Saturday

EOS 60D : Features and Technical Details



Product Features
  • 18.0-megapixel CMOS sensor and DIGIC 4 Imaging Processor; ISO 100-6400 (expandable to 12800)
  • Body only; lenses sold separately
  • Improved EOS HD Video mode with manual exposure control; Vari-angle 3.0-inch Clear View LCD monitor
  • 5.3 fps continuous shooting; enhanced iFCL 63-zone, Dual-layer metering system
  • Compatibility with SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards (not included); please note that the EOS 60 is not compatible with CF memory cards
Technical Details
  • Brand Name: Canon
  • Model: 60D Body
  • Optical Sensor Resolution: 18 MP
  • Optical Sensor Technology: CMOS
  • Optical Sensor Size: 14.9 x 22.3mm
  • Included Flash Type: Pop-up flash
  • Display Size: 3 inches
  • Light Sensitivity: ISO auto, ISO 12800, ISO 100-6400
  • Image types: JPEG, RAW
  • Exposure Control Type: Landscape, Portrait mode, Close-up, Night portrait, Sports mode
  • Viewfinder Type: Optical
  • Width: 5.7 inches
  • Depth: 3.1 inches
  • Height: 4.2 inches
  • Weight: 1.5 pounds

EOS 60 D Description


From the Manufacturer
With the new EOS 60D DSLR, Canon gives the photo enthusiast a powerful tool fostering creativity, with better image quality, more advanced features and automatic and in-camera technologies for ease-of-use. It features an improved APS-C sized 18.0-megapixel CMOS sensor for tremendous images, a new DIGIC 4 Image Processor for finer detail and excellent color reproduction, and improved ISO capabilities from 100-6400 (expandable to 12800) for uncompromised shooting even in the dimmest situations. The new Multi-control Dial enables users to conveniently operate menus and enter settings with a simple touch.
The EOS 60D also features an EOS first: A Vari-angle 3.0-inch Clear View LCD (1,040,000 dots) monitor for easy low- or high-angle viewing. An improved viewfinder, a number of new in-camera creative options and filters, plus HDMI output for viewing images on an HDTV all make the EOS 60D invaluable for the evolving photographer. With continuously curved surfaces, user-friendliness and exuding solidity and refinement, the EOS 60D is true digital inspiration!

EOS 60D Highlights
18.0-megapixel CMOS sensor and DIGIC 4 Imaging Processor
The EOS 60D features a new, Canon-designed 18.0-megapixel APS-C size CMOS sensor that captures such a high level of resolution, it's easy to crop images for enlargement without concern of losing detail. A major factor in reducing noise, the CMOS sensor assures that images shot at highest sensitivity will be remarkably smooth.

The improved DIGIC 4 Image Processor ensures that images are captured, processed and saved with remarkable speed. The EOS 60D DSLR's new 3:2 multiple aspect ratio, in-camera RAW image processing, creative filters, image resizing and provided S2 and S3 image-recording quality are all possible thanks to the DIGIC 4 Image Processor. With dazzling results, the new DIGIC 4 Image Processor also works to capture and process data of images shot at 18.0 megapixels at 5.3 fps, as well as 14-bit signal processing for excellent image gradation, enhanced Face Detection Live mode, Full HD video recording, Auto Lighting Optimizer and Lens Peripheral Optimization.

ISO 100-6400 (expandable to 12800) for shooting from bright to dim light

With a broad range of ISO settings, expandable up to 6400 in the Auto Setting and 12800 with Custom function, the EOS 60D enables shooting from sunrise to sunset and helps ensure capture of the finest detail. With enhanced high-sensitivity optimization, subjects can be captured clearly and easily at high shutter speeds without flash, with minimized blur and noise. In bright scenes, especially long exposures in daylight, optimal exposure can be achieved with a fully open wide-diameter lens, no dark filter needed.

