The Obligatory Canon EOS 60D Thread

[Carly Drew]

Well, someone had to start it, so I thought it might as well be me!

What does everyone think of it? Anyone (apart from Chris!) managed to get their hands on one? How about that vari-angle LCD?

The one thing that has really impressed me about the 60D so far is the built-in creative filters. I love lomography so being able to shoot in a similar style on a DSLR, without lugging all my different cameras and filters around, is great! Of course, I probably wouldn't use this for professional quality images, but it should be great fun for snaps.

However, I'm in two minds about the swivelly LCD. On one hand, I went to a gig this week where I saw a photographer holding the camera high above his head, aiming vaguely in the direction of the stage and hoping that the musician was in the shot. Obviously this would be an ideal situation for the LCD to come into play and remove all the guess work. On the other hand, I am notoriously clumsy and fear that the extension of the LCD would feel unnatural and would lead to me bashing it, knocking it and possibly even snapping it off!

Chris does a great run down of all the positives and negatives of the 60D in Issue 40 of PhotoPlus, but what do you reckon?

[swan lover]

I was very interested until I saw the words HD Video, I may be new to Dslr photography compared to others but still take the stance, Camera for pictures Video Camera to take moving Pictures, best kept seperate.

[Carly Drew]

I'm not entirely sure how I feel about the whole HD Video thing. I like having the option available, I love the quality of the resulting video, but I don't like that it's driving prices even higher up and that it seems... well... a bit gimmicky? I've used several Canon DSLRs with HD Video capabilities now, and I've not ever felt the need to use it.

[chris-p]

Frankly, it doesn't excite me. I think a lot of camera companies are trying to wedge new cameras into gaps in their ranges which don't actually need a camera in. 550D, 50D, 60D, 7D? Really?!

[ap4a]

The thing I dislike about this most is they've downgraded the X0D range with the substandard build of this model.

The built in features are a none feature too. I can do all of that with an action or two in PS, or with one of the iPhone apps I paid £1.19 for.

Chris, the 50D doesn't fit anywhere in the range - it's being phased out and no longer features in the list of current cameras.

[donoreo]

Why would someone pick this over the 7D? Cost?

[Photo_Enthusiast]

Originally Posted by Carly Drew

I'm not entirely sure how I feel about the whole HD Video thing. I like having the option available, I love the quality of the resulting video, but I don't like that it's driving prices even higher up and that it seems... well... a bit gimmicky? I've used several Canon DSLRs with HD Video capabilities now, and I've not ever felt the need to use it.

The debate continues (in the magazines as well).

I have an EOS 5D MK II. Had it over a year and never used the Video but really impressed with the camera.

Really the debate is should the camera cost this much to include a video facility not used. Well in my instance I have no regrets on paying the money for just the single shot picture ability. I am over the moon with the camera. The video is a bonus and I am going to start trying it out over the net few months.

Lots of responses I guess - both sides of the fence.

[wavemachine]

I have to say that HD video was something I did not want on my 7D but having said that it doesn't get in the way of normal usage and it has come in handy on a few occasions although if there had been a cheaper model with all the same features without HD I would have bought that.

The 60D does look interesting especially the screen but I have to say I was suprised by the build, that was a biggy when the 40D came out which makes me wonder if they have cut back on this to save money to accomodate HD video!

The trouble is though once one supplier has it as standard sales and marketing kicks in and they all have to supply it whether it is used or not, also people are not going to choose older models of camera over new ones as there is normally other features they would like so the consumer doesn't really get to choose.

The image editting stuff is interesting but other than if you are on holiday and want some prints done or use pict bridge is of limited value. In othere aspects it seems to be a cut down 7D however there are 2 features I would like on my 7D that is the star rating system on photos which would be handy when reviewing shots also the setting of the max ISO to use ( I believe the 550D has this).

I guess if the price is too close to the 7D it will plummit over the coming months.

[Carly Drew]

The 7D is a beautiful camera though. In fact, I have convinced myself that my life is incomplete without it! I don't have those same urges to own a 60D, but it's... nice? I've not heard anyone getting genuinely excited about it if I'm perfectly honest, and I'm also a little bit disappointed by the build quality too.

[donoreo]

So when are you getting your 7D or did you get it already?