New Canon EOS 60D Digital SLR camera launches!
Ben Weeks, August 2010
26th August 2010
Update: Scroll down for sample shots taken with the 60D!
08:15am
Today Canon have announced the launch of their new enthusiasts SLR camera – the Canon EOS 60D, and I’m lucky enough to have been invited to Canon HQ in Reigate to get some hands-on time with the new EOS on the very morning of its launch. This is nothing short of an exclusive!
It’s 2 years since the 60D’s predecessor, the Canon EOS 50D was launched and that, in digital SLR years, is an absolute age. Therefore the launch of the Canon EOS 60D is a big one. It’s especially significant for me because, about 24 months ago, I attended the launch of the 50D and was so impressed by what I saw that I bought one. So, for the past 2 years, I have been an EOS 50D owner and user, but with the EOS 60D’s arrival, for how much longer?
First things first, let’s look at the facts and figures on the 60D and make some comparisons with its Canon stable-mates.
The 60D features an 18 megapixel APS-C sized CMOS sensor. That’s the same as found in the EOS 550D, but with the addition of the low-pass filter found in the EOS 7D and a significant improvement on the 50D’s 15.1 megapixels.
The new EOS 60D borrows heavily from the 7D in other departments too. Where the 50D offered base ISOs from 100 to 3200, expandable to 12800, the new 60D offers ISO 100-6400 as standard, maintaining the option of boosting to 12800 – the same approach taken by the 7D.
Other similarities include an integral Speedlight transmitter for wireless flash (although the 60D only offers two groups – A and B – rather than the three A, B and C groups on the 7D), a built in electronic level for keeping your shots straight, and the same 63 zone iFCL metering system as found on the EOS 7D.
But that’s not all; the new Canon EOS 60D uses a lot of the same accessories as the “higher-spec” 7D, such as the LP-E6 Battery, although the 60D is due to get a brand new battery grip, one that is slightly thinner than previous version making the combination of camera and grip easier to hold.
The new 60D inherits the 50D’s 9 cross-type AF points for superb auto-focus performance when used with the compatible Canon L series f2.8 lenses. It also keeps the same size LCD screen at 3 inches, although the 60D’s is now a 1,040,000 dot screen as opposed to 920,000 on the 50D. And, for the first time on a Canon SLR, the screen is moveable and tiltable for variable-angle viewing. As well as improving the playback and in-camera image editing experience on the 60D, this also makes using the camera’s Live View better still for detailed composition.
This improved LCD screen is even more relevant when you take into account perhaps the biggest difference between the 50D and its replacement – the 60D has been given full 1920×1080 high-definition movie recording. Although no longer something unexpected in an SLR of this calibre, the inclusion of HD video recording in the 60D brings it in line with the capabilities of both the EOS 550D and 7D and sets it some way apart from its predecessor.
Ok, so that’s a quick look at the “on-paper” comparisons, but nothing beats actually getting a new camera in your hand and using it to take photos to tell whether these improvements and upgrades are technology for technology’s sake or genuine advances. I’m off now to do just that and will let you know how I get on.
Watch this space!
09:15
Have arrived at Canon’s impressive HQ building.Looking forward to getting my hands on the 60D.
09:30
I have been shown in to a room in The Lodge building. Three 60Ds are sat on the table complete with 15-85mm lenses. My first impression is that sizewise they look more like the 550D than the 50D. Interesting…
Before I get to play with the new Canon there’s a short presentation to be seen.
09:45
The presentation highlights some other new advances. The 60D offers some impressive in-camera features including RAW processing and the ability to add a range of effects to images after they’ve been shot, including Miniature effect, Toy Camera effect, Soft Focus and a whole host of others. It’s also possible to shoot in different aspect ratios (in JPEG); 1:1, 16:9, 4:3 and the native 3:2. The 60D also offers an image rating system which is compatible with third party software, allowing you to only down load images with specific ratings and to view your shots in software such as Lightroom or Aperture according to the rating set in-camera.
The new 60D sees a change in the memory format used at this level in Canon’s range, now using the SDXC format instead of compact flash used in the 50D. This enables compatibility with the Eye-Fi wireless cards and use of storage capacities up to 2TB.
10:15
So, I’ve been playing with the EOS 60D for the past half an hour at Canon’s HQ, albeit in the typical August drizzle. I have to say, I’m impressed.
