How is the 60D different in the xxD line?

ab2012

ab2012

Suspended / Banned
Messages
667
Name
alan
Edit My Images
Yes
Someone mentioned this and I've read reviews.Just wondered what anyone thought.THanks.
 
Do you mean compared to earlier XXD models - 40D, 50D etc....
 
yes.something about it being more of an xxxd?being new I don't really get it...apart from it being a plastic body.Some sort of category Canon are trying to fill?
 
it's plastic, not metal chassis (suggested to be more consumer, less prosumer?) and has a flippy out screen. the 50d and 60d both have video over the earlier models in this line. sure there are other things but don't own either (got a 40d)
 
Not sure it's fair to describe the 60D as having a 'plastic' body! it's a bit more than that. I've handled the camera and it feels good to hold, I really like the fold out screen :cool: I really believe the 60D has had some bad reports from people that haven't seen it, handled it or used it! The usual comments regarding it being smaller than the 50/40D is true but it's a few mm and hardly noticeable :shrug: I have a 50d, 30d and 450d and it's certainly not comparable to the xxxd range... far from it.
 
ned.c said:
it's plastic, not metal chassis (suggested to be more consumer, less prosumer?) and has a flippy out screen. the 50d and 60d both have video over the earlier models in this line. sure there are other things but don't own either (got a 40d)
Click to expand...

The 50D doesn't have video.
 
I do wish people could get past the whole "plastic" issue. It's about as relevant as what colour it is.

Years ago cameras were made of lesser plastic so why is it suddenly an issue?

As for size, it's a bit bigger than my 20D so does that make it more of a real mans camera?
 
i think the 60D is still a midrange prosumer camera, but Canon have shifted the positioning more towards the 'consumer' end. in addition to the plastic body, it's lacking pro features like microfocus adjustment and flash sync socket.

my reading of reviews still suggest it's a great camera, but the XXD line has now moved closer to the XXXD line, imo.

the cynic in me feels these are just marketing decisions by Canon to force somebody wanting the pro features the XXD line now lacks to pony up a few more quid to either go for the 7D (which imo is a closer relative to the 50D than the 60D is) or the 5D if they want full frame.

personally, if i wanted a relatively cheap, but great performing camera i'd probably go for a 550D over the 60D, other than slightly better FPS, i can't see anything i'd value between them which justifies the extra price. an articulating screen is pretty worthless to me.
 
Thanks,Cuthbert.I'm a beginner..moving from compact, as one might guess.To be honest, I've looked at the video reviews of the 60D and the flip screen doesn't appeal to me, and I really don't get it :) I'm beginning to think the 450D or 550D might be better.When watching and reading these reviews I think I need an interpreter......all the jargon.
 
i think that if you're moving from a compact, the 550D would be a massive step up for you, in image quality, responsiveness and ergonomics. it's a great camera. compared to the 60D it's just missing a few nice things like the top LCD display etc, but if you've never had it in the first place then it doesn't really matter.

in your position, i think a 550D would be a great choice and is worthy of serious consideration and it will take you some time to grow out of it. the 450D is a great camera also, has a bit lower resolution, doesn't have video (not sure it that matters to you), has lower max iso and if i recall correctly the 550D has more metering zones for more accurate exposure in tricky conditions in evaluative mode - definitely a plus if you're a beginner, but that's the only differences really and both are capable of stunning shots.
 
Last edited:
Yes,videos not important for me.I just want to learn to take good photos in the style I want.I suppose it will be a slow few weeks to get familiar.
 
