Canon 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 second-generation APS-C-size sensor (22.5 by 15.0mm) has the same 3:2 ratio as film cameras , enabling an effective angle of view that is 1.6 times 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 by this new image processor. With the DIGIC II image processor on board, photographers can expect precise, natural colors and spot-on white balance in any number of lighting situations. Through sophisticated signal processing algorithms, the DIGIC II image processor even accelerates all aspects of image capture, while consuming less energy than other processors.
Every Function Optimized for Speedy RAW and JPEG Capture
The EOS 20D has been designed to capture images with speeds that had been reserved for professional-level cameras. Whether it's the 0.2 second start-up time, the high-speed mirror drive, the class-leading 65 microsecond shutter release lag time, or the predictive AF focusing at speeds up to 5 frames per second, the EOS 20D will amaze and delight photographers who don't want to wait for their camera when they're ready to shoot. The 20D's CMOS sensor allows four-channel high-speed data readout, and the DIGIC II image processor processes the data quickly, writing files to the CompactFlash card faster, and allowing continuous shooting for up to 23 frames (JPEG Large/Fine) with significant reductions in buffer clearing times.
JPEG or Simultaneous RAW+JPEG
Whenever you shoot the EOS 20D, you can choose to have it record RAWs or JPEGs alone, or in RAW plus JPEG formats simultaneously. The JPEG recording format is ideal for purposes such as Internet image transfers that require reduced file sizes. Canon's proprietary RAW (.CR2) format, on the other hand, employs lossless compression to ensure the highest possible image quality, and is recorded at 12 bits per pixel to provide a wider range of tones and superior detail in bright highlights and deep shadows when compared with JPEG files. RAW files must be processed before they can be opened in your computer's image-editing software. This conversion process typically takes only a few seconds using the dedicated driver software, which will convert the RAW file into a standard 8-bit-per-channel JPEG or TIFF file, or for maximum tonal range, a 16-bit TIFF. There are six selectable settings for in-camera JPEG image quality, when CF card space is at a premium.
Expansive Sensor Array for Easier Composition
The EOS 20D has a newly developed high-precision nine-point AF system for speedy and accurate focusing in any situation. An improved focusing screen with precision matte finish enables brighter and easier manual focus. A newly developed multicontroller, conveniently located on the back of the camera for thumb-controlled action, allows the photographer to instantly choose any of the nine focus points or direct the camera to choose them automatically. Focusing points are positioned in the viewfinder in a wide diamond-shaped array, allowing the user to achieve focus quickly in numerous compositions and situations.
Features Formerly Offered Only in Canon's Pro Cameras Allow for More Fine-Tuning.
Photographers will find their options for color settings greatly expanded in the new EOS 20D. Taken directly from the EOS-1D Mark II, the white-balance compensation function utilizes the new multicontroller and a nifty LCD monitor display to tune any white balance setting up to +/-9 steps in blue, amber, magenta, or green hues to ensure spot-on color. The new white-balance bracketing feature produces a series of three files varying white balance from magenta to green or blue to amber, depending on the lighting situation.
Images can be processed directly for the industry print standard Adobe RGB or standard sRGB, and are compatible with DCF 2.0 and Exif 2.21 standards for greater flexibility. A range of in-camera image processing parameters can optimize JPEG files for direct printing or post-processing, or can be customized to the user's tastes and needs.
The EOS 20D also features a built-in monochrome mode, a first in Canon digital SLRs , which uses digital processing to re-create the effects of a number of different black and white filters and toning effects. These features help to take the guesswork out of black-and-white photography, reducing the need for post-processing by delivering the desired detail and contrast of a black-and-white image from the start.
Strength and Elegance Combined
The EOS 20D feels solid and rugged in your hands, ensuring stable, easy handling. Its rigid chassis combines engineering plastic with stainless steel and is covered by strong, lightweight magnesium alloy panels on the top, front, and rear. Controls are ergonomically shaped and positioned to sustain the EOS tradition of ergonomic excellence and sure-fire operation. The newly designed grip, shutter button, and rubber skin contribute to this excellent holding comfort, and the camera's high-profile built-in flash is compact and hides itself neatly into the top of the body. A newly refined finish adds to the elegance of the camera body.
Expanded Zoom Display During Playback
While viewing recorded images on the camera's 1.8-inch, high-definition TFT color LCD, you can enter enlargement mode and enlarge them up to 10 times in 15 stops for detailed analysis of lighting, composition, camera movement, focusing accuracy, facial expression, and more. The new multicontroller enables horizontal and vertical scrolling, while the main dial enables viewing of the previous or next image stored in the CF card at the same enlarged view. In the maximum reduced view, nine images are displayed simultaneously on the screen, making them quicker to find. The camera can be set to automatically rotate vertical images so they can be viewed easily on the monitor and also after downloading to your computer.
Direct Printing with PictBridge-Compatible Printers
The EOS 20D lets you print beautiful photos with minimum time and effort--directly from the camera. Simply connect the DSLR camera to any PictBridge-compatible printer via the high-speed USB 2.0 port to print images stored on the CF card. You can even set the EOS 20D to trim the image, add a surrounding "frame," superimpose a date, or print multiple copies. The EOS 20D's direct-printing feature complies with Exif v2.2 (Exif Print) and DPOF v1.1. With a host of portable and home printers available from Canon , including the new PIXMA iP4000 and PIXMA iP3000 photo printers, getting tangible results from the camera has never been faster or easier.
Software
The EOS 20D comes bundled with three software CDs: Canon's Digital Photo Professional 1.1, the EOS Solution Disk 8.0, and Photoshop Elements 2.0. Each application is designed to optimize captured images and streamline the digital workflow.
Customer Reviews
A has-been camera.
I can't believe a seller expects to get nearly nine hundred dollars for this outmoded DSLR camera, when the more modern and much better Canon EOS 40d can be had for substantially less money. Take a few minutes to do a little research before falling for the first camera that tickles your fancy! This camera has only 8.3 MP, my cheap point and shoot has the same. Also, this camera is way behind on the features you will find on most of todays DSLR's that cost less.
Undocumented fact: limited CF-card capacity
Canon considers memory card capacity a deep dark secret. You can look for it, but you won't find it. The EOS 20D Digital SLR Camera will support an 8GB CF - MAX.
You can buy a larger CF - but you can't write more than 8GB. If you format it, you'll discover its size has been reduced to 8GB. (You can use a partition editor like Linux's gparted to resize the partition table back up - but you shouldn't have to.)
So stop eyeing those 16- and 32GB CF cards. Since you're limited to 8GB, you can spend the difference on faster write speeds. And more of them...
First step into 'high-end' cameras
I bought this camera my tool for learning about digital photography. It has been very easy to use and a great learning tool. As with any camera, the lens makes a big difference in the photographs you take. The lens this comes with is okay for a generic starter, but you will quickly want to invest in a more high-end one based upon the type of photography you want to do. It is compatible with the older Canon lenses, so that has been a plus.
Canon EOS 20D 8.2MP Digital SLR Camera is definitely a value for money DSLR.
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