Our thoughts of the Canon EOS 60D, the latest mid-range EOS DSLR

This is a much-needed replacement for what was the last in Canon’s DSLR range to be replaced. Though some may see the extension in functionality and the nonmetal body as a dumbing down of the model, the Canon EOS 60D in fact just extends its appeal and offers a lot of benefits for the higher-end user. The Canon EOS 60D sits comfortably in the range, offering clear distinctions between the 550D and 7D that bookend it. It uses the same 18MPCMOS sensor that features in the EOS 550D but adds the low pass fillter from the EOS 7D.

Canon EOS 60D

The vari-angle LCD is a welcome addition and has managed to be added without compromising either the screen size or resolution. To make things that little bit easier, the LCD screen also features an electronic level and the menu includes a range of new creative effects to apply to your photos.

You’d be a fool to manufacture a new DSLR without HR video, and Cannon are certainly savvy to this, adding a movie function to the EOS 60D which can shoot in 1080p HD quality, at 24, 25 or 50fps, and features manual control and a mic input socket. Another development that has emerged is the use of SD cards in pretty much all DSLR’s and the Canon 60D is bang on trend using a SD as opposed to CF cards. This will allow it to take full advantage of the upcoming SDXC high-capacity cards and EyeFi cards, which, with the HD video will be essential.
Canon EOS 60D
And the rest that we like…
–   a lock to avoid accidental movement
–   single function buttons rather than dial to simplify operation
–   wireless flash transmitter for up to two groups of Speedlites
–   improved weatherproofing from the 50D, but doesn’t quite compare to the 5D and 7D
–   The d-pad now takes prime place on the rear of the camera, combining the role of the joystick and the rotating wheel, which makes accessing functions easier when using the vertical grip.

The Canon EOS 60D is available now, priced £1,099 (body only).

Canon EOS 60D Specs:
SENSOR: 18MP APS-C CMOS
IMAGE ENGINE: DIGIC 4
ISO: 100-6400 (12,800 extended)
MOVIE: Full HD 1080p at 24, 25 or 30fps / 3.5mm stereo mic jack
CONTINUOUS SHOOTING: 5.3fps burst rate
AF POINTS: 9 all cross-type (f/2.8 at centre)
METERING: 63-zone SPC
VIEWFINDER: 96% fi eld of view
LCD: 3in, 1040k-dot vari-angle
MEDIA: SD/SDHC/SDXC
DIMENSIONS: 144.5 x 105.8 x 78.6mm
WEIGHT: 755g (with battery and cards)

See our first look and video of the EOS 60D