- 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
The EOS 60D Digital SLR Camera 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 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 latest addition to Canon’s “D” line of cameras has generated mixed reviews with some good and some not so good points depending on the reviewer’s personal and/or experienced preferences.
At CNET reviewer Lori Grunin does her video review and shares her mixed opinions on this camera. Here’s some of the points made in the review, which are similar to other reviews I’ve seen on the 60D …
The good: Very fast; articulated display; excellent video quality and options.
The bad: Some annoying interface conventions.
The bottom line: The Canon EOS 60D is in many ways a great camera: fast, feature-packed, and with excellent photo and video quality. Some annoying aspects of its control layout dim its shine a little, however, so try before you buy.As it seems with every other generation of Canon dSLRs, the EOS 50D was a solid, if somewhat uninspired, follow-up to the extremely well-received 40D. Now it’s the 60D’s turn to be the interesting model. It combines some of the best elements of the T2i and 7D in an updated–and occasionally frustrating–redesigned body.
The photo quality is excellent overall. It delivers relatively clean JPEGs up through ISO 800. You can spot some noise in shadows at that level that’s not there in ISO 400 images, but there’s little detail degradation. ISO 1,600 is about as high as I’d shoot JPEGs. In part, that’s because at around ISO 3,200, hot pixels start to appear as part of the 60D’s noise, and they become a serious issue by ISO 6,400. You can process them away if you shoot raw. However, the trade-off seems to be tonal range; you lose a fair bit of shadow detail, which the JPEGs seem to attempt to preserve, in pursuit of cleaner images.
You’ll find the complete review HERE
Rating: 
(out of 10 reviews)
List Price: $ 1,099.00
Price: $ 1,099.00
Review by C. Vincent for Canon EOS 60D 18 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera with 3.0-Inch LCD (Body Only)
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Simply put: Chances are good that your expectations and what you are looking for will determine whether or not you like this camera.
The newest addition to Canon’s XXD line might initially seem like a minor downgrade to the previous XXD cameras, but several new capabilities actually help make this a nice, well-featured camera that will appeal to many people who don’t get caught up in whether or not this is a better camera than it’s predecessor. Canon certainly made this camera for the price point and was careful to add just enough features to make it desirable over the T2i, but not desirable enough to compete with the 7D. In some respects though, it seems like a beefed-up version of the Rebel line (a “Super-Rebel”) instead of a new addition to the XXD line.
As someone who has now had the opportunity to use all three of Canon’s mid-range lineup (the T2i, 60D, and 7D), I have to say that I really like the feel of the 60D. Even though it no longer has the magnesium alloy body, it feels solid. In no way does it feel cheap. I have fairly small hands and the 60D feels like it was made for me. It’s significantly lighter than the 7D and feels like it would be much more friendly on long hikes. The 7D feels much more robust; however, the 60D feels much more “comfy”. It is definitely bigger in size than the T2i, but the angles and design of the camera have a nicely updated feel to them that makes it seem like you are getting a much more substantial camera. The articulating screen was also done very well. My initial worries that the screen would feel cheap and break easily were immediately relieved after using it. The hinges are very solid and feel almost stiff to the point where you are comfortable with it staying right where you want it. It also is very flush with the rest of the body and offers little space in between.
