Canon EOS 20D 8.2MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only) ASIN: B0002XQI2E Binding: Electronics List price: $1,299.99 USD

Canon has consistently been a leader in camera, lens, and flash technologies. Their products have a reputation for being well engineered, well manufactured, dependable, and reasonably priced. However we chose the photography equipment we purchased and endorse based upon diligent research of reviews from amazon.com and numerous photography websites.

With thousands of pictures now under our belts, we believe the Canon EOS20D is to the digital camera world what the Sony FX1 is to the video camera world. These cameras set new standards in their classes effectively equipping amateurs like us with professional quality equipment at a consumer price tag. Combine this with digital editing and you have lots of creative growth potential.

Camera Highlights:

• Old Canon SLR lenses fit the 20D and should perform well. However, we chose Canon's "L" series professional lineup of lenses. In particular, the combination of the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L and the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS Telephoto Zoom Lenses offer a superb range of wide angle landscapes to extreme closeups. Throw in a 2X extender and you have image stabilized coverage to 400mm. f/2.8L throughout the 24-400mm range produces great images even in marginal light.
• The Canon Speedlight 580EX was made for the EOS20D. This flash offers additional features at higher speeds than its predecessors. The results are excellent exposures both indoors and in lowlit conditions.
• It takes fantastic pictures, right out of the box, in full automatic mode.
• The autofocus is excellent.
• You can enlarge pics up to 10X, while reviewing them on the 1.8 inch LCD, for detailed analysis of lighting, exposure, camera movement, focus, facial expressions, etc.
• You'll miss fewer shots as the camera turns on in only .2 seconds.

Camera Cons:

• It may be too pricey for some.
• A creative photographer is still required for truly amazing pics.

Camera Specifics:

• 8.2 megapixels
• JPEG, RAW, or Simultaneous JPEG & RAW photo storage
• 5fps for up to 23 consecutive images are possible at the highest quality setting

Recommended Accessories:

• Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L
• Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS
• 2X extender
• Canon Speedlight 580EX
• Extra Battery
• 1 GB Compact Flash