The EOS 60D is smaller than the 50D, but doesn’t feel any less substantial in the hand. This is partly because the actual grip part of the camera remains much the same size, making the 60D reasuringly comfortable to hold. This larger grip has also made it possible for the 60D to use the same LP-E6 battery as the 7D and 5D MkII, which provides more power for use of the camera’s Live View and movie modes.
How the 60D feels and operates in the hand is clearly something Canon have thought about, as its layout has been designed to make it possible to operate entirely one-handed. Another ridiculously simple but welcome addition in the Mode Control Dial Lock. How many times have you knocked and moved the mode dial accidentally when put your camera in or taking it out of your kit bag? I for one have often put my camera away in Aperture Priority mode only to take it out and use it later to find it in Shutter Priority. Like I said, a simple but welcome device.
And what about that LCD screen? Well, although the difference in size seems minimal (1,040,000 on the 60D compared to 920,000 on the 50D) those extra dots really make the image on the screen stand out. This is also helped bythe factthe the screen is a 3:2 ratio, as opposed to 4:3 on the 50D, so when viewing or composing your shots, they fill the entire screen. The screen also offers a digital level – either during Live View or when using the viewfinder, although the latter is more use when setting up the camera on a tripod. It is however possible to activate an in-viewfinder levelling display via the custom functions, which uses the exposure compensation bar to show how close to horizontal the camera is (this does not work in the vertical position).
Although the auto-focus sensor remains unchanged from the 50D, it seemed to me to be slightly quicker and more precise, snapping onto subjects quickly and accurately. The frame rate is slightly lower than the 50D, offering a top speed of 5.3fps rather than 6.3fps on the 50D, but this is no doubt due to the increased image sizes the 60D offers. What is also clear is that the introduction of the Canon EOS 60D digital camera makes far more sense of the Canon EOS range – it sits plumb in the middle of the gap between the EOS 550D and the 7D, offering improved frame rate, auto-focus, sensor performance and build quality (the 60D’s weather proofing has also been improved) over the 50D and 550D, but slower AF, shutter performance and a slightly inferior sensor compared to the 7D.
Unfortunately I’m not allowed to post the images taken with the pre-production 60D, so you’ll have to take my word for it, but the images it captured on a damp, grey day in Surrey are enough to make me want to test-drive it properly when it is available.
In due course we’ll get some sample images from Canon, and eventually some of our own test images, so continue to to keep your eye on this space.
11:40
As promised Canon EOS60D sample images courtesy of Canon Japan. Click an image to view the full hi-res version on the Canon Japan website.
EOS 60D Sample: 1/8 sec @ f8, ISO 3200 (© Canon Japan)
EOS 60D Sample: 1/400 sec, f2.8, ISO 100 (© Canon Japan)
EOS 60D Sample: 8 sec @ f8, ISO 100 (© Canon Japan)
EOS 60D Sample: 1/60 sec @ f8, ISO 100 (© Canon Japan)
EOS 60D Sample: 1/125 sec @ f2.3, ISO 400 (© Canon Japan)
(8 votes, average: 4.25 out of 5)
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AnonymousGreat preview, interesting to see why anyone would by the 60D at £1099 when Warehouse are selling the 7D for £1195? Articulated screen and lighter weight are good but loss of 100% viewfinder, lower frame rate, lower build quality, lower buffer, inferior sensor for only £96 less doesnt seem good value!
Dan Altin[...] they have said its very comfortable to hold (big grip) and the body is solid (better than 550D). http://blog.warehouseexpress.com/new…mera-launches/ I tend to be pretty careful with my stuff so I guess a metal body isn't a deal breaker for me (I'm [...]
60D announced today. - HEXUS.community discussion forumsAt long last. The gap has been filled. This will be welcomed in the stable here at Daniel Slade Photographic. Just a shame I will have to wait until the next trip to the states to buy it. As usual Canon seems to want the UK market to pay around 60% more for their body’s and lenses than their customers on the other side of the pond.
Come on Canon & WHE wehave had a global Market for years now!
Daniel Slade
Daniel SladeManaging Director & Lead Photographer
Nice looking bit of kit, good review thank you but once again we in the UK are being beeped on the price!!
Helen MattenAs the owner of the 20D and 50D, this camera feels like a departure from the series rather than the successor to it. The 20/30/40/50 series was perfectly positioned for people like me (serious enthusiasts or semi-pros) and one of the wonderful things was that upgrading was clean. They all used the same cards, batteries, cable release and battery grip, which meant all I had to do was purchase a new body and I was done. The previous camera could be retained as a backup without issue.
