Product ReviewsCanon EOS 20D 8.2 MP Digital SLR Camera - Black (Body Only)

Among the best value if you want a DSLR on a budget.

Among old Canon DSLRs, this is the oldest model that has IMHO enough resolution to not be afraid of printing in 8x11. If you get the right lens, this can provide an awesome image quality. Other than potentially useless megapixels, the biggest differences you might notice with a more recent camera is the lack of a live view (useful for astrophotography and some other manual focusing applications, though focus confirmation from the AF system can help for some of these) and some grain above ISO 800 (I think more recent DSLRs/mirrorless might do better).
Still a huuuuge improvement over a compact or phone camera. If you're on a low budget, this paired with an old manual prime lens (I love my pentax-m 28mm f/2.8 and 50mm f/1.7, use an adapter with focus confirmation chip) can give GREAT results.Read full review...

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: occamera

Pro quality pictures on a beer budget!

I purchased this camera because I found that the several EF zoom lenses I already have from my 20 year old Canon A2E will work perfectly with this body. The bonus is that there is a 1.6 multiplication factor that occurs with the APS-C sensor... (35-135mm zoom becomes a 56-216mm zoom!). This camera has been a staple of pro photographers because of autofocus speed and the many adjustments that can be made on camera that can allow you to capture your vision of the world and NOT just a snapshot... but there are also simple settings that can take the work out of just shooting a few frames if needed, and still give excellent results. If you are printing out 4x6 photos or full sheet 8.5x11 photos the 8.2mp is more than sharp enough to satisfy your needs... poster sizes will show some pixelation and more mp's don't help if your lenses and abilities are below par. The ability to set the ISO speeds on the fly (100 to 3200 ISO) also will give you more "keeper" shots than roll film ever could. The ability to produce great shots are, so far, beyond what I can muster now but it has enough flexability built in that I plan on getting many years of enjoyment in mastering this camera's functionality. Another bonus I almost forgot to mention is that this was around $1500 new, but pristeen models can be had for the price of a new pocket point and shoot cameras... ($175-$275) but with results a thousand % more satifying. The ONLY drawback I can complain about is that with the extra battery grip, the metal body and big lenses it can rapidly become very heavy lugging around on walks or trails.
Hope you enjoy your EOS 20D as much as I enjoy mine!!!Read full review...

Good starter camera

I purchased a used 20D last September when I first decided I wanted to shoot semi-professionally. The 20D is a good starter camera. I was able to learn how to shoot in manual mode and get good quality shots.

The only downside of this camera, which is a pretty biggie for me, is the small display screen. Honestly, a 1.5" screen doesnt give you much to work with when trying to make sure you got the shot you were wanting. I had gotten used to not depending on the screen, but recently had to send my camera to the shop for repair and got a loaner 40D. I was amazed by the difference in my confidence during and after the shoot. Having the ability to see the larger screen, I was able to be more confident and take more "risks" with my shots.

Even with the small screen, I would recommend this camera to anyone starting out. For the price, you can't go wrong and with the money you save you can buy more lenses!

I would recommend this camera to anyone starting out or interested in photography. A lot of the lenses and accessories can be used within the EOS family, which makes it easier when it comes time for you to upgrade.Read full review...

Great quality pro-grade camera for a great price.

The 20D gives great picture quality and resolution. The CF card is the #1 reason to get an SLR. If you are considering getting an SLR at any time my suggestion is to stay away from those that use a SD card the picture quality is not as fine. The 20D has a fast shutter and the weight feels great in your hand. The only down side I saw to the 20D is the 1.8 size review screen. Best remedy to this is to get a multi format card reader and view your images on your pc or laptop.Read full review...

Good back up body, or cheap entry into DSLRs.

I owned one of these when they first came out, and used it to shoot modern dance, still life, and scenery for several clients. I loved it then, and I still love it now. No, it's not your fancy 18 megapixel,everything but the kitchen sink camera, but if you're planning on putting your pics on the web, the this camera is everything you need. I bought his to do some astrophotography, and it's doing a great job. It's slightly larger pixel size is useful, as it gives a higher signal to noise ratio than some of the newer cameras. It just works, and that's what I love about it. The only drawback is Canon has no support for this body on Windows 7. But it's no problem, all you need is a card reader. CF cards only, get them while they're cheap!Read full review...

