Canon EOS 60D review

Image Quality

Images are well exposed and the metering delivers even the most extreme lighting with little trouble. In widely contrasting scenes the camera can lose some highlight detail to maintain a balanced scene. However, the use of the Auto Lighting Optimiser does help.

Canon EOS 60D review The auto white balance copes well in most conditions though appears slightly on the cool side under studio lights. Colours in the JPEGs appear to be punchier than older Canon models, and more like those from the 7D. This makes the images usable straight from the camera. /p>

Noise levels are well controlled though above ISO 800 the noise reduction does become quite noticeable in JPEG images and from 3200 ISO starts to degrade detail. The extended high setting, equivalent to 12,800 ISO, is best avoided for critical work.

Canon EOS 60D review Even at 200% it is nearly impossible to tell the JPEG and Raw files apart. Using default settings the JPEGs tended to be slightly darker and noise reduction can be seen in place of colour noise on high ISO files but detail levels are more or less identical.

The advantage of the Raw is the ability to bring back detail, add sharpness and alter white balance without degrading the image.

The 18MP sensor allows an impressive level of detail to be captured. The 17-85mm kit lens does show some signs of fringing around the edges but using a prime lens, shows just how good this camera can be.

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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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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