The 60D seems like Canon attempting to push photographers at this level down a different path. Obviously I realize that technology improvements mean better batteries than I have, better cards than I have, and so on. But upgrading now means not only buying the new body, but also a bunch of new batteries and cards, which makes a significant difference (three spare batteries + ten 4Gb cards = £300 to £400, possibly).
As it is, my next upgrade was likely to be to the 7D or possibly 5D MkII, so the same issues would exist (possibly not cards) so I can’t complain really.
I can’t say the 60D has me excited – the 50D (jumping from the 20D) really got my juices flowing.
Gary Rogerswow -i never thought i would see the day that canon would be so expensive – 40d build is great .i would not like to mount a 70 200 2.8 on this as it may twist the plastic body out of line with the mount.so purprised after such a great camera as the 7d .i had this af system back in 2005 with the 5d & was so dissapointed with the holding back of a new af in the 5dmk11 i changed to a d700.don’t get me wrong ,nothing bad about the plastic build BUT not for this price point ,could have made a great back up body.
steveI know we all like to moan about the UK/US price difference, but the best way to get the price down is to not buy it until the price is fair. Also, I believe a large part of the issue here is our Government, more than Canon. It has something to do with the camera having the ability to record video which I believe attracts some additional import tax.
Gary RogersHas 60D is same Autofocus system as 550D? what do you recomend for Video guy? 550D or 60D ?
Amila CI jumped ship from the xxD series with the advent of the 7D, not wanting to wait to see what the 60D would bring. For me, the higher noise of the 50D didn’t make sense as an upgrade from the 40D, despite (or because of) the higher resolution. With the increased resolution of the 7D and the improved noise control, it was a no brainer for me and with hindsight, I’m glad I made the choice, as the lower build quality of the 60D (i.e. lack of mag. alloy body), wouldn’t suit my needs, particularly with the switch to SD format cards.
P. While the reduced prices in coming months will redress the balance slightly, I don’t know why we should have to put up with higher prices in the UK, over and above the taxes and duties imposed by the government.
Richard WinnI also noted the increased cost (again) compared with the US (even the Euro zone is relatively expensive) and while I could see that it is partly due to higher import taxes and duties, it doedsn’t explain the higher cost of the new lenses, which don’t have video capability
Amila, looking at the specs, the 60D has the same AF system as the 50D, at least in terms of focus points. They may of course have used the 7D system with less points, I didn’t read the specs in detail, so can’t say for sure.
Richard WinnThanks for the comments guys. I will try and address some of the points raised here and other queries that have come in via email and twitter.
Firstly, the plastic body. Yes, the 50D was a mag alloy, but the 60D really does not feel any less substantial in the hand – it is reassuringly solid. The other thing to take into account is the robustness of modern plastic based materials. Plastic no longer has to mean flimsy – they build sports cars out of plastic! And just look at the number of 350Ds and 400Ds that are still in circulation – all plastic bodied.
Secondly, the price. I agree, it does seem high, but bear in mind that today is launch day and therefore by default the most expensive the 60D is ever likely to be. Prices will no doubt drop in time, with cameras always being cheapest just before they are discontinued. As for the UK being more expensive than the USA, I can honestly promise that neither any of the UK retailers selling this camera or Canon UK themselves will be making vast profits as a result! Unfortunately in the UK we just have to appreciate that we are nowhere near the same size market as the US, so the costs involved in bringing products into the UK are proportionally higher. How much the tax-man is involved is a matter of debate and one I’d prefer to leave to you!
I queried the change from Compact Flash to SD to Canon, and their answer makes sense. At present SD cards are available in higher capacities, with SDXC card offering storage sizes of up to 2 TB. Cameras with HD video are likely to be far more memory hungry, so larger capacity cards are a real benefit. It also brings the camera more inline with the other Canon models that users are likely to trade up from. If you are currently a 50D owner looking to “up-grade”, then its bigger brother, the EOS 7D probably makes more sense. But if you are a 500D or even a 550D user looking to take the next step up, the 60D is an easier jump to make than the 7D.
In terms of the video performance, the 550D, 7D and now the 60D are essentially all on a par. The differences between the models are primarily related to their still image capabilities. The 60D offers improved AF performance over the 550D with 9 cross-type AF sensors, but in movie mode this obviously makes very little difference.