Aside from the feel, the camera takes beautiful pictures. Quality-wise, there is very little difference between the pictures that come out of the T2i, 60D, and 7D. ISO performance is very similar and therefore can not be much of a deciding factor between the models. Most of the decision factors really will focus on which user interface and camera system best appeals to your type and level of photography. Each of Canon’s mid-range models has it’s own pros and cons, and while there are MANY differences between each camera, these are the main points I considered when deciding between cameras to purchase (hopefully it helps those going through the same decision I did):
60D vs. 50D:
(+) New Sensor – the same 18MP sensor that the 7D and T2i have, better ISO coverage/performance
(+) 63 zone dual-layer metering
(+) Better viewfinder – 96% coverage vs 95% coverage
(+) Video
(+) Articulating screen
(+) Wireless flash control
(+) Horizontal electronic level
(+) In camera processing (new RAW processing feature and in camera filter effects)
(+) Control over max auto-ISO
(+) Eye-Fi wifi file transfer functions
(-) The magnesium alloy body of the 50D has been replaced with a polycarbonate body
(-) 6.3 fps shooting is down to 5.3 fps
(-) No lens microadjustment in 60D
(+/-) Compact flash card slot has been changed to a SD card slot
(+/-) Joystick replaced by directional pad
60D vs. T2i
(+) 9 all cross-type AF points vs T2i’s 9 points w/ 1 center cross-type
(+) 96%, .95 magnification pentaprism viewfinder vs T2i’s 95%, .87 magnification pentamirror viewfinder
(+) Articulating screen
(+) Wireless flash control
(+) Horizontal electronic level
(+) In camera processing (new RAW processing feature and in camera filter effects)
(+) Top LCD screen
(+) 5.3 fps vs 3.7 fps
(+) Control over max auto-ISO
(+) Built in adjustable audio level capability in video
60D vs. 7D
(+) Articulating screen
(+) In camera processing (new RAW processing feature and in camera filter effects)
(+) Control over max auto-ISO
(+) Eye-Fi wifi file transfer functions
(+) Built in adjustable audio level capability in video
(-) 9 all cross-type AF points vs 7D’s 19 all cross-type points
(-) Less AF features (such as Zone AF and Point Expansion)
(-) Polycarbonate body vs 7D’s magnesium alloy
(-) 96%, .95 magnification pentaprism viewfinder vs 7D’s 100%, 1.0x magnification pentaprism viewfinder
(-) Transmissive LCD screen on focus screen on 7D
(-) Only horizontal electronic level vs both horizontal and vertical level on 7D
(-) 5.3 fps vs 7D’s 8 fps
(-) No lens microadjustment in 60D
(-) Shutter life of 100,000 vs 7D’s 150,000
(-) Dual DIGIC 4 processors in 7D
(-) 3 custom settings in 7D; 1 custom settings in 60D
(-) No PC Sync in 60D
By comparing these features, it’s easy to see that the 60D fits well in the price point directly between the T2i and 7D, but of course, a large segment of previous 40D and 50D owners hoping for a true successor that isn’t watered down to a certain price point will still undoubtedly be disappointed. It’s easy to see in comparing the 60D to the 7D and also to Nikon’s newest offerings that Canon chose to limit functionality merely so that 60D sales didn’t interfere with the 7D. In fact, if you are not completely entrenched in the Canon camp, I would also suggest looking at the new Nikon D7000. It looks like a spectacular camera for not much more than the 60D. I have not used it nor will I, so I can’t comment on whether it’s a better choice or not.
Even so, the quality of the 60D and new functionality offer enough new aspects that many customers will surely be happy with it. The articulating screen offers a way to attain tough shots that would have previously demanded extra equipment or odd contortions to reach. It also gives a great new avenue for video capture. Eye-fi wireless transfers work well and help out on those lazy days where you just want to set your camera down and have the work of transferring photos be done for you. Much of the in camera post-production comes off as being a little “gimmicky” to me, but having the option to add effects and process photos definitely doesn’t detract from the camera. And many people who don’t do much of their own post-processing after transfer to a computer will probably find the in camera RAW conversion and creative effects to be a nice addition.
To me, it really came down to one major factor though: autofocus. I tend to do a lot of shooting involving fast moving subjects, so autofocus for my photography is key. The T1i and T2i were disappointing in this respect. 9 points with one cross-type in the T1i/T2i is respectable, but I found that I really could only rely on using the center point in AI servo mode to get many speedy subjects in focus. I purchased a 7D later, and was blown away by the accuracy. The options of using extra points for expansion, using autofocus zones, having 19 full cross-type points, superior subject tracking, and even the option for narrowing the points in spot autofocus really opened up new areas of photography for me. I get about 10x the amount of usable shots than I would with the T1i and T2i. The 60D isn’t THAT good, but it is still much better than the T1i/T2i. In fact, just like with almost everything else about the camera, it’s just about right in between the T2i and 7D. Autofocus is fast and accurate, but there are still moments where subjects just move too fast and unfortunately, the 60D doesn’t have the capabilities of the 7D. If you are deciding between the 7D and 60D, this is the area you should really look at, because this is the real difference between the 2 cameras. I chose the 7D, and then decided to give the 60D a try just to see if I made the right decision. I am happy with my 7D, but the 60D was no slouch.
In my honest opinion, I think this is a huge sticking point for 40D and 50D owners though. The autofocus system needed to be updated from the previous 2 XXD editions. It has the same 9 cross-type points as the 40D and 50D did before it, and same functionality. To be a good upgrade for previous XXD users, it didn’t have to be as good or better than the 7D, but it would have been nice for it to be better than the previous 2 models. Removing the magnesium alloy body and lens microadjustment really comes across as a slap in the face to some users who valued those aspects. I have to say that the body is much lighter, doesn’t feel significantly less sturdy (even though it probably is less sturdy), and I’ve never needed to use lens microadjustment though, so I’m not overly upset about those aspects. I am not thrilled about the “non-update” of the autofocus system though.
