tested the Canon 20D today

[Mikael Risedal]

As a Nikon photographer since 1974 and owner of Nikon D1X and D70 I tried a pree sample of the Canon 20D today, I was amazed of the bright clear viewfinder, 5 pictures/sec and the smooth low shutter noise+ good auto focus performance even in low light.
Little heavy with the batteries pack on but god balance.

I think this camera will be a winner. 20D outperformes my D70 in every way aspect exept one , flasch sync time.

Soon we have the answer from Nikon and I
hope it will be good as/ or even better than 20D
best regards

 

[Stefan Klein]

Just one question:
What about the size of the viewfinder compared to the D1x?
Stefan

As a Nikon photographer since 1974 and owner of Nikon D1X and
D70 I tried a pree sample of the Canon 20D today, I was amazed of
the bright clear viewfinder, 5 pictures/sec and the smooth low
shutter noise+ good auto focus performance even in low light.
Little heavy with the batteries pack on but god balance.
I think this camera will be a winner. 20D outperformes my D70 in
every way aspect exept one , flasch sync time.

Soon we have the answer from Nikon and I
hope it will be good as/ or even better than 20D
best regards

 

[Gizmoboy]

Hi Mikael,

You managed to understand the workings of the Canon system in this short period (1 day) - or have you used Canon before?

Most people take a while before making such an assessment - "20D outperformes my D70 in every way aspect exept one , flasch sync time". This must be one hell of a camera. I look forward to trying one myself.

Gizmo

 

[liquidstuckey]

I think this camera will be a winner. 20D outperformes my D70 in
every way aspect exept one , flasch sync time.

Well, I think there are other D70 advantages worth noting, but you are forgetting the biggest drawback of the 20D over the D70: price. The 20D is 150% of the price of the D70. If the 20D was $999 like the D70, it would be a clear winner. I think the cameras are equal values.

I also have issues with lenses... 17-55 f/3.5-5.6 or 17-85 f/3.5-5.6 IS? As those two are the only EF-S options, I think they both make serious compromises with the f/5.6 at tele (even with IS)... the D70's kit lens, priced about in the middle, still seems to be the best choice.

But this has been discussed too much already.

 

[David Martin]

Phil has got a recording of the shutter noise - I suppose it's possible that he had a naff pre-pro sample but it certainly sounds like you could use it for an alarm clock!

Looks like a good camera otherwise though - but don't compare a mid-price camera too closely with an entry level like the D70

As a Nikon photographer since 1974 and owner of Nikon D1X and
D70 I tried a pree sample of the Canon 20D today, I was amazed of
the bright clear viewfinder, 5 pictures/sec and the smooth low
shutter noise+ good auto focus performance even in low light.
Little heavy with the batteries pack on but god balance.
I think this camera will be a winner. 20D outperformes my D70 in
every way aspect exept one , flasch sync time.

Soon we have the answer from Nikon and I
hope it will be good as/ or even better than 20D
best regards

--
Regards,
DaveMart
Please see profile for equipment

 

[Bernard Languillier]

Hello Mikael,

I am a bit surprised by what you write below. Michael Richmann frmm the Luminous Landscape, a well known Canon fan, claims that he was disapointed by how dark and coarse the image in the viewfinder was.

He also stated that the noise performance appeared no better than that of the 10D (which is already not that bad considering that photo sites are smaller).

What you write is very close to the conclusion of the Canon marketing document on the 20D IMHO. Comparing it to the D70 is very flattering for Nikon by the way, these cameras are in different price ranges. It only shows how good a job Nikon did since they managed to come up with a credible competitor of the 10D at a price closer to that of the 300D.

I am sure that the 20D is a good camera, but I don't think that it would justify a switch to Canon in any way. A new 1Ds MKII potentially could (I'll decide based on testing results, not based on specs...).

You'd better wait for the Photokina anyway, Nikon is likely to introduce the succesor of the D1X which should provide a better solutions to your pro needs than the 20D anyway.

Best regards,
Bernard

As a Nikon photographer since 1974 and owner of Nikon D1X and
D70 I tried a pree sample of the Canon 20D today, I was amazed of
the bright clear viewfinder, 5 pictures/sec and the smooth low
shutter noise+ good auto focus performance even in low light.
Little heavy with the batteries pack on but god balance.
I think this camera will be a winner. 20D outperformes my D70 in
every way aspect exept one , flasch sync time.

Soon we have the answer from Nikon and I
hope it will be good as/ or even better than 20D
best regards

 

[JAM214922]

Listening to that recording alone was enough to throw cold water on any thoughts of a Canon 20D for me. I need a really quiet camera for production stills. (and yes I own a Jacobsen Sound Blimp, but even the d2H is too noisy in it)

JAM

Phil has got a recording of the shutter noise - I suppose it's
possible that he had a naff pre-pro sample but it certainly sounds
like you could use it for an alarm clock!

