5D vs 20D Comments please

I have to agree there - Ken Rockwell is a bit pompous for my tastes. Well, I'm being kind actually.

If you're speaking solely of pixel density of a similar-sized portion of the sensor, then that would be true. But if you frame your images utilizing the full frame, then the 5D is the right tool. I realize that that isn't always possible, and there is a big size & price barrier for super-glass beyond 400 or 500 mm that can hinder you if you are a frequent long-glass shooter. But if you can get close enough, or if ultra-long isn't your normal shooting style, the 5D is more than up to the task.

The last air show I shot, I varied between 100 and 400 mm all day, depending on the flyover distances. Once in a while, 400 wasn't long enough. Equally troublesome were the infrequent situations where 100 wasn't short enough. And this was with a 5D. But most of my shots easily fell within those two constraints with adequate framing.

Why would you prefer the 20D for sports?

I think Prophet got it right....I just got a 5D and money was no issue at all....I could have bought anything...(tax deduction time)...but I settled on the 5D for many reasons....I sold 1 20D and kept 1 for the love of it. With the 2 it's a great combination maximizing any lens body combination.

But.....the FF sensor is a delight.....the camera is about the same in size as the 20D..big issue for me...I like to be descreet on the streets.....and work.....

the great thing is this....I had prints made from the same subject......with both cameras.......well....​that seals the deal my friends......unreal...​..no comparision!
The 5D is on my sholder as I ready for some night shooting.....the 20D is in the bag, no card, no battery......hopefully​, I won't forget it's there........it's a great camera but theres a new sherrif in town...........don

Faster frame rate, 5 FPS vs. 3.

The frame rate as Jon mentioned. Basically the 20D is a poor man's 1DMKII. The crop factor can also come in handy paired with a long lens. That can come in handy, when price is a part of the issue.

With 1.6 it gives you a field of view on a 200 of 320mm. on a 300mm it's a 480 field of view, which is nice.

Real world example.

http://www.virtualtrav​eller.org/5dv20d/5dv20​d4.htm
with both cameras using the 200 2.8L

I too am wanting to upgrade to the 5D. But I am expecting great things from the 5D. My 20D is less than great, My images in studio or outdoor are very soft and all must be shapened in photoshop, even using 24-70 2.8 or 70-200 IS 2.8 . Any Comments as to what you think of my situation.

These two cameras are different beasts, as everyone has said above simply because if you part with your 20D you will have to buy longer lenses to capture images from the same position. As a wedding photographer I'v just bought a 5D to complement the 20D. Without purchasing any further lenses the 20D is now my "tele" body and the 5D is full frame for those "ultra wide" images, plus more pixels, when needed. An 18mm on the 5D is just incredible! If I were a landscape photographer I guess I would be reaching for the 5D more of the time. I wouldn't classify it has an upgrade, not really...

J, With regards to sharpening, thats the standard workflow, to shoot without in-camera sharpening (or very litle) and then unsharp mask or equiv in photoshop afterwards. However, with Picture Styles now here on the 5D you do have the option to set things up to suit yourself. Wayne

Well, I just wanted to let you know, I took the plunge, I ordered the 5D today. Got it from Best Buy on Sale and took the 4yr service plan. I'm very excited, and looking forward to it's arrival.
Thanks for all the good comments on this site, it was instrumental in my decision.

nah ya cannae because the pixel *density* on the 20D is higher so a crop from a 5D to 20D size gives you a lower res pic
Oh yes it does!

( there;s been loads of reviews exactly on that point )

Grego, I've just been on your web site, and its so great to see some proof at last about these cameras. Its good stuff. May I ask a question plse? I've been delighted with my 20D - the results are superb, and its an 8m pixel beasty. If we are printing to no more than 14"x22" should we have to use the 5D at 12m pixels or is 6.7m pixels adequate. I very rarely crop images, and assuming same stock lenses being used on both cameras? All I'm hearing is shoot at the max res all the time without reasoning. Many thanks Wayne

Memory is far and away the cheapest link in the picture-taking chain: you should always capture as much data as you can. You can always downsize an image on your computer later, but you can never add data that wasn't recorded at the time.

With equipment that cost thousands and has the ability to record amazing detail, why hamstring it or save a couple of cents on storage space?

It depends how much you use post processing. In post processing you can boost an image size. This software(used by a good amount of pros) allows for even more expansion of the image, http://www.imaging-resource.com/SOFT/GF/G​F.HTM although you do stand a chance of quality loss at a certain point.

It all depends how you like to shoot. Having the most space to crop always helps. Also, the higher res the image, the easier it is to post process. The more you take away, the less you can get out of it in post processing.

You'd defintely see a difference on 20D versus 5D near 14x22 and of course over, in the prints.

Since you do mention you take a lot of photos, the less you have to post process the better. So with higher res you don't have to use a bunch of software to get a quality enlargement. And it just makes anything smaller, even greater.

To me, the 5D is overkill for a camera, if you really aren't going to use it to its max. It's buffer can handle the higher file sizes and cards can too. The 20D has put out a 10-22 which is the equivilent to the 16-35 focal length for 35mm. And it gives great results.

You defintely can upgrade the glass. Like 24-105 4L IS or 24-70 2.8L or 28-70 2.8L(discontinued though)
Canon 16-35 2.8L/17-40 4L or the 10-22(if on 20D)

If you shoot RAW you WILL have to sharpen in PSHP
The same for 5D I imagine

Thanks Grego, and have a great New Year. All the best.. Wayne