Improved EOS HD Video mode with manual exposure control
Designed for the evolving, tech-savvy user, the EOS 60D features HD Video capture technologies--manual exposure control for more creative control, for example--borrowed directly from professional Canon DSLRs to capture stellar video with all the benefits of shooting with a DSLR. By shooting video with the EOS 60D, photographers as well as filmmakers can take advantage of the creative features native to DSLR cameras. Along with its manual controls, the EOS 60D allows for full use of Canon EF and EF-S lenses, including Macro and Fisheye, providing a plethora of shooting options once reserved only for still photography. The resulting HD video is a standout in its beautiful depth-of-field characteristics and remarkable capture capability under poor lighting conditions. Additionally, a Movie Crop function is included: An SD-quality video (640 x 480) can be cropped to the equivalent of about 7x magnification of regular shooting.

The audio input level can be set to Auto or Manual, up to 64 levels, and a wind filter minimizes unwanted background noise. By pressing the Quick Control button, a simple graphic user interface for adjusting image quality, white balance, image creation and other settings appears on the LCD. The EOS 60D even lets users edit video in-camera: On-site or off, unnecessary scenes can be deleted and the start/end points of video footage can be designated via in-camera editing functions without the need of a separate computer.

Video can be captured at a number of resolutions and frame rates for numerous applications. It can capture 1920 x 1080 Full HD video at frame rates of 30 (29.97 fps), 24 (23.976 fps) and 25.0 frames per second, for up to 4GB per clip. Video footage is saved as MOV files and can be viewed in Full HD through the EOS 60D DSLR's HDMI output. Other recording sizes include HD at 1280 x 720 (50/60 fps) or SD/VGA at 640 x 480 (50/60 fps)--24/30 fps delivers cinema-like motion, while 60fps is perfect for footage being uploaded to video-sharing websites. The EOS 60D also has a built-in microphone for simple mono recording and stereo sound can be recorded through a self-powered external microphone.
Vari-angle 3.0-inch Clear View LCD monitor
A first for any EOS, the EOS 60D features a bright, high resolution, flip-out Vari-angle 3.0-inch Clear View LCD monitor for shooting at a variety of angles. By easily switching between low and high angles, the EOS 60D freely enables angle adjustments even if the camera is mounted on a tripod or has a battery grip attached.

With 1,040,000 (dots/VGA) pixels for spectacular detail, the advanced, smudge-resistant monitor includes high transparency materials plus anti-reflective and water-repellant coatings to provide clear and bright viewing. Superb for reviewing, editing and deleting photos or composing new images in Live View function, the Vari-angle Clear View LCD monitor is also the perfect means for accessing camera settings like ISO, metering modes, AF Point selection, the horizontal Electronic Level and flash options.

5.3fps continuous shooting up to approx. 58 Large/JPEGs and 16 RAW
The EOS 60D operates with such effortless speed that operation is nothing short of intuitive. With a 0.1 second start-up time, speedy autofocus and minimal shutter lag, the EOS 60D is made to capture even rapidly-occurring scenes with stunning precision. Able to shoot up to 5.3 frames per second (fps), capturing a maximum burst of approximately 58 Large/JPEGs and 16 RAW, the EOS 60D DSLR lets you catch even the briefest of moments, whether it's a faced-paced soccer game or the flicker of a candle flame.


96% viewfinder coverage allowing you to see more of your image in the viewfinder
The EOS 60D features a phenomenally redesigned viewfinder that not only offers an improved 96% coverage, 0.95x magnification, a 27.0° angle of view and user-controlled dioptric adjustment, it also features a newly designed transparent LCD display that enables a number of viewfinder displays. A six-level battery check indicator has been added on the left, and the exposure level indicator scale has been expanded to up to three stops, with arrows indicating greater exposure levels.

The EOS 60D also features an advanced horizontal Electronic Level, that, when activated, is superimposed on the LCD monitor to aid in achieving evenly leveled shots by indicating the horizontal tilt up to approximately 9° in 1° increments.