 

[Jonathan Kardell]

While I am certain the 20D is a very nice camera, don't fall for the pixel hype. Anyone who believes that an 8mp sensor is somehow much more useful than a 6mp sensor has not done the math.

Calculate the extra AREA available for cropping or enlargement and it is a big yawn. Not worth worrying about for an upgrade. The next level of useful resolution increase is around the 10 to 12mp range.

Don't fall for the numbers trap. It's not linear math, it's area math. But hey, if you think you can detect a 10% increase in resolution or feel that an extra inch and a half of print size is worth an upgrade - go for it.

If Nikon rolls out an 8mp mid-range camera, I will yawn just as long. I will wait for something around the 11 or 12 mp point before I begin to get camera envy.
--
Best regards,
Jonathan Kardell
'Most cameras and most lenses are better than most photographers.'

 

[Yves P.]

Just one question:
What about the size of the viewfinder compared to the D1x?

Much smaller ...

Stefan

As a Nikon photographer since 1974 and owner of Nikon D1X and
D70 I tried a pree sample of the Canon 20D today, I was amazed of
the bright clear viewfinder, 5 pictures/sec and the smooth low
shutter noise+ good auto focus performance even in low light.
Little heavy with the batteries pack on but god balance.
I think this camera will be a winner. 20D outperformes my D70 in
every way aspect exept one , flasch sync time.

Soon we have the answer from Nikon and I
hope it will be good as/ or even better than 20D
best regards

--
Yves P.
Share the Knowledge

PBASE Supporter

Some pictures I like:
http://www.pbase.com/yp8/root

 

[Darren Chesnut]

Just for Kicks, could you tell us why you would spend $4500 for a 1dMK2 over a $1500 20D, Same sensor right? Is it worth $3000 more?

I am a bit surprised by what you write below. Michael Richmann frmm
the Luminous Landscape, a well known Canon fan, claims that he was
disapointed by how dark and coarse the image in the viewfinder was.

He also stated that the noise performance appeared no better than
that of the 10D (which is already not that bad considering that
photo sites are smaller).

What you write is very close to the conclusion of the Canon
marketing document on the 20D IMHO. Comparing it to the D70 is very
flattering for Nikon by the way, these cameras are in different
price ranges. It only shows how good a job Nikon did since they
managed to come up with a credible competitor of the 10D at a price
closer to that of the 300D.

I am sure that the 20D is a good camera, but I don't think that it
would justify a switch to Canon in any way. A new 1Ds MKII
potentially could (I'll decide based on testing results, not based
on specs...).

You'd better wait for the Photokina anyway, Nikon is likely to
introduce the succesor of the D1X which should provide a better
solutions to your pro needs than the 20D anyway.

Best regards,
Bernard

As a Nikon photographer since 1974 and owner of Nikon D1X and
D70 I tried a pree sample of the Canon 20D today, I was amazed of
the bright clear viewfinder, 5 pictures/sec and the smooth low
shutter noise+ good auto focus performance even in low light.
Little heavy with the batteries pack on but god balance.
I think this camera will be a winner. 20D outperformes my D70 in
every way aspect exept one , flasch sync time.

Soon we have the answer from Nikon and I
hope it will be good as/ or even better than 20D
best regards

--
Darren
http://dchesnut.smugmug.com/

 

[Joe Marques]

Darren,

Do a search regarding the D2H ("D2H vs. D100" or "just got my D2H") and you'll see dozens of owners who moved UP from a higher MP D100. A few popular reasons are handling/ergonomics, focusing speed, shutter delay, out of box color, and bright/100% view finder.

The only value a camera has is the value to that single photographer. It's part fact and mostly psychology. Just look at the output and decide the "value". If a camera contributes to your "best work" than anything less is zero.

BTW, the MkII has a 1.3 crop vs. 1.6 on the 20D so there's an advantage of wider FOV with the same lens and theoretically less noise.

PS - Is a Porsche 911 Turbo worth 3x more than a Ford Mustang - not to the Mustang owner.

Joe

Just for Kicks, could you tell us why you would spend $4500 for a
1dMK2 over a $1500 20D, Same sensor right? Is it worth $3000 more?

 

[Peter Bendheim]

.......

As a Nikon photographer since 1974 and owner of Nikon D1X and
D70 I tried a pree sample of the Canon 20D today, I was amazed of
the bright clear viewfinder, 5 pictures/sec and the smooth low
shutter noise+ good auto focus performance even in low light.
Little heavy with the batteries pack on but god balance.
I think this camera will be a winner. 20D outperformes my D70 in
every way aspect exept one , flasch sync time.

