Canon 20D versus Canon 6D Mark II

The Canon EOS 20D and the Canon EOS 6D Mark II are two enthusiast cameras that were announced, respectively, in August 2004 and June 2017. Both are DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) cameras that are based on an APS-C (20D) and a full frame (6D Mark II) sensor. The 20D has a resolution of 8.2 megapixel, whereas the 6D Mark II provides 26 MP. Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their size, their sensors, their features, and their reception by expert reviewers.

Body comparison: Canon 20D vs Canon 6D Mark II

The physical size and weight of the Canon 20D and the Canon 6D Mark II are illustrated in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are available. All width, height and depth dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter. You can also toggle the display to switch to a percentage comparison if you prefer that the measures are being expressed in relative terms (in this case, the camera on the left – the 20D – represents the basis or 100 percent across all the size and weight measures).

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Canon 6D Mark II is somewhat larger (5 percent) than the Canon 20D. However, the 6D Mark II is slightly lighter (1 percent) than the 20D. It is noteworthy in this context that the 6D Mark II is splash and dust-proof, while the 20D does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete since they do not consider the interchangeable lenses that both of these cameras require. A larger imaging sensor (as in the 6D Mark II) will tend to go along with bigger and heavier lenses, while more compact options are available for the smaller-sensor camera (20D). You can find a comprehensive overview of suitable optics in the Canon EF Lens Catalog.

Concerning battery life, the 20D gets 700 shots out of its BP-511A battery, while the 6D Mark II can take 1200 images on a single charge of its LP-E6N power pack.

The following table provides a synthesis of the main physical specifications of the two cameras and other similar ones. If you want to switch the focus of the display and review another camera pair, just select a new right or left comparator from among the camera models in the table. Alternatively, you can also move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible camera comparisons there.

Camera Body Specifications

	Camera Model	Camera Width	Camera Height	Camera Depth	Camera Weight	Battery Life (CIPA)	Weather Sealing (yes/no)	Camera Launch (announced)	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price (USD)	Used Price (USD)	Camera Model
	Canon 20D»	5.7 in	4.2 in	2.8 in	27.2 oz	700	n	Aug 2004	1,499	-		Canon 20D
	Canon 6D Mark II«	5.7 in	4.4 in	3.0 in	27.0 oz	1200	Y	Jun 2017	1,999			Canon 6D Mark II
	Canon 5D Mark IV« »	5.9 in	4.6 in	3.0 in	31.4 oz	900	Y	Aug 2016	3,499			Canon 5D Mark IV
	Canon 80D« »	5.5 in	4.1 in	3.1 in	25.8 oz	960	Y	Feb 2016	1,199			Canon 80D
	Canon 7D II« »	5.9 in	4.4 in	3.1 in	32.1 oz	670	Y	Sep 2014	1,799			Canon 7D II
	Canon 6D« »	5.7 in	4.4 in	2.8 in	27.2 oz	1090	Y	Sep 2012	2,099	-		Canon 6D
	Canon 60D« »	5.7 in	4.2 in	3.1 in	26.6 oz	1100	Y	Aug 2010	1,399	-		Canon 60D
	Canon 7D« »	5.8 in	4.4 in	2.9 in	30.3 oz	800	Y	Sep 2009	1,699	-		Canon 7D
	Canon 50D« »	5.7 in	4.3 in	2.9 in	29.0 oz	800	Y	Aug 2008	1,299	-		Canon 50D
	Canon 40D« »	5.7 in	4.3 in	2.9 in	29.0 oz	750	n	Aug 2007	1,299	-		Canon 40D
	Canon 30D« »	5.7 in	4.2 in	2.9 in	27.7 oz	750	n	Feb 2006	1,399	-		Canon 30D
	Canon XT« »	5.0 in	3.7 in	2.5 in	19.0 oz	400	n	Feb 2005	899	-		Canon XT
	Canon 10D« »	5.9 in	4.2 in	3.0 in	30.0 oz	500	n	Feb 2003	1,999	-		Canon 10D
	Canon Rebel« »	5.6 in	3.9 in	2.8 in	22.9 oz	400	n	Aug 2003	899	-		Canon Rebel
	Nikon D750« »	5.6 in	4.4 in	3.1 in	26.5 oz	1230	Y	Sep 2014	2,299			Nikon D750
	Nikon D610« »	5.6 in	4.4 in	3.2 in	30.0 oz	900	Y	Oct 2013	1,999			Nikon D610
	Nikon D200« »	5.8 in	4.4 in	2.9 in	32.5 oz	400	Y	Nov 2005	1,699	-		Nikon D200
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The camera’s price is obviously a critical decision-making factor. The retail prices at the time of the camera’s release place the model in the market relative to other models in the producer’s line-up and the competition. The 20D was launched at a somewhat lower price (by 25 percent) than the 6D Mark II, which makes it more attractive for photographers on a tight budget. Normally, street prices remain initially close to the MSRP, but after a couple of months, the first discounts appear. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

