Canon's 8.2-Mpxl EOS 20D Digital SLR

Canon has unveiled its new EOS 20D digital SLR, designed for professional photographers and photojournalists. Delivering many of the same features as Canon's EOS- 1D Mark II high-end professional camera, the EOS 20D is a mid-range, auto-focus camera that is small and lightweight.

Like the EOS-1D Mark II, the new EOS 20D offers an 8.2-Mpxl CMOS image sensor, DIGIC II image processor, a top speed of 1/8000 sec, and it allows for CR2 RAW file format. It differs from the EOS-1D Mark II, however, in that it features just 5 frames/sec with bursts of 23 frames at the highest JPEG resolution. In addition, the 20D has a newly designed 9-point auto-focus system, and it offers an E-TTL II autoflash metering system (also shared by the EOS-1D Mark II).

Canon suggests that photojournalists and wedding photographers will appreciate the camera's speed and ability to shoot in low-light conditions. The EOS 20D offers “superb low-light performance, exceptionally low noise, even at high ISOs,” the company reports. The EOS 20D is compatible with Canon

EF and EF-S lenses. It's available with an EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 zoom lens for $1599; and with an EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM wide-angle zoom lens for $1999. The no-lens version is $1499. (Canon: www.usa.canon.com)