Soon we have the answer from Nikon and I
hope it will be good as/ or even better than 20D
best regards

--
Peter Bendheim
http://www.imagessouthafrica.co.za

 

[paratom]

While I am certain the 20D is a very nice camera, don't fall for
the pixel hype. Anyone who believes that an 8mp sensor is somehow
much more useful than a 6mp sensor has not done the math.
How would you say so?

Having 8MP instead of 4MP means twice the area, means DINA3 instead od DINA4 at same dpi. 8 MP instead of 6 MP means 4/3 times the area.
I know its knot 3/4 the length and width.
That means for example 20 cm length instead of 15 cm at same dpi.
IMO this is a difference.

Well, how much it is worth? Everybody has to decide on his own.

If I could get a d2h with 8mp I would upgrade though from my d2h (if everything else would be the same)

 

[Mikael Risedal]

The size i about the same as m D1X,
viewfinder crisp and clear, better than my D1X
best regards

As a Nikon photographer since 1974 and owner of Nikon D1X and
D70 I tried a pree sample of the Canon 20D today, I was amazed of
the bright clear viewfinder, 5 pictures/sec and the smooth low
shutter noise+ good auto focus performance even in low light.
Little heavy with the batteries pack on but god balance.
I think this camera will be a winner. 20D outperformes my D70 in
every way aspect exept one , flasch sync time.

Soon we have the answer from Nikon and I
hope it will be good as/ or even better than 20D
best regards

 

[Mikael Risedal]

Have been helping, testing cameras, scanners, etc since 1995 for a Swedish Photo magazine.
Yes Im familiar with the Canon cameras. D30 D60 10D Ids
best regards

Hi Mikael,

You managed to understand the workings of the Canon system in this
short period (1 day) - or have you used Canon before?

Most people take a while before making such an assessment - "20D
outperformes my D70 in every way aspect exept one , flasch sync
time". This must be one hell of a camera. I look forward to
trying one myself.

Gizmo

 

[Mikael Risedal]

Compare to D1x the shutter noise is much lower. Quicker and similiar low as D70
best rgards

As a Nikon photographer since 1974 and owner of Nikon D1X and
D70 I tried a pree sample of the Canon 20D today, I was amazed of
the bright clear viewfinder, 5 pictures/sec and the smooth low
shutter noise+ good auto focus performance even in low light.
Little heavy with the batteries pack on but god balance.
I think this camera will be a winner. 20D outperformes my D70 in
every way aspect exept one , flasch sync time.

Soon we have the answer from Nikon and I
hope it will be good as/ or even better than 20D
best regards

--
Regards,
DaveMart
Please see profile for equipment

 

[Mikael Risedal]

Im not a sport photographer, a camera like 20D from Canon or now hopefully from Nikon D200 (Photokina) is enough for me regarding speed, handling, autofocus

best regards

I am a bit surprised by what you write below. Michael Richmann frmm
the Luminous Landscape, a well known Canon fan, claims that he was
disapointed by how dark and coarse the image in the viewfinder was.

He also stated that the noise performance appeared no better than
that of the 10D (which is already not that bad considering that
photo sites are smaller).

What you write is very close to the conclusion of the Canon
marketing document on the 20D IMHO. Comparing it to the D70 is very
flattering for Nikon by the way, these cameras are in different
price ranges. It only shows how good a job Nikon did since they
managed to come up with a credible competitor of the 10D at a price
closer to that of the 300D.

I am sure that the 20D is a good camera, but I don't think that it
would justify a switch to Canon in any way. A new 1Ds MKII
potentially could (I'll decide based on testing results, not based
on specs...).

You'd better wait for the Photokina anyway, Nikon is likely to
introduce the succesor of the D1X which should provide a better
solutions to your pro needs than the 20D anyway.

Best regards,
Bernard

As a Nikon photographer since 1974 and owner of Nikon D1X and
D70 I tried a pree sample of the Canon 20D today, I was amazed of
the bright clear viewfinder, 5 pictures/sec and the smooth low
shutter noise+ good auto focus performance even in low light.
Little heavy with the batteries pack on but god balance.
I think this camera will be a winner. 20D outperformes my D70 in
every way aspect exept one , flasch sync time.

Soon we have the answer from Nikon and I
hope it will be good as/ or even better than 20D
best regards

--
Darren
http://dchesnut.smugmug.com/

 

[Mikael Risedal]

In my point of view-The first thing you actually notice is the bright, big clear viewfinder.
best regards

I am a bit surprised by what you write below. Michael Richmann frmm
the Luminous Landscape, a well known Canon fan, claims that he was
disapointed by how dark and coarse the image in the viewfinder was.

