Canon EOS 20D vs Nikon D4s

This is a full comparison between the cameras Canon EOS 20D and Nikon D4s. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.

Manufacturing

Canon EOS 20D is manufacturered by Canon but Nikon D4s is from Nikon. Both Canon and Nikon are well known brands though.

Type of camera

Both these cameras are DSLR cameras. No difference there.

Sensors / crop factor

These cameras have different sensors. Canon EOS 20D has a "APSC"-sensor while Nikon D4s has a "FX"-sensor, and their difference in sensors will also affect the crop factor and experience focal length. See the table below.

** Experienced focal length when using a lens such as a common "50mm f/1.8"

Learn more about crop factor and focal length multiplier here:
Camera selection can affect the focal length (Canon)
Camera selection can affect the focal length (Nikon)

Resolution

Canon EOS 20D has a 8,2 MP (Megapixels) resolution while Nikon D4s has 16 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:

Nikon D4s has a 97 % larger resolution than Canon EOS 20D. This could give you more details in the picture but also a possibility to crop more in the pictures, afterward while editing the pictures, if needed that is.

ISO range

Nikon D4s has a larger ISO-range than Canon EOS 20D. Nikon D4s has an ISO range that stretches from 100 to 25600 while Canon EOS 20D has 100 to 3200.

Autofocus and lens compatibility

Both of these cameras have a built-in autofocus motor. Some lenses, that support autofocus, do not have an autofocus motor of their own but this won't cause any problems with these two cameras.

Here is a complete overview of which lenses work with each camera:
Lens compatibility chart for Canon EOS 20D
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon D4s

Pictures per second

Depending on what you are shooting the FPS, or frames/pictures per second, can definitely be of interest. Canon EOS 20D can shoot up to 5 pictures per seconds and Nikon D4s can shoot up to 11 pictures per seconds.

Ability to record movies

It is becoming more and more popular to record movies with digital cameras.

It is only one of these two cameras that support recording movies and movie clips and that is Nikon D4s. Sadly, the Canon EOS 20D does not support this.

Weight

The weight of the camera can be an extremely important factor, especially if the camera is about to be used, or carried around, for several hours at a time.

Nikon D4s weighs 1350 gr (equal to 2,98 lb) which is 75% heavier than Canon EOS 20D and its 770 gr (or 1,7 lb).