Enhanced iFCL 63-zone, Dual-layer metering system; and 9-point AF system
The EOS 60D features a sophisticated, 63-zone Dual-layer sensor designed to complement the 9-point AF system. By taking into account the color and luminosity surrounding chosen AF points, this system delivers an advanced level of accuracy for better results even in difficult lighting situations. Since the metering sensor has a color measurement function, exposure errors and focus errors caused by different light sources are minimized; the EOS 60D gives stable exposure from shot to shot in situations where light changes, such as in a theater or concert hall. This makes the EOS 60D ideal for scenes with extreme difference in brightness such as brightly lit scenes or backlit scenes; the camera balances exposure of the main subject at the background, and exposures are not overly influenced by bright areas in the shot.

Since the EOS 60D provides high-speed X-sync ("X-sync" means the fastest shutter speed that can synchronize with a flash burst at the moment the shutter is fully released) up to 1/250 sec., the range of photographic expression is dramatically increased, allowing the EOS 60D to be used with confidence in bright scenes or dim.
Metering zones.
Convert RAW images into JPEGs in-camera and set the images to a 3:2 aspect ratio
The EOS 60D marks a highpoint in convenience for the photographer by being able to shoot an image as a RAW file and then process it entirely in-camera to produce a separate JPEG file without the need of an outside computer. The EOS 60D gives you 10 process variables--brightness adjustment, white balance, Picture Style, Auto Lighting Optimizer, noise reduction, JPEG image-recording quality, color space, lens peripheral illumination correction, distortion correction and chromatic aberrations correction--to create the image you envision, set to the 3:2 aspect ratio used in 35mm film.


Additionally, once you capture an image with the EOS 60D, you can digitally manipulate it in-camera with a number of creative filters for artistic and dramatic effect. Options include Soft Focus Effect to convey dreamy tableaus; Grainy Black-and-White Effect for a gritty, hard-bitten look; Toy Camera Effect--the deliberate vignetting and color shift technique popular in art photography--and Miniature Effect, which blurs the top and bottom edges of the image to emphasize perspective and conveys a miniaturized look of the scene.

Compatibility with SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards
The EOS 60D DSLR uses popular SD, SDHC and SDXC memory cards. Compact, inexpensive and available in increasingly large capacities, SD, SDHC and SDXC memory cards are a perfect complement to the EOS 60D DSLR's compact and lightweight body design.

Compatible with the full line of Canon EF and EF-S lenses
The EOS 60D is compatible with all Canon lenses in the EF and EF-S lineup, ranging from ultra-wide angle to super telephoto lenses. Canon lenses employ advanced optical expertise and micron-precision engineering to deliver unprecedented performance in all facets of the photographic process. Special optical technologies, such as aspherical, ultra-low dispersion, or fluorite elements are featured in the universally acclaimed L-series lenses. And Canon's Optical Image Stabilizer technology is featured in select lenses to minimize the effect of camera shake. Additionally, photographers can use for video the same lenses they do for still photography; Canon wide-angle, macro, super-telephoto, tilt-shift and fisheye lenses provide a wealth of focal lengths, depth-of-field and other creative shooting options once reserved for stills. Through Canon lenses, photographers can truly maximize the quality and liberating performance of the EOS 60D.

Flash Photography
With a flash sync speed of 1/250 of a second, the EOS 60D also features the acclaimed E-TTL II flash metering system. With any of the flashes in the EX Speedlite line (sold separately), E-TTL II provides reliable flash output whether shooting fill-in flash pictures in sunlight, or using flash in total darkness. With E-TTL II, the exact same 35-zone metering sensor used for measuring ambient light is also used for flash metering--giving even finer metering command of the image area. If you prefer a broader area for flash metering, there's a menu setting to change to "Average" flash metering--where the entire 35-zone area is measured evenly for flash exposure. Additionally, the EOS 60D has a Speedlite transmitter built-in for convenient, full-featured wireless control of EX-series Speedlite flashes set as slave units.