He also stated that the noise performance appeared no better than
that of the 10D (which is already not that bad considering that
photo sites are smaller).

What you write is very close to the conclusion of the Canon
marketing document on the 20D IMHO. Comparing it to the D70 is very
flattering for Nikon by the way, these cameras are in different
price ranges. It only shows how good a job Nikon did since they
managed to come up with a credible competitor of the 10D at a price
closer to that of the 300D.

I am sure that the 20D is a good camera, but I don't think that it
would justify a switch to Canon in any way. A new 1Ds MKII
potentially could (I'll decide based on testing results, not based
on specs...).

You'd better wait for the Photokina anyway, Nikon is likely to
introduce the succesor of the D1X which should provide a better
solutions to your pro needs than the 20D anyway.

Best regards,
Bernard

As a Nikon photographer since 1974 and owner of Nikon D1X and
D70 I tried a pree sample of the Canon 20D today, I was amazed of
the bright clear viewfinder, 5 pictures/sec and the smooth low
shutter noise+ good auto focus performance even in low light.
Little heavy with the batteries pack on but god balance.
I think this camera will be a winner. 20D outperformes my D70 in
every way aspect exept one , flasch sync time.

Soon we have the answer from Nikon and I
hope it will be good as/ or even better than 20D
best regards

 

[Bernard Languillier]

Hello Darren,

You missed the "s"... I was referring to the next generation of the 1Ds.

Best regards,
Bernard

I am a bit surprised by what you write below. Michael Richmann frmm
the Luminous Landscape, a well known Canon fan, claims that he was
disapointed by how dark and coarse the image in the viewfinder was.

He also stated that the noise performance appeared no better than
that of the 10D (which is already not that bad considering that
photo sites are smaller).

What you write is very close to the conclusion of the Canon
marketing document on the 20D IMHO. Comparing it to the D70 is very
flattering for Nikon by the way, these cameras are in different
price ranges. It only shows how good a job Nikon did since they
managed to come up with a credible competitor of the 10D at a price
closer to that of the 300D.

I am sure that the 20D is a good camera, but I don't think that it
would justify a switch to Canon in any way. A new 1Ds MKII
potentially could (I'll decide based on testing results, not based
on specs...).

You'd better wait for the Photokina anyway, Nikon is likely to
introduce the succesor of the D1X which should provide a better
solutions to your pro needs than the 20D anyway.

Best regards,
Bernard

As a Nikon photographer since 1974 and owner of Nikon D1X and
D70 I tried a pree sample of the Canon 20D today, I was amazed of
the bright clear viewfinder, 5 pictures/sec and the smooth low
shutter noise+ good auto focus performance even in low light.
Little heavy with the batteries pack on but god balance.
I think this camera will be a winner. 20D outperformes my D70 in
every way aspect exept one , flasch sync time.

Soon we have the answer from Nikon and I
hope it will be good as/ or even better than 20D
best regards

--
Darren
http://dchesnut.smugmug.com/

 

[Stefan Klein]

I'm wondering, how one can notice a "big" viewfinder on the D20, if it's about the same size as the D1x's.

I always hated that camera's "tunnelview".The Canon 1D's viewfinder is much bigger....but still small compared to an analog camera.

Stefan

I am a bit surprised by what you write below. Michael Richmann frmm
the Luminous Landscape, a well known Canon fan, claims that he was
disapointed by how dark and coarse the image in the viewfinder was.

He also stated that the noise performance appeared no better than
that of the 10D (which is already not that bad considering that
photo sites are smaller).

What you write is very close to the conclusion of the Canon
marketing document on the 20D IMHO. Comparing it to the D70 is very
flattering for Nikon by the way, these cameras are in different
price ranges. It only shows how good a job Nikon did since they
managed to come up with a credible competitor of the 10D at a price
closer to that of the 300D.

I am sure that the 20D is a good camera, but I don't think that it
would justify a switch to Canon in any way. A new 1Ds MKII
potentially could (I'll decide based on testing results, not based
on specs...).

You'd better wait for the Photokina anyway, Nikon is likely to
introduce the succesor of the D1X which should provide a better
solutions to your pro needs than the 20D anyway.

Best regards,
Bernard

As a Nikon photographer since 1974 and owner of Nikon D1X and
D70 I tried a pree sample of the Canon 20D today, I was amazed of
the bright clear viewfinder, 5 pictures/sec and the smooth low
shutter noise+ good auto focus performance even in low light.
Little heavy with the batteries pack on but god balance.
I think this camera will be a winner. 20D outperformes my D70 in
every way aspect exept one , flasch sync time.

Soon we have the answer from Nikon and I
hope it will be good as/ or even better than 20D
best regards