Now that I have handled and used all 3 cameras currently in Canon’s mid-range lineup, I can definitively say that they are all stellar cameras, but just made for different segments of the market. The T2i is an amazing starter camera and takes great photos for those who want to save a little extra money by going without some of the features they might not use. It might be the best budget option for those who don’t take many action shots. For an extra few hundred dollars, the 60D adds some intriguing new features and seems to be aimed at the people who want a slightly higher-end camera than the T2i, but aren’t ready to shell out the money for the 7D. It’s a great compromise, and to me, the main thing you are missing out on is superior autofocus capabilities. The 7D is more aimed towards the pro-sumer market who want/need a faster autofocus and overall faster, more rugged camera. It’s hard to go wrong with any of them, but the 60D offers a great blend of features from both the T2i and 7D along with new features of it’s own for a price that won’t completely break the bank. It seems to have accomplished everything it needed to do, except for one: giving the 40D and 50D owners an option for upgrade aside from the expensive 7D. If the 60D had kept the magnesium alloy body, lens microadjustment, or even just had a slightly better AF system compared to the 50D, I could easily give this camera 5 stars. As it is, I can only give it 4 stars because it’s a wonderful camera for a certain segment of customers looking for a new camera, but completely isolates another loyal customer base looking for their beloved XXD line to continue.
Review by dojoklo for Canon EOS 60D 18 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera with 3.0-Inch LCD (Body Only)
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The three dSLRs in the Canon consumer line-up (60D, 7D, T2i) all share a number of specifications and features, a similar exposure metering system, as well as an image sensor that is very similar, and all with 18 megapixels. Due to this, the image quality and ISO performance of these three cameras will be nearly identical, and all are capable of taking high quality images. So why choose the 60D over the T2i (550D) or the 7D?
-Exterior buttons and controls: Greater ease and control of changing camera settings as you work vs. the T2i. The 60D has nearly every control one needs on the exterior of the camera and it has the rear dial and top LCD display screen that are not on the T2i. Any other controls can be easily accessed with the Q button and menu or in the other menus on the rear LCD monitor. The top buttons of the 60D set only one setting each, so this is less complicated than the multiple-setting buttons of the 7D. Canon has removed the WB button that the 7D and 50D have, but that isn’t a big deal – use the Q Menu. Another change is that the Multi-controller has been moved from the thumb joystick like the 7D and 50D and placed in the middle of the rear Quick-control dial. This doesn’t change how it functions, and should just be a matter of getting used to the difference.
-Menus and custom functions: Greater control over customizing how the camera functions vs. the T2i. The 60D has many more Menu and Custom Function settings than the T2i and nearly as many as the 7D. These settings allow you to customize the operation, function, and controls of the 60D to work how you want them to, including things like exposure increments, peripheral illuminations correction for lenses (fixes dark corners) and customizing which button does what.
-Auto focus systems: The 60D shares a similar autofocus system to the T2i and the previous 50D, with 9 focus points and three auto focusing modes. However the 9 AF points of the 60D are more sensitive than those of the T2i: all are cross-type in the 60D, only the center is cross-type in the T2i. The 60D autofocus system is much less complex than the sophisticated AF system of the 7D with its 19 AF point system and its additional Zone, Spot, and Expansion focus modes – not to mention the custom settings of the 7D which will allow one to customize how the AF system works. However, if you are not an avid sports photographer, a wildlife shooter, or someone who understands, needs, and will use the elaborate features of the 7D AF system, then this shouldn’t dissuade you from the 60D.
-Exposure Metering: The three cameras all share the latest 63-zone exposure metering system and 4 metering modes. That means they will all determine the exposure virtually identically and enable you to take properly exposed photos in most every situation, including difficult back-lit scenes. The size of the areas metered for Partial and Spot metering vary slightly between the cameras, but that isn’t anything critical.
-ISO: Since the 60D shares a very similar sensor with the other two cameras, its ISO sensitivity and performance at high ISO settings is virtually the same. But don’t take my word for it, don’t be swayed by pixel peepers on forums, instead check out the camera sensor tests at dxomark to verify this.
-Continuous Shooting Speed: While the 60D can’t shoot a blazing 8 frames per second like the 7D, it can shoot a respectable 5.3 fps which is generally a more useful rate, and is a higher rate than the T2i rate of 3 fps.
