Canon Announces EOS 20D

: Canon will replace its popular EOS 10D model with the new EOS 20D, which features an 8.2-megapixel CMOS sensor and DiG!C II Imaging Engine.
The new DSLR, which has a tough, light-weight magnesium alloy body and pop-up E-TTL-compatible flash, is expected to sell for $2799 (body only). A key feature is its continuous shooting at 5 frames/second for up to 23 frames in a burst. Another new feature is 9-point wide-area AF with superimposed AF points and a choice of one-shot, AI servo and AI focusing. Shutter speeds range from 30 seconds to 1/8000 second and a Bulb mode is included for longer exposures. An optional wireless remote can control the shutter release in this mode. Flash sync is at 1/250 second and the EOS 20D has a hot shoe and X-sync contacts for use with external flash units. Accurate flash metering is provided by the E-TTL II control, which includes lens distance data for exposure consistency.

Designed to provide photographers with complete creative control, the EOS 20D supports 12 shooting modes, including seven automatic modes and five creative settings for advanced users. The 35-zone metering system can be used in evaluative, partial and centre-weighted average modes and sensor sensitivity is adjustable from ISO 100 to ISO 1600, with ISO 3200 available as a Custom Function. The white balance control is comprehensive, with an auto mode, six pre-sets and custom measurement plus colour temperature adjustments, +/- nine steps of white balance correction and +/- three steps of white balance bracketing.
The EOS 20D can capture RAW and JPEG image files simultaneously and its USB 2.0 Hi-Speed interface ensures fast data transmission. It also supports direct printing and proofing via PictBridge-compatible printers. A wide range of accessories is available, including specially-designed EF-S series lenses.
Concurrent with the release of the EOS 20D, two new EF-S lenses have been added to Canon’s line-up. The EF-S 10-22mm f3.4-4.5 USM (RRP $1399) combines an ultra-wide angle of view (equivalent to 16-35mm in 35mm format) with a compact, light-weight body and optimised lens coatings to minimise flare and ghosting and a circular lens aperture for attractive out-of-focus areas in portrait photos. Minimum focusing distance is 24 cm at all focal lengths. The EF-S 17-85mm f4-5.6 USM (RRP $1099) covers a focal length range equivalent to 27-136mm in 35mm format. A built-in image stabiliser allows users to shoot at approximately three stops faster than they would with an unstabilised lens and a double-sided, aspherical glass element (GMo) provides high image quality at all focal lengths. The closest focusing distance is 35 cm.
The EOS 20D is due for release in mid-September, while the new EF-S lenses will go on sale in October and November. For more information, go to www.canon.com.au or phone Canon’s information line on 1800 021 167.