| The perfect EOS for advanced-amateurs and professionals alike, the EOS 20D sets new standards in its class. Featuring an all-new 8.2 MP CMOS Sensor, a second generation DIGIC II Image Processor, 5 fps performance for up to 23 consecutive frames and a 0.2 second start-up time, the EOS 20D is designed to capture richly detailed, perfectly exposed images with speed formerly found only in cameras several times the price. Other features include a top shutter speed of 1/8000 sec., flash sync at 1/250, a new high-precision 9-point AF System, a built-in multi-controller for fast focusing point selection and a refined magnesium alloy body, for rugged, go anywhere photography. Compatible with not only Canon's new EF-S Lenses, but with the entire EOS System of lenses and flashes, the EOS 20D is a professionally featured camera with a consumer price tag. 8.2 Megapixel CMOS SensorCanon's all-new large area CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) Sensor captures images with exceptional clarity and tonal range, and offers the most pixels in its class. This 2nd generation APS-C size sensor (22.5 x 15.0mm) has the same 3:2 ratio as film cameras, enabling an effective angle of view that is 1.6x the normal EF Lens focal length. The EOS 20D has an extensive ISO range (from 100 to 1600 plus ISO 3200 in extended mode),and the sensor features a newly developed set of narrow-gap microlenses and noise reduction circuits to improve performance at high ISOs, and optimized photodiode configurations for improved performance at all ISOs. This results in larger, clearer, sharper and more detailed photographs right from the start.Second Generation DIGIC II Image Processor The EOS 20D benefits from Canon's in-house development: The DIGIC II Image Processor was developed originally for the EOS-1D Mark II and enhances every aspect of image capture. Information captured by the CMOS Sensor is processed and assembled into images of exceptional quality b |
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Still the top of the heap for serious amateurs
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| Review Date: October 1, 2005 |
| Reviewer: Michael Sandman, Brookline, MA United States |
The 20D has been out for about a year now, and meanwhile Canon and Nikon have issued much less expensive SLRs aimed at the expanding "prosumer" market. But the 20D is still tops -- the perfect blend of features, size, weight, and good design for serious amateurs, and probably a good backup for a pro. I've had this camera (with the 17-85 mm lens) for nine months and have taken all sorts of shots -- landscape, portraits, telephoto, brightly lit scenes and night shots and it feels solid, sturdy and sure-footed in every situation. The controls are logical and well-placed.
Having hefted the newer, less expensive Canon 350D and the Nikon D70, I'd still buy the 20D. The only complaints are that macro performance of the 17-85mm lens is only so-so, and the LCD screen washes out in bright light.
If you're migrating from a film SLR, this camera is a full-fledged replacement that starts up and focuses fast, with no annoying shutter lag at all. And you have the huge range of Canon accessories. Three recommendations: Use the RAW/JPEG format for your pictures -- that way, when you do serious editing, you can start with the RAW file, which will give you more flexibility and a better result than the JPEG; buy a 1GB CF card; and buy the Canon 420EX flash, which is much less expensive than the 580EX and does a superb job. |
What a Pleasure
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| Review Date: March 12, 2006 |
| Reviewer: D. Tuttle, Wasilla, Alaska United States |
I have gone from the old 640x480 about nine years ago to a 3.1m for the last few years to the Canon 20d now, what a pleasure to shot. The battery life has not been an issue even with over 250 shots, which should be sufficient for most anybody. There is a small learning curve but you would expect this with any new camera.
The lens choice was a great idea which came from an earlier review of the excellent walk around ability of this lens from the general shots to the closeups of those favorite flowers.
For those individuals who are on the fence about this product I tout it to all I have spoken to. It turned a good photo experience on our west coast road trip into a real serious photo shoot, it also uses the commonly accessable compact flash.
The built in flash works well have not had to explore the options at this time. The delivery of this item when promised was a nice bow on the package. |
The Best
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| Review Date: December 6, 2005 |
| Reviewer: Ricardo Mendillo, Buenos Aires, BA Argentina |
You will find hundreds of reviews and articles on the EOS 20D, I can not add more tech specs. (Steves Digicams, Imaging Resource, etc).
As a user I just can say that if you are a photo enthusiast this camera will cover all your needs, the picture quality is superb, it is super fast, accurate auto focus, solid, excellent grip.
Extra advice: If it is in your budget go for USM lens instead of the plastic cheap lens offered with the kit.
Remarks: Do not forget that more pixels doesn't mean better quality pictures just bigger prints. |
Awesome prosumer/almost-professional camera!
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| Review Date: July 18, 2005 |
| Reviewer: S. Yeh, Boston, MA |
I was upgrading from point-and-shoot digital. The choice was between the Canon Rebel XT, Nikon D70, and the Canon 20D. I am glad that I footed the extra cash for the 20D and even the IS 17-85 lens. It's well worth the investment for budding enthusiasts/amateurs like myself. Like playing a violin, you can't really be inspired to do better and do more if you don't have the right instrument.
PRO: FAST system in turning on and triggering, 5 shots/sec bursting (for great children pictures), 1/8000th second shutter speed (fun water pictures), 9-point auto-focusing system, solid feel of the body, ease of menu and yet plenty of options.
IMPROVEMENT: The door for the memory card is a bit loose as it is on the back side of the right hand grip. The shutter is a bit loud if you don't want the turning heads in a quiet setting (but even then it's not so unacceptable as you do have a nice camera to show off!).
17-85 IS LENS: Way better than the cheap stock lens! Image stabilization is great especially if you don't like shooting with a flash.
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Great Camera
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| Review Date: June 18, 2007 |
| Reviewer: Jeffery Jordan, |
| For the price I do not think I could have done better. I got this as a up grade from a 300D and man what a deal, The 20D is everything I expected and more. The EF-S 17-85 mm is a great lens for a walk around lens,and the IS I love you can get some tough shots with out a tripod. If you are looking to up grade and don't need all the bells and whistles of the 30D this could be what your looking for, same camera different price |
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