The Canon Speedlite 430EX II is the ideal step-up accessory for powerful flash shooting with the EOS 60D. It has excellent flash power (maximum guide number of 141 ft./43m at ISO 100), and is the perfect way to get great flash pictures when you can't get right up to the subject. The 430EX II is also great for bounce flash, with its tilting and swiveling flash head. It automatically zooms the flash head to cover lenses ranging from 16mm up to 105mm or longer with the EOS 60D. Of course, it works with the camera to provide full E-TTL II automatic flash exposure. And the 430EX II has a powerful AF-assist beam, which allows the camera to autofocus even in total darkness on subjects as far as 32 ft. from the camera.

Included Software

Canon EOS Digital Solution Disk (Version 23.0) The EOS 60D comes bundled with an updated Canon EOS Digital Solution Disk, which features powerful software programs designed to extend the EOS experience to the computer. These include Canon's EOS Utility (Version 2.9.0), Digital Photo Professional (Version 3.9.1), ZoomBrowser EX for Windows® (Version 6.6.0), ImageBrowser for Macintosh® OS X (Version 6.6.0), the Picture Style Editor (Version 1.8.0), PhotoStitch (Version W: 3.1.22/M: 3.4.4), WFT Utility (version 3.5.1), Memory Card Utility (Version 1.4), WFT Utility (Version 3.5.1), Original Data Security Tools (Version 1.9.0). Each application is designed to perfect the captured images and streamline the digital workflow.

EOS Utility (Version 2.9.0) for Macintosh or Windows handles the connection between the camera and computer, whenever they're connected via USB. It allows remote controlled shooting from the computer, handles downloading of images from the camera to the computer, and allows seamless linking to either Canon's ZoomBrowser/ImageBrowser or Digital Photo Professional software once images have been copied to the hard drive. Furthermore, it's used to upload settings back into a USB-connected camera.

Digital Photo Professional (Version 3.9.1) is an image processing program that enables high-speed RAW image processing, high-speed previewing for real-time image adjustment and support for sRGB, Adobe RGB and Wide Gamut RGB color spaces. Because it's CMS (Color Management System) compatible, Digital Photo Professional allows for easy image layout and printing in Adobe RGB in conjunction with Easy-PhotoPrint and PictBridge printers. It also features the Dust Delete Data Detection tool for cleaner images.

ZoomBrowser EX (Version 6.6.0) for Windows and ImageBrowser (Version 6.6.0) for Mac OS X are the easy, user-friendly options for viewing and editing of JPEG and even RAW image files. Both allow viewing of numerous types of images including finished TIFF and BMP files. Both also have a variety of search options for finding images, allow re-naming of single images or batches of files, and offer a variety of options for printing without using a separate image-editing program.

Picture Style Editor (Version 1.8.0) Canon's Picture Style Editor enables photographers to create custom Picture Style profiles that can be used to customize the appearance of JPEG and RAW images captured with EOS Digital SLR cameras. Picture Style files created with Picture Style Editor can be loaded into the EOS cameras that support Picture Style and may also be used when processing RAW images in Canon software applications Digital Photo Professional, ZoomBrowser EX (for Windows) and ImageBrowser (for Mac).

What's in the Box
  • EOS 60D Body
  • Eyecup Eb
  • Wide Strap EW-EOS 60D
  • USB Interface Cable IFC-130U
  • Stereo AV cable AVC-DC400ST
  • Battery Pack LP-E6
  • Battery Charger LC-E6
  • EOS Digital Solution Disk and Instruction Manuals "Great Photography is Easy" Booklet and "Do More with Macro" Booklet
Product Description
Canon's 18.0 megapixel EOS 60D bridges the gap between the novice and the seasoned professional with a perfect combination of high speed and quality. ISO capabilities up to 12,800 deliver uncompromised shooting in the dimmest situations, and a vari-angle 3.0" Clear View LCD monitor with Live View function makes framing and viewing a pleasure.