-Size and Weight: The 60D is larger and heavier than the T2i but smaller and lighter than the 7D. It is a very nice size, weight, feel, and design that should be comfortable for most users.
-Construction: The 60 has relatively strong construction of aluminum and polycarbonate. It is better built than the T2i but not as strong as the 7D’s magnesium alloy frame. The 60D also has some amount of weather sealing – more than the T2i, less than the 7D. But for most users, including even those using the camera daily or in travel situations, the construction of the 60D is far more than good enough, strong enough, durable enough, and weather resistant enough.
-Articulating Rear LCD Screen: The 60D is the only current Canon dSLR with this handy feature. This may prove useful for videographers, as well as for setting up compositions while the camera is on a tripod, for macro use, or for using it from unusually low or high vantage points. There is also an electronic level, visible in the viewfinder, rear LCD, or top LCD.
-Viewfinder: The 60D has a large, bright viewfinder with 96% coverage of the actual resulting image, a tiny bit better than the T2i but not quite as nice as the nearly 100% view of the 7D.
-Wireless Flash: Like the 7D, the 60D incorporates wireless flash triggering. It allows you to trigger multiple off camera flashes at different output levels. The T2i does not have this feature.
-Battery: The 60D has a larger batter vs. the T2i, thus allowing longer periods of shooting before having to recharge. The 60D uses the LP-E6 battery like the 7D, which is a nice feature as this battery can often last through a full day of shooting.
-Processor: The 60D shares the same Digic 4 processor as the T2i. The 7D has dual Digic 4 processors. However, for most general or even demanding photography needs, the single processor is more than sufficient.
-Memory Card: The 60D uses the SD memory card like the T2i, not the CF card of the 7D. This doesn’t affect anything except perhaps your collection of CF cards.
-Additional processing features: The 60D has added features such as the creative filters (toy camera, miniature tilt-shift effect) and internal file processing capabilities (RAW image processing, image resizing) that the other two cameras do not have. This is not critical as these operations can typically be more easily done in batches on a computer.
-Lack of AF Microadjustment: Many are disappointed that the 60D does not include the ability to micro-adjust the focus so that each lens is completely accurate. However, if you have a focus issue, send your camera and/ or lenses to Canon while under warranty and ask them to calibrate them. The 7D has this feature, the T2i does not.
-Locking Mode Dial: This is a new feature for a Canon dSLR that keeps the Mode dial from accidentally rotating. A nice touch only on the 60D.
-Full HD Video: And of course the 60D has full HD video, just like the other two cameras.
-A Note to Strobists: The 60D does not have a PC sync flash socket to plug in PC sync cords. The 7D has this, the T2i does not.
-Ease of operation: While beginners may find all the buttons, controls, and menus of any dSLR difficult and confusing at first, the controls and menus of the 60D are all quite intelligently designed and straightforward for the advanced user. If you’d like to get up and running with the 60D quickly and competently, while you are waiting for user’s guides such as Canon EOS 60D: From Snapshots to Great Shots or Magic Lantern Guides: Canon EOS 60D Multimedia Workshop to become available, be sure to check out a PDF eBook I put together called Your World 60D on the “Picturing Change” WordPress blog or the Kindle version here: Your World 60D – The Still Photographer’s Guide to Operation and Image Creation with the Canon 60D. It describes how to set up the Menu settings and Custom Function settings, and explains how, when, and why to use the settings, controls, and features of the 60D in everyday still photography use, including aperture priority and shutter priority modes. Plus it has information on exposure, composition, using depth of field, and basic video settings. It should help you get the most out of the 60D.
The 60D is an excellent camera for those wanting to upgrade from the Rebel line, for the advanced dSLR user who wishes to take advantage of all the features and customizations options of the 60D, and for the first-time dSLR buyer who is knowledgeable of camera controls or eager to learn. Its size, durability, and features will suit those who wish to use it for both general use and for travel, and its image quality and performance is exceptional for a camera at this price.
Review by SteKar for Canon EOS 60D 18 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera with 3.0-Inch LCD (Body Only)
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I have been shooting with D-SLR cameras for over 5 years now – from Olympus, to Canon, Nikon and back (once and for all) to Canon.
– swivel screen: so convenient and sharp. video and still photography really come alive.