At the end of the day, the 60D sits at the entry point for Canon’s Advanced Enthusiast cameras, with the 7D and 5D MkII above it. If pro-performance aspects such as better weather-proofing, an alloy body and compact flash memory are important, then go for the 7D. If not, then the variable angle screen, in-camera RAW processing, improved high sensitivity/image noise performance and the same fantastic HD movie functions as found on the 550D (European camera of the Year) make the 60D, in my humble opinion, a worthy successor to the 50D.
Ben
Ben (author)I enjoyed my time shooting with a Canon 50D.I think this camera will do well in the market place.
shank_aliThe best thing about owning a 50D is when i upgraded to my current 5Dll the function buttons were nearly identical
Nice come back, Ben. Thanks
JerryConcur re: plastic body. If you drop either body it’s really just a matter of luck what the damage is. I had a MkIII and dropped it about three feet onto soft ground … totally dead
The UK pricing issue is a bigger bone of contention. The “grey” importers seem to sell at 10-15% less and must hurt legit sellers. They are still paying UK taxes so someone between Japan and Europe is up-ing the ££
Bit of a surprise; nice camera in it’s own right, but who’s it aimed at – well-healed beginners perhaps? For xxD series owners, the 7D now seems the logical upgrade path & as has already been pointed out, why would anyone go for this over the 7D for just extra £96? I suspect the price will come down a fair bit in the future though…
Les CornwellHi Ben,
Thanks for the comment and sorry for bringing up the price thing again! However, if the cost of tax and import duty was so high in comparison to the US how can we explain the fact that these WILL come down in price over the next 12 months? Production, shipping and distribution costs will probably all rise over this time but the camera will still come down!
On top of this the launch price in the uk is higher than the US and taking into account a pound is worth roughly one and a half dollars the uk consumer is again paying through the nose. The blame has to be with the retailer and or Canon.
Daniel Slade
Daniel SladeManaging Director / Lead Photographer
Hi Daniel,
As with ANY electrical product, camera prices are at their highest when new. In due course the price will drop throughout the whole supply chain- you’ll end up paying less because the retailers are paying less. The competiive nature of the market means it is simply not possible for retailers to charge over the odds for these cameras. If you need an indication, have a look at the prices retailers are selling 3-4 month old cameras for compared to their RRPs. It’s not unusal to find retailers selling DSLRs at near or even less than cost price.
As for the 60D, I suspect give it a few months and the price will have come down by a fair slice – a result of competition (within manfacturers as well as retailers) and supply vs demand. Of course the question, as always, is how long do you wait? A brand new camera at it’s highest cost, or a soon-to-be-discontinued camera for a bargain price? That’s down to the individual. All I can comment on is the camera!
Ben
Ben (author)Just seen this on another site, thanks to RC for the calculations!
8-15mm $1400 list price in USA, £1500 at WHE, Exchange rate of $1.55=£1 therefore UK markup = 66%
70-300mm – $1500 list price in USA, £1600 at WHE, Exchange rate of $1.55=£1 therefore UK markup = 66%
300mm – $7000 list price in USA, £7500 at WHE, Exchange rate of $1.55=£1 therefore UK markup = 66%
400mm – $11000 list price in USA, £11500 at WHE, Exchange rate of $1.55=£1 therefore UK markup = 62%
Daniel SladePeople are bringing up the 7D a lot rather than the 60D as a natural upgrade option but what about the 5D Mll? I’ve spent the last few weeks thinking about which to go for, the 7D or 5DM2, any advice? I’d like Canon to bring out a 5D M3! That would be great, the 7D has great features, if only the 5D could have some of the same with its full frame.
NatI couldn’t agree more on the price issues raised by so many. As far as the spec’s for the 60D I am not terribly impressed. I have a 40D and it’s fantastic. Pushing resolution is not really relevant to me as I don’t want poster size prints and in this respect the lens quality is far more important. Plastic Body? Sure plastics are developing fast interms of strength but they do flex more. Have Canon compared the modal properties of the different bodies? Flexural modes with a larger lens could affect image stabilisation at some shutter speeds as the IS is in the lens and the flexure is post lens.
Philip BellFinally I prefer compact flash as the SD cards are more vulnerable.
So I will prefer to invest any spare cash in lenses.