Sensor comparison: Canon 20D vs Canon 6D Mark II

The size of the sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants of image quality. A large sensor will tend to have larger individual pixels that provide better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixel-units in a sensor of the same technological generation. Furthermore, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more possibilities to use shallow depth-of-field in order to isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Canon 20D features an APS-C sensor and the Canon 6D Mark II a full frame sensor. The sensor area in the 6D Mark II is 155 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.6 and 1.0. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

Technology-wise, the 6D Mark II uses a more advanced image processing engine (DIGIC 7) than the 20D (DIGIC 2), with benefits for noise reduction, color accuracy, and processing speed.

With 26MP, the 6D Mark II offers a higher resolution than the 20D (8.2MP), but the 6D Mark II has smaller individual pixels (pixel pitch of 5.76μm versus 6.42μm for the 20D). Yet, the 6D Mark II is a much more recent model (by 12 years and 10 months) than the 20D, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixel-units.

The 6D Mark II has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in relatively fast and reliable autofocus acquisition during video recording.

For many cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. This service assesses and scores the color depth ("DXO Portrait"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports") of camera sensors, and also publishes an overall camera score. Of the two cameras under consideration, the 6D Mark II offers substantially better image quality than the 20D (overall score 23 points higher). The advantage is based on 2.5 bits higher color depth, 0.9 EV in additional dynamic range, and 2 stops in additional low light sensitivity. The adjacent table reports on the physical sensor characteristics and the outcomes of the DXO sensor quality tests for a sample of comparator-cameras.

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. The 6D Mark II indeed provides for movie recording, while the 20D does not. The highest resolution format that the 6D Mark II can use is 1080/60p.

Feature comparison: Canon 20D vs Canon 6D Mark II

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The 20D and the 6D Mark II are similar in the sense that both have an optical viewfinder. The latter is useful for getting a clear image for framing even in brightly lit environments. The following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Canon 20D, the Canon 6D Mark II, and comparable cameras. If you need more detail on the specs, you can find comprehensive listings, for example, in the dpreview camera hub.

One difference between the cameras concerns the presence of an on-board flash. The 20D has one, while the 6D Mark II does not. While the build-in flash of the 20D is not very powerful, it can at times be useful as a fill-in light.

The 20D writes its imaging data to Compact Flash cards, while the 6D Mark II uses SDXC cards.

The 6D Mark II is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Canon. In contrast, the 20D has been discontinued (but it can be found pre-owned on eBay). As a replacement in the same line of cameras, the 20D was succeeded by the Canon 30D.

Review summary: Canon 20D vs Canon 6D Mark II

So what conclusions can be drawn? Which of the two cameras – the Canon 20D or the Canon 6D Mark II – has the upper hand? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.

Arguments in favor of the Canon EOS 20D:

• Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (8000/sec vs 4000/sec) to freeze action.
• Easier fill-in: Is equipped with a small onboard flash to brighten deep shadow areas.
• More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced segment (25 percent cheaper at launch).
• More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in August 2004).

