Canon EOS 60D review
Review Date : Fri, 15 Oct 2010
Author : Mat Gallagher
- Product Shots: View product shots of the Canon 60D
- Sample Photos: View sample images of the Canon 60D
UPDATED 8th November, 2012. Released at the end of 2010 the Canon EOS 60D succeeded the EOS 50D that came out in 2008. Despite being over two years old, the Canon EOS 60D is still listed as a current model within Canon’s DSLR range. But can it cut it against the newer competition. The What Digital Camera review finds out...
| Pros: | Image quality, vari-angle screen, build quality |
|---|---|
| Cons: | Mode lock, multi-controller, number of AF points |
Originally released in 2008, the Canon EOS 50D
quickly established itself as a popular choice for enthusiast photographers,
largely thanks to its tough magnesium alloy construction and uncompromising
feature set. Built around a 15MP CMOS sensor and Canon's DIGIC 4 image
processor, the only ‘must have' feature the EOS 50D really lacked was the ability
to record HD video.
As the direct successor to the Canon EOS 50D, the
Canon EOS 60D not only delivers 1080p Full HD recording, but also comes armed with a
number of additional improvements over the older model, not least a new
18MP CMOS sensor, an improved 63-zone metering system, and a vari-angle 3:2 aspect
1.04m-dot rear LCD monitor (the 50D sported a fixed 4:3, 921k-dot monitor).
Not quite everything has changed for the
better, however. For example, unlike the EOS 50D with its magnesium alloy cage, the
outer casing of the EOS 60D is constructed primarily from polycarbonate resin. The
addition of a number of in-camera creative features has also been seized upon
by some as illustrative of how the EOS 60D is a slightly dumbed down version of its predecessor – something the EOS 50D was never accused of.
In terms of direct competition, the EOS 60D's
chief rival is the Nikon D7000. Released within months of the EOS 60D the
Nikon D7000 is aimed at the same enthusiast market and, at the time of launch,
was similarly priced. Despite also being two years old the D7000 is still listed
as a current model within Nikon's DSLR range. Interestingly, both the Canon 60D
and Nikon D7000 have survived the introduction of newer DSLR models higher up their
respective ranges - namely the Canon 6D and Nikon D600, both of which employ
full-frame sensors rather than the APS-C chips found inside the EOS 60D and D7000.
Whereas both the EOS 60D and D7000 offer Full HD
video recording there are quite a number of differences between the two models.
Whereas the EOS 60D boasts a higher effective resolution (18MP vs 16.1MP) and a
sharper vari-angle monitor (the D7000's 921k-dot screen is fixed), the D7000
does get a tougher magnesium alloy shell, alongside a 39-point AF system that
easily bests the 9-point AF system of the EOS 60D. In addition, the D700 offers an
extra sensitivity stop above the EOS 60D's top (expanded) setting of ISO 12,800.
Read the rest of our Canon EOS 60D review to find out more:
Have your say!
Latest comments
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
Everton
Nice wsbtiee. I Like these posts. Have you tried these links yet?They are very good and I recommend them to all your visitors.