• APS-C 337.5mm2
  • 8.3 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 1600
  • 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  •  

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Differences

Canon 20D advantages over Panasonic GF1

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 4/3
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 6.42 vs 4.33 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Fast startup
    ~0.25 vs 1.4 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Higher effective ISO
    721 vs 513 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 700 vs 380 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Higher max flash sync
    1/250 vs 1/160 sec
    Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
  • Less shutter lag
    0.16 vs 0.41 sec
    Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    4.8 fps vs 2.9 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    31 vs 13 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/8000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Panasonic GF1 advantages over Canon 20D

  • Less expensive
    $900 vs $1499 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Thinner
    36 mm vs 71 mm
    Thinner
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Lighter weight
    285g vs 685g
    Lighter weight
  • More dots on screen
    460k vs 118k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • More pixels
    12.1 vs 8.2 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Neither provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Olympus E-P1

Canon 20D
Olympus E-P1
  • $1499
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $800
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Panasonic GF1
Olympus E-P1
  • $900
  • 4/3
  • Tiltable Screen
  • Fast startup
  • $800
  • 4/3
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Higher extended ISO

Compared to Panasonic GF2

Canon 20D
Panasonic GF2
  • $1499
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $617
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Tiltable Screen
Panasonic GF1
Panasonic GF2
  • $900
  • 4/3
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Bulb shutter
  • $617
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup

Compared to Panasonic GF3

Canon 20D
Panasonic GF3
  • $1499
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $675
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Touchscreen
Panasonic GF1
Panasonic GF3
  • $900
  • 4/3
  • Tiltable Screen
  • Fast startup
  • $675
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Touchscreen

Compared to Panasonic GF3X

Canon 20D
Panasonic GF3X
  • $1499
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $750
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Touchscreen
Panasonic GF1
Panasonic GF3X
  • $900
  • 4/3
  • Tiltable Screen
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $750
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Touchscreen

Compared to Panasonic GF5

Canon 20D
Panasonic GF5
  • $1499
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $430
  • 4/3
  • Touchscreen
  • Thinner
Panasonic GF1
Panasonic GF5
  • $900
  • 4/3
  • Tiltable Screen
  • Hot shoe
  • $430
  • 4/3
  • Touchscreen
  • Higher effective ISO
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