Looking at the Canon EOS 20D to buy

[kpoole32]

I have been told by a friend (not as camera literate as I am, but I'd consider myself a novice with digital), that the EOS 20D 8.2-megapixel CMOS sensor, is not truly 8.2 megapixels. That it is only approx the same size as a Nikon D70 and then digitally enlarged. Can someone clear this up for me. I'm very new to digital and will be using it for sporting events and portrait work.
Thanks.

[mg09]

your friends a little wrong i believe theres no interpolation on the 20D as far as im aware.. i work in a camera store and havent heard that before plus check out
http://consumer.usa.canon.com/ir/controller?act=ModelTechSpecsAct&fcategoryid=139&modelid=10464
its the canon tech specs
Image Sensor
type
High-sensitivity, high-resolution, single-plate CMOS sensor
Pixels
Approx. 8.25 megapixels (3520x2344)
Total Pixels
Approx. 8.50 megapixels (3600x2360)

rich

[AjP]

there no interpolation on any semi-pro or pro cameras

[CRE@TE]

I think somebody might be thinking about the 1.6 crop factor. Just my guess.

[kpoole32]

Thanks to all for your help. Makes my decision easier!! Looks like I'm buying a 20D - yea!!