Canon 20D vs Canon 5D

Its time to look more closely at the Canon 20D and Canon 5D, both Advanced DSLR digital cameras and both are designed by Canon. There exists a big gap between the image resolutions of the 20D (8MP) and 5D (13MP) and the 20D (APS-C) and 5D (Full frame) boast different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The 20D was unveiled 12 months earlier than the 5D so they are of a similar generation. Both of these cameras feature the same body design (Mid-size SLR).

Before delving right into a step-by-step comparison, here is a short summary of how the 20D scores vs the 5D with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Canon EOS 20D and Canon EOS 5D. The full galleries are available at Canon 20D Gallery and Canon 5D Gallery.

For anybody who is going to carry around your camera frequently, you will want to think about its weight and proportions. The Canon 20D enjoys physical measurements of 144mm x 106mm x 72mm (5.7" x 4.2" x 2.8") having a weight of 770 grams (1.70 lbs) while the Canon 5D has measurements of 152mm x 113mm x 75mm (6.0" x 4.4" x 3.0") having a weight of 895 grams (1.97 lbs).

Examine the Canon 20D and Canon 5D in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are working with at that time. Underneath is a front view over all size comparison of the 20D compared to the 5D.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the 20D and 5D is 59 and 55 respectively.

More often than not, it is very difficult to visualize the contrast between sensor sizes just by looking at technical specs. The picture underneath might give you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the 20D and 5D.

As you have seen, both of these cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The 20D with its tinier sensor is going to make shooting bokeh more challenging and the Canon 5D will give you more detail having an extra 5MP. Greater resolution will help you crop images way more aggressively. The more aged 20D is going to be behind in sensor technology.