Canon's X0D series has throughout its life appealed to a wide range of photographers, from enthusiasts and semi-pros through to some pros who appreciated having a lightweight option. Each model offered a high enough specification (usually in terms of build quality and AF sophistication) to ensure it was both aspirational and attainable for users who had out-grown their Rebel/XX0D series. However, the feature set always left a sizeable gap below the company's full-blown 'pro' models.
The arrival of the EOS 7D, with its highly configurable 19-point AF system and 8 frames per second continuous shooting capability changed much of this - here was a 'mini 1D' that drew the attention of many people who previously would have been X0D customers. However, the price tag (a 30% premium over the 50D at launch) pushed it beyond the reach of most people who weren't making at least a bit of money from their photography.
The 50D (and by extension the X0D range) was starting to look somewhat redundant: expensive (and in some ways outdated) compared to the rebel T2i (EOS 550D), underpowered compared to the EOS 7D. It seemed obvious that Canon needed something to balance out the EOS range to fill the big gap between the Rebel and the 7D. And so we have this, the EOS 60D.
With the 60D Canon has unashamedly moved the X0D range out of the 'semi pro' bracket and instead focused on the enthusiast photographer looking to upgrade from their Rebel. As a result, it's not the obvious continuation of the 30D - 40D - 50D pattern that its naming might suggest. Instead it sits pretty well precisely in the same market position as was once-upon-a-time occupied by the 'Elan' series of 35mm film SLRs (which in Europe were not-so-coincidentally given double-digit model numbers).
So gone is the magnesium alloy construction that featured in previous models, replaced by a lighter weight plastic shell. Naturally the 60D gains some key 'step up' features from the Rebel line (top panel LCD, rear control dial, higher burst rate), including a few that have trickled down from the EOS 7D. There's also a video- (and tripod-) friendly 3:2 ratio articulated LCD. In imaging terms it brings the EOS mid-range in line with those above and below by upping the sensor resolution to around 18MP and adding full HD movie capture.
The EOS 60D also gains a couple of brand-new features of its own. There's now a wide range of color variations (or 'Ambiences') which can be applied to the image when using the scene modes, and whose effect can be previewed on screen in Live View. The 60D also finally gains the ability to convert raw files to jpeg in-camera, including the option to correct for lens aberrations including distortion and chromatic aberration. As an added bonus, you can retrospectively apply new 'Creative Filters' to files you've shot, including 'Grainy Black and White' and 'Toy Camera' looks.
And so, from a spec and feature point of view, the EOS 60D sits almost exactly half-way between the EOS 550D and the EOS 7D, with a few new tricks of its own. Which, we think, is exactly where it should be (regardless of the inevitable howls of protest at the apparent 'dumbing down' of the venerable X0D line).
Key features
  • 18MP APS-C CMOS sensor
  • ISO 100-3200 (expandable to 12,800)
  • 5.3 fps continuous shooting
  • 1080p HD video recording with manual controls
  • SD / SDHC / SDXC storage
  • In-camera raw development
  • Subject modes with 'Ambience Selection' (Standard, Vivid, Soft, Warm, Intense, Cool, Brighter, Darker and Monochrome)
  • In-camera Creative Filters (special effects)
  • Fully articulated 3.0" screen (3:2)
The 60D's position in the range is immediately apparent when lined-up between the EOS 550D (Rebel T2i) and the 7D - it's a model that sits half-way between the two, without coming too close to either.
Canon EOS 60D vs 50D: Key Differences
Placing the 50D alongside the 60D it becomes clear that the new camera is not a simply a direct upgrade but a repositioned model. The most obvious difference is that it's smaller and, of course, no longer features a metal body.
The 60D is smaller than the 50D but its ergonomics are not substantially changed - it'll still feel like a big improvement over a Rebel series camera, though the loss of the metal body means the same won't be true for 50D owners. One welcome addition is signaled by the little receiver window on the handgrip - the 60D is compatible with Canon's IR remote controls.
  • Higher resolution sensor (17.9MP vs. 15.1MP)
  • Accepts SD, rather than CF memory cards
  • No flash sync socket
  • Wireless Speedlight control
  • Support for optional infra-red remote release
  • Articulated 3:2 high resolution LCD screen
  • Plastic body shell (8% weight saving)
  • Standard ISO range extends to 6400, rather than 3200
  • User-definable Auto ISO upper limit
  • HD video recording 1080 p30/25/24 or 720p60/50 plus cropped 640 x 480 movie mode
  • New features: in-camera raw conversion, ambience settings, creative filters, more JPEG options
  • No joystick, no multi-flash support, simplified top plate & info panel, only one Custom mode, no AF micro-adjust
  • Slightly reduced customization options
  • Redesigned control layout with slightly fewer buttons
  • Lower burst rate

