New Canon EOS 60D

[Photo-John]

Canon announced the EOS 60D tonight. It's more or less a hybrid of the 50D and T2i with a touch of 7D thrown in. The most exciting thing about it - to me at least - is the 3-inch titl-swivle LCD. Damnit I wish they'd had that on the 7D! I don't need the 60D but that tilt-swivel LCD sure makes me want one!

Canon EOS 60D Announcement Article >>

So what do you think?

[mjs1973]

When I first read the specs, the 3-inch tilt-swivle LCD was really the only thing that jumped out at me, besides the price. Other than that it's like you said, a mix of specs and features already on other cameras.

It's becoming very clear that video on DSLR's is the way of the future, I just hope the companies don't loose site of the still shooters when it comes to upgrading what they are offering us. Other than the tilt swivel LCD, I don't see anything new and innovative for still photographers.

[Photo-John]

Other than the tilt swivel LCD, I don't see anything new and innovative for still photographers.

Basically I agree with you. The EOS 60D is mostly about offering another option at another price. If you look at it that way I do think it's pretty compelling - especially if you're in the market for an upgrade and the T2i and the 7D don't quite fit. The price is really good, the image quality of the 18-MP sensor is noticeably better than the 50D or the 40D and if you don't really need the features of the 7D, I think it's a great alternative. I also love tilt-swivel LCD displays. I wish they'd introduced that with the 7D. I'm really tempted to get one of these as a second body and primary studio camera. For me, it would be perfect for that.

[Photo-John]

Here's an editorial on the business strategy behind the 60D. The writer flat out says that Canon has sold us the EOS 7D three times. And it's ok...

Why Canon are right to reheat existing technology >>

[Skyman]

For video guys that sound level control and wind filter is actually very important. I spent nearly $1000 for an external device that does just that for cameras with a 3.5mm mic input, I would have gladly paid more for the body to get the swivel screen and have better audio control. In my opinion it is missing two very important features for video though:

The ability to listen to audio through headphones so you can check that the levels are correct and there are no pops or crackles and the wind filter is actually working. The ability to see a volume meter is one thing but they are easily fooled in noisy environments.

The ability to focus whilst recording video. manual focusing on eos lenses in video mode is very hit and miss depending on the lens. you can hit the shutter button halfway but that causes a pause in the recording which really doesn't help and doesn't assist tracking moving subjects or keeping the subject in focus during camera movement.

[dmm96452]

Having just purchased the T2i a handful of weeks ago I was afraid I would be upset that I didn't wait. After I read the specs the only thing I saw that would have been nice to have would have been the t/s LCD but I'm not even sure I would use that. The T2i is my first DSLR with video and I have not even shot a video with it yet. Maybe after I do the 60D will look more attractive but right now I don't see anything that would justify the extra $$.

[poker]

Wow...this camera isn't getting the warmest reception from Canon fans. It reminds me of the release of the 30D which wasn't a huge leap from the 20D having the same sensor. The 30D had a larger LCD and few minor updates. I'm sure first time Canon DSLR owners will be very happy with this. Current owners will not see the need for it.

Although I've been following the rumors of the 60D, I'm glad I got my 7D. The Remote flash trigger and the weather sealed body. Plus, since the 60D doesn't have auto focus in video, I don't feel like I'm missing anything.