I think with camera design you need a clear vision and standard layout of controls. Take a look at the 20d,5d,30d,5Dmk2,1D, ect ect and you will see that the layout is changing all the time. The new 60D looks great but why don’t canon decide on a standard layout of iso,af, buttons and concentrate on colour and iso performance through the range of cameras. The other thing that everyone seems to mention is ‘what a professionals camera is’ and what an amateur camera is. I use the 5D and the 550D as a professional photographer and would be happy to use either for any sort of photography. The build quality of canons low end cameras is fine, you just have to look after your camera. I am looking foreword to seeing the 60D as the angle viewing will be useful for me. I have only one question for canon, why not concentrate on larger sensor cameras like the 5D and put them in the smaller bodies. The advantages of the larger sensor with bigger pixels and better iso performance will give you a massive advantage over Nikon. If you concentrate on developing one sensor and a limited range of camera bodies with a standard layout of controls,buttons dials your customers would stay with you. The funny thing is I think the best layout so far is the the 550D which is the least expensive camera. One screen, one iso button on the top – this camera is very easy to use.
Richard Barley
Richard BarleyPhotography Workshops
I’ve added a couple of side-by-side size comparison shots to the post – please see above.
Ben (author)I am the owner of a 300D, just needed to get away from film all those years ago. I want a camera to be a camera. I do not really want a video camera otherwise I would have brought one. Its like banks doing car insurance and Breakdown cover. I would like to upgrade, although I am happy with the output I have from the 300D, mainly for web shots and A4 prints. I would like to join the 21st century in camera technology. Which do I now go for now? 50D, 550D, 60D or with the 60D close in price to the 7D that would now be an option. Looking to buy around xmas time so maybe the 60D would have come down in price by then.
RobHi Rob,
I think your opinion regarding video on SLRs is one shared by many – including me until recently. However, when I borrowed a 550D for a trip to South America, I fell in love with the video function – it really is that good!
The other thing to take into account is that you’re really not paying much extra for the video. Once SLRs started having Live View, the technology for video was more or less here already.
Like they say, try it – you might just like it!
Ben
Ben (author)I don’t know where the US prices quoted above have come from but I’ve found that prices of Canon camera bodies in the USA are about the same as the UK. Lenses can be significantly cheaper though. I bought a 70-200 F4 IS zoom on my last trip over there and saved a couple of hundred dollars (although part of that was a promotional discount).
Have a look at the prices on some of the more reputable US web sites like Best Buy and B&H for a better comparison. Don’t forget that US web sites usually show prices without local sales taxes and that if you import to the UK you may be stung for VAT and import duty.
Ian ParrI always enjoy the I will buy when i go to the states, current duty free allowance is £390 so the discount will have to be good.
andrew hornsburyAs a Canon 20d and film user about to upgrade the 60d appears a rather pointless camera. The 7d for hardly any more cash with better construction, 100% viewfinder, more channels, and (importantly) more selectable and f2.8 autofocus points. Also I will only need to carry CF cards and not a mixture as the 20d will be used as a backup. Would anyone keep 1Tb of data on one card? Maybe an amateur who would be more likely to buy the cheaper and apparently just as good 550d, although the shape of this is not good to hold compared to other Canon models. Looks like the 7d is still the way to go for nature photographers with the sensor multiplication factor, and a 5d Mk3 for critical work when it arrives.
Joe GaulI think an important thing to bear in mind is that, if you remove the 50D and 60D from the equation, the gap between the 550D and 7D is a big one – too big for a sensible camera range. The 50D was certainly in need of an update and the 60D sits perfectly in the gap between the 550D and the 7D.
Ben (author)The large capacity SD cards will suit those wanting to shoot a large length of video. As a photographer I would rather have the reliability and performance of a CF card and use more smaller capacity ones.
I have a 50D and with finances the way they are will be sticking with it a good while longer, but the 60D does seem to make more sense in the product lineup. This however will always fluctuate. I bought the 50D around the time they released the 7D. Within a couple of months or so they released the 550D. This did leave me feeling a bit peeved as the model below mine shared the same resolution and sensor technology as the one above. I guess that is the way it goes. Unless you have the money or business need to follow the latest technology then you have to take a deep breath, sell your soul and buy the camera you can afford. From then on it is all about learning to get the best out of it.
