Canon EOS 60D

$699
  • 17.9 MP
  • APS-C CMOS
  • 3" LCD
Released August, 2010
The 60D is in many ways a great camera; it's fast, with a great feature set, especially for video, and produces excellent photos and videos.
Rated 81% by by c|net (Jan, 2011)

Conclusion Check out the Canon EOS 60D

67%
75%
71%
View Details
35%
52%
52%
View Details
66%
78%
69%
View Details
85%
87%
83%
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63
First reviewed December, 2011

Features Key features of the Canon EOS 60D

Angle view of Canon EOS 60D

17.9 MP

APS-C

Like the EOS 550D, movie shooting is accessed on the main shooting dial.
Rated 79% by by DPReview (Nov, 2010)

megapixels

0 MP
17.9 MP

16.1 MP
24 MP
30 MP
18 megapixel (The 18 megapixel 60D is an amazing camera; I'm still discovering the differences), some of which are listed below.
EOS 60D by Tooncesmom
All of the sample images in this Review were taken using the 18 megapixel Fine JPEG setting, which produces an average image size of 7Mb.
EOS 60D by Photography Blog (Oct, 2010)

sensor size

Canon EOS 60D
Pentax K-30
Nikon D7000
With an APS-C sensor the 60D can't produce the very shallow depth-of-field footage that the 5D Mark II offers but still gives much more control in this respect than most movie cameras on the market.
EOS 60D by DPReview (Nov, 2010)
I personally use manual lens so sometimes I feel like a 5Dc or a 5DII will be better with a bigger view finder and full frame sensor would be better for portraits.
EOS 60D by Edmund (Mar, 2012)

viewfinder size

Canon EOS 60D
Nikon D5200
Nikon D5100
It gains the same wider exposure scale as the viewfinder, as well as a 6-level battery indicator plus manual focus and IR remote release icons, but loses file size / quality and white balance indicators (although oddly there's a vestigial white balance fine adjust reminder).
EOS 60D by DPReview (Nov, 2010)
The most glaring difference not easily seen in online reviews is the increase in viewfinder size.
EOS 60D by powerop (Jul, 2011)

body size

145 x 106 x 79 mm
130 x 97 x 71 mm
127 x 97 x 79 mm
The light weight is also a plus for some one that wants a light but strong body for field work or for dragging into the back country where weight counts.
EOS 60D by Robert-L.-Taylor--SaltyBob (Dec, 2010)
The weight - This camera has more size and weight than the XS did, although it feels way better in my hand.
EOS 60D by Mike_311 (Feb, 2011)

focus points

0
39

9
39
40
Taking self-portraits (with the gf) using the swivel screen takes the guesswork out and was enjoyable, since the optional contrast-detect was much faster than phase-detect (plus it chooses the focus points for you).
EOS 60D by powerop (Jul, 2011)
Focusing is quicker than my T1i and I love that I can change focus points quickly in advance modes.
EOS 60D by N.-sharma (Nov, 2011)
 

Performance Real world tests of Canon EOS 60D

DxOMark image quality

Canon EOS 60D
Nikon D5200
Nikon D7000
With being used to a point and shoot this is like night and day and I'm sure there is many things I can do better or different but for a picture lover this is a awesome camera and would recommend the camera and purchasing it from Sunset Electronics.
EOS 60D by Jordon (Jul, 2012)
While I was not able to find any obvious variance in picture quality between the 2 cameras, I did find that pictures taken with the 60D at ISO 1600 had noticeably more noise than those taken with my T3 (using the same lens, same camera settings (on-board NR and ALO disabled), same lighting and test subject, all RAW shots taken on a tripod).
EOS 60D by Suntoryjim (May, 2012)

DxOMark low light performance

Canon EOS 60D
Nikon D5200
Nikon D5100
Sure some lenses focus faster or are better in low light but most of us can just hold down the shutter and use a flash.
EOS 60D by 4America--4america (Mar, 2011)
The camera itself can take pictures at ridiculously low light conditions: I mounted my Contax 50/1.4 lens on the 60D (with an adapter) and took a photo of a deer, without flash, AT MIDNIGHT.
EOS 60D by C.-Vaccari

shutter lag

0 ms
131 ms

253 ms
162 ms
200 ms
It focuses fast, and I love having little to no shutter lag like you get with your average point-and-shoot camera.
EOS 60D by Cece--Not-So-Usual (May, 2012)
I'm amazed how easy it is to take pictures due to the greatly reduced shutter lag.
EOS 60D by Joel-Cleare (Oct, 2011)

