The Best Digital Camera Ever For The Macintosh.

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I have a few photos from outside and inside so you’ll get an idea of how easy it is to use this camera.

Yesterday, we ran a brief article on Apple’s iSight camera mounting kit (the one with the magnetic adapter which holds the camera to the top of the Apple Cinema Display). Check the photo to the left.

Point and click. That was it. Focus and exposure were both automatic.

What’s truly impressive about this Canon camera is how well it integrates into the “Mac scheme of things.” Yes, Windows users will find the 20D to be a great camera. Then again, they’d find the PowerMac G5 or the new iMac G5 to be a great computer.

The difference is that many Windows users don’t appreciate what Apple puts into Mac hardware and software engineering. Mac users appreciate that diligence because it makes for an “experience” using the Mac as a tool where, the Mac as a computer is just out of the way. The “tool” then does the job.

So it is with the Canon EOS 20D.

Autofocus has always been a bit tricky, especially in the previously mentioned Nikon 5000 series (I have two; get ready eBay) and a Sony CyberShot. No tricks with the 20D. Aim, compose, click shutter button half way, check focus. Click.

I’ve had fewer crummy shots with this camera than any since the original Spotmatic (TOTALLY manual).

If you’re into printing your images before bringing them into your Mac (does anyone really do this? Really?), Canon provides the necessary tools to print direct from the camera to an appropriate Canon printer.

This brings up another issue and may explain why I like a wide wide angle lens in the new digital cameras. In years past (film era) it was necessary to compose the camera before the shot. I don’t compose squat these days. I aim, focus, shoot. And sometimes leave out the middle step (it’s automatic).

Composing is saved for an imaging and printing application like Portraits and Prints. There’s more touch up capability than iPhoto, it’s not as cumbersome or convoluted as Photoshop Elements, and printing options are perfect for family and friends.

You’ve probably heard how automobile manufacturers put plenty of engineering into the sound of a car’s door shutting. It has to shut just right, make that solid “thunk” sound so were aurally convinced that the car is solid.

I think Canon put that kind of attention into the 20D. Mac users will appreciate that. There’s something about the “feel” that’s important to me.

Since Canon makes printers you’d expect images from a Canon camera to print well on a Canon printer. They do, at least in my tests. Canon’s propaganda…

As Canon says, “The EOS 20D lets you print beautiful photos with minimum time and effort - directly from the camera. Simply connect the camera with any PictBridge compatible printer via the high-speed USB 2.0 port to print images stored in the CF card.”

“You can even set the EOS 20D to trim the image, add a surrounding “frame,” superimpose a date, or print a number of copies.”

“The EOS 20D’s direct printing feature complies with Exif v2.2 (Exif Print) and DPOF v1.1. With a host of portable and home printers available from Canon including the new PIXMA iP4000 and PIXMA iP3000 Photo Printers, getting tangible results from the camera has never been faster or easier.”

There’s more to say, but that’s sufficient for now. Drop by a local camera store and check out this camera. Tell me what you think. Is it as good as I describe? I’ve used mine for about 10 days and couldn’t be much more pleased.

Amazon has the 20D listed for $1,599 with the EF-S 18-55mm f3.5 lens. RoyalCamera.com has the body only for $1,199 (no lens). The camera came with a strap, battery, charger, software, manuals, and nothing else. If you’ve used only non-SLR digital cameras before, prepare to be impressed.

Here’s a few nits. The battery is a Canon BP511a. The little “a” appears to be important. A BP511 lithium ion battery can be purchased at most camera shops, Circuit City, Best Buy, et al, but that battery won’t re-charge on the included Canon battery charger. Save your money and get an extra battery (the BP511a) from Amazon.

The visual shutter and aperature settings in the viewfinder need to be brighter (I’m far sighted). I like orange on black. Those are minor. Your mileage may vary.

If Apple made a digital camera, it would be the Canon EOS 20D. I just needs to be G5 aluminum instead of black magnesium. And have an Apple logo.