– ergonomics: perfect one-handed operation and usage; never missed a shot looking for a button
– autofocus: fast and precise. I wish for a few more cross-type points though. ability to take action shots and low-light photography is very good
– burst mode: ~5fps is good but a bit dated
– image quality: stellar, even at ISO 3200. the output is super smooth, dreamy, and yet sharp – well done Canon
– metering: accurate and not too conservative. partial and spot are my favorites
– video: amazing quality and renders great on my 1080p TV
– view finder: that is my only gripe. should have been 100% with optional grid, like the 7D or Nikon cameras.
– menu: fast to cycle thru options and very readable
– flash: good and wireless built-in. no focus assisted lamp though and strobing is required, bummer
– build: not alloy-mag like 50D, but that’s what I like. the light weight makes it easier for me to hand-hold steady
– lens: with 18M pixels, you need good glass to resolve that sensor’s resolution. I have the EF 50mm f/1.4 and it is spectacular on that camera.
Overall, the 60D is a very good and fun camera to use; I would have given it a 5-star rating if the view finder was improved.
As a potential buyer, you are most likely going to hesitate between that camera and the Nikon D7000. Here is my take:
– image quality: 60D. both produce excellent images but Canon’s a bit smoother and sharper (at default settings)
– metering: 60D. I find real world images being (slightly) more accurately exposed with the 60D than the D7000.
– view finder: D7000, a real joy to compose with it
– autofocus: 60D; all 9 points are cross type and arranged in a diamond vs. tightly packed at the center for the D7000
– LCD: 60D, both the resolution and the swiveling are a real marvel
– build: D7000 due to its alloy-mag, but the 60D’s is no slouch and seems pretty well-built and strong
– burst mode: D7000 has a slight edge there but its buffer is smaller than the 60D’s; you need to weight the pros/cons based on your needs
– flash: D7000 due to the AF lamp assist
– ergonomics: 60D but that is a personal choice of course. hold both cameras and play with settings and menus
– software: 60D. no need to buy a RAW editor or remote shooting software, Canon’s are top-notch and free!
Review by Jeff from NJ for Canon EOS 60D 18 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera with 3.0-Inch LCD (Body Only)
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First, I’m not a professional photographer. I bought the 60D because I was not happy with the quality of even the best point and shoots out there. The 60D offered a smaller and more lightweight body than the 7D. The 60D has a swivel screen which is fantastic when doing video. Trust me, it makes a huge difference. I don’t photograph sporting events, so 5.3fps instead of 8fps of the 7D was fine for me. I bought a Canon 24mm 2.8 prime lens to keep the overall size of the camera reasonable for my needs. I take family shots, and closer up images, so a zoom just wasn’t necessary. Image quality – Excellent! A prior reviewer said it takes the same images as the 7D, which is an extremely well reviewed and quality camera. So you get this camera for $300 or more less, the same exact image quiality, and more bells and whistles. Autofocus is very fast. Like night and day compared to any point and shoot. I like the dial lock as I was always moving the wheels on any point and shoots I’ve owned. No autofocus in video mode, which is a true negative. I hope they upgrade that in a future body. That said, you can manual focus during video which is silent and more accurate. Lots of talk about this being plastic vs. metal. Don’t pay any attention to it. This thing feels great. Nice and solid. Plastics today can be made even stronger than metal, so the whole plastic vs. metal thing should not even enter your mind, not for a second. You get a camera that weighs less!! Try hanging a 4 pound piece of steel around your neck for 8 hours and see how fun it is. Lighter and smaller is exactly what people are looking for. All in all, this camera rocks. Excellent image quality in a rock solid body with a ton of bells and whistles. Well worth the money.
Review by Shane M. Long for Canon EOS 60D 18 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera with 3.0-Inch LCD (Body Only)
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I have owned a T1i and a T2i which I used for semi-professional family shoots. I recently upgraded to the 60D and honestly was extremely surprised at the big upgrade it is from the T2i. For advanced users, it is more than worth the extra cash. It fits in my hand much better and the controls are easier to access. When using my 50mm 1.4 the 60D focuses much more accurately than my T2i does. I was having a lot of problem with the T2i front focusing, but the 60D has been spot on. I am also very pleased with how it handles my indoor lighting. Shots with my T2i usually turned out yellow when on auto-whitebalance, but the 60D seem to produce much better indoor color. Another surprise was how quiet the shutter mechanism is. It is much softer than the T2i which will be very nice with the wedding shoots I have coming up. There are so many more advanced options in the menus than you get on a Rebel. Another surprise for me was that it has ISO increments in 1/3 stops. For people considering taking the photography to the next level, I couldn’t recommend this product any higher.