Canon EOS 20D 8.2MP Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens

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Product Details

Product Manual [4.54mb PDF]

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Data Sheet [53kb PDF]

• Product Dimensions: 5.7 x 2.8 x 4.2 inches ; 2 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B0002XQJFA
• Item model number: 9442a008
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (151 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #2,700 in Camera & Photo (See Bestsellers in Camera & Photo)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: March 13, 2006

Product Description

From the Manufacturer
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 1/8,000 seconds, flash sync at 1/250, a new high-precision nine-point AF system, a built-in multicontroller 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 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 Sensor
Canon'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 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 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.

Includes EF-S 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 Lens
The EF-S 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 is a standard zoom lens. Effective focal length is equivalent to 29-88mm in 35mm film format.

• Compact and lightweight
• 11 elements in nine groups, including one high-precision aspherical lens element
• High image quality at all focal lengths
• Optimized lens coatings to minimize ghosting and flare
• Fast AF speed
• Very close focusing distance (0.28 meters at all focal lengths)
• Circular aperture gives a more attractive appearance to out-of-focus background areas in photos shot using the widest apertures
• Lead-free optics

EF and EF-S Lenses
The EOS 20D is compatible with all Canon lenses in the EF lineup, ranging from ultrawide-angle to super-telephoto lenses, and including Canon's new EF-S series lenses, manufactured specifically for the 20D and Digital Rebel. The EF lineup employs advanced optical know-how and micron precision engineering to deliver unprecedented performance in all facets of the photographic process. Aspherical optics and fluorite elements, for example, are featured in the universally acclaimed L-series lenses. Canon's image stabilization feature minimizes the effect of camera shake. Through Canon's EF lenses, photographers can truly maximize the quality and liberating performance of the EOS 20D.

Flash Photography
The EOS 20D features the acclaimed E-TTL II flash metering system introduced with the EOS-1D Mark II. Whether using its flush mounted integral flash (guide no. of 43/13 @ ISO 100 m/ft.) or any of the flashes in the EX Speedlite line, E-TTL II provides stable flash brightness through numerous exposures.

Additional Accessories
In addition to Canon's EF series of lenses and Speedlites, several other accessories are designed to work specifically with the EOS 20D. The Battery Grip BG-E2 adds a vertical shutter release, and is compatible with up to two of Canon's BP-511/511A/512/514 lithium-ion battery packs, or alternatively a set of six AA batteries, for greater convenience when traveling. Canon's Semi Hard Case EH/7-L can accommodate the EOS 20D with a small zoom lens (EF-S17-85mm f4-5.6 IS USM included), and the EOS 20D is compatible with Canon's DVK-E2 image data verification kit to check original image data authenticity, whenever verification is essential.

What's in the Box
EOS 20D digital camera, EF-S 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 lens, Lithium-ion battery pack (BP-511A) with protective cover, battery charger (CG-580), USB cable (IFC-400PCU), video cable (VC-100), EB eyecup, wide neck strap, EOS Digital Solutions Software CD-ROM, Adobe Photoshop Elements 2.0 Software CD-ROM, EOS 20D instruction manual, 1-year USA limited warranty

Product Description
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 offers lots of creative growth potential. Advanced Viewing and Printing, Powerful Software Compatible with all EF/EF-S Lenses and Many EOS System Accessories Built-in electronic-flash with shoe for optional add-on flashes 1.8 LCD screen and Viewfinder Self Timer Unit Dimensions (W x H x D) - 5.7 x 4.2 x 2.8 in. Uses CompactFlash memory storage cards for image storage (Type 1 & 2) Canon BP511 rechargeable battery Images transferable to PC Macintosh or PictBridge and Canon-Direct Includes Canon 18-55mm (3x) EF Zoom Lens

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

328 of 335 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A good upgrade from the Digital Rebel, September 26, 2004

By	N. Schweitzer (Tempe, AZ United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I purchased the 20D as an upgrade from my Digital Rebel. The cost was certainly worth it.

