This morning I awoke to find the latest CPS member newsletter waiting in my inbox. Besides all of the usual tips and articles there was the unveiling of Canon's newest semi-pro DSLR the EOS 20D, its predecessor being the 10D (now discontinued). Canon claims that the camera boasts a new 8.2 megapixel CMOS sensor, improved 9 point AF system, DIGIC II processor (same one as in the 1D Mark II), E-TTL II flash system (also only in the 1D Mk II), and probably best of all, an advance rate of 5 frames per second. Personally I see this as more of an evolutionary step as opposed to a revolutionary one, which is highly unusual for Canon. Usually Nikon is the evolutionary manufacturer, building on what is known and well proven while Canon is always coming up with wild new cameras as opposed to updating existing models a little bit, for example the 1D blew every one away with its speed when introduced (no pro DSLR similar to it before), the Digital Rebel was the most cost effective DSLR on the market, etc. Apparently, the 20D is targeted at advanced amateurs and professionals who usually shoot sports, action, and wildlife. This will hold true with the advanced amateur market, but I doubt that many, if any pro sports or wildlife shooters that will use a 20D as their primary body. All of us Canon sports shooters use 1D’s or 1D Mark II’s as our primary bodies, the 5 frames per second is still just a little too slow for most sports and some wildlife. One of the best things about the 20D is the $1600 price point ($1300 street) and its ability to use the EF-S lenses that Canon is developing. The addition of an 8.2 megapixel sensor is (in my opinion) to lure people in using the "megapixel myth". (Higher MP = Better camera.) The difference in print sizes that can be made using a 6.3 MP 10D and the new 8.2 MP 20D is negligible. (At 240dpi the length and width of the largest possible prints increase by about 2" and 1" respectively.)

With that, I think it will be a great camera and personally, I can’t wait to try one out!

PS: The article didn’t say when they would hit store shelves, but rumor has it that it will be September 20, 2004. Plus, the same supply / demand problems that the 10D experienced might mean a long, long wait for the 20D.