Canon EOS 60D 18.0 MP Digital SLR Camera - Black (Kit w/ EF-S 18-135mm IS and EF 70-300mm IS USM Lenses)

I had been shooting with a Rebel XT for a few years, which is a wonderful 8 MP camera. But, the small size, small LCD, restricted ISO, etc. imposed limitations on image capture possibilities.

Initially, I considered upgrading within the Rebel line to one of the models that had a 3-inch LCD. Around that time, the T1i and T2i were introduced. However, I was not impressed with the size and button layout. Yes, you get the resolution, video, etc., but if you're going to be shooting hundreds or thousands of photos in a single day, the body has to quite functional.

Finally, we have the 60D and 7D. I read the reviews and was torn between the T2i, 60D and 7D. Based on reviews alone, I was seriously looking at the 7D. But, after I had a chance to compare all three side by side, the 60D got my vote. Why? Here is my point of view:

* The 60D has the right size and weight to fit comfortably in my hand. I tend to hand hold a majority of my shots (particularly when traveling). So, size and weight are big factors. Let's face it: if you have medium+ hands, the Rebels are cramped. Yes, they work well, but they are geared to the entry-level photographer. The 7D is a beast - I was shocked at how heavy it is in the hand - and that was without a battery grip. If you use a tripod for a majority of your shooting, then the 7D weight won't be as much of a factor.

* The 60D hits the sweet spot for the Rebel upgrader. By this I mean that if you're looking to advance in photography, the 60D is a good choice. It's sandwiched between the T2i and 7D in the Canon lineup (and priced as such). You get a blend of features between lines. I got the bigger LCD, higher ISO, increased fps, video, etc. that were on my list.

* Wireless flash. If you have an off-camera flash, this is a fantastic feature the T2i does NOT have. The 60D lets you use your flash wirelessly without the need for a master. Again, for more advanced photography, this is excellent and extremely useful.

Let's talk about the LCD. The size and resolution are impressive. Do you need the tilt/swivel? If you plan to shoot video - absolutely. If you do stills - maybe not, although it can be handy for challenging angles (ground, overhead). The hinge is very sturdy and it's effortless to move around. My wife has a PowerShot with the same sort of LCD (albeit much smaller). It has remained sturdy and reliable. So, if you're concerned about durability, I say don't be. Plus, when not in use, the screen tucks away and is protected.

What about the buttons? You may have read comments and seen reviews where people knock the buttons. They don't click like on other Canon models. They are more of a "soft push" type. Why? Perhaps to reduce button noises during audio recordings. I was concerned about this after reading reviews, but it is a bit overblown in comments, I think.

Popular Photography has just come out with a review (Feb 2011 issue). Their bottom-line take is that the 60D is a "middleweight marvel" and a great upgrade choice. They say it surpasses the 50D in most areas and bests the Nikon D7000.

My final advice: Lay hands on the T2i, 60D and 7D. Don't simply go by reviews without touching the cameras. You may find the T2i hits your checklist just fine. Or, you may want the more pro features found in the 7D. You really can't go wrong with any of these models, but you could be disappointed by missing features, size, weight, layout, etc.

I have begun taking pictures of birds and wanted to try to achieve the reach and aperture of the Canon 400mm f2.8 lens without spending over $5,000. Initially I checked out the Canon EOS 7d and almost purchased it. I was not aware of the 60D, but when I learned of its existence I did a google search for a comparative review. The review said the two cameras were essentially equal. I bought the 60D and have really enjoyed it. It is light, fast and, with my experience with my EOS 5dMkII, I had a working familiarity with the controls and settings. I have taken this camera on a trip to Carmel and had excellent luck with landscapes, sea otters and a seagull. While the combination of this camera (with its less than full size sensor) with my Canon 70-200mm (extended to 360mm owing to the smaller sensor) f2.8 lens gives me close to 400mm reach and f2.8 aperature, the results are quite satisfactory and I can see no reason why I would ever lease or buy the big lens.

I have been using low end digital cameras for almost 10 years but held off on buying one that would compete with the picture quality and features of my Canon AE-1 film camera. This one is great. I can quickly switch to manual focus or many other user overrides without plowing through a long on-screen menu. I like to use linear polarizers and the quick manual focus button makes that easy. My hands shake and the image stabilization is awesome to watch kick in as the image goes from wiggly to almost frozen instantly.

The large fold-out/up viewfinder makes it great to lift above the crowd and get pictures clear of interfering heads. It is also very bright and clear. The flash is good for normal fill and closer work and my old shoe mounted flash fit the new camera perfectly and integrated with the exposure control nicely.

I like to take pictures in low light and the shutter delay eliminates the wiggle from hitting the shutter button so lack of a cable shutter attach point is not a problem. I also bought a 60mm macro lens for close up work but it also works nicely as an all around lens and gives a very similar "feel" to the standard f 1.2 lens on the AE-1 with high speed film.

Having this camera for about a week, i can say so far that this camera serves me very well. Pictures are great out of camera, great colors and pretty sharp.

My short list of pros and cons

Pros:
great pictures and high resolution
great high ISO pergormance and low amount of noise all the way up to 3200 ISO, even 6400 ISO with shooting RAW and post-processing in ACR
video of high quality
tilt and swift LCD monitor
precise auto focus
good handling and ergonomics
well built and lighter body (despite some plastics inside)
very good battery life

Cons:
could have more advanced AF system (like 7d has)
dynamic range, although good enough for most situation, is not great (shooting RAW and post-processing is needed sometimes)

Excellent camera. I'm an entry level photogragher and I wanted something easy to use, yet with professional results. This camera takes nice shots.
I particularly like the moveable and adjustable LCD screen. It makes those difficult shots, where your back is against the wall because of space limitations or you want to take a low and away shot without having to get on the ground to focus, alot easier. I also like the button lock on the mode dial. Old EOS Rebel would sometimes get accidently rotated "on" because it had no button lock and I would go to reach for my camera and find that the battery was exhausted because of this.

I'm a Landscaper and I bought this camera so that I could take my own professional photos of my work, before and after, for my website. Great work deserves great shots to produce better referrals and more business. This camera is very reminiscent of my EOS Rebel S, which I still have, but with all the latest upgrades and of course digital technology which is why I bought another to replace my 35mm. I have a beautiful Nikon point and shoot but it is limited and doesn't take the kind of shots that the 60D does. My old lenses even work with the 60D but of course the HD lenses make for a much nicer picture. I'm very happy with my new camera and don't know enough about photography to tear it down. Great grip, great shots, fast multiple shots, easy to use and navigate,.....Great Camera!