Digital Camera Review - Canon EOS 20D
Canon EOS 20D Overview
Canon Introduced the EOS 20D in the fall of 2004 to a fantastic frenzy of buyers who just couldn't wait to get their hands on this marvel of technology. With new features like the DIGIC II Image Processor, 8 .2 Megapixel CMOS Sensor and 5 fps performance, this Digital SLR Camera proved itself to be way ahead of the pack in terms of features to price. The ability to interchange lenses with the full lineup of EF and the new EF-S lenses really puts the Canon EOS 20D into the Pro D-SLR arena.
Technical Specifications
EF/EF-S Lens Compatibility, 8.2 Megapixel CMOS Sensor, DIGIC II Image Processor, 5 fps Performance, 1/8000 Shutter Speed, 1/250 Flash Sync, 9 Point AF, Fully Programmable, B & W Mode
Putting the 20D Features to Use
If you're looking for a full featured DSLR, this is the camera for you. The compact size makes it easy to carry around and it's weighted just right to make it feel like a real pro camera. For the Sports Photographer the 20D's 5fps performance along with 1/8000 Shutter Speed works great for capturing fast action when you need it. The newspaper photojournalist will find this camera has more than enough features to cover his/her needs. The almost unlimited battery life will make any photojournalist happy. You can go through an entire day without swapping batteries on a typical shoot. The small to mid sized photography studio can take advantage of the excellent color reproduction and 8.2 Megapixel Sensor to create poster sized prints and still have room for cropping. Concert Photographers can take advantage of the Canon EOS 20D's advanced high ISO low noise performance to get shots at ISO 1600 that look more like ISO 800/400.
Canon EOS 20D Sample Photos
EOS 20D Pro's
One of the biggest benefits of Canon's 20D is the low noise at high ISO speeds. In real world testing you will find that the noise performance varies depending on the photo conditions but I've found that the biggest advantage comes in low light photography. The noise is barely noticeable at ISO 1600 on most night and low light photographs. If you're in to action or sports photography you will find the EOD 20D's 5 FPS performance invaluable. No more waiting for the right instant to snap a photo, as long as you're within 2-3 seconds of the moment you want, you'll be more than happy with the results.
EOS 20D Con's
I can't find much bad to say about the EOS 20D though if forced to pick one negative about this camera it would be the slight banding which you can get in some situations. Canon has since released a firmware update to correct this issue so chances are the camera you get off the shelf will already have the update installed.
Summary
The Canon EOS 20D makes an excellent choice for photojournalists, small to mid sized photography studios, sports photographers and amateur photographers looking to get a serious camera without breaking the budget.