This camera has many, many advantages to the Rebel (as I'm sure other reviewers will point out), but I thought three were worthy of mention:

ISO 1600 and 3200 have very, very low noise. This means that I am now able to get low-light shots that I never could before. For example, I often take pictures of crowded streets at night. Before, I needed to use a flash or else my shots would be blurred by camera shake and the motion of people walking. Now (with the help of a f1.8 lens) I can set the camera at ISO3200 and have the shutter speed be fast enough that I can get clear images. In fact, when I use the Black & White mode, the picture is virtually noise-free.

Rapid-Fire burst mode. When the "multi-shot" function is on, this camera fires like a machine gun. It also writes the images to the memory card much faster than the Rebel ever did. I shot a series of 25 shots in 5 seconds, and it still had them all on the card 6 seconds after I stopped shooting.

Black and White mode. Not just some toy feature, when you are saving as a JPG file (not RAW), the image is actully encoded as a B&W image--meaning a smaller file size. This means more shots per card, and also more shots being able to be held in the buffer. I was actully able to record 90 frames of B&W images (JPG-Large-Fine) at full speed (5 per second) without stopping (onto a 40x CF card).

Like I said before, I'm sure there are tons of other amazing features of the 20D, but I wanted you to know my favorites.

UPDATE: Over the past few months, there have been reports that the 20D locks up on occasion. I had that happen to me only once. Canon has posted a firmware upgrade on it's website that remedies this problem (as well as a few others). I upgraded, and have not had any problems since.

418 of 430 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best digital camera available for the money!, September 27, 2004

By	JanSobieski (United States of America) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

And that includes all the offerings from Nikon, Olympus, and Minolta/Konica. I LOVE this camera. The 10D was felt by many to have focusing issues and though I did not have any significant problem with my 10D in that regard the 20D represents a substantial improvement in this area. Canon still is not offering (in this price range) a camera with eye control or 45 focusing points, BUT the nine focusing points that ARE offered are well placed and the camera focuses quickly and surely resulting in tack sharp photos.

The pictures this camera takes are simply beyond belief. Beautifully saturated, tack sharp, NO, and I mean NO noise at 400 or below and barely discernible noise all the way up to 1600 ISO. For all practical purposes 1600 ISO is an entirely usable speed resulting in fantastic pictures. What Canon has accomplished in reducing noise and increasing pixel density proves that they are, for now, the technology leader.

Another big advantage over the 10D is the instant on feature which does not leave you sitting there helplessly until the camera turns on. That happens instantly! A new flash system, ETTL II is a vast improvement over the 10D. And, to my eye, there is an improved dynamic range with slightly less blown highlights.

The in camera processing results in far more pleasing pictures than the previous 10D or Digital Rebel. This camera has a greater burst (more pictures quicker) that the previous 10D.

Now there is currently an issue with mirror lockups reported by probably 10% - 20% of all owners. If you encounter this problem before you update the firmware then simply take the battery out of the camera, reinsert it, and you're good to go. Canon has issued a fix and it is available on their web site. It completely remedies the problem so, not to worry!

One of the greatest things about digital photography is the ability to build a digital dark room for next to nothing. With the included Photoshop Elements you are well on your way to producing pictures that you could only have imagined in the pre-digital days. I am able to recoup pictures that I never would have considered salvageable before this camera.

The other thing I like about Canon is the lens system which IMO is second to none. Also, Canon continues to innovate at a furious pace driving the price of these digital cameras relentlessly downward.

I sold my 10D to purchase this camera and for me it represented a significant improvement more than justifying the cost of the upgrade.

So, I LOVE the camera. LOVE Canon. And LOVE digital. All in all I'd say I'm a pretty happy camper!

85 of 85 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This Camera is a dream machine..., January 3, 2006

By	John B. Manos "How you doin?" (Alabama) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I have been a Canon EOS user since film days (can we say those are nearly erstwhile yet?). I always favored my RebelG because it did what it was supposed to do very well, every time, and predictably. I also have some medium format cameras that are just fun cameras, such a twin-lens Rollei on 220 format.

For the past two years, I've owned and used a Digital Rebel with the hand grip, and loved that camera, and the pictures it makes.

Now, I feel like I was missing out on something that whole time because the 20D is all those cameras and a banana split to boot.

