ProductCritic: Canon EOS 20D Reviews

MacAddict (100)

The 20D’s image quality should be enough to make you forget about 35mm film. The Nikon D70 ( Jul/04, p50) is still our favorite because of its high quality and lower price, but if you have the extra cash, check out the 20D.

PC Mag (100)

Excellent construction and design, fast performance, and great image quality make the Canon EOS 20D the current top gun among digital SLRs under $3,000—and our current Editors’ Choice in this category. We only wish that Canon offered the kit with a lens better suited to such a high-quality camera, along the lines of Nikon’s 18-70 f3.5-4.5 lens.

Photography REVIEW (98)

While many pros would only consider the 1D-series camera bodies for serious work, I suggest most working photographers could easily perform 90% of the jobs they’re called to do with this EOS 20D.

Steve's Digicams (96)

The 20D is yet another winner from Canon; the dealers should order plenty of them now—they’re not going to be on the shelf long enough to collect any dust!

Digital Camera Resource Page (96)

I’ll be blunt: the Canon EOS-20D is the best reasonably priced digital SLR that I’ve tested. And by reasonably priced I meant under $2000. There’s so much to like about the 20D, I don’t know where to start. Photo quality is excellent, with photos having an ultra smooth look to them. Color and exposure were both accurate. Personally I’d crank the sharpness up another notch, but that’s just me. Noise levels are very low, even at ISO 1600—try that with your fixed-lens camera!

PCPhoto Magazine (95)

The EOS 20D offers one of the cleanest image files we’ve seen available from any digital camera, let alone one at this price. The real test of a camera’s sensor comes with night and low-light photography, however. I took this camera out on the town in New York City and was very pleased with the results. I could use a slower zoom lens, boost the ISO to 400, 800, and even 1600, and still see excellent images.

Digital Photography Review (95)

New entrants to this segment of the market however, those upgrading from the likes of the Digital Rebel or from prosumer level digital cameras, should have the EOS 20D high on their list, it’s the best in its class.

Megapixel.net (94)

Positives: Excellent image quality. Extremely fast to start. Very fast burst mode. Excellent long exposures. Entirely useable ISO range, up to 3200 ISO. 18 custom functions. Sturdy construction. Excellent battery life. Negatives: Power switch requires the use of both hands. Red-eye reduction lamp might be better placed with the flash and separate from the self-timer lamp.

Imaging Resource (94)

The camera performs superbly in every respect. Just in case you didn’t already guess, the Canon EOS 20D is highly recommended!

Photo.net (94)

Right now I’d say that the Canon EOS 20D represents the “state of the art” in what might be called “prosumer” DSLRs, i.e. those selling in the region of $1500. If it meets your needs I can highly recommend it. If you’re already shooting Canon, I think it’s definately the “best bang for the buck” in the EOS Digital Line.

Shutterbug (92)

The Canon EOS 20D is certainly a worthy evolution in the Canon digital SLR line-up that delivers excellent, high-resolution files and is a breeze to use. It’s what an SLR should be—fast, responsive, and able to get out of the way when it’s time for photographs to be made.

About (90)

I have focused on the speed of the 20D, but don’t let that discourage you if your preference is for still life instead of sports. The Canon 20D takes beautiful portrait and landscape photographs, but it’s the speed (which you pay a premium for) that sets the camera apart from its competition.What also sets it apart is the cost: while it comes with a higher price tag than most consumer models (like the Canon 350D, the Nikon D50 and the Minolta Maxxum 5d), it’s half the price of high-end professional digital SLR cameras.

Dan's Data (90)

On the other hand, the 20D is a really good camera. If you’ve got EF lenses and no DSLR at all, a 20D will make you happy. If you’re lensless, the 20D is still a good place to start – though, realistically, a 350D is not much worse for the vast majority of users.

DPexpert (90)

Once again Canon has produced a camera with such low inherent image noise that it can realistically be used at ISO1600, eliminating the need for flash in just about all situations. The low light capability of this camera has to be seen to be believed.

Trusted Reviews (90)

For those considering buying their first digital SLR, I would recommend the 20D without hesitation.

Luminous Landscape (90)

The Canon 20D is an excellent picture taking machine. Given its 8 Megapixel sensor, 5 frames / second shooting capability, instant turn-on, large buffer, extremely low noise, and excellent battery life, it’s hard not to give this camera an A. I might have even been tempted to give it an A+ if it weren’t for the missing ISO setting in the viewfinder and stupid mirror lock up sequence. The smaller dimmer viewfinder also knocks it down a peg.

Bob Atkins Photography (88)

Right now I’d say that the EOS 20D represents the “state of the art” in what might be called “prosumer” DSLRs, i.e. those selling in the region of $1500. If it meets your needs I can highly recommend it.

CNET (81)

Though its performance has been surpassed by subsequent models, the Canon EOS 20D remains a top semipro dSLR choice.

bythom.com (80)

Don’t get me wrong, the 20D is the first consumer Canon I’ve actually enjoyed shooting with. It has a nice feel, takes nice pictures, has plenty of nice features, and really is everything a non-pro needs in a camera. But it isn’t a Nikon-killer, it isn’t a no-brainer purchase decision, and it isn’t going to be the sole product with those specifications for very long. It’s just a very fine camera that many people will like a lot.

Good Gear Guide (80)

The EOS 20D offers professional handling, quality and features at an affordable price. One of the best digital SLRs, for enthusiasts and professionals alike.

Digital Camera Magazine (80)

The EOS 20D is only a little more expensive than other entry-level digital SLRs, but it offers much more. Image quality is superb – better than many six-megapixel cameras, and the continuous shooting mode is exceptional. Nikon’s D70 handles better, but it’s not enough to stop the 20D stealing its crown.

PC World (78)

The Canon EOS 20D is a professional digital SLR that offers better construction and loads more features than many consumer-level SLRs—plus, it delivers great shots.