think ..