Compared to the EOS 50D and EOS 7D: core feature and specification differences
As you can see from the table below the 60D is not an unequivocal upgrade from the 50D in the same way that previous cameras in the range have been. Essentially it's a 50D in a smaller body, the includes a flip-out screen and the sensor used in the Rebel T2i (550D) and 7D, with all the HD movie recording capability that brings.


Canon EOS 60D

Canon EOS 7D

Canon EOS 50D
Construction
Polycarbonate resin with glass fibre on aluminum chassis
Magnesium alloy body
Magnesium alloy body
Sensor
• 22.3 x 14.9 mm CMOS sensor
• RGB Color Filter Array
• Built-in fixed low-pass filter (with self-cleaning unit)
• 19 million total pixels
• 18 million effective pixels
• 3:2 aspect ratio
• 22.3 x 14.9 mm CMOS sensor
• RGB Color Filter Array
• Built-in fixed low-pass filter (with self-cleaning unit)
• 19 million total pixels
• 18 million effective pixels
• 3:2 aspect ratio
• 22.3 x 14.9 mm CMOS sensor
• RGB Color Filter Array
• Built-in fixed low-pass filter (with self-cleaning unit)
• 15.5 million total pixels
• 15.1 million effective pixels
• 3:2 aspect ratio
Processor
DIGIC 4
Dual DIGIC 4
DIGIC 4
ISO range
• Auto ISO (100-3200)
• ISO 100-6400 in 0.3 or 1.0 EV increments
• H (12800) expansion
• Adjustable Auto ISO limit
• Auto ISO (100-3200)
• ISO 100-6400 in 0.3 or 1.0 EV increments
• H (12800) expansion
• Auto ISO (100-1600)
• ISO 100 - 3200
• 0.3 or 1.0 EV increments
• H1 (6400) and H2 (12800) expansion
Movie resolution
• 1920 x 1080 (29.97, 25, 23.976 fps)
• 1280 x 720 (59.94, 50 fps)
• 640 x 480 (59.94, 50 fps)
• 1920 x 1080 (29.97, 25, 23.976 fps)
• 1280 x 720 (59.94, 50 fps)
• 640 x 480 (59.94, 50 fps)
N/A
AF sensor
• 9 cross-type AF points (f/2.8 at center)
• Center point additionally sensitive with lenses of F2.8 or faster
• AF working range: -0.5 - 18 EV (at 23°C, ISO 100)
• 19 cross-type AF points (f/2.8 at center)
• Center point additionally sensitive with lenses of F2.8 or faster
• AF working range: -0.5 - 18 EV (at 23°C, ISO 100)
• 9 cross-type AF points (f/2.8 at center)
• Center point additionally sensitive with lenses of F2.8 or faster
• AF working range: -0.5 - 18 EV (at 23°C, ISO 100)
Metering sensor
• TTL full aperture metering with 63 zone Dual Layer (iFCL)
• Metering range: EV 1 - 20 EV
• TTL full aperture metering with 63 zone Dual Layer SPC
• Metering range: EV 1 - 20 EV
• TTL 35 zone SPC
• Metering range: EV 0.0 - 20 EV
Viewfinder
• Eye-level pentaprism
• 96% frame coverage
• Magnification: 0.95x
• Eyepoint: 22 mm
• Interchangeable focusing screen Ef-A standard (2 other types optional)
• Dioptric adjustment: -3.0 to +1.0 diopter
• Eye-level pentaprism
• 100% frame coverage
• Approx. 1.0x magnification
• Eyepoint: 22 mm
• Fixed screen (Transmissive LCD screen)
• Dioptric adjustment: -3.0 to +1.0 diopter
• Eye-level pentaprism
• 95% frame coverage
• Magnification: 0.95x
• Eyepoint: 22 mm
• Interchangeable focusing screen Ef-A standard (2 other types optional)
• Dioptric adjustment: -3.0 to +1.0 diopter
LCD panel
• 3.0 " TFT LCD
• 1040,000 dots (3:2)
• 100% coverage
• 160 ° viewing angle
• Dual anti-reflection
• Articulated
• 3.0 " TFT LCD
• 920,000 dots (4:3)
• 100% coverage
• 160 ° viewing angle
• Coating : Anti-reflection and Solid Structure
• 3.0 " TFT LCD
• 920,000 dots (4:3)
• 100% coverage
• 160 ° viewing angle
• Dual anti-reflection
Continuous shooting buffer
• Approx. 5.3 fps
• Up to 58 JPEGs, 16 images (RAW)
• Approx. 8 fps
• Up to 126 JPEGs (with UDMA card), 15 images (RAW)
• Approx. 6.3fps
• Up to 90 frames (with UDMA card), 16 frames (RAW)
Memory format
• SD / SDHC / SDXC
• Compact Flash (I, II and UDMA)
• Compact Flash (I, II and UDMA)
Dimensions
145 x 106 x 79 mm
(5.7 x 4.2 x 3.1 in)
148 x 111 x 74 mm
(5.8 x 4.3 x 2.8 in)
146 x 108 x 74 mm
(5.7 x 4.2 x 2.9 in)
Weight (inc battery)
755 g (1.6 lb)
904 g (2.0 lb)
822 g (1.8 lb)