continuous shooting

5.3 fps
8 fps
3.7 fps
The faster continuous burst rate of 5.3 vs 3.7 fps is noticeable, but the main difference is that the buffer size for the 60D is much bigger than the T2i to increase your chances of getting that perfect shot.
EOS 60D by powerop (Jul, 2011)
I am also very happy with the higher burst rate.
EOS 60D by al-carcifi (Feb, 2011)

battery life

1,100 photos
410 photos
440 photos
I am surprised at the length of the battery life.
EOS 60D by black-gorilla--book-lover-extraordinaire (Jul, 2011)
The battery life is much longer than the Rebel.
EOS 60D by Beth-Disharoon (Mar, 2011)
 

Our analysis How does it stack up against its top 10 competitors

pros

  • HD video
  • Generic
  • Gives you more flexibility when framing your shot
  • Great for recording movies
  • 1,040 k dots
  • Opaque
  • Built in flash
  • Preview photos before you take them
  • 145 x 106 x 79 mm
  • 755 g

cons

  • 2.5 fps
  • APS-C
  • 66.0
  • 96%
  • 0.59x
  • 22.2 bits
  • 813 ISO
  • 12,800 ISO
  • 253 ms
  • 11.5 ev
  • 5.3 fps
  • 85.39%
  • 9
  • No automatic HDR
  • 0
  • 9
  • No geotagging included
  • None

Reviews Word on the street

Rated 79%
Read the review (Nov, 2010)
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.
Rated 90%
Read the review (Oct, 2010)
We'd still recommend paying the extra cash, though, principally for the 60D's excellent vari-angle screen, better viewfinder, secondary LCD screen and control dial, speedier burst shooting, more refined movie mode, and much more intuitive control layout and handling.
Rated 81%
Read the review (Jan, 2011)
It's still fast enough for anyone who's not shooting fast-moving pro sports or land-speed-record wildlife.
Rated 91% by 618 users at amazon.com
I love that about this camera - it gives me room to grow my lens collection which is what truly makes a huge difference in the quality of your images.
Rated 100% by by I-Buy-Stuff--I-Buy-Stuff (Feb, 2012)
This is a great camera, so far no problems, the images look great (works well with my 'L' lenses), isn't that what its all about in the end.
Rated 100% by by L.-Wong (Dec, 2010)
And the depth of field and the color on it is fantastic.
Rated 100% by by Joey-Lovell (Nov, 2011)

Lens

we have not used all the lenses yet but with the 18-55 lens we have some really great pictures of our 6mo old.
Canon EOS 60D | Rated 100% by by shawn (Dec, 2012)
In many cases MFA for a specific lens / camera combination is not needed, but occasionally the user will get much sharper pictures by setting up MFA for a specific lens / camera combo.
Canon EOS 60D | Rated 60% by by JB (Jan, 2013)
I keep my kit lense on the camera most of the time, and pack it in my Canon bag which fits just fine with lense cap on.
Canon EOS 60D | Rated 100% by by Taylor (Sep, 2011)

Video

With it's 5.3 fps burst mode, great low light performance, quick autofocus, myriad video framerates, and articulating screen, the Canon 60D easily exceeds our needs and motivates me to take more pictures and improve my photography technique(s).
Canon EOS 60D | Rated 100% by by N.-Hoang--Potstickr (Nov, 2010)
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.
Canon EOS 60D | Rated 100% by by Michael-DiDomenico (Mar, 2012)

Screen

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.
Canon EOS 60D | Rated 100% by by dojoklo (Sep, 2010)
It has a really great and very high resolution 1 million-pixel 3:2 ratio swivel screen!
Canon EOS 60D | Rated 100% by by Duey (May, 2012)
The top LCD screen is handy for a quick look at camera settings.
Canon EOS 60D | Rated 80% by by Frank-Miles (Aug, 2011)

Photography

I've captured some great family portraits, candid shots and even some nice action shots on the soccer field.
Canon EOS 60D | Rated 100% by by Michael-J.-Colborn--Savekeeper (Dec, 2010)
I took it to Indianapolis to photograph and video record events at the Percussive Arts Socity International Convention; I've photographed two concerts; I photographed the LoneStar Classic drumline competition; I shot a wedding; and I shot a family's Christmas photos.
Canon EOS 60D | Rated 100% by by Bill (Dec, 2011)
I was looking for a quality camera that could last me quite a while and even bring me into some professional photography situations and this camera definitely fit the bill.
Canon EOS 60D | Rated 100% by by C.-Arndt (Oct, 2011)

