When Canon first announced their new X0D lineup back in August 2010, I was excited to see what Canon had assembled for EOS 50D’s successor. However, I must admit the specs offered wasn’t attractive after first glance. EOS 60D in many ways, do not inherit the features and strength in EOS 50D.
Before the launching price for EOS 60D was made available, naturally, I was expecting EOS 60D’s launch price to be somewhere near EOS 50D’s. I bought my EOS 50D 2 years ago at around MYR 4,200 region. To my surprise, however, EOS 60D was launched at a lower price, at around MYR 3,300 (Canon’s RRP for body only) compared to EOS 50D. With that, it changes the whole perspective!
Canon EOS 60D: A New Perspective
Somehow, with a lower launching price, Canon seems to be targeting EOS 60D towards a different market, opening up the possibilities to those who are keen to go above entry level. Looking back at the EOS 7D they have introduced back in September 2009, it looks like 7D fits more as the 50D (or X0D lineup) successor.
It’s been 2 months since 60D’s launching. I am sure there are plenty of in-depth (and technical) reviews available on the Internet, so it’ll be somewhat pointless for me to do a review here. Instead, I am glad to announce that allenang photography (AAP) has got new addition to our equipment lineup!
EOS 60D: 18MP APS-C sensor, with Full HD recording.
I’m pleased to say that we have invested a EOS 60D into our gear bag, along with the existing EOS 50D. This is also an effort by us to upgrade and improve our service level. I am sure with this addition, I am able to render more magical moments. Yes, I am one of those who would work better with 2 camera bodies, and some photographers prefer to work with just one.
There may be question asked why EOS 60D when it didn’t score good impression during its launch. Prior 60D’s launching, I was considering to between 550D and 7D as the 2nd camera in the bag, as Full Frame is still quite a far cry for me. Staying with APS-C sensor is still a more affordable option than going Full Frame with 5D mark II. Then, when EOS 60D was announced with its launching price. I knew right away that 60D would be the choice for me.
Canon EOS 60D, somewhat inherits its design from EOS 7D, hence dubbed as mini-7D
Although all three models (550D, 60D and 7D) have got 18MP sensor, I feel that 60D has the edge over the smaller, and lighter 550D. Despite the fact that EOS 60D is lighter and slightly smaller in size compared to 50D, it still offers better handling than 550D can offer. EOS 7D, on the other hand, will be a perfect fit. However, the price is not what I am looking for at the moment.
Here’s a recap of some of the differences between 50D and 60D:
- 60D (755g including battery and memory card) being lighter and smaller compared to 50D (822g with battery)
- 60D uses SD/SDHC/SDXC cards for storage, instead of CF
- 60D no longer uses metal body, and uses Aluminum and polycarbonate resin with glass fiber. (50D body material is of magnesium alloy)
- There is no PC sync socket (for studio flash photography) on 60D.
EOS 60D's highly rated articulated screen
The articulated screen introduced in 60D has won many praises from reviewers around the world. Not only this comes in handy for awkward angle photography, it is even more appreciated among the videographers nowadays.
EOS 60D has button layout rearranged
Canon has introduced new control in EOS 60D, the Multi-Controller "joystick" is no longer available.
The new button layout favors one hand control with your right thumb, as it should provide convenience for users (videographers and photographers alike) during shooting, especially in video mode. I have tried my hands on the control, but only to find it rather awkward for my thumbs to move across the buttons. However, the layout became more friendlier if it were to be handled by girls. Naturally, girls have smaller hand than guys do, and the buttons lay just nicely within their reach without the awkwardness.
As you may have noticed, the “joystick” or the multi-controller found in the previous X0D models are no longer available on EOS 60D. Instead, they have fitted a multi-direction controller with the rear dial. I am guessing this is made for convenience when the camera is fitted with a battery grip. As from what I experienced with EOS 50D with battery grip, my thumb can’t reach the joystick when I shoot vertically. By adding the multi-direction controller at the rear dial, it will be within photographers’ reach when they shoot vertically with the battery grip.
Buttons on top LCD panel on EOS 60D
The buttons above the top LCD panel has been redesigned also, both physically and functionally. The buttons no longer feature dual functions, as what you would have in the previous X0D series. This one offers more direct approach for photographers to control on the settings. The mode dial on the left also has a lock feature, of which prevents you to switch mode accidentally during shooting. I find this feature rather inconvenient, and pointless. Chances for one to mistakenly switch the mode dial during shooting, is almost zero. I wonder why Canon has decided to add this feature.
EOS 60D with the older EOS 20D, side by side.
Side by side comparison with EOS 50D, photo by www.dpreview.com
Last but not least, we take a look into the size comparison side by side with both EOS 50D and EOS 20D. The 60D is slightly smaller in size compared to 50D. Despite that, it still offers better handling than the entry-level DSLR does.
There is no sample photo from 60D for this entry. However, as we progress along, I will share my experience from a user’s perspective whenever possible. Let us unlock the new perspective for you all with EOS 60D.
