Nikon D300s vs Canon EOS 20D
This is a full comparison between the cameras Nikon D300s and Canon EOS 20D. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.


Manufacturing
Nikon D300s is manufacturered by Nikon but Canon EOS 20D is from Canon. Both Nikon and Canon are well known brands though.
Nikon D300s were released 2009 and Canon EOS 20D was released 2004. That is a 5 years difference. In tech, this period of time can be of interest since technology is always improving etc.Camera | Manufacturer | Released |
Nikon D300s | Nikon | 2009 |
Canon EOS 20D | Canon | 2004 |
Type of camera
Both these cameras are DSLR cameras. No difference there.
Sensors / crop factor
These cameras have different sensors. Nikon D300s has a "DX"-sensor while Canon EOS 20D has a "APSC"-sensor, and their difference in sensors will also effect the crop factor and experience focal length. See the table below.
Camera | Experienced focal length when using a lens with 50mm focal length (ex a common "50mm f/1.8") | |
Nikon D300s | 75 mm | (a Nikon DX sensor have a crop factor / focal length multiplier by * 1.5) |
Canon EOS 20D | 80 mm | (a Canon APS-C sensor have a crop factor / focal length multiplier by * 1.6) |
Learn more about crop factor and focal length multiplier here:
Camera selection can affect the focal length (Nikon)
Camera selection can affect the focal length (Canon)
Resolution
Nikon D300s has a 12,3 MP (Megapixels) resolution while Canon EOS 20D has 8,2 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:
Camera | Megapixels | Pixel (total) | Pixels (width) | Pixels (height) |
Nikon D300s | 12,3 MP | 12212224 | 4288 | 2848 |
Canon EOS 20D | 8,2 MP | 8185344 | 3504 | 2336 |
Nikon D300s has a 49 % 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, afterwards while editing the pictures, if needed that is.
ISO range
Nikon D300s has a larger ISO-range than Canon EOS 20D. Nikon D300s has an ISO range that stretches from 200 to 6400 while Canon EOS 20D has 100 to 3200.
Camera | ISO Range |
Nikon D300s | 200-6400 |
Canon EOS 20D | 100-3200 |
Autofocus and lens compatibility
Both of these cameras have a built-in autofocus motor. Some lenses, that supports autofocus, does not have a autofocus motor of their own but this wont cause any problems with these two cameras.
Here is a complete overview of which lenses that work with each camera:
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon D300s
Lens compatibility chart for Canon EOS 20D
Pictures per second
Depending on what you are shooting the FPS, or frames/pictures per second, can definately be of interest. Nikon D300s can shoot up to 7 pictures per seconds and Canon EOS 20D can shoot up to 5 pictures per seconds.
Camera | FPS (Frames per second) |
Nikon D300s | 7 |
Canon EOS 20D | 5 |
Ability to record movies
It is becoming more and more popular to record movies with digital cameras.
When comparing these two cameras there is only one of them that can shoot movies and that is Nikon D300s. Unfortunately Canon EOS 20D does not support recording movies and movie clips.
Weight
The weight of the camera can be an extremely important factor, especially if the camera is about to be used, carried around, for several hours at the time.
Nikon D300s weighs 938 gr (equal to 2,07 lb) which is 22% heavier than Canon EOS 20D and its 770 gr (or 1,7 lb).
Camera | Weight (in gram) | Weight (in pounds) |
Nikon D300s | 938 gr | 2,07 lb |
Canon EOS 20D | 770 gr | 1,7 lb |