Canon EOS 60D?

[Allieloopy]

Hi! I have been lurking and enjoying the great photos on this board.
I have taken snapshots for years and have always been a little afraid of SLR's. It always seemed to be too much gear for me, my little camera fits into my purse just fine. I may also be afraid of not being good enough for a good camera.

Finally I found out that I really wanted a nice camera but couldn't afford one so I told myself "I didn't want that stuff!"

Now I have the chance to get a nice camera!
I have been doing some research and was slanted towards the Canon Rebels because my sister used to have a really nice one. Then I saw the Canon D60 and it looks like it would be a good camera to learn on and to keep me learning for years to come. I especially love the option for HD video and the movable LCD. I would just get the kit lens that comes with it, until I learn what I am doing at least.

Am I overreaching myself? Since I have been interested in photography for about 30 years I doubt that I will get bored soon. Plus I found out that I use the video in my point and shoot more than I ever thought I would. There is also my fear that I would outgrow a Rebel and want to upgrade in a few years.

Is there a comparable DSLR to the D60 out there? I really like the LCD screen that rotates though. That may be the deciding factor for me!

Thanks for any advice!

 

[ukcatfan]

I am a Pentax user, but from what I have seen the Canon loyalists were very disappointed with the 60D. It was supposed to be an upgrade to the 50D, which is an intermediate level camera. Instead, Canon re-positioned the 60D down to an advanced entry level camera.

Since the LCD seems very important to you, please let me introduce some more information to you. While all new DSLRs can do live view, you should not be using it very often. There is no way around the fact that holing the camera out in front of you is not very good form for taking pictures. Holing the camera up to your eye stabilizes it much more and leads to better results. The live view should be used in situations where you simply cannot look through the real viewfinder, such as ground level or above a crowd, and is useful for tripod work. One of the biggest problems is that it just is not as responsive and accurate as the standard focusing method. So, basically the tilt LCD is a nice feature, but one that a typical DSLR user would hardly ever use.

Since you are brand new to this, I suggest doing ALOT of research on the different cameras in your budget and the systems that go along with them. Also, go out and actually handle them to make sure you like the feel. If I had not done this, I would have ended up with a Rebel XT that I didn't like the feel of. Instead, I ended up with a Pentax K100d that I was extremely happy with. I have since upgraded to a K-x, which I am also very happy with.

 

[bob100]

Hi! I have been lurking and enjoying the great photos on this board.
I have taken snapshots for years and have always been a little afraid of SLR's. It always seemed to be too much gear for me, my little camera fits into my purse just fine. I may also be afraid of not being good enough for a good camera.

Finally I found out that I really wanted a nice camera but couldn't afford one so I told myself "I didn't want that stuff!"

Now I have the chance to get a nice camera!
I have been doing some research and was slanted towards the Canon Rebels because my sister used to have a really nice one. Then I saw the Canon D60 and it looks like it would be a good camera to learn on and to keep me learning for years to come. I especially love the option for HD video and the movable LCD. I would just get the kit lens that comes with it, until I learn what I am doing at least.

Am I overreaching myself? Since I have been interested in photography for about 30 years I doubt that I will get bored soon. Plus I found out that I use the video in my point and shoot more than I ever thought I would. There is also my fear that I would outgrow a Rebel and want to upgrade in a few years.

Is there a comparable DSLR to the D60 out there? I really like the LCD screen that rotates though. That may be the deciding factor for me!

Thanks for any advice!

I wouldn't let a rotating LCD screen be the absolute deciding factor but the Canon 60D gets great reviews -

http://www.popphoto.com/reviews/cameras/2011/01/tested-canon-60d

The 60D has plenty of features, more than the Rebel T2i (550D) like a faster FPS "burst" rate, metering, ability to control other flashes, etc.

 

[Revan]

Check out DPReviews incredbily detailed review (and multi-page) on their site - Canon 60D review (W/F/S)

I shoot Canon myself and the great thing about just starting out is that you can look at Canon's, Nikon's and Sony's camera offerings since you aren't tied to a certain brands lenses yet - if you get into DSLR photography you'll spend way more in lenses during your lifetime. DPReview has detailed reviews on all of them and huge forums that can completely wrap you around the axle.

 

[zackiedawg]

I think you'll be more than fine with any of the major brands (Canon, Nikon, Sony, Pentax, Olympus), it comes down to ergonomics and how it feels in your hand, and features you feel you need/want. The 60D looks to be a very nice mid-level camera - it's definitely far more camera than your skill level needs, and an entry-level camera could do fine for you (in fact, there are even pros who can do fine with entry-level cameras - mid level cameras don't make better images, they just give you more controls and tools and often a slightly hardier build to deal with heavy use).

