Customer Reviews for Canon - EOS 60D DSLR Camera (Body Only) - Black
Customer Rating
5
Best DSLR for video to date...
on March 17, 2012
Posted by: Royster
from Hollywood
I shoot almost exclusively video, and Canon DSLRs have been the client-requested tool for a few years now. I have used the 5D MkII and 7Ds on tiny and broadcast projects alike; when it came time to buy my own camera, I selected the 60D. The video on the 60D is indistinguishable from that of the 7D. The form factor is superior; the flip out / orientable LCD screen solves THE major headache using the bigger cameras. While the 5Ds are superior for stills, the 8 perf ( 'full frame " to still shooters ) format is NOT video friendly... the APS-C sensor cameras are comparable to 35mm cine film, and based on the unchangeable math of lenses, it's the "proven" format to work well for scripted and some off the cuff work, usually with glass from 18-85mm. The two things that could be better : the 60D inexplicably uses SD cards and not CF cards. The camera body could be alloy not composite, and weather sealed... perhaps a 7D MKII will come along and incorporate all the features. I won't suggest obvious video-friendly additions like XLR mic plugs... Canon already makes great " real" video and cinema camera gear at twice the price of their premium DSLRs; the price point the DSLRs and 60D are in simply makes them the still camera you want to own because they are capable of some amazing video imagery. The entire line would benefit for an HDMI clean output and connectors other than HDMI, as well as the ability to feed an output ( monitor or recorder ) while maintaining live view on the camera's own LCD.
Dolllar for dollar... 60D is the best camera I have ever owned in 35 years of shooting.. and some of my cameras cost over $20,000.
Pros: superb quality for dirt cheap
Cons: h264 is lone video available; it's not true hd
I finally made the decision to upgrade my camera. I am using a CANON T2i/550D and even though I love this smaller camera, I wanted more. The decision took me about a month of reading, asking questions and then going to my local store and actually seeing the 60D & 7D. I decided on the 60D and I have not looked back. The first things I noticed was the size compared to the T2i, Yea it’s bigger, but it also feels better built.
The swivel LCD screen is something that I had seen on the T3i, but I wanted something other than that, if I was going to add another Body. The swivel screen has been a help in allowing me to take photo’s and video’s in crowded places or in a museum when there was no place to stand by myself. The video is the same quality as my Rebel T2i, but shoots in .MOV. I am going to find software to convert the .MOV files.
The biggest items that caught my eye were the AF process of using all 9 AF points for cross focusing to give you a better focusing image and more flexibility. The T2i only had the center point as a cross focus point.
The quick control screen allows for using different ambient shooting in certain modes like CA, Portrait, Landscape, Close-up, Sport and Night Portrait. This allows you to select the different Ambience you want the photo to take. I have tried these and it is amazing the differences it makes to the photo. I took the same shot over and over and the results were very good, and each Ambience has 3 setting levels. Also included are the Creative filters for changing the look of the photo while still in the camera.
The next option that I found useful was setting up the continuous shooting function. There are 2 choices: Low-speed [3fps] and High-speed [5.3fps] so you have the ability to select what you feel is good for where you are. Certain scene modes can use these options, but others cannot. Portrait is Low-speed and Sport is only High-speed
The camera focuses quickly, and the photo’s are outstanding. When I get a bad photo, I can check in Photoshop and see what my setting were and then I can blame myself for the bad photo. I am still on the battery charge from when I bought the camera and that is about 1,500 photo’s ago. It is very easy to make changes as this camera has most of the same settings as the T2i, in the way you make the changes. I really like the top mounted LCD screen for when I want to make a quick change to AF mode, ISO, Drive mode and when in P, Av, Tv, M modes.
On the CON side is Live Mode, as it is slower and not a good option for me. I am not a fan of this, so it is strictly personal.
Pros: build quality, speed, iq, performance, features
I have used this camera for about a year, and taken about 5700 shots in a variety of places, from Costa Rica and Yellowstone NP to Washington DC and beyond. I have used it with 7 or 8 lenses, from 11 mm to 500 mm. I love the size, and the way it feels in hand. It is moderately easy to use, but I am still learning and not at all bored with it. The shutter is a bit noisy, but less so than the Rebel. I like the exposure flexibility--save in RAW or jpeg or both simultaneously, and in several sizes. I like the layout of controls on the back, and the quick control buttons on the top make it easy to change the ISO or shooting mode. The menus available to control the exposure and the camera are extensive and have kept me learning, which is the way I like it. The battery lasts quite a long time, particularly if you use mostly the viewfinder, not the LCD. The video is easy to use. The leveling feature is very nice. The Image quality is top notch (same as the 7D)--and matched with a good lens, it is a lot of fun to use. I love the fact that there are nearly a kabillion lenses and accessories that are available for Canon DSLRs--a remote shutter release, both wired and wireless, are particular favorites of mine. Finally, the included software, particularly the DPP, is really nice and makes it easy to shoot in RAW and take creative control of the post processing--and you can use it to bridge to Photoshop, if you wish. All in all a solid package, reasonably priced and a good step up from the Rebel.
I am pleased with this camera in every aspect, IQ is excellent, the AF is way faster than my rebel, the build quality is better, and there are alot of features. I love the wireless flash controll. My only gripe is that the predecessor (50d) was made of magnesium, had a faster continuous shutter speed, and had fine focus adjustment. I feel like an "upgrade" for a semi-pro camera should not have gotten rid of these features. The 7d is a LOT more money for the people looking to step up from a 40d or 50d.
I've actually had two 60D's. The first I had to exchange due to a focusing problem. Understanding that the manufacturing process cannot be perfect one hundred percent of the time, I don't hold my previous misfortune against Canon or this particular model. All in all, I can't find much about the 60D to complain about. The one exception is that the Live View button is right where my thumb naturally lands, so I'm frequently turning this feature on by accident. I'll get used to it.
I bought this camera with the 18-200 IS lens. While taking some water shots with slow shutter speed, everyone told me no way I could take them without a tripod. Well, they were wrong. I was able to get exceptional water shots using a slow shutter speed (1/5) and everything was in focus except the great movement of the water.
Additionally, I am thrilled with the picture quality of the camera.
I was originally considering the 7D. But I purchased the 60D because I don't need 8fps and the 60D can activate Speedlites (Master unit). With the money I saved I replaced kit lense with Canon prime glass and later added Canon Speedlites. Composite body is GREAT, light weight yet hefty feel. Swivel LCD is a PERFECT for shooting in crowds; I captured PRICELESS, one of a kind shots at a recent Mud Run. Battery life is great; 800+ shots on a single charge. If you don't need a FF camera get a 60D.
Pros: quick start up, easy to operate, can use ef + efs lens, iso is clean
I've had this camera for one year and it still amazes me on the quality of photos, ease of use, and functionality. I purchased the 'body only' because I had lenses from an EOS Elan iie film camera that I had kept in the closet over the early digital years. I was excited when the 60d came out because I felt it would finally replace that camera. Like I said, it still amazes me. This past month I purchased a 580exII flash unit and a 10-22 zoom. Each time, the camera functionality has been superb. That's why it's better than great!
Pros: ease of use, functionality, quality, can use older ef lenses