Foreword / notes for EOS 60 D


Overall handling and operation
In general the handling of the 60D was a pretty positive experience - it has a larger grip than the Rebel/XXOD series, making it fit more comfortably in the hand for long periods of shooting. The 60D's plastic body also makes it feel significantly less heavy than its forerunner, the 50D, though this is as much about expectation, as actual weight difference (which is less than 100g). The decision to dedicate single functions to the four top-plate buttons behind the shutter button makes the camera faster to learn but means you're likely to end up using the Q menu more in the long run. That's not a terrible thing but will give existing users of the series more reason to feel alienated.
Specific handling issues
In general the 60D handles very nicely - it is, after all, hardly a radical development of a well-established product line. The two control dials, front and rear, are both well positioned making it generally quick and easy to change settings. The ISO button is well-placed for operation with the camera to your eye, and the repositioned depth of field preview button - now under the control of the fingers of your left hand - is arguably better positioned for operation when using long or heavy lenses than on previous Canons outside the 1D series.
However, there is one key difference between the 60D and its X0D predecessors - the new camera has lost the joystick next to the viewfinder. The 60D does make AF point selection relatively easy (Custom Fn. III.2 allows the use of the eight-way controller to set AF points directly, with the far right shoulder button re-engaging automatic point selection) but we don't find it as fast as using the joystick on previous cameras. Because the design forces you to physically move your thumb (rather than just rocking it through 8 axes) we also found the diagonal AF points slightly awkward to select initially, despite the corresponding positions being marked on the controller. That said, after spending some time with the camera we soon got over the initial wobbles.
The 60D, with its tilt/swivel LCD, aims to make live view and movie recording much more central to the user experience. As a result the live view button is more conveniently positioned than on the 50D, just to the right of the viewfinder, and doubles as the record button when in movie mode. It's sensitive enough that you don't find the camera rocking forward when you try to start or stop video recording.
Video recording is also where you get the most of the flip-put screen - although potentially quite useful for live view stills shooting, its benefits are undermined by the slow focusing in that mode. You have a choice of using the sluggish contrast detect method (which Canon calls called Live Mode), or phase detection (Quick Mode) that introduces a screen blackout before you can take your shot and requires you to drop out of live view to choose the AF point. In an era where fast live view focus is becoming commonplace (whether it be in mirrorless cameras such a Panasonic's G2, Sony's innovative SLT series or even the more 'traditional' Nikon D7000 and Olympus E-5), the 60D's live view AF performance is disappointing - in fact it feels no different to the EOS 50D.
The 60D has a relatively high degree of control customization with a selection of variant options available for different groups of buttons. There are ten available permutations that define the behaviour of the shutter, AF-ON and * buttons, for example. It's not quite up to the level of the 7D on which you can dedicate camera functions on a near button-by-button basis but it's pretty good - especially for a camera at this level - and better than the EOS 50D.