Let’s face it, some of the best and most memorable photos of all time were not taken with the best quality cameras that money can buy. The subject matter and the skill of the photographer to pick the moment is what will make a masterpiece as opposed to a reasonably good photo.
Dan SmithI have a 50D and am more likely to spend my money on macro lens (and later a wide angle lens) than upgrade to the 60D. Your recommendations on a macro would be welcome! I’m thinking 100mm.
AliI upgraded a 40D for a 7D back in March. It is a fantastic camera – and with the current price difference between the new 60D and the 7D – go buy a 7D. You will not regret it. I would also trust the CF cards more than the SD cards.
Chris PaulI am also waiting to see a 5DMk3!!
Ali,
If you can afford the price tag, the latest image stabilised Canon 100mm f2.8macro is simply one of the best lenses I have used to date. Optically it is superb and the new Image Stabilizing system from Canon is incredibly effective. I can’t recommend the lens highly enough!
Ben
Ben (author)Nice review but not a camera I would buy.. I was looking to upgrade 3 months ago from a 400d before I went on a whale watching and wildlife trip – I looked at the 550d and 7d as well as the 50d. I even looked up details of the 60D before it was announced – while 18mp would be nice I didn’t view the 550 as enough of an upgrade, the 7D was too expensive for me at the time ( as I also wanted to invest in better glass) and so I opted for the 50D and am extremely pleased about it. What swung it was the Mag body as I wanted a more robustcamera, plus it just felt right in my hand. It also allowed me to Purchase the 100-400 L lens which gave me an excellent wildlife photography set up. The 60D didn’t look to be worth waiting for – I have ZERO interest in Video on an SLR although I do know some people with 550s who like it for taking quick videos of birds to identify later..
If I was buying now I may well have gone for the 7D – as someone else sais – you can continue using your CF cards. I can see where the 60d fits but glad I didn’t wait for it.
malcolmGreat review, it seems strange that Canon have released a camera with such a similar price tag to the 7D which in my opinion is slightly better spec’d. Hopefully the 60D will be a high ISO winner capable of delivering noise free images at higher ISOs and so for most users actually be an improvement on the 7D.
Chris CChris
I am VERY VERY disappointed over Canon and the 60D. It’s no upgrade but a downgrade ! !
ThomasNShould have had Live View / Movie AF. Look af Nikon D3100 and D7000. I have a fried who asked for my advice weather to buy the 60D og D7000, And I strongly adviced him to buy the Nikon D7000, It has much much better specs.
I am a 40D owner who is looking to upgrade, I am presently stuck with 3 choices, 550D, 60D or 7D & reading this review it looks like the 7D has won, especially since you can get them in the UK for under the grand, no brainer really. Yes I want video even though I already have a Panasonic HDC-SD9, I want to be able to use my 400mm on the 7D for aviation video/photography. Hang in there guys, wait a few months & the price WILL drop, it will have to or more will switch to Nikon as I have seen so much of the switching this year. I think canon will soon realise its time to STOP ripping off thier customers & bring prices down to the real world & stop being so greedy!
Ross McKinnonRespectfully
I currently have a Canon Powershot G11 and intend getting a DSLR within the next few weeks. I am now completely confused over the Canon range. I am torn between the 60D and the 7D and am looking at the Nikon D7000 (awaiting a full review). I am wondering if the jump to a 7D will be too much, the 60D appeals because of its articulated lcd screen (this has come in very handy for my low level shots).
bob kentI do not do action photography which I guess the 7D would be great for. Should I save £200 and go for the 60D ?
Help ………
When the 60D first came out its price was so close to that of the 7D that it was difficult to find a reason to choose it over it’s higher performance brother. That said, with the recent price drops and several reviews singing the praises of the 60D (well respected German magazine Foto Video Digital actually rated the 60D above the 7D) the newer EOS is becoming an increasingly attractive choice. If you particularly like the versatility of the articulated screen, I’d be inclined to save the £200 and go for the 60D – you can always spend your saving on lens glass.
Ben (author)Thanks for that Ben, appreciated.
bob kentI have made my mind up and it is the 60D I shall be getting shortly. And yes, I will be spending a bit more on decent lenses.
Just another bit of advise if possible. So, I am getting the Canon 60D and two lenses. I have decided on the Canon EF 2.8L 100mm Macro IS as one. I then need a medium Zoom to cover general use. In this respect I am currently torn between the Canon EF-S 15-85 IS and the Canon EF-S 17-55 IS, the latter has a wide 2.8 aperture which has its advantages, but lacks the zoom length. What do you think, I guess I can uprate the ISO on the 15-85 as needed. I want IS on the lens, what would you recommend ?
bob kentThanks.
