Canon EOS D60 SLR Review



Full review posted 03/27/02
Introduction & Physical Views
Click on the D60 to take a QuickTime VR tour
EOS D60 Features
![]() Mirror box assembly and CMOS imager The EOS D60 sports a new and proprietary 6.3 megapixel (effective), single-plate CMOS sensor with 3072 x 2048 square pixels, 12-bit analog-to-digital conversion and an on- chip RGB primary color filter array. The sensor is the same size as the EOS D30's at 15.1 x 22.7mm, resulting in a focal length conversion factor of 1.6x. It records images in any one of six JPEG settings or uncompressed RAW. The RAW files contain an embedded 2048 x 1360 JPEG image that can be extracted with the supplied driver software, making them ideal for photographers who need to view or transmit images quickly but need to retain maximum image quality for future editing.
The D60's auto focusing system is three times more sensitive in low light than the
EOS D30's (EV 0.5 vs. EV 2.0). At the same time, the built-in AF assist beam is more
effective than it was before. These changes result in significantly improved focus
performance. Additionally, in response to D30 user feedback, active focusing points are
now illuminated in red directly on the focusing screen, making it easier to confirm
focusing point selection and AF completion.
Other improvements include an illuminated LCD data panel on top of the camera,
making it simpler to view and change camera settings in low light; a brighter LCD monitor
for easier viewing of menus and recorded images in bright light; new custom functions to
tailor the camera's operation for individual preferences; and a new in-camera setting that
allows photographers to store up to 3 sets of Shooting Parameters including contrast,
saturation, sharpness and color tone.
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Image data is stored on CompactFlash cards, either Type I or II, enabling
users to take advantage of the IBM Microdrive and other high-capacity storage media. The
lithium-ion Battery Pack BP-511, which is included with the camera, provides enough power
to take approximately 520-600 images at normal temperatures.
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Exposure options are abundant with full AUTO mode or Program AE, shutter speed priority, aperture priority, full Manual or one of the EOS Image Zone modes (Sports, Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Night.) Shutter speeds from 1/4000 to 30 seconds plus Bulb. Auto exposure bracketing (AEB) captures three exposures, taken with a single shutter release, at stops over and under the targeted exposure. TTL metering is accomplished with a silicon photocell in one of three modes: 35-zone evaluative (matrix), 9.5% partial (spot) or center-weighted averaging. ISO sensitivity is adjustable between 100-1000. White balance can be automatic, one of five presets or manually customized.
The EOS D60 is bundled with an upgraded software package featuring powerful drivers based
on those supplied with the professional EOS-1D camera, but newly upgraded for
compatibility with Windows XP. Canon is also cooperating with Apple Computer to ensure
that the D60 will soon be supported by the Image Capture function of OS X. Additional
Canon utilities such as ZoomBrowser EX, PhotoRecord, ImageBrowser, USB Mounter, RAW Image
Converter, PhotoStitch and RemoteCapture are also supplied, together with complimentary
copies of Apple QuickTime 5.0 and Adobe Photoshop 5.0 LE.
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On the back is an improved (brighter) 1.8-inch TFT color LCD with 114,000 pixels of resolution that is used for
image review and menu operations. The D60 features a brighter LCD monitor (than the D30)
for easier viewing of menus and recorded images in bright light. Most all of the controls
on the rear are for the digital section of the D60, the camera and exposure controls are
located on the top.
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On top is the Mode Dial, hot shoe flash with TTL contacts for Canon speedlights, metering
and flash exposure compensation button, drive mode button, AF and white balance button,
main command dial, the shutter release and a large monochrome data display (explained
in detail on page 2).
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A flat bottom with a metal tripod socket and the access doors ![]()
The key to the D60's light weight is shown here by its construction. The outer body is
highly durable polycarbonate material, underneath is a heavy gauge steel
skeleton to provide rigidity and protection for the delicate internals.