We did find an annoying bug though - the assign 'SET' button' custom (CF IV-2) function conflicts with the 'AF point selection method' (CF III-2) function. When AF point selection method is set to option '1' (which allows direct manual selection of AF point using the multicontroller) this assigns the SET button to select the central AF point. This overrides C.Fn IV-2, 'Assign Set Button', which is the only way to get the electronic level to display in the viewfinder. We have seen this sort of unflagged function conflict before (most annoyingly in the EOS-1D Mark IV) and it is infuriating.

Another frustration is that, while most of the 60D's custom functions can be set through the Q menu and C.Fn menu, there's another, near identical option in the REC menu if you're in movie mode, this time not available through the Q menu. This kind of inconsistency makes the camera harder to configure than it should be.
A couple of Canon's long-running interface annoyances are still very much present and incorrect. Mirror lock-up is still inconveniently buried in the menus, and when enabled allows no quick method of switching back to normal shutter button behaviour. Why Canon can't simply implement it as a separate drive mode, if only as a mirror pre-fire when using the self timer like several competitors, is a mystery.
The irritating long-winded method of setting a custom white balance remains too, if anything slightly compounded by the need to change WB via the Q button. Setting a custom WB requires you to take a shot of a white or grey card, designate it as the reference image, and then manually switch to custom white balance setting (as the camera refuses to believe that having selected the reference image, you might actually want to use it). The 1D-series (and indeed Powershot) method of pointing the camera at the reference target and using it directly to set a Custom WB frankly makes much more sense.
Performance
Overall Performance
With the exception of live view focusing, the 60D is generally a very quick camera to use, as you'd expect from a design that's the result of many generations of progressive refinement. It's fast at (phase-detection) focusing and, unless you've filled the buffer by continuous shooting of RAW+JPEG images, it's very responsive to user input. This remains true for movie shooting, which you can expect to start in under one third of a second from the moment you press the record button. Overall there's very little to complain about, as you would hope with a camera costing this much.
Continuous Shooting and Buffering
The continuous shooting rate of the 60D isn't quite as fast as the 50D - there's more data to move around, and the 60D doesn't have the 7D's dual processors to help cope with that fact. The performance is still perfectly creditable though, and perfectly in keeping with what you'd expect to see at this level.
  • JPEG: 5.3 fps for 44 frames, then around 1 fps. 18 seconds to recover.
  • RAW: 5.3 fps for 16 frames, then around 0.66 fps. 21 seconds to recover.
  • RAW+JPEG 5.3 fps for 13 frames, then around 0.5 fps. 22 seconds to recover.
All tests conducted with SanDisk Extreme III 30MB/sec Class 6 SDHC card.
Autofocus speed / accuracy
The 60D's autofocus system isn't hugely impressive on paper - it has essentially the same nine-point AF system that first appeared in the EOS 40D, but it loses the ability of its immediate predecessor the 50D to apply AF fine adjustment. We had few problems with AF accuracy though, even when using the hugely demanding EF 50mm F1.2 L USM lens. Naturally, there is always the risk that playing with fine adjustment might cause more problems than it solves, but the simple fact that there is no longer any capability to fine-tune AF might be a deal-breaker for some users.
In live view 'Live Mode' the whole package is considerably less impressive - the accuracy is great but focusing will regularly take 3-4 seconds. This not only rules out its use for moving subjects but, in doing so, also significantly undermines the usefulness of the articulated screen for hand-held stills shooting.