Canon EOS 60D dSLR Review

Review posted 12/8/2010

Quick Take

Price

Pros

18-Megapixel Imaging sensor New DIGIC 4 processor 3.0-Inch Vari-angle LCD Outstanding image quality Solidly built body 5.5fps burst image capture during our tests Locking mode dial Easy-to-Use Live view shooting 1080p videos are easy to capture and watch SDXC compatible Excellent high ISO performance

Cons

No longer uses CF/CF2 type media; SD/SDHC/SDXC now Problem with pop-up flash on our sample unit No auto focus in movie mode Multi-controller needs a more responsive feel No output to control external wired flash

Bottom Line

Canon continuous to provide versatile and powerful dSLR's with the addition of the EOS 60D. It's upgraded 18-Megapixel imaging sensor and DIGIC 4 processor produce excellent quality images and more speed than its predecessor. Read more in our Full Conclusion.

Canon has finally announced the long awaited successor to the popular EOS 50D dSLR, with the introduction of the EOS 60D. This is a powerful "mid-level" dSLR that is positioned in between the EOS Digital Rebel T2i and the EOS 7D, and boasts some impressive features, including being Canon's first ever EOS model to offer an articulated 3.0-inch LCD screen. Other appealing options include an 18-megapixel APS-C sized CMOS image sensor, DIGIC 4 image processor, Full 1080p HD video recoding with manual controls including audio level control, in-camera image processing including RAW and image filters, iFCL Metering System (Intelligent Focus, Color, Luminance), 9-point AF system (cross-type sensors with a hybrid "X" cross center AF point), powerful built-in flash unit with Canon's Integrated Speedlite Transmitter control, card slot for SD/SDHC/SDXC type media including Eye-Fi cards, and much more.

While the 60D is aimed towards advanced amateurs, make no mistake, this camera is packed with pro-level features; many of which are found on the EOS 7D. However, with modes like Program AE, Full Auto, Creative Auto, and five "Programmed Image Control modes" (Portrait, Landscape, Close-up, Sports, Night Portrait), even beginners will find the 60D fun and easy to use.


EOS 60D Major Features:

• 18-megapixel, High-sensitivity, APS-C CMOS image sensor
• Canon EOS Integrated Cleaning System with fluorine coating
• DIGIC 4 Image processor
• Live View function, Remote Live View
• 3-inch "Vari-Angle"  LCD monitor with 100% frame coverage, 1.04 million dots, anti-reflective and smudge-resistant coatings
• High-quality, eye-level pentaprism OVF with 0.95x magnification and 22mm eye point
  
• 14-bit A/D conversion for extremely fine tonal gradation
• 5.3fps burst rate at full resolution
• Records Full HD video at 1920x1080 (30, 25 or 24p) with audio
• 9-point (all cross-type) AF system dual cross ("X") center AF point
• Exposure modes: Full Auto, Creative Auto, Program AE, Shutter priority AE, Aperture priority AE, Manual, Custom, Bulb, and Flash Off
  
• Programmed Image Control "scene" modes; Portrait, Landscape, Close-up, Sports, and Night Portrait
• In-camera RAW processing
• Creative "Image Filters" for altering captured photos: Soft Focus, Grainy Black&White, Toy Camera, and Miniature Effect
  
• sRGB or Adobe Color space options
• Canon's iFCL TTL metering system with 63 zones (Evaluative, Partial, Spot and Center weighted average modes)
• Compatible with all Canon EF and EFS lenses
• Hot shoe for Canon EX-series Speedlites (E-TTL II with EX series Speedlites, wireless multi-flash support)
• Mic jack for external microphone units
  
• Supports SD/SDHC/SDXC type memory cards and is also Eye-Fi compliant
• High-speed USB 2.0 interface for fast image downloads
• HDMI "mini" output along with standard Video Out with selectable NTSC or PAL timing
• Uses Canon's LP-E6 7.2v 1800mAh Battery Pack with LC-E6 Battery Charger
• Compatible with PictBridge printers
• Optional BG-E9 Battery Grip doubles battery power and adds vertical grip, shutter release and controls
  

The Canon EOS 60D is available as a "Body only" kit with a MSRP of $1099.00 US, or you can get the lens kit which includes the EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS zoom lens at an estimated retail price of $1,399.00 US. The optional BG-E9 battery grip sells for about $270 US.

What's in the Box?:

• EOS 60D Body
  
• Eyecup Eb
  
• Wide Neck Strap EW-EOS 60D
  
• Stereo AV Cable AVC-DC400ST
  
• USB Interface Cable IFC-130U
  
• Battery Pack LP-E6
  
• Battery Charger LC-E6
  
• "Great Photography is Easy" and "Do More with Macro" Booklets
  
• EOS Digital Solution Disc
  
• Instruction Manual

Visitors of Steves can visit the stores below for real-time pricing and availability. You can also find hot, soon to expire online offers on a variety of cameras and accessories at our very own Camera Deals page.