And as mentioned above, if you are drawn to the tilting LCD mostly because of a desire to shoot with it, you're not leaning in the best direction. Live view functionality (shooting with the LCD) is something that isn't convenient and quite compromised on most DSLRs for the reasons UKcatfan listed above. There is only one brand capable of shooting in live view mode at DSLR speeds and functionality - the Sony A5xx series DSLRs and the A33/55 SLT models. OVF is definitely a mode stable stance for shooting with larger, heavier cameras..though with the tilting LCDs you can shoot waist-level style or use the live view for odd-angle shots as needed. Sony still makes the only version of live view that shoots identically to when it's in viewfinder mode.

If you learn to be more comfortable sticking with optical viewfinders, then the playing field is pretty level - all 5 major brands make excellent cameras that will far exceed your needs and your skill for many years, and give you plenty of room to grow and learn.

 

[C&B Young]

I think Canon did itself a disservice by putting the 60D name on this camera. People (and I include myself in this group) expected it to be a continuation of the 50D & the "semi-pro" camera line. But that line is now served by the 7D - the 60D is more of an advanced Rebel. Personally, I love the ergonomics of my 50D and will likely upgrade to the 7D line rather than the 60D down the road. If you're going to go Canon I'd compare the 7D and the 60D side-by-side and see which one works best for you. Each has its advantages depending on your particular needs & wants. Even the T2i might be an option, it has a lot of features that the more expensive Canons have. If you don't have an investment in any lenses yet, then certainly keep an open mind for the other manufacturers too. Happy hunting!

 

[boBQuincy]

Canon fanboys and wannabes have flooded the forums with complaints about the 60D, mostly without knowing what they were writing about. Canon changed some things from the 50D, mainly the deletion of focus microadjust (which few knew how to properly use) and the switch from a magnesium body to stainless steel & plastic. No one outside of Canon has any data to support any claims of superiority for magnesium so that point is about as moot as can be.

One fact we do have is that the sensor is the same as in the 7D (and the T2i) so image quality will be the same. The 60D has Auto and Program modes and in those modes it is about as easy to use as a P&S, the advanced modes are there when you are ready for them. The T2i has the same modes and most of the same features (which most people never fully use) so I don't quite understand when people mention "outgrowing" those cameras.

I went from a 30D to a Xsi and to me the outgrowing thing is mostly a perception that the xxD series is more capable but the difference in being able to capture an image is very small. But I do miss the wheel on back.

 

[photo_chick]

The T2i and the 7D do not use the same sensor (close, but according to Canon it is not exactly the same). I believe the 60D uses the same sensor as the T2i.

Any DSLR out there can serve you well if you learn to use it to it's full potential. There are a few (like the Rebel XS) that are somewhat outdated and I don't think they're worth the current new retail price when compared to newer models, none of them are bad cameras.

The 60D gets a lot of bad press. While I didn't like seeing some of the changes to the XXD line that doesn't make it a bad choice for some people. Though IMO the T2i is a better choice for the money, unless you need the faster burst rate of the 60D.

 

[DVC Mike]

I think the Canon 60D is a pretty good camera. You may also want to take a look at the Nikon D7000.

I have a Nikon D5000 which has the articulated LCD screen, but I really never used it that much.

 

[PoohJen]

Speaking as a pure amateur - I have the Rebel XT and the Canon 40D. The Rebel was my first digital SLR and I loved its ease of use and great picture results! I primarily shoot my kids' sports. I was really passionate about my sports shooting, and so graduated to the 40D. Yah know, I quickly came to the realization that I just didn't like it that much. I don't know if its the Canon IS kit lens that came with it (my comparable non-IS Sigma 18-125 that I loved on my Rebel had broke) or the camera itself, but I just don't feel my pics are as sharp. Plus, it's a whole lot heavier than the Rebel, and I was surprised to find that made a difference in lugging it around and whipping it out for a quick shot.

Bottom line: for me, I admit, the 40D is just a whole lot more camera than I know how to use; the Rebel was probably suiting my needs just fine (although I like the faster shutter bursts on the 40D - my main reason for upgrading). I shoot with both now. I need to do a structured study this spring between the two to figure out whether my pics from my 40D truly are less sharp than when taken with the Rebel.

Meanwhile, you may or may not not relate to my story. But if you like your sister's Rebel and IF it meets your needs, you may find that's enough camera to learn on for years to come.

Good luck with your decision - I think that whichever you choose, you will have a blast learning to use your new DSLR!!!