I pulled the camera from the box and attached a 28-135 IS, and have been snapping away ever since. The camera feels good in the hand and is easy to handle. The new control styles will take Rebel users a while to accomodate as things are moved around a little on you, but the new control system is well thought out and intuitive on its own.

Setting options on the fly is a breeze, and easier than with my Rebel because two options can be changed with each button. The thumb wheel in the back controls one, and the finger wheel controls changing the other option. For instance, to change the ISO, click the DRIVE-ISO button, and move your thumb on the back wheel. Changing the drive is done with the finger wheel. Slick. Especially when you want to change a lot of options for a quick shot.

EOS accessories work well, as expected. So far, I have attached an ancient 50/1.8 EF (mk I -- the tank lens), the 18-55 EF-S, and the 28-135 IS. Each of these lenses has worked as expected. However, the viewfinder is so much brighter than my old Rebel, that even the lenses seem new. I even used my Speedlite 380EX without hassle. I don't think the 380EX supports TTL-II (the new metering system), but the exposures came out as I have expected them to be from years of EOS use. Even better.

Picture Quality is simply phenomenal. Two years ago, I was astounded at how similarly my Digital Rebel responded as if it were film, but the 20D is not only like film, it's like perfect film. What I mean is that is no matter what you shoot (ISO 100 to 1600 to H (3200)), the image responds the way you expect film would, but you don't have to worry about graininess caused by bad film processing, or from film getting hot, etc... Shooting in H (ISO 3200) is cleaner than the old Fuji 800 I used to shoot.

Now, looking through the viewfinder is a little different: the 9-point AF layout is new to any EOS camera I have handled. The diamond shape is quite an improvement. Plus, I have noticed that the camera gives more information than my Digital Rebel did. There are AF points that dimly flash to show that an object will be in focus, but at the edge of the focal plane. Bright points are in perfect focus. It's a very nice addition to the usual feedback.

The multipoint joystick located on the back of the camera makes it easier than ever to change AF points without getting out of the viewfinder, too. Click the AF-point selecter button on the the far right and slide your thumb over to the joystick to move right to the AF point you want. It couldn't be any simpler!

ONE BIG DIFFERENCE!!!! The shutter sound is totally different than my Digital Rebel. It's louder, but sleeker sounding. The 20D sounds like it is a film camera. For people like myself, who enjoyed film shooting, it is handy to hear the mirror slap up and the shutter motor bzzzeeerrriiipppt!

Setting the drive in continuous can be a bit startling, however, if you leave your finger on the shutter. You can fire off 5 shots in a second, and it means it. bam! bam! bam! bam! bam! What's funny is to hand the camera to someone who has never used an EOS and they will snap 10 pics. Keep it in one shot if you have a mediocre CF card.

Setting in-camera parameters is very, very, very easy. One very nice addition to the 20D is the ability to make custom parameters, but also to tweak the white balance in the same way you can on the top of the line. I haven't needed to do so yet, but I can see where it will be handy in mixed lighting (flourescent/incandescent).

The bottom line is that there is really very little to hold you back from getting this camera, if you want a digital SLR. The fit and finish is awesome (even down to the nice embossed logo on the flash -- so much nicer than the screen printed logo). The styling is appropriate for an SLR (don't expect a light load if you add the battery grip, an external flash, and have a long lens). The end result is spectacular!

You should look into finding excellent printing resources to go with this camera. I use a Canon Pixma at home, and one online service that has exceptional print quality. The prints this camera can make will make you proud to see your friends and others gawking -- but be prepared to print more posters and large, large prints than ever. It's kind of nice when 4x6 just isn't enough for some prints.

The bottom line is a 5 for this camera. Canon has made each feature work well. It has provided durability (even in a 100,000 snap shutter). And it works very very well for what it is. No less than a 5.

One more thing (I can't shut up about this camera, I love it). The features of the camera mechanics themselves (such as the 1/8000 top shutter speed, and little things like 2-d curtain synch, PC synch for studio flashes, etc) are what you expect in a top-of-the line film camera. Many of the similarly featured film-based EOS cameras used to price out around $1000. Given that you never have to buy film or processing, this camera is a steal... it really is. I love it!

If you want to shoot in low light, fast action, or plain old snapshots, this camera is for you.