Thursday, March 28, 2024

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Decisions on buying a new camera for digital photography have grown more difficult recently due to the multiplicity of options presented by Canon. Today, there are three DSLR cameras, all priced between $899 and $1499 making this range very difficult to decide upon a camera body. For the modern photography enthusiast, this review presents the benefits and disadvantages of the 60D.

As a significant upgrade to the 50D, the 60D is an 18.1mp camera with a MSRP of $1099 marketed toward the photographer who wants a more than a T2i but may not afford the 7D or raved Mark V.

60D vs. T2i
Many reviews provided on the internet today described the 60D as a "T2i on Steroids." In many ways it is. While the T2i has had fantastic reviews since it's release in February 2010, there are some disadvantages Canon has attempted to remedy.

More efficient controls. 
One of the frustrations the T2i presented for photographers was the supposedly "inefficient" layout of the T2i. The reality of this is true that the Right-sided controls allow the right-handed individual to dominate their camera with that one hand. The benefit of this is to allow the individual to not have to frequently shift the two hands to change controls. This allows the photographer to hold the lens of the camera with the left and potentially snap pictures with more efficiency.

Larger Body. 
Many reviews stated the 60D has a significantly larger body than that of the T2i. Not just in mass, but also weight. The benefits of this allow the individual with larger hands, larger lenses, or desire to produce more stabilized video more efficiency with this model. As the T2i weighs approximately 18oz., the 60D weighs 26oz, allowing for these benefits. With the larger body also comes what some describe as a "more rugged version" of the T2i seeming more durable for the rougher photographer.

Swivel Display. 
The display unique to the 60D is it's ability to swivel outward and in reverse. The benefits of this primarily are centered for those who desire to utilize the HD Video function of the camera. However, for the photographer, this would be more beneficial when taking photos which display depth when including the ground.

Flash Slave Control Capability. 
As the Canon Speedlite flashes came out a while ago allowing for the cheapest directionally controlled flash Canon provides, a feature previously minimally used was the ability for the flash to be controlled by a master flash allowing the photographer to take a photo with multiple flashes at