Canon EOS-20D Body only Digital Camera

The camera is great value, having been "replaced" with the 30D in the CANON line up. Magnesium body, tough and resilient, features all you would expect from CANON, don't like the EF-S lenses though (PLASTIC AND GRIM), so get the body only and go for either TAMRON/SIGMA etc, or upwards with CANON'S pro lenses. 8+mp is more than enough to give you outstanding results, the 30D is also 8+mp, has only a few extra features, not worth shaking a stick at, and a larger LCD screen, which for me is not an issue (larger, although easier to view, also means easier to damage !), WHY PAY AN EXTRA (even on ebay) £200 +, for what is for the general user, the same camera ?. I rate CANON highly, (i've got a 400D and the 960iS compact as well as a 20D), all from ebay. Pick the buy carefully, you'll get a camera which will stand up to most you can throw at it.

I bought the Canon 20D DSLR camera at a good price - a little over the recommended second hand value BUT it had taken less than 500 frames so was almost as good as new. I wanted a second Canon DSLR as a backup for my Canon 40D or to use as a second camera on location. It replaced my old Canon 300D in this respect but I may have this camera's sensor assembly doctored to be 'infra red capable' for a bit of artistic fun. On a shoot the 40D might have a telephoto lens whilst the 20D might have a wide angle, for example. The 20D is capable of excellent high resolution images and works in a similar way to the 40D so is 'second nature' to use. It uses the same lenses, of course, as the 40D and other accessories are shared such as batteries and CF cards. If I was taking pictures in a 'hostile environment' such as the mosh pit at a gig I might well use the 20D and leave the 40D at home in case it took a knock or a splash of beer - or worse! The 40D is a refined version of the 20D (with the 30D as the link between them) but the 20D can certainly hold its own as a very decent backup or second camera. Especially as the second hand price is a fraction of the new! Canon's recommended retail price for a new 20D in 2004 when it was introduced was £1,300 so if one is available second hand in the £150 to £350 (depending on condition and usage) you're in line to snap up a bargain.

I upgraded to this camera from an EOS 350D, the 350D was an excellent entry level DSLR, the 20D is a big step forward, although the camera has basically the same sensor it is of a higher quality, the camera is also a lot faster, the 5FPS shooting speed really comes in handy when shooting spot or fast action moments, I would recommend this camera to anyone already with a 350D or a 300D as an excellent upgrade, this would also make an excellent semi professional first DSLR,
only thing to remember that you need to put the money into lens, there is no point in having a camera this good and only using the kit lens (I bought the body only as I already had a selection of excellent lens). hope this helps!

Purchased this camera as an upgrade from 300D. Straight forward to use and very sturdy. This camera is very versatile.

At the time of writing you get pick up good 20D bodies on ebay for 250-300 depending on condition and any extra accessories provided. Although launched in 2004 the 20D is still a great camera in 2008 - barely different to the later 30D (which adds spot meter and bigger screen) and still able to hold a candle to the current 40D.

While it's 8.2 megapixels sound low, I've completed exhibition 16x20 up-rezzed prints with a 30D (same sensor) and they look great. There's enough in this camera to get plenty out of great lenses like my Canon L's and Sigma EXs.

The controls, ergonomics, and solid feel (it's a megnesium body) make it a far more compelling choice than, say, a new 400D with more fiddly scaled-back controls. Plenty of pros and semi-pros still use 20Ds. In fact, pros tend to just carry on using what works until it breaks, unlike amatuer big-spenders!

The only downside is that it doesn't have up-to-the minute stuff like sensor cleaning or 14bit colour (good but not ground-breaking) but, hey, it's £250 and from 2004 so that's hardly a valid criticism.

I already had some good canon USM lenses from my film cameras so for me there was little choice. It was a Canon DSLR or a whole mass of extra expense with buying lenses for a different camera body. HOWEVER, if you are thinking of moving up from a compact digital camera or from a film camera then Canon cameras are still one of the number one choices. But don't get rid of that compact just yet! There will still be lots of situations where you need a compact!

So, what do I like about the Canon 20d? The sensor produces excellent colour rendition! That's first! Canon make their own sensors and it really shows. Just check some of the 20d images on flickr to see what results you can get. There's a wide range of shooting options, but do take the time to use the higher ISO sttings on cloudy days. (programme only) Ultra quick start up from sleep. Go out for the day and just leave it on! Good battery life. Sturdy build and easy to use functions, although you WILL need to take time to learn how to employ all of them.

Canons web site has all the download information you will ever need from drivers to instruction manuals.

What do I dislike? Only that with a medium or mid range zoom lens it seems a bit quick to switch on the zoom on a very dull day in full auto mode, hence the need to learn how to change ISO to 400 or higher in programme mode (P)

I own two 20d's one with a medium zoom and the other with a portrait lens. I bought both camera bodies from ebay in truly excellent condition and for no more than the cost of a very good compact or prosumer camera. I can honestly say that I have found these to be a delight to use and now scan the ads for days out where I can use them to best effect.

Have used the 20d for a couple of years and cannot fault it. I have used it to photograph many weddings with perfect results every time. Easy to use, the perfect camera for amateur or semi pro photographers.

camera was in excellent condition and was vry good value. I highly recomend this product. It does what it sais on the box. pictures are crisp and clear.

Good camera, good condition. Reasonable bid price accepted. Decided to buy this as an entry level camera for digital use. The description perfectly matched the condition of the item. Only minor problem is the built in flash sometimes jams when opening. Other than that, all good.

Already owning a 350d I was keen for another DSLR and a obvious addition wa a second hand 20D.
I its day this was a semi pro DSLR and it has lost nothing in the intervening couple of years since its launch.
Has more settings than you will ever need as well as a very useful 250v flash pc socket so you can use all your old flash guns.
Good solid metal body means it will take a few knocks if required.

Cannot say enough to praise this camera. Especially as I picked it up with a battery grip for just over £300. Original retain was in excess of £1200.

Well built, technically excellent, good weight & great ability from this semi-pro camera. I take a lot of wildlife & sports shots & the 8 frame per second birst is a real advantage over my old 350D