A mature digital SLR
Written: Nov 09 '04 (Updated Nov 10 '04)
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Pros: Great Image quality. Fast Performance.
Cons: No antishake on body, no dust prevention mechanism, flash underexpose
The Bottom Line: Considering a DSLR? Definitely take a look at the 20D. It is a mature camera with excellent image quality, as well as satisfying performance and speed.
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| seowfun's Full Review: Canon EOS-20D Body only Digital Camera |
Introduction
The 20D is my first digital SLR, and I'm very pleased with it. In this review, I'll focus on talking about the 20D from a newbie perspective, rather than talking about general info about this camera, which you can find in sites like www.dpreview.com.
Why I upgrade from digicam to DSLR?
I started to get interested in photography after I bought a Canon Powershot G1 few years ago. After owning the G1 for a while, my desires to get a digital SLR get stronger. While the G1 allows me to take great pictures, the following weakness (that still exist in most digicam) prompt me to get a DSLR:
1. Lack of depth of field control. Even with maximum aperture, most pictures have too deep of DOF, which is bad for portrait pictures.
2. Slow response time, including shutter lag, startup time, focusing speed
3. Noisy high ISO performance, which make it difficult to take handheld low light photo without flash
4. Limited zoom range
While digicams have improved significantly since the days of G1, all of the above problems listed still exist in almost all digicam, except maybe (4).
Entry level DSLRs before the 20D
Even though I wanted a DSLR badly that time, I passed on a few nice DSLRs over the years, including the Canon D30, D60, 10D, Digital Rebel and Nikon N70. D30 was too expensive. D60 and 10D were nice but the AF and startup time left something to be desired. Digital Rebel is a real nice camera for its price, but some crippled features (such as lack of Flash Exposure Compensation, AF mode selection) throw me off. Nikon D70 is a very capable camera with a good price, however I have pretty much decided to go with Canon system because of their lens selection and their leadership in the DSLR. Of course, there're few very nice Canon 1D cameras that would easily satisfied my need, but as someone who is new to photography, I simply cannot justify the cost. So, the waiting game go on, until 20D.
20D is a balanced & mature camera
To me, the two most important things about DSLR is image quality and performance. All of Canon's previous consumer DSLRs excel in the image quality category, but performance is a bit lacking. The 20D improve on the image quality category by an increase of 2MP from 6MP to 8MP, while also improve high ISO performance. Various sources have indicated the 20D has roughly 1-stop advantage to 10D. That's great news consider 10D already had pretty good high ISO performance.
The real deal about 20D is its speed. Its startup time is a mere 0.2 seconds, compare to 2+ seconds on 10D. Its focus capability is fast and accurate, even in low light condition. It also has 5fps burst mode, when combined with the fast AI Servo focus, can allow the photographer to capture fast moving objects.
When I saw these improvements, I have decided that Canon's midrange DSLR is finally mature, and its time to get one.
Experience of a newbie with the 20D
So, how does it work for me? Does it allow me to take great picture all the time? Well! The answer is no. Initially, too many of my pictures are blurry, either because of too narrow depth of field, out of focus, or excessive handshake. I analyzed all those pictures, look at the shutter speed, aperture etc. to learn from the mistakes. I think I'm getting better, but still have lot's to learn. But when the pictures are taken correctly, they are very nice. I have taken few pictures that would be impossible with G1, thanks to the clean ISO1600, fast focus speed, 5fps burst mode of the 20D.
I love the build quality of the camera. Feels really solid with the magnesium alloy material. The interface is very intuitive to me. After browsing the manual for about one hour, I was able to perform most operations on the camera, such as changing aperture, shutter speed, ISO, AF mode, drive mode, enable mirror lockup etc without problem.
High ISO Performance
Regarding the the high ISO performance compared to a regular digicam such as the G1, I would guess it is over 8-stops better. That is, the ISO 3200 of the 20D is better than the ISO 400 on the G1, and the ISO 1600 of the 20D is better than the ISO 200 on the G1. Pictures taken using ISO 1600 or even 3200 by the 20D is quite usable after running noise reduction software, such as NeatImage.
Problem of my 20D
Any problem? My 20D seems to underexpose with flash by 1 stop, thus I need to dial in FEC +1 to get good flash result. Seems like quite a few people's 20D has such problem, but many are satisfied with theirs regarding flash exposure.
Conclusion
Overall, I'm very happy with the 20D purchase. I feel like my "career" as a photography hobbyist just began. After having 20D, I also realize it is important to get good lens, and sharpen my Photoshop skill. Even with a capable camera like the 20D, without good lens and Photoshop skill, the image will still be lacking somehow.
Alternatives to the 20D
If you're considering getting an entry or midrange DSLR, the 20D should certainly be on your list for consideration. But also keep on eye on the Nikon D70, the new Olympus E300, and the Minolta D7. The Olympus has dust prevention mechanism, which is nice as DSLR, such as my 20D, do collect dust. The Minolta has antishake built on the body, which is very nice.
Keep in mind that when you buy a DSLR, you are not only buying the camera, you're also buying into the system. So, be sure to also look into the lens selection and accessory for the system you are getting into. Have fun :)
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 1450
This Camera is a Good Choice if You Want Something... Solid Enough for a Professional
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Epinions.com ID:
seowfun
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Reviews written: 31
Trusted by: 4 members
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