Image quality is film-like and smooth with excellent exposure, focus, white balance and colour. Huge enlargement from Canon images is a doddle.

Once again Canon has produced a camera with such low inherent image noise that it can realistically be used at ISO1600, eliminating the need for flash in just about all situations. The low light capability of this camera has to be seen to be believed.

Like this: The things like mirror slap, shutter motion and button function are all smooth and well-damped. All the physical characteristics of the 20D speak quality. It is a thing of beauty and a joy forever -- more or less.

Dislike that: The 20D does not have spot metering. This is inexplicable in a camera of this quality and price. Serious photographers take it for granted that their cameras will have the ability to read exposure from a small spot in the centre of the viewfinder. Canon’s lesser cameras, such as the S70 and G6 have spot metering, so why not the top of the range consumer camera?

Also, by default, the Canon uses some sort of weird matrix for auto focussing. This is the first thing to be turned off by a new owner and the focussing set to centre spot. At least it does have spot focussing, even if you do have to consult the manual to find out how to turn it on.

Parting shot: EOS 20D supplied for testing came with a cheap kit lens which did not impress. It has a plastic bayonet mount, a wobbly zooming mechanism and a miserable little ring for manual focus. While the price is attractive ($200 when bought as a kit) the fact is that anyone spending $2699 on a camera body is not going to quibble at an extra $1100 for a good Canon USM lens. This, after all, is equipment for the well-heeled.

DPReview looks at the Canon EOS 20D
Bob Atkins compares the Canon EOS 20D to the 10D
Ken Rockwell compares the 20D to the Nikon D70