Canon EOS 60D review

Performance

Canon has seemingly adopted an ‘if it's not broken' approach to the 60D's AF system and there is certainly merit in it. The nine-point AF is fast and accurate and, for most users, offers more AF points than they are ever likely to need.

Where the lack of AF points may come unstuck is for focus tracking and pin-point focusing on a tripod, though the live view mode allows exact placing of your focus point across most of the screen in Live AF mode. The move to use of pre-flash for AF instead of a dedicated AF beam is becoming more common in consumer DSLRs and though it might not suit everyone's tastes it does allow a much quicker focus time, though is far from subtle.

The Canon EOS 60D's metering system certainly shows its pedigree. Using the evaluative mode, the 63-zone iFCL system had no problem in keeping both highlights and shadow detail, and only occasionally were highlights clipped to maintain an even exposure.

Canon EOS 60D review The Canon EOS 60D uses SD memory cards in a move from CompactFlash cards in the 50D. This, Canon tells us, is in part to support the new SDXC high-capacity cards for video users. Write speeds, using a Sandisk Extreme III 8GB card, are around 2.5sec for a combined Raw and JPEG, 2sec for a Raw, and 1sec JPEG. This means at its maximum burst of 5.3fps it can shoot eight Raw/JPEG, 16 Raw, or 105 JPEG images before filling the buffer.

Battery life is stated in the specifications as approximately 1,100 shots at 23°C, but after I'd taken over 500 shots, plus video, the battery indicator was still showing three-quarter charged.

Compact Camera Reviews

Price as reviewed

body only: £1,099.00

Scores

Design	19/20
Image Quality	18/20
Performance	18/20
Value	19/20
Features	17/20
Overall Score	91%

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Current Rating 4 (27 others voted)

Have your say!

Latest comments

October 16 11:20

j albone

Nikon 7000 is no good due to the low res screen

October 17 16:32

Alan

I am very happy with my 50D and 7D, and feel that the 60D should really have been a 600D; it is too consumerish and does not even use CF cards. As for using the pre-flash for focusing, I find it much, much slower than a AF assist beam.

October 18 14:32

woof woof

Too consumerist? and CF cards are a must? These are silly criticisms and none issues. The 60D overcomes some of the image quality issues with the disappointing 50D and adds an articulated screen and those two factors alone justify a long hard look at this camera.

October 22 15:23

John

@ Woof woof I don't think Alan's remarks are silly at all. At the price you would expect a more rugged professional body and as for SD cards, in my experience they are far less durable than CF cards and a few of SD cards have split.Pre-flash AF is a joke from a camera at this price and so is sticking with the old AF system.I can't see many people buying this over the 550d.

October 28 22:22

Craig

Having just bought one after owning 5Ds (Mark I and II) and also a 30D in the past this is a solid built high quality camera. Don't worry about CF cards or magnesium alloy bodies - go and try it for yourself, it is ergonomically strong.

October 29 15:20

Don

I belive John is rite on .THE 50D is a great camera just the price alone no thanks nice try canon but no cigar.I think IT well be hard to replace the 50D UNLESS a person wants to go for more of a pro type camera.Like i said nice try canon NOT.

October 30 00:02

Liam

I'd like to see a direct comparison with the Nikon D700, Pentax K5 and Sony's latest 16MP SLR's.

October 31 15:21

steve doidge

I HAVE 50D AND USE MICROADJUST AND PC SKT, THESE HAVE GONE ON 60D SO SLIGHTLY APPEARS A DOWNGRADE TO ME AND THEN FORCES ME UP TO 7D, NO BAD POLICY ON CANONS PART BUT I CANT JUSTIFY BUYING ONE ANYWAY SO NO 60D FOR ME THEN !

November 14 07:24

Charles

Right out of the box, on AUTO, the shots were 3-4 stop overexposed. Disappointed that in AUTO mode, it doesn't produce properly exposed shots. On P, it's better but still slightly over exposed. Anyone else have that problem?

December 20 00:35

Ted

@steve doidge: Please grow up, don't use caps.

March 04 11:42

48Kustom

Is it a worthwhile upgrade to my much loved 400D ? Or would a 600D be just as good and also cheaper ?

March 21 16:24

J Rundle

I use my 10D daily and have bought a 60D it is a good camera but I will carry on using my 10D

March 23 12:15

Keith

Interesting that you have a picture of a Nikon in the review, is it that bad?

March 27 19:00

Cosmo Smallpiece

@48Kustom. I've just made the jump from a 400D to 60D and the difference is stunning, razor sharp images, just brilliant.

May 02 10:33

bigdaveg40

In a comparison with the Sony A580 & Nikon D700 etc DXO mark paints a less than glossy picture of the 60d, J Rundle still uses his 10d, I wonder what would happen if all canon owners were asked which is better 40d or 60d ?. The same goes for the 550d vs 600d, has Canon lost it's way, burst rates are low & even the 60d's slow. Even the first generation SLT (A55) which is hundreds cheaper gives the 60d a right kicking.

December 10 04:32

Tomo955

I have just upgraded from a 550d to the 60d Reason: The fold away screen The locking control button Great for a lefty Feels a lot more substantial than the 550d Went all out and got the 15/85mm IS USM Lens for it Which is awsum campared to the kit lens

February 27 04:22

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