20D Picture Aspect Ratio 3:2 versus 4:3

One of the first things I noticed when I got my 20D was that the aspect ratio is different than my other digital camera. On my Canon s400 the pictures were always 4:3, but now on my 20D the pictures are 3:2. All the pictures are longer and less square-shaped. Is this how it is for everyone?

Also, on my LCD on the 20D, all the pictures show up with a black bar on the top and bottom to hold the aspect ratio. This seemed weird -- why would Canon add black bars in as opposed to just making the LCD that size to begin with? Is there some way to switch between aspect ratios or something? Thanks.

Yes, the 20D (and I believe all Canon DSLR's) have the 3:2 aspect ratio ... just like 35mm.

As far as the LCD size, I would imagine that Canon purchases them in certain standard sizes ... or they are allowing for extra vertical space for portrait orientation images.

No, there is no way to switch aspect ratios (other than cropping).

OK thanks, I just wasn't sure. Thanks for clearing that up.

-shiningstardv

3:2 is much better imho.
You can print the pictures at the standard 4x6" with no cropping required.
That is a big plus.
ALL pictures out of a 4:3 digicam MUST be cropped for any print size. So theoretically, you lose resolution right out of the box with such digicams.

Yeah I totally agree. I always had to crop my 4:3 pics when I wanted to print them. And plus, I prefer 3:2 visually as well. It's more pleasing to the eye and creates a more artistic picture.

Canon may also have wanted to the lcd screen the size it is to handle the menus in addition to displaying pictures. More can be shown on one screenful at the current size.

Also when you put the info on the lcd as well as the picture, they take advantage of the entire screen.

When I went from the G3 to the Rebel, I was going from a 4mp camera to a 6mp camera. But for some reason, I routinely noticed that my Rebel prints were mostly twice the resolution of my G3 prints, not 50% more like I would have expected.
That's when I realized the importance of the 3:2 ratio.
While I always had to crop the G3 shots for 4x6, reducing the usuable resolution to about 3mp, I could use my Rebel shots straight out of the camera, making use of the full 6mpixels!