 

[boBQuincy]

The T2i and the 7D do not use the same sensor (close, but according to Canon it is not exactly the same). I believe the 60D uses the same sensor as the T2i.

Correct! The 7D sensor has 8 readout channels compared to the T2i sensor's 4 channels, presumably to feed the 7D's dual DIGIC 4 processors and support the 8 fps burst rate. T2i has only a single DIGIC 4 and about half that burst rate.

 

[Code]

You mention the flip-out LCD and HD video as important, you really should consider the Sony A33 or A55. They use a different mirror technology than any other interchangeable lens camera which enables small size, faster frame rate (A55 can do 10 fps!), and completely uncrippled autofocus in both live view and video. They are just as responsive in live view as when you look through the viewfinder.

The tradeoff is an electronic viewfinder, but after a few weeks with my A55, I really kind of like it - it's bigger than any crop-sensor viewfinder, 100% coverage, and I like seeing the exposure as it will be captured. There's also a sensor that detects when you put your eye to the viewfinder to automatically switch between live view and viewfinder - it's seamless and awesome.

Before the A33 & A55 models came out, I couldn't really recommend Sony to a beginner, but I think these SLT models are really brilliant and fix the key problems DSLRs have for people moving up from point & shoots.

One other downside to consider is you can hear the autofocus noise in video. This is a problem with all DSLRs unless you have a silent focus lens. If video is really important, you'll want to add a hotshoe microphone to help with autofocus noise. (and Sony's is pricey)

Since the LCD seems very important to you, please let me introduce some more information to you. While all new DSLRs can do live view, you should not be using it very often. There is no way around the fact that holing the camera out in front of you is not very good form for taking pictures. Holing the camera up to your eye stabilizes it much more and leads to better results.

I might have agreed with some of this a few weeks ago, but you really should try the A33 or A55 - the live view is just as responsive as looking through the viewfinder. I've been using live view + flip-out LCD like mad with my kids and it has really enabled me to get much more creative with my compositions. Yes, when I'm out shooting creatively for myself I always use the viewfinder, but at least in this situation (taking pics of my kids) I actually feel pretty limited going back to my A700.

 

[Allieloopy]

Wow you all gave me a lot to thing about. Thanks for all of the expert advice!
I did like the feel of my sisters camera, although that was about 15 years ago so...

The HD video and the aticulating LCD were attractive to me because my daughter and I are getting into shooting more video. She likes to write scripts and we edit movies. I saw that featured on the 60D you can attach an external mic (unlike the Rebels) so the focus noise shouldn't be a problem if we get a mic. Plus we will be using a tripod for most of that anyway.

Using a viewfinder would be fine, I always used to use one but when the LCDs came out I found it easier to use because I wear glasses. I could get back to using one without much problem I think. I hate trying to take pictures in the sun with the LCD.

I also like that most of the cameras have an "auto" mode so I can still use it while learning the more advanced features.

I am going to look into all the models mentioned, especially the Sony. I am also going to window shop and see if I can find the "top contenders" and hold them to see how they fit. Sometimes what is comfortable for my husband is a bit of a stretch for my fingers. I don't need the best, just what provides what I need.
In Disney terms I guess I am looking for a Port Orleans camera instead of Pop or the Grand Floridian!

An above entry level camera is what I want, something to keep me busy in my declining years!


Buying something like this is a big planning step for me. Just like Disney!
When we need something like a microwave or dishwasher I just tell my husband to go get one, I'll take forever to decide by comparing models. But this way hopefully I'll get a camera that I can use for years.

 

[ukcatfan]

If you are really getting into video, then get a separate video camera. Even with the nicer video features on these newer DSLRs, they do not come close to the usability of a true video camera.

What are the particular reasons that you do not want an entry level camera? The differences between an entry level and a more advanced camera is not the image quality, it is the advanced usability of the camera. For example, entry level models typically have one adjustment wheel that is used to adjust both shutter and aperture in manual mode. You push a button to toggle between them. An intermediate has a wheel on the front and one on the back so you don't have to press a button. Also, the burst rate on the intermediate cameras is usually faster than the entry level models. I just recommend that you investigate this because you should not buy a more expensive model just because. There should be a reason that you need it or you just wasted your money. For you, a better fit might be an entry level DSLR and a decent video camera.

I would also suggest that you check out all your options from Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Sony, Olympus, Panasonic, Sigma, etc. since you have no compelling reason to go with a particular brand.

