20D First Impressions

[beauh44]

Well I bit the bullet and took the plunge today. I found a dealer

nearby with several 20D's who was selling them cheaper than either

Adorama or B&H. Can't resist a bargain, I guess.

 

First let me say that I've owned a 10D since right after they were

introduced and I love that camera. And while I've only taken a few

dozen shots with the updated model, I can say that Canon's done it

again; this one's better.

 

Some things that stand out for me? First, the startup time is nearly

instantaneous. I have missed a few shots waiting for my 10D to fire

up and this thing's ready to go pretty much immediately.

 

The autofocus is *much* better and it doesn't get tripped up in low-

light nearly as bad as the 10D did, even when using focus points

other than the center one. The new diamond-shaped pattern of the 9-

point autofocus works very well for me and the "joystick" on the back

isn't hard to get used to.

 

I've heard a few other people say they didn't like the new matte

screen. To be honest, I don't notice much difference in the

brightness myself - it seems to work fine.

 

I even like the new B&W shooting mode. Of course the proof will be in

the prints, which I haven't tried yet. It'll be interesting to see if

it can keep up with shooting in color and converting it using channel

mixer.

 

Last night, I was playing around with my 10D and 550EX flash, and as

usual, having a hard time getting things right. I was monkeying with

the flash exposure compensation, Av mode versus M mode, etc. and

doing quite a bit of hair-pulling to get the color temperature right.

It was very difficult.

 

Just a little while ago, I put my 550EX on the 20D. I left everything

at the default except I selected flash for the color balance. I fired

off a shot at the same subject I was shooting last night - my cat,

asleep on the couch. I didn't have high hopes for the new ETTL-II,

but when I looked at the LCD screen, I couldn't believe it: Perfect

exposure with the first shot! I didn't have do dial in anything.

 

Maybe I just got lucky - I dunno - but the 550EX suddenly worked like

it's supposed to. This just might be the answer to many people's

Canon flash nightmare.

 

Two negative points: 1) The shutter is *much* louder than the 10D.

This might not be the best choice for nature photographers and those

who wish to remain quiet while shooting. 2) Even though the new built-

in flash rises up quite a bit higher than the one on the 10D, it

*still* left a smaller but noticeable shadow when using the 17-40mm

f/4L lens with its hood on. I haven't tried it yet with the hood off.

 

Well, that's all for now. I have to give this camera two thumbs up.

If you can swing it, go for it. Best wishes . . .

[beauh44]

Dang! I left out one important point: The noise (or lack thereof) *is* much better at ISO 800 and above. While Canon claims a 2 stop benefit, I'd put it closer to one. In other words, ISO 1600 on the 20D is very close to ISO 800 on the 10D. ISO 800 is very useable and I suspect that with a product like Noise Ninja or NeatImage, even ISO 3200 will be fine.

[digitmstr]

So, you REALLY see a CLEAR difference in NOISE levels between the two cameras? That's a good thing :)

[beauh44]

Yes, Giampiero, I do - but only at ISO 800 and above. (But that's where it counts!) ;-)

[ShunCheung]

Hi Beau, how about comparing the two viewfinders. Since the 20D has a smaller mirror, do you notice any difference in terms of image brightness inside the viewfinder?

[jeff_lu]

local store cheaper than the bid mail-order houses? i hope you continue to support the

store!

[beauh44]

Shun, I really don't notice much of a difference. The 20D has the partial metering circle in the middle - I kind of like that. You're right Jeff, that was my thoughts. Of course, after paying local taxes (which I wouldn't have had to pay from B&H), it was just a wee bit more. Best wishes . . .

[ShunCheung]

Thanks Beau.

 

When I used to live near New York, B&H was my "local" camera store, and I went there at least once a month. Now my local store is K&S in Palo Alto, California, near Stanford. It is no B&H but still a very large store. For some items, K&S is actually cheaper than B&H and they also have those "no sales tax" days a few times a year. And of course there is no shipping charge. On some items, K&S can be 20, 30% more expensive than B&H.

 

B&H generally has pretty good prices, but sometimes you can do better elsewhere.

[digitmstr]

I am one of those rare people who doesn't like smaller cameras. I am aware most do and that must be why Canon decided to shrink the 20D.

 

To me, that's a negative point, especially because the new grip is so cheesy!

 

I'll wait 'til next model :)

[Brad_]

Speaking of Keeble and Shuchat (K&S) in Palo Alto, I have a timely story.

 

Ordered a 20D kit two weeks ago when they had their "no sales tax" sale. It came in

yesterday afternoon. Played with it at home and noticed the 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6 lens'

aperture wouldn't go larger than f/5.6 on the wide end. Damn...

 

Went back to K&S this morning. No problem, traded for another new lens. No hassles,

they just did the right thing...

 

There is value in dealing with local stores.