Canon EOS 20D vs Nikon D80

This is a full comparison between the cameras Canon EOS 20D and Nikon D80. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.

Manufacturing

Canon EOS 20D is manufacturered by Canon but Nikon D80 is from Nikon. Both Canon and Nikon are well known brands though.

Canon EOS 20D were released 2004 and Nikon D80 was released 2006. That is a 2 years difference. In tech, this period can be of interest since technology is always improving, etc.

Camera Released
Canon EOS 20D 2004
Nikon D80 2006

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 D80 has a "DX"-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 D80 75 mm
Nikon DX sensor
Crop factor/focal length multiplier by * 1.5

** 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 D80 has 10 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 D80 10 MP
10036224 pixels
3872 x 2592

Nikon D80 has a 23 % 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

Both of these cameras offer the exact same ISO range. They both have 100 to 3200.

Camera ISO Range
Canon EOS 20D 100-3200
Nikon D80 100-3200

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 D80

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 D80 can shoot up to 3 pictures per seconds.

Camera FPS (Frames per second)
Canon EOS 20D 5
Nikon D80 3

Ability to record movies

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

Though, neither Canon EOS 20D or Nikon D80 can shoot movies so if that is a functionality that you are really looking for you should look elsewhere.

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 15% heavier than Nikon D80 and its 668 gr (or 1,47 lb).

Camera Weight
Canon EOS 20D 770 gr
1,7 lb
Nikon D80 668 gr
1,47 lb