 

[ukcatfan]

Since the LCD seems very important to you, please let me introduce some more information to you. While all new DSLRs can do live view, you should not be using it very often. There is no way around the fact that holing the camera out in front of you is not very good form for taking pictures. Holing the camera up to your eye stabilizes it much more and leads to better results.

I might have agreed with some of this a few weeks ago, but you really should try the A33 or A55 - the live view is just as responsive as looking through the viewfinder. I've been using live view + flip-out LCD like mad with my kids and it has really enabled me to get much more creative with my compositions. Yes, when I'm out shooting creatively for myself I always use the viewfinder, but at least in this situation (taking pics of my kids) I actually feel pretty limited going back to my A700.

What I mean by that is that the act of holding the camera to your face makes it more stabilized and that will give more consistent results. You are advanced enough to know when your shutter speed will get too slow for hand held out shooting, but a beginner would not. That could result in more blurry pictures and an unhappy new DSLR owner.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

OP - I'll add another recommendation to take a look at either the Sony A33 or A55. It sounds like it could be an excellent fit for what you are wanting to do with the camera.

What I mean by that is that the act of holding the camera to your face makes it more stabilized and that will give more consistent results. You are advanced enough to know when your shutter speed will get too slow for hand held out shooting, but a beginner would not. That could result in more blurry pictures and an unhappy new DSLR owner.

Prior to getting the Sony's with the live view I was a person who even preferred to use the viewfinder on a P&S camera. Drove me nuts if there wasn't one. I have been more than pleased and can honestly state that I have not had any shake problems with either the A550 or the A55. And - I actually started using it a lot - just love the angles I can get without squirming around on my belly or getting up on a ladder! I don't know if it would be the same if I were using a long lens with it but for normal lenses I really don't think shake would be a problem for a person who is able to provide some sort of stability.

 

[ukcatfan]

OP - I'll add another recommendation to take a look at either the Sony A33 or A55. It sounds like it could be an excellent fit for what you are wanting to do with the camera.



Prior to getting the Sony's with the live view I was a person who even preferred to use the viewfinder on a P&S camera. Drove me nuts if there wasn't one. I have been more than pleased and can honestly state that I have not had any shake problems with either the A550 or the A55. And - I actually started using it a lot - just love the angles I can get without squirming around on my belly or getting up on a ladder! I don't know if it would be the same if I were using a long lens with it but for normal lenses I really don't think shake would be a problem for a person who is able to provide some sort of stability.

I would agree that the Sony models are the best option for someone wanting to do this. I don't think you all are thinking like a beginner to DSLRs that has been using a p&s for a long time though. I would say that most of them are just going to hold the camera straight out just like they did with a p&s. With the extra weight of the DSLR, they are going to be less stable than they used to be.

 

[bob100]

Canon changed some things from the 50D, mainly the deletion of focus microadjust (which few knew how to properly use) and the switch from a magnesium body to stainless steel & plastic. No one outside of Canon has any data to support any claims of superiority for magnesium so that point is about as moot as can be.

One fact we do have is that the sensor is the same as in the 7D (and the T2i) so image quality will be the same. The 60D has Auto and Program modes and in those modes it is about as easy to use as a P&S, the advanced modes are there when you are ready for them. The T2i has the same modes and most of the same features (which most people never fully use) so I don't quite understand when people mention "outgrowing" those cameras.

I went from a 30D to a Xsi and to me the outgrowing thing is mostly a perception that the xxD series is more capable but the difference in being able to capture an image is very small. But I do miss the wheel on back.

I don't miss the wheel (but I never had a XXD model!)
For me the Canon 60D or 7D looks like a good upgrade

http://www.popphoto.com/reviews/cameras/2011/01/tested-canon-60d

 

[photo_chick]

The HD video and the aticulating LCD were attractive to me because my daughter and I are getting into shooting more video. She likes to write scripts and we edit movies. I saw that featured on the 60D you can attach an external mic (unlike the Rebels) so the focus noise shouldn't be a problem if we get a mic. Plus we will be using a tripod for most of that anyway.

You can plug a mic into a Rebel T2i (it has a 3.5mm jack like the 60D and 7D do). I took a film class last semester and a few people in there shot on the T2i. The video quality was good overall, though everyone who used a DSLR (some shot on a 7D as well) had major focus issues and horrible lens flare problems. They're great for a static shot on a tripod, but pretty disappointing for everything else when it comes to video.

 

[Allieloopy]

Thanks for the extra input. I think that I will abandon the idea of video for this camera. I still dig the articulating LCD though! I have some major research ahead of me.

If my daughter wants to get into more video than we can do right now then she can ask Santa for a video camera next Christmas.