Focus

In live view 'Live Mode' the whole package is considerably less impressive - the accuracy is great but focusing will regularly take 3-4 seconds.
Canon EOS 60D | Rated 79% by by DPReview (Nov, 2010)
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.
Canon EOS 60D | Rated 79% by by DPReview (Nov, 2010)
Maybe 19 AF points would be an improvement but I've never used more than 9 AF points so I can't say for sure.
Canon EOS 60D | Rated 100% by by Ed (Jul, 2011)

Competition What else you should consider

1
Nikon D7000 Good benchmarked shot to shot times Nikon D7000 vs Canon EOS 60D
2
Nikon D5100 5-way tie: Autofocus supports continuous Nikon D5100 vs Canon EOS 60D
3
Canon EOS 7D Fastest rapid fire mode 7D vs 60D
5
Nikon D5200 Best image quality as rated by DXOMark Nikon D5200 vs Canon EOS 60D
6
Canon EOS 600D 4-way tie: Highest resolution screen 600D vs 60D
7
Canon Rebel T4i 2-way tie: Has a touch screen Rebel T4i vs EOS 60D
Front view of Canon EOS 60D

New duel?

Let the battle continue or dare to compare.


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April 9, 2012
Still Photography - On-Location (outdoor) Family/Child Portraits (with some indoor studio)

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October 12, 2012
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Latest Questions

April 18, 2012
I will use it for Child playing.

I am going to start photography school and I will going to use on my children too. I like the canon 60D idea of having semi pro so I dont have to upgrade right away but most of my friend I to...

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August 5, 2012
Big or small, nikon or canon

My first DSLR, i'm going to photography childreen, flowers, and outdoors. i want the a flip out screen. In fact its a choice for nikon or canon. would you have any other selection?

Beginner II
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April 16, 2012
Residential architecture

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Unanswered Questions

April 22, 2013
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Filming outside and inside, which camera is better for making documentaries? 650d or 60d?   Thank you very mycg

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Community Find out what the Sortable community is saying about the Canon EOS 60D

69

people have recommended the

Canon EOS 60D
Top Canon EOS 60D experts at Sortable
Philip-Davis
Expert III
Canon EOS 60D
Evangelist
Mario-Arturo-Castanon
Intermediate I
Canon EOS 60D
Promoter

Sean-Stephens
Intermediate I
Canon EOS 60D
Supporter
chancenguyen
Beginner II
Canon EOS 60D
Supporter
Canon EOS 7D
  • 17.9 MP
  • APS-C CMOS
  • 3" LCD
Canon EOS 60D
Canon EOS 7D
6 more Sortable users recommended the 60D over the 7D.
View all discussions | View comparison
Intermediate I
8
votes

While the allure of the better body and gimmicks of the 7d is powerful, it's just more camera than you need. Save your money, put it towards a better lens.

Expert III
4
votes

That's a tough call. Personally, I'd go with the 60D and put the difference in cost towards a good lens

Expert III
3
votes

For you, I'd suggest the 60D because a lot of the difference in cost between the 60D and the 7D are for features that are more applicable to sports photography (faster autofocusing, 25 frames the...

Nikon D7000
  • 16.1 MP
  • APS-C CMOS
  • 3" LCD
Canon EOS 60D
Nikon D7000
17 more Sortable users recommended the Nikon D7000 over the Canon EOS 60D.
View all discussions | View comparison
Intermediate I
1
vote

Doesn't matter, buying fast lenses will get you higher image quality than any camera with a high ISO setting.

Nikon D5100
  • 16.1 MP
  • APS-C CMOS
  • 3" LCD
Canon EOS 60D
Nikon D5100
5 more Sortable users recommended the Nikon D5100 over the Canon EOS 60D.
View all discussions | View comparison
Beginner II
1
vote

The Canon has more megapixels wich gives higher quality and more cropping possibilities. It also has a lcd screen on top that displays all of the current settings and allows you to quicly change...

Beginner I
1
vote

Great all around camera, 650D doesnt have top LCD and also has more proffessional features, like higher shutter speeds like the 60D does. Also, touchscreen could get annoying and doesnt seem for...

Beginner I
-1
votes

Hi :) i use a canon 600D to take photos of children. i would recommend the canon over a nikon any day... simply because they're more user-friendly than a nikon.