Canon EOS 20D vs Nikon D600
This is a full comparison between the cameras Canon EOS 20D and Nikon D600. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.
Manufacturing
Canon EOS 20D is manufacturered by Canon but Nikon D600 is from Nikon. Both Canon and Nikon are well known brands though.
Canon EOS 20D were released 2004 and Nikon D600 was released 2012. That is a 8 years difference. In tech, this period can be of interest since technology is always improving, etc.Camera | Released |
Canon EOS 20D | 2004 |
Nikon D600 | 2012 |
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 "Canon APS-C"-sensor while Nikon D600 has a "Nikon FX"-sensor, and their difference in sensors will also affect the crop factor and experience focal length. See the table below.
Camera | Focal length, 50mm f/1.8 ** |
Canon EOS 20D | 80 mm Canon APS-C sensor Crop factor/focal length multiplier by * 1.6 |
Nikon D600 | 50 mm Full-frame sensor No crop factor/focal length multiplier |
** 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 D600 has 24,3 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:
Camera | Megapixels |
Canon EOS 20D |
8,2 MP
8185344 pixels 3504 x 2336 |
Nikon D600 |
24,3 MP
24160256 pixels 6016 x 4016 |
Nikon D600 has a 195 % 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 D600 has a larger ISO-range than Canon EOS 20D. Nikon D600 has an ISO range that stretches from 100 to 6400 while Canon EOS 20D has 100 to 3200.
Camera | ISO Range |
Canon EOS 20D | 100-3200 |
Nikon D600 | 100-6400 |
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 D600
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 D600 can shoot up to 5,5 pictures per seconds.
Camera | FPS (Frames per second) |
Canon EOS 20D | 5 |
Nikon D600 | 5,5 |
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 D600. 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.
Canon EOS 20D weighs 770 gr (equal to 1.7 lb) which is 1% heavier than Nikon D600 and its 760 gr (or 1.68 lb).
Camera | Weight |
Canon EOS 20D | 770 gr 1.7 lb |
Nikon D600 | 760 gr 1.68 lb |
Canon EOS 20D vs Nikon D600 Specs
Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Canon EOS 20D and Nikon D600, next to each other. Each category of data is a link to an article covering the subject, giving you a deeper understanding so you can better understand the strengths and weaknesses of the two camera models.
Product |
Canon EOS 20D |
Nikon D600 |
Name | Canon EOS 20D | Nikon D600 |
Manufacturer | Canon | Nikon |
Release Date and Price |
Canon EOS 20D |
Nikon D600 |
Release Year | 2004 | 2012 |
Release Date | 2004-08-19 | 2012-09-13 |
MSRP | 1499 USD | 2099 USD |
Buy it today |
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Camera Type |
Canon EOS 20D |
Nikon D600 |
Camera Type | DSLR | DSLR |
Sensor |
Canon EOS 20D |
Nikon D600 |
Sensor Size | APS-C (approx 22.3 x 14.9 mm) |
Full Frame (approx 36 x 23.9 mm) Also known as "FX" |
Sensor Type | CMOS | CMOS |
Resolution | 3504 x 2336 pixels | 6016 x 4016 pixels |
Megapixels | 8,2 MP | 24,3 MP |
Image Processor | DIGIC 2 | EXPEED 3 |
Image |
Canon EOS 20D |
Nikon D600 |
ISO Range | 100 - 3200 | 100 - 6400 |
White Balance Presets | 6 | 12 |
Custom White Balance | Yes | Yes |
Image Stabilization | No | No |
Image Stabilization CIPA Rating | 0 stops | 0 stops |
Uncompressed format | RAW | RAW |
Optics & Focus |
Canon EOS 20D |
Nikon D600 |
Autofocus Motor | Yes | Yes |
Autofocus |
Phase Detect Multi Area Selective Single Point Single Continuous |
Contract Detect (sensor) Phase Detect Multi Area Center Selective Single Point Tracking Single Continuous Face Detection LiveView |
Focus Points | 9 | 39 |
Lens Mount |
Canon EF Canon EF-S See Compatible Lenses |
Nikon F See Compatible Lenses |
Focal Length Multiplier |
APS-C Sensor 1.6x multiplier Example: 24 mm becomes 38 mm 50 mm becomes 80 mm 100 mm becomes 160 mm 200 mm becomes 320 mm |
FX (Full frame) No multiplier Example: 24 mm remains 24 mm 50 mm remains 50 mm 100 mm remains 100 mm 200 mm remains 200 mm |
Screen & Viewfinder |
Canon EOS 20D |
Nikon D600 |
Articulated LCD | Fixed | Fixed |
Screen size | 1,8” | 3,2” |
Screen dots | 118000 | 921000 |
Touch screen | No | No |
Screen type | N/A | TFT LCD |
Live view | No | Yes |
Viewfinder Type | Optical (pentaprism) | Optical (pentaprism) |
Viewfinder Coverage | 95% | 100% |
Viewfinder Magnification | 0.9× (0.56× 35mm equiv.) | 0.7× |
Viewfinder Resolution | N/A | N/A |
Photography features |
Canon EOS 20D |
Nikon D600 |
Frames per second | 5 fps | 5,5 fps |
Minimum Shutter Speed | 30 seconds | 30 seconds |
Maximum Shutter Speed | 1/8000 seconds | 1/4000 seconds |
Built-in Flash | Yes | Yes |
Built-in Flash Range | 12 meters | 12 meters |
External Flash | Yes | Yes |
Self-Timer | Yes | Yes |
Time-lapse | Yes | Yes |
Metering modes |
Multi Center Weighted Partial |
Multi Center Weighted Spot Average |
Exposure Compensation | +/- 2 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps) | +/- 5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV, 2/3 EV, 1 EV steps) |
Videography features |
Canon EOS 20D |
Nikon D600 |
Video recording | No | Yes |
Video format | N/A |
MPEG4 H.264 |
Video resolution | N/A |
1280 x 720 1920 x 1080 |
Built-in Microphone | No | Yes |
Built-in Speakers | No | Yes |
Storage |
Canon EOS 20D |
Nikon D600 |
Memory Card |
Compact Flash |
SD/SDHC |
Connectivity |
Canon EOS 20D |
Nikon D600 |
HDMI Output | No | Yes |
Microphone Port | No | Yes |
Headphone Port | No | Yes |
Wireless | No |
Yes Optional with WU-1B mobile adapter ![]() |
Remote Control | Yes (N3 connector) | Yes (Optional, wired or wireless ) |
GPS | No |
Yes Optional with GP-1 ![]() |
Body & Dimensions |
Canon EOS 20D |
Nikon D600 |
Enviromentally sealed | No | Yes |
Battery | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery Details |
BP-511A Lithium-Ion battery pack
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Lithium-Ion EN-EL15 rechargeable battery & charger
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Battery Life (CIPA) | 700 shots | 900 shots |
Width | 144 mm | 141 mm |
Height | 106 mm | 113 mm |
Depth | 72 mm | 82 mm |
Weight | 770 gram | 760 gram |