I recently aquired a 60D. I had a 40D before. Although I have not used it in anger yet, first impressions are good.
I do get the hold up on where its placed in the Canon range.
If Im honest, the 40D/50D seemed to look more of a proffesional camera but I think that is mainly down to the flip out screen. For me I never really needed 1080p video and as a photographer I worry that adding such a feature must mean cutting back else where.
Instantly the flip out screen looks less proffesional and more like a cam corder than a camera.
That being said it has benefits that can bring a whole new diimension to how you take pictures, its now easier to raise the camera high or foot level and see what your shooting without getting down in the mud or standing on a chair. That can only be an improvement.
The screen resolution is superior to the 40/50D and gives you a much better idea of the picture you took. The amount of times I thought I had a great picture on my 40D screen only to find it slightly out of focus when I got it on my computer screen.
The build quality of the 60D is fine. It is slightly smaller ,so side by side you may think that it looks cheaper, after all bigger is better isnt it?
It has a good weight and feels similar to touch as my 40D.
The ommision of the 'white balance' button on the main camera is not a problem as this is easily accessed from the Q menu which is on the back of the camera. Its probably as easy to access as before once you are used to remembering where it is which doesnt take long.
Clearly the 18mp is going to give me more oppertunity to crop further than was possible with the 40D which will be great on landscape pictures.
I felt the high ISO pictures were great. I took a few at 6400 and was astounded at how good they were in a house uunder poor lighting.
Soon as I have something worthy of posting I will offer some pictures up.
For now I am confident that the 60D will out perform my old camera and then some.
Carl
 
Did pick up a 60D in a shop and it felt ok, not quite as solid as my 40D, but certainly not cheap and plasticky

Not sure about the change from joystick to the additional control on the rear dial or the lack of buttons for certain functions.

The lock on the mode dial sounds a good idea, but have always found similar safety catch type things a pain in the bum more often than not

The change to SD card could also be a factor, possibly a large outlay depending on the number you had to replace

Like the sound of the larger more detailed screen, but the tilt mechanism along with video are not things that would sway me

Personally still not convinced about 18mp on a crop sensor, in fact thought the 50D was pushing it a bit with 15mp, so not about to upgrade yet and will see what's about when I do have to
 
Last edited:
Carl.Interesting stuff.Let me get this straight : with the screen pointing up at say,a bird in the sky, though your head hasn't had to move, then what you see in the screen is the live view image?and the image of the photo. Thanks. (Forgive my ignorance)
 
Yeah the flip out screen has a live view mode.

I got a 60D last week - a grey import body for £620. I'm very happy with it so far. The only dislike is not having the quick option white balance.

Even though its plastic you don't really notice it and it really shouldn't be a major factor when making a purchase imho.

For me, I upgraded from a 2nd hand 350D and wanted to get a 50D, hoping the introduction of 60D would lower the price. However, most places are either not selling them any more, or have not lowered the price! The 2nd hand market for a 50D is still strong as well.

As upgrading from a 350D, I didn't want to get another xxxD as I feel I know the basics and by getting a grey import 60D the price is not significantly higher than a 550D new in the UK. Think its always good advice to get the best you can afford.

Hopefully I will upgrade to a 5D mk iii (or whatever they call it) in few years when talent and funds allow.

I think all new SLR users should follow a similar path to me - 2nd hand xxxD (or Nikon equivalent), get a few different lenses then upgrade to a xxD/xD.
 
Last edited:
Splog said:
Not sure it's fair to describe the 60D as having a 'plastic' body! it's a bit more than that. I've handled the camera and it feels good to hold, I really like the fold out screen :cool: I really believe the 60D has had some bad reports from people that haven't seen it, handled it or used it! The usual comments regarding it being smaller than the 50/40D is true but it's a few mm and hardly noticeable :shrug: I have a 50d, 30d and 450d and it's certainly not comparable to the xxxd range... far from it.
Click to expand...

The older XXDs are only partially metal anyway, the 30D still has quite a bit of plastic despite it being marketed as a "magnesium alloy" body.
 
trencheel303 said:
The older XXDs are only partially metal anyway, the 30D still has quite a bit of plastic despite it being marketed as a "magnesium alloy" body.
Click to expand...

Huh! :thinking: ....
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top