Capture Stunning Images with the Canon EOS 20D: A Review and Guide

This blog is a comprehensive review and guide for the Canon EOS 20D camera. Learn about its features, capabilities, and how it can help you take beautiful images. Find out how this camera is perfect for both amateurs and professionals alike, with its fast autofocus, high-quality image sensor, and customizable settings. This article also includes tips and tricks to make the most out of your Canon EOS 20D, ensuring that you capture stunning images every time.

Written by Victor Chan | Updated: Mon May 01 2023

Canon EOS 20D article cover photo

Key Features

Nov 03 2004

Announced

8 megapixels

Resolution

BrandCanon
Sensor TypeAPS-C
SensorCMOS
Weight770g
MSRP$1499USD

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Overview of the EOS 20D

Are you looking for a camera that can help you capture breathtaking images? Look no further than the Canon EOS 20D. This camera is one of Canon's most popular DSLRs, favored by both hobbyists and professionals alike. With its powerful features and functions, the EOS 20D has a lot to offer to those who want to take their photography to the next level. In this article, we'll dive into the details about the Canon EOS 20D, including its technical specifications, benefits, and tips to master its use. Let's get started!

Canon EOS 20D Pros and Cons

Now, we will look more closely at our review of the Canon EOS 20D camera. We will see what it can do and compare it to other cameras like it. We will tell you what's good about it and what's not so good. This way, you'll know if it's the camera for you!

Pros

High resolution 8.2-megapixel sensor
Fast autofocus system with 9-point AF
Large 2.5-inch LCD screen
High-speed continuous shooting at 5 fps
Compatible with a wide range of Canon EF lenses
Good low-light performance with ISO up to 3200
Durable magnesium alloy body
Customizable settings and controls
Good image quality with accurate color reproduction

Cons

Relatively heavy and bulky compared to newer models
No live view or video recording
Limited dynamic range and high ISO noise
Slower write speed to memory card
No spot metering or wireless flash control
No image stabilization in body
Limited battery life
No weather-sealing on body

Build and Construction

Body and dimensions

Canon EOS 20D

Weather sealed
Dimensions144 x 106 x 72mm
Weight770g
Thickness72mm
Weight
Min
Avg
This
Max
Thickness
Min
Avg
This
Max

Weather Sealing

The Canon EOS 20D is not sealed against water and dust, so it's important to be careful when using it in such conditions. If you often shoot in environments with water or dust, it's recommended to check out another camera with weather sealing.

Design and Handling

Main design features

View FinderOptical (pentaprism)
Screen TypeFixed Type
Screen Resolution118k dots
Body typeMid-size SLR

Suitable for:

PhotographyAbove Avg.
VideographyAbove Avg.
TravelAbove Avg.

LCD Screen

This camera has a fixed type 1.80" screen, with a display resolution of 118k dots. This makes the Canon EOS 20D not as suitable for those looking for a vlogging camera as you cannot view yourself while shooting selfies easily. Unfortunately, the camera does not have a touch screen, which may make it less user-friendly.

Viewfinder

EOS 20D includes a optical (pentaprism) viewfinder with no electronic viewfinder of resolution with a coverage of 95% and a magnification of 0.56x. This feature enhances the camera's suitability for outdoor photography in bright conditions.

Image Quality

Canon EOS 20D has a 8MP sized CMOS sensor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 8 pixels. Canon EOS 20D has a native ISO range of 100 - 1600 which can be boosted to null - 3200. It can also save files in RAW format which gives you a wider room for post processing.

Key Features

Nov 03 2004

Announced

100 - 1600

ISO Range

SensorAPS-C
Extended ISOnull - 3200
Max resolution3504 x 2336 pixels

DXO Sensor Scores

Overall

62 / 102

Color Depth

21.9 / 26.5

Dynamic Range

11 / 14.8

Low Light ISO

721 / 4505

DXO mark sensor scores

The DXOmark rankings indicate that the Canon EOS 20D camera has above average color depth performance, which refers to the number of colors the sensor can distinguish. Additionally, its dynamic range is also average, allowing it to retain low amounts of details in both bright and dark areas of a scene. The camera's low light ISO performance is poor, which is an important factor to consider if you plan to use it in dimly lit indoor environments or at night. Overall the image quality of the EOS 20D is below average

Crop Factor

Camera crop factor (or focal length multiplier) refers to how a camera's sensor size affects the apparent field of view of a lens. Crop factor is determined by comparing the size of a camera's sensor to that of a full-frame sensor, which is a standard reference size for camera sensors.

Size comparison

Medium FormatFull FrameAPS-C (Sony, Nikon)

Crop factor calculator

Crop factor

1x

Full frame equivalent

24mm

This camera: APS-C

24mm

850100150200

Connectivity, storage, battery

StorageCompact Flash (Type I or II)
Battery Life
Battery Model
HDMI
USD
Wireless Connectivity

Storage

The Canon EOS 20D supports Compact Flash (Type I or II) with 1 slots for storage. This may suffice for everyday use. However, for professional applications such as wedding photography, it is not recommended as a memory card malfunction could lead to the loss of all footage.

Battery

The Canon EOS 20D uses the undefined model of undefined. This is rated for undefined shots which is high. If you intend to take photos or record videos for an extended period, it might be a good idea to bring along additional batteries.

Photography Features

Flash

The Canon EOS 20D has built in flash which is great for event photography and in low light situations. It also offers a flash shoe that allows you to attach external flashes. This provides more versatility in your lighting choices.

Shutter

The Canon EOS 20D boasts a maximum mechanical shutter speed of 1/8000s, which is ideal for shooting fast-moving subjects in bright environments, such as in sports photography. Faster shutter speeds enable you to freeze the action and capture every detail, making it easier to get the perfect shot.

With a continuous mechanical shutter speed of n/a or an electronic shutter speed of n/a, this camera is not capable of capturing the perfect moment more easily, making it not as suited for wedding, sports, and wildlife photography. Higher shutter speeds make it easier to capture fast-paced action, ensuring that you never miss the perfect shot.

Autofocus

The Canon EOS 20D includes phase detection autofocus (AF), with 9 number of focus points.

While contrast detection is generally more accurate and precise, phase detection autofocus is faster and more effective in most situations, particularly when photographing moving subjects.

Phase detection autofocus works by dividing the incoming light into pairs and then analyzing how they intersect on the camera's sensor. This method allows the camera to determine not only if a subject is in focus but also the direction and distance needed to adjust the focus to achieve perfect sharpness.

On the other hand, contrast detection autofocus works by analyzing the contrast of an image and adjusting the focus until the highest contrast is detected. While this method is very accurate, it can be slow, especially in low light conditions or when photographing moving subjects.

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FAQ

What is the sensor size of the Canon EOS 20D?

The Canon EOS 20D features a CMOS sensor

Is the Canon EOS 20D weather sealed?

No the EOS 20D does not have weather sealing.

When was the Canon EOS 20D announced?

The Canon EOS 20D was announced on Nov 03 2004

Does the Canon EOS 20D have in-body image stabilization?

No the EOS 20D does not have in-body image stabilization that can compensate for camera shake, making it easier to shoot handheld in low light conditions.

What is the ISO range of the Canon EOS 20D?

The EOS 20D has a native ISO range of 100-1600, which can be expanded to ISO null-3200 for even greater sensitivity in low light conditions.

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