What To Know
- Movie Crop Mode allows the EOS 20D to capture short video clips of up to 30 seconds at a resolution of 640×480 pixels and a frame rate of 15fps.
- These devices connect to the camera’s HDMI or AV output and allow you to record uncompressed video footage to an external storage medium, such as a memory card or hard drive.
- By carefully considering the factors discussed in this article, you can choose the right external video capture device to unlock the full potential of your EOS 20D for video production.
The Canon EOS 20D, released in 2004, is a beloved DSLR camera renowned for its exceptional image quality and versatility. While it primarily excels in still photography, many aspiring videographers wonder, “Can Canon EOS 20D record video?” The answer is both yes and no, depending on the specific model and firmware version.
The EOS 20D’s Video Capabilities
The original Canon EOS 20D does not have built-in video recording capabilities. However, with the release of the EOS 20D Firmware Version 1.1.1 in 2005, Canon introduced a limited form of video recording known as “Movie Crop Mode.”
Movie Crop Mode
Movie Crop Mode allows the EOS 20D to capture short video clips of up to 30 seconds at a resolution of 640×480 pixels and a frame rate of 15fps. To access Movie Crop Mode, you need to:
1. Update your EOS 20D to Firmware Version 1.1.1 or later.
2. Set the camera to Manual (M) mode.
3. Press the “Q” button and navigate to the “Movie Crop Mode” setting.
4. Enable Movie Crop Mode.
Limitations of Movie Crop Mode
While Movie Crop Mode allows you to capture videos with the EOS 20D, it has several limitations:
- Short recording time: Videos are limited to a maximum of 30 seconds.
- Low resolution: The video resolution is only 640×480 pixels, which is significantly lower than modern video standards.
- Low frame rate: The frame rate of 15fps can result in choppy and unnatural-looking videos.
- No audio recording: Movie Crop Mode does not support audio recording.
External Video Capture Devices
If you need to capture higher-quality videos with the EOS 20D, you can use an external video capture device. These devices connect to the camera’s HDMI or AV output and allow you to record uncompressed video footage to an external storage medium, such as a memory card or hard drive.
Advantages of External Video Capture Devices
External video capture devices offer several advantages over Movie Crop Mode, including:
- Higher resolution: You can capture videos at resolutions up to 1080p or even 4K.
- Higher frame rates: You can capture videos at frame rates up to 60fps or even 120fps, resulting in smoother and more natural-looking footage.
- Audio recording: External video capture devices typically support audio recording, allowing you to capture videos with high-quality sound.
- Extended recording time: You can record videos for as long as the storage medium allows.
Choosing an External Video Capture Device
When choosing an external video capture device for the EOS 20D, consider the following factors:
- Resolution support: Ensure the device supports the resolution you want to capture.
- Frame rate support: Determine the frame rate you need for your videos.
- Audio support: If you need to record audio, make sure the device has audio inputs.
- Compatibility: Check that the device is compatible with the EOS 20D.
- Price: External video capture devices can range in price from affordable to professional-grade.
Summary
While the Canon EOS 20D does not have native video recording capabilities, it can be used to capture limited-quality videos using Movie Crop Mode. For more advanced video capture, using an external video capture device is highly recommended. By carefully considering the factors discussed in this article, you can choose the right external video capture device to unlock the full potential of your EOS 20D for video production.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I record videos with the original Canon EOS 20D without any firmware updates?
No, the original EOS 20D does not support video recording.
2. What is the maximum resolution and frame rate I can capture with an external video capture device?
The maximum resolution and frame rate depend on the specific external video capture device you use.
3. Can I use an external microphone with an external video capture device?
Yes, many external video capture devices have audio inputs that allow you to connect an external microphone.
4. Why is the video quality from Movie Crop Mode so low?
Movie Crop Mode only uses a small portion of the camera’s sensor, resulting in a lower resolution and higher noise levels.
5. Can I use the EOS 20D for professional video production?
While the EOS 20D can be used for basic video capture, it is not recommended for professional video production due to its limited video capabilities and aging technology.