Hi Bob,
Well, unofficially a technical gent at Canon suggested that the 15-85mm lens is every bit as good as many of Canon’s L series lenses. However, because all L series have to fit all Canon cameras, an EF-S lens can’t be an L series by definition. How true that statement is is rather difficult to qualify, but what I can say is that the 15-85mm lens has been extremely popular and got some great reviews. The 100mm IS Macro lens is one of my personal favourites, but it is obviously quite specialist. On that basis I’d be inclined to go for the slightly more versatile 15-85mm lens in favour of the equally good, but more limited 17-55mm.
Ben
Ben (author)Hi Ben,
Great blog. My girlfriend has a 400D and the following lens: canon lens 28-135 3.5-5.6 IS. I’m looking to buy my first camera and am considering the 550D (most likely that I can afford), 60D or 7D (a real push). I’m allowed to use her lens (result!). I’ve read that the standard kit lens does not bring out the most of the cameras. Would the above lens be good enough to bring the most out of the above cameras? Or would I be better off buying a 550D and then spending the difference between the price of the 7D on a better lens?
Cheers,
Neil.
NeilHi Neil,
The 28-135 Canon lens is a good lens, but not ideal on cropped sensor digital cameras as it doesn’t really offer a wide enough angle to be a true all-rounder. The equivalent lens for use on the 550D, 60D or 7D would be Canon’s 17-85mm IS lens, or for even more versatility, the 15-85mm lens mentioned by Bob. I’m of the opinion that lens glass is a better invesment than the camera itself, so my advice would be to go for the set that allows you to get the best lens for your budget. With that in mind, and because I ‘ve used and am a huge fan of the camera anyway, I’d be looking at the 550D, probably with the 15-85mm lens.
Ben
Ben (author)Thanks Ben. That’s exactly what I wanted to hear! Looks like I’d better get saving for the 550D. I wonder if they’ll be cheaper after Christmas…hmmm.
NeilYou guys will not like this, but I have gone from my 20D to the Powershot G11 and I feel I have UPGRADED; the specification is remarkable. Ok, so I only have one zoom lense, but optically it is excellent. I have video, live swing viewing and it will go in my pocket. Obtainable in this country for just over £300 new, albeit with American Guarantee.
Dennis
Dennis CoulsonHi Ben
I want to buy my first DSLR camera but cannot make up my mind between the 550D or 60D. I want to use it for photographing birds/wildlife and wonder whether I should buy a EF70-200mm f4 L Lens or a EF70-300mm F4-5.6 IS Lens to go with the camera. These lens are similar in price and although I know the 100-400mm lens is superior for what I want to do, the price is beyond my budget at present. I would not be using a tripod so would the IS lens be better? Your advice would be appreciated.
Rosalie Jones
Rosalie JonesHi Rosalie,
There are some tough questions there, so I’ll do my best to answer them!
Firstly, in your case I’d be looking at the 60D rather than the 550D. The 550D is a great camera and I’ve used one extensively whilst travelling, but the faster frame rate and auto-focus of the 60D makes it better suited to fast moving subjects such as birds and wildlife.
Onto the lens. Image Stabilising is a useful tool, but remember it only helps reduce blur caused my moverment of the lens. When shooting birds and wildlife the chances are that you’ll need to be shooting with quite a high shutter-speed anyway to freeze the movement of the animal. As such, the same shutter-speed will be quick enough to make camera shake less of a problem. Although the 70-300mm lens will give you some extra reach, I’d be inclined to go for the 70-200mm f4 lens with the possibility of adding a 1.4x teleconverter at a later date. This would then give you an equivalent focal length of 280mm with similar brightness at maximum aperture to the 70-300mm. What’s more, without the teleconverter you’ll have a truly excellent 70-200mm lens whose maximum aperture of f4 will be bright enough for you to get the shutter-speeds you need.
This kind of lens discussion comes up quite often on the WEx forum, and time and time again I see people praising the performance of the Canon 70-200mm f4 lens, so have no hesitation in recommending it to you.
Good luck with your photography,
Ben
Ben (author)Hi Ben
Thanks for your very good advice it is much appreciated.