Great bang for the buck.

Well, if you are looking at a 20D you probably already know that it is an older DSLR, produced from about 2004-2006. The features it is missing are HD video (or any video) and the MP count is low by current standards at 8.2. That being said, the controls are much better than most current "Rebel" series. The dual wheels are great, much faster than digging through menus. 8.2MP is fine unless you are blowing up to poster size. Considering I got one used for less than a decent point and shoot (<$200) it's a great value. I had an old EOS film camera and several lenses sitting around and the 20D has what it takes to breathe new life into my old lenses. The 30D is a little better, and has a bigger LCD on the back, but you are going to have a hard time finding it for under $200. This is a better "entry level" camera than a cheap new one. The new one will have video and higher pixel count but the 20D will beat it in just about every other category. Remember, these were $1400 bucks when they came out.Read full review...

An oldie but goodie with excellent build quality and a huge range of lenses

I teach some photography and the canon EOS 20D is the ideal starter DSLR. Sure 8.2 megapixels may not seem a lot but they are plenty and capable of producing quality 16x20 prints with ease.Although lthough getting a little dated now (the camera is around 8 years old) it was a fine successor to the EOS 10D (6.3 MP) and the later EOS 30D didn't really offer much of an advantage over the 20D. The later EOS 40D and 50D camera is the only significant improvement - but then you're paying several hundred $$ more? Put some quality glass in front and this camera really delivers with easy to uderstand logic and host of other features designed by Canon to make life easy! There are many Wedding photographers still armed and shooting with these quality workhorses. A much better buy than the EOS Rebel XT or XTI and a testimony to Canon build quality. Get one!Read full review...

Great value for money provided you don't need video.

BOTTOM LINE PROS:

You can buy these for as low as $100 these days.
Outstanding picture quality.
Works with any lens produced by Canon since 1988.
Canon menu system design has been consistent for many years so migration from Canon point and shoot is easy.
ISO 3200 is better than most point and shoots
Access to image stabilisation technology through suitable lenses.
DSLR makes it easy to produce great bokeh shots
Works with Canon EX flashes for great indoor shots.

CONS:

Shutters have limited life (MTBF) but no way to find shutter count, so since they were first released in 2004 and discontinued in 2006, the chance of a high shutter count after all this time is growing. Look for a unit with few signs of wear.
Heavy and bulky compared to most point and shoots.
No live view.
Small LCD on back.
No video.

BOTTOM LINE: Great value for money provided you don't need video.Read full review...

Canon 20D Great Value

The Canon 20D is an older model of this DSLR series, but it has the basics for taking great images. I had the Digital Rebel and 10D years ago and they worked well at 6.3 mega pixels. The 20D has 8.2 megs pixels, which is low by current standards, The good part is that the image files do not take up too much space and still provide enough data for awesome imagery.

We get hung up on bigger is better, but this 20D is a great value used and perfect for someone starting out, as there are fewer electronic details to mess with. Only what is really needed, in my opinion. I have a newer Canon DSLR as well, but use both equally. The lenses are most important, really and they are getting better at the consumer level.

You can always buy better equipment and there will always be something better as time moves on. Buy what you need and can best afford and learn to use it to its fullest potential and you will have awesome images and lots of fun.

When the 20D came out years ago, its was one of the best available at the price point. Its still great and more affordable due to its age in the timeline.Read full review...

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: campuscameraohio

Sharp well exposed photos.

I bought a used Canon 20D. So far I'm pleased with the purchase but I did find one (three) issue with the camera I wasn't expecting. About three of the camera's sensors (pixils) are bad. The untrained eye my not see it but when looking at a large format photo the white dots are there.
I'm a huge canon fan and this will not deter me from using Canon products but I will send this Canon 20D to Canon for repair.
The camera (other than the sensors) is very impressive. Photos taken so far are very sharp and well exposed.I'm not into post processing and I find I do less of that with this model. I've used a 18mm-55mm and a 75mm-300 lens on this camera and all photos are as sharp and properly exposed. Thumbs up for the Canon 20D.Read full review...