The megapixel wars have most people thinking that sensorsize is everything. In our experience at OP and PCPhoto magazines,we’ve learned that while sensor size is important, otherelements go into a quality image, especially if sizable enlargementsare desired from the file.
The Canon EOS 20D sports 8.2 megapixels, impressive for acamera of its size and price. But image quality is stronglyinfluenced by the sensor design itself, as this affects noise,color and tonal range. In extensive shooting with this camera,I’ve been very impressed with the actual image filescoming from the sensor. The camera offers one of the cleanestimage files available from any digital camera, let alone oneat this price.
This presents some real advantages to the photographer. First,standard ISO settings, such as 100, create files that enlargeextremely well. You can get quality 16x20-inch prints thatwill match 35mm film. That said, it’s important to notethat this only will occur with attention to detail. This isa small-sensor digital SLR (with a magnification factor of1.6x), so it’s necessary to shoot on a tripod when possible,use quality lenses, stop down the lens for appropriate depthof field and use proper exposure to get images of which thecamera is capable.
It’s interesting that this camera offers exceptionalimages at higher ISO settings because its sensor has suchlow noise. At ISO 400, you’ll hardly notice a differencefrom 100, and it gives excellent images at ISO 800 and 1600.Photographers now have new possibilities for using lighter,slower lenses or zoom lenses with smaller maximum apertures.
The EOS 20D includes the Canon DIGIC II chip for internalprocessing of images, which makes the camera faster (5 fps)and enables smart processing of images from the sensor toJPEG files. You’ll also find a newly designed nine-pointAF system, a 0.2-second startup time and a magnesium-alloybody. The Canon EOS 20D is a distinct upgrade from the EOS10D, yet it’s smaller, at 5.7x4.2x2.8-inches and 24 ounces(body only), and costs the same (street price: $1,499, withoutlens). It handles all EOS EF lenses, including the small-formatEF-S designs.
Contact: Canon, (800) OK-CANON, www.usa.canon.com.
[ Specifications]
Effective Resolution: 8.25megapixels (3520 x 2342 pixels); actual recording pixels:3504 x 2336; approx. 8.2 million
Lens Mount: Canon EF andEF-S
Viewfinder: Eye-level pentaprism
LCD Size: 1.8 inches
Media Type: CF cards
Shooting Modes: Program,Shutter- and Aperture-Priority, Manual, plus 8 additionalprogram modes
Exposure Compensation: ±2 stops in 1/2- or 1/3-EV steps
Metering System: Evaluativemetering, partial (9%), center-weighted
Focus Modes: One-Shot AF,Predictive Al Servo AF, AI Focus AF, Manual
Shutter Speeds: 30-1/8000sec., plus B
ISO Equivalency: 100-3200
Power Source: ProprietaryLi-ion
Size: 5.7x4.2x2.8-inches
Weight: 24.2 ounces
Street Price: $1,499 (withoutlens)
Primary Features |
1 8.2 effective megapixel sensor with very low noise characteristics
2 A 5 fps speed, plus a 0.2-second startup time
3 Uses both Canon EF and EF-S mount lenses |
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