Canon’s line-up of enthusiast-focused D-SLRs dates back to the original 3Mp EOS D30 from 2000, with the EOS 60D replacing the popular EOS 50D. The EOS 60D is actually a touch smaller than the EOS 50D, with a more squat appearance and a slightly smaller handgrip – though you’ll still find it a decent size. For the body construction, it’s a combination of aluminium and polycarbonate resin with glass fibre, so the exterior can have quite a plasticky feel in parts. There’s a decent rubberised grip employed and the overall feel is more than pleasing.
The EOS 60D shares the same 18Mp resolution as the semi-pro EOS 7D, but also the entry-level EOS 550D too. It also features the same ISO range, running from 100-6400, which can be expanded to an equivalent of 12,800. While this is impressive in isolation, when compared to its two rivals it can’t quite match them for extended range. The 60D has also adopted the iFCL metering system from the 7D, with a 63-zone dual layer metering sensor analysing focus, colour and luminance information. The AF system is not the same advanced 19-point AF system used by the 7D, but a more conservative 9-point arrangement. The good news is that all AF points are cross-type, so they’re sensitive to both the horizontal and vertical for more precise AF acquisition.
Vari-angle screenThe 3in screen on the 60D not only matches the native format of the chip with a 3:2 aspect ratio (most screens are 4:3), but rather than sitting flush with the body, the screen can be pulled outwards, allowing it to be tilted and swivelled. The resolution is also decent on the screen, at 1040k dots. As you’d expect there’s Live View and also HD video at an impressive 1080p at 30fps. The 60D uses an all-new four-way controller and has done away with the joypad found on the 50D and 7D. This is interlinked with a scroll dial round the perimeter that has improved the overall navigation and operation of the 60D, making it much quicker. There’s a useful Quick Menu on the rear screen for main shooting settings, while there are dedicated buttons to change ISO, drive, AF and metering on the top-plate. The main Mode dial also has a lock to prevent it being inadvertently knocked.
The AF performance is good, locking on well in One Shot AF mode, while the predictive AI Servo mode offers continuous AF with focus-tracking. This performs solidly and reliably, though you can be a bit restricted by the relatively low AF-point count.
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