Rosalie
Rosalie JonesHi Ben
I currently use my faithful 400D with various lens, including sigma 18-50 constant f2.8 – a belting lense, but find myself swapping between lens with only having one body. My subjects are aviation, wildlife landscape and the local wind band as can be seen on my fotopic site which i have included for your evaluation.
May I ask which body you would recommend out of the 50D,60D or the 7D as you know i used CF cards but I do like the capability of the 60D with the moveable lcd but have always wanted to upgrade to a 40D or 50D, I know the 40D is no longer available new but is the 50D the favourable over the 40D. The 7D would be ideal but the price is too high – wonder if CANON will release a 7D Mk2 with tilting lcd now that would be awesome!
kind regards
Duncan HamiltonDuncan
Hi Duncan,
One of the things you’re paying extra for with the 7D is the extra reliability and robust build that a pro camera requires to survive the rigours of professional use. If you’ll be using your camera day in, day out, then the 7D is the better option, but if you’re more of an occasional advanced user, then the 60D will do much of what the 7D does, but at a lower price, plus with the advantage of that flip out screen. Sure, it does mean a change of memory format, but with memory cards getting increasingly cheap, this really isn’t such a big deal these days.
Although I’ve not had much hands on experience with the Canon 40D, I used the 50D as my main camera for a couple of years and thoroughly enjoyed using it. However, whilst I got some great photos with it, including some fantastic action shots, its low light performance wasn’t that brilliant, certainly not by comparison with some of the newer SLRs. As for whether Canon will release a 7D MkII with an LCD screen – who knows? If it’s a feature that the pros demand on their cameras, then it may well find its way onto the higher spec models, but at the moment many seem to see it as a potential weak point and something else to go wrong.
Only time will tell!
Ben
Ben (author)Hi Ben
Thanks for your reply
I use canons 430ex flash with my 400D and when shooting continuously say a series of three shots the flash only fires the first time is this correct or have i an error in the camera or flash gun, close to shots are fine for continuous flash, but when the subject, ie wind band is a group shot around 10m plus away then it only fires on the first frame
apologies for being off subject
kind regards
Duncan HamiltonDuncan
Hi Duncan,
When photographing close up subjects, the flash may not need to use all its power to illuminate the subject. As it’s not firing on full power there will still be some charge left for subsequent shots, allowing the flash to fire repeatedly. With larger and more distant subjects, the flash will probably be using all its charge in one shot, meaning that it has to recharge before it can fire again, hence why it won’t fire repeatedly.
Hope this helps,
Ben
Ben (author)Hi Ben
thanks, what advise would you give please,
I am going to invest in some rechargable 2700 AA batteries and a charger as i have been using 1300 one or ‘the copper coloured head batteries’
I am going to invest in a second hand 40D in the new year as they seem to have better rating on the final product than the 50D even though I like its lcd review screen having better quality and the menus look better.
If there are other fellow users of these camera that would like to add comments or advice to sway my decision please don’t hold back
kind regards
Duncan HamiltonDuncan
Hello
I have the Sony nex 5 but am sick of waiting for the mythical sel18200 to be born and actually available to buy so am giving up and going back to an slr. I started out in dslr’s with a Sony alpha a100 in 2006 so have some fair understanding of settings and adjust,emts in fully manual. I basically am torn between the 550d, Sony a55, 60d and d7000 as they all get good reviews (especially the review dominating 550d) but I have about a £1200 budget all in. I do require the ability to zoom in so want a 200mm lens of some sort (maybe that canon 70-200mm mentioned above for example).
What would you recommend to buy? I’m assuming a body with short kit lens and a 70-200 type lens is the answer but which and why please.
Cheers for your time.
John oakley[...] of recent months, the Canon EOS 60D has already received plenty of WEX blog space – see here, here and here. That said, we weren’t going to pass up an opportunity to hear more about [...]
WEX TV at Photokina - The Canon Stand | Warehouse ExpressHi John
Personally you have 2 choices either the 60D if you have SD cards and wish to use video as well as photography, even though the 550D will do these the 60D has a tilting lcd which is belting for low to ground work to avoid you personally getting down on your knees and also up over your head again by tilting the screen
But if you are not bothered by this ‘get at it by all angles’ aspect and require tracking and shooting fast moving subject then go for the 7D it is one step short of the top of the range Pro cameras the 1D series
Hope this helps
Duncan HamiltonDuncan Hamilton