Reasons to prefer the Canon EOS 6D Mark II:

• More detail: Has more megapixels (26 vs 8.2MP), which boosts linear resolution by 78%.
• Better image quality: Scores substantially higher (23 points) in the DXO overall evaluation.
• Richer colors: Generates noticeably more natural colors (2.5 bits more color depth).
• More dynamic range: Captures a broader range of light and dark details (0.9 EV of extra DR).
• Better low-light sensitivity: Can shoot in dim conditions (2 stops ISO advantage).
• Better jpgs: Has a more modern image processing engine (DIGIC 7 vs DIGIC 2).
• Broader imaging potential: Can capture not only stills but also 1080/60p video.
• Better video autofocus: Features on-sensor phase-detection for more confident movie autofocus.
• Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.0" vs 1.8") for image review and settings control.
• More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1040k vs 118k dots).
• More flexible LCD: Has swivel screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.
• Fewer buttons to press: Has a touchscreen to facilitate handling and shooting adjustments.
• Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (6.5 vs 5 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
• Longer lasting: Gets more shots (1200 versus 700) out of a single battery charge.
• Better sealing: Is splash and dust sealed for shooting in inclement weather conditions.
• Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (2.0 vs 1.1).
• Easier file upload: Has wifi build in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
• Easier device pairing: Supports NFC for fast wireless image transfer over short distances.
• Easier wireless transfer: Supports Bluetooth for image sharing without cables.
• More modern: Reflects 12 years and 10 months of technical progress since the 20D launch.

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the 6D Mark II is the clear winner of the contest (20 : 4 points). However, the relevance of individual strengths will vary across photographers, so that you might want to apply your own weighing scheme to the summary points when reflecting and deciding on a new camera.

In any case, while the comparison of technical specifications can provide a useful overview of the capabilities of different cameras, it says nothing about, for example, the handling, responsiveness, and overall imaging quality of the 20D and the 6D Mark II in practical situations. User reviews, such as those found at amazon, can sometimes inform about these issues, but such feedback is often incomplete, inconsistent, and biased. This is why expert reviews are important. The table below summarizes the assessments of some of the best known camera review sites (cameralabs, dpreview, ephotozine, imaging-resource, photographyblog). You can find the full text of the reviews by clicking on the site logo in the table header.

Review Scores

	Camera Model						Camera Launch (announced)	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price (USD)	Used Price (USD)	Camera Model
	Canon 20D»	-	HiRec	-	rev	-	Aug 2004	1,499	-		Canon 20D
	Canon 6D Mark II«	Rec	80/100	4.5/5	4/5	4/5	Jun 2017	1,999			Canon 6D Mark II
	Canon 5D Mark IV« »	HiRec	87/100	4.5/5	5/5	4.5/5	Aug 2016	3,499			Canon 5D Mark IV
	Canon 80D« »	HiRec	84/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2016	1,199			Canon 80D
	Canon 7D II« »	Rec	84/100	4/5	5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2014	1,799			Canon 7D II
	Canon 6D« »	HiRec	83/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2012	2,099	-		Canon 6D
	Canon 60D« »	Rec	79/100	4/5	5/5	4.5/5	Aug 2010	1,399	-		Canon 60D
	Canon 7D« »	HiRec	84/100	4.5/5	5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2009	1,699	-		Canon 7D
	Canon 50D« »	HiRec	HiRec	4.5/5	5/5	4.5/5	Aug 2008	1,299	-		Canon 50D
	Canon 40D« »	HiRec	HiRec	4.5/5	rev	4.5/5	Aug 2007	1,299	-		Canon 40D
	Canon 30D« »	HiRec	HiRec	rev	rev	-	Feb 2006	1,399	-		Canon 30D
	Canon XT« »	80/100	HiRec	rev	rev	-	Feb 2005	899	-		Canon XT
	Canon 10D« »	-	HiRec	-	rev	-	Feb 2003	1,999	-		Canon 10D
	Canon Rebel« »	-	HiRec	-	rev	-	Aug 2003	899	-		Canon Rebel
	Nikon D750« »	HiRec	90/100	4.5/5	5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2014	2,299			Nikon D750
	Nikon D610« »	HiRec	87/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Oct 2013	1,999			Nikon D610
	Nikon D200« »	HiRec	HiRec	rev	5/5	-	Nov 2005	1,699	-		Nikon D200

The review scores listed above should be treated with care, though. The ratings were established in reference to similarly priced cameras that were available in the market at the time of the review. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.

Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? If you would like to see a different side-by-side camera review, just use the search menu below. There is also a set of direct links to comparison reviews that other users of the CAM-parator app explored. If the camera you are interested in is not available, please send me an email, and I will try to update the database with the necessary infos.

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