![]() Click here to compare the Canon EOS D60, D30 and 1D
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Continue on to
Page Two
Canon EOS D60 Specifications
Camera Section |
|
Type | Eye-level single lens reflex (SLR) digital camera, 36-bit full color RGB capture (12bits per channel), one-shot type |
Lens mount | Canon EF mount (full electronic control type) |
Lenses used | Canon EF lenses (focal length conversion factor is approx 1.6X compared to full-frame 35mm film format) |
Viewfinder | Full-frame reflex type, coverage approximately 95% horizontal and vertical, 0.88X magnification and 20mm eyepoint |
Focusing modes | One-shot AF, AI Servo AF with focus prediction, AI Focus AF, and manual focus |
Focusing points | Wide-area AF with 3 selectable focusing points |
AF working range | EV (0.5-18) (ISO 100, standard chart) |
Metering modes | TTL maximum aperture metering with a 35-zone silicon photocell.
|
Metering range | EV 2-20 (at normal temperatures, EF 50mm f/1.4 USM, ISO100) |
Shutter speed | 1/4000 sec. to 30 sec.(1/2 or 1/3 stop increments) plus Bulb X-sync at 1/200 sec. |
Continuous photography | Up to approximately 3 frames per second for up to approximately 8 frames, when camera is set for Large/Fine recording. |
Built-in flash | E-TTL Retractable-type. Guide Number is 12(in m)/39(in ft.) at ISO 100, 18mm lens coverage |
Flash contact | Accessory shoe for EX-series Speedlites (E-TTL autoflash); PC socket also built-in on left side of camera body |
Flash metering | Supports E-TTL, FEL and FP flash (high-speed synchro) with built-in flash and EX-series Speedlites |
Digital Section |
|
Imaging elements | High-sensitivity 6.29-million effective pixel CMOS sensor. (Total pixels-6.52mp: 3152 X 2068) (Effective pixels 3072 X 2048) |
Sensor size | 15.1 X 22.7 mm (aspect ratio 2:3) |
Sensitivity | Equivalent to ISO 100-1000 (adjustable in 1 EV increments) |
White balance | 7 type, including auto and custom |
Recording media | CompactFlash card, Type I or II, single slot Microdrive compatible |
File format | Design Rule for Camera Format (DCF) |
Recording methods | JPEG and Canon RAW (12 bit) |
Resolution/ Compression settings |
|
Burst rate | Approximately 3 frames per second for up to approximately 8 frames in all image sizes |
Bulit-in LCD color monitor | 1.8-inch low-temperature TFT type, approx. 114,000 pixels; displays captured images, menus, etc. |
Interface | Digital: USB; Video Out: NTSC/PAL (switchable) Camera: N3 remote control socket, PC terminal for studio flash, dedicated accessory shoe for EX-series Speedlites |
Driver software | Comes with USB TWAIN driver for PC and Adobe Photoshop plug-in for Mac OS |
System requirements |
Windows: Type of computer: IBM PC/AT compatible mach w/ USB port CPU: Pentium 150 MHz or above for OS: Windows 98 SE, Windows Me, Windows 2000 300MHz Pentium or above w/OS: Windows XP RAM: 64MB or more (128MB rec'd) for Windows 98SE/Windows ME/Windows 2000 128MB (256 or more Rec'd.) Windows XP Macintosh: Type of computer: Macintosh w/ USB standard ( 1st gen. iMacs require firmware update -9.2 CPU: Power PC OS: MacOS 8.6 to 9.2, Mac OS 9.0 or later recommended RAM: 64MB or more applications memory, 128MB or more recommended |
Power source |
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Kit configuration | ![]() EOS D60 camera main unit, neck strap, Battery Pack BP-511, Compact Power Adapter CA-PS400, AC power cord for CA-PS400, DC Coupler DR-400, Video Cable VC-100, Interface Cable IFC-200PCU, Canon Solutions software disk, Adobe Photoshop 5.0 LE, Camera user's guide, Software instruction book and Camera quick operation guide. |
Dimensions | 149.5(W) X 106.5(H) X 75.0(D) mm 5.9(W) X 4.2(W) X 3.0(D) inches |
Weight | 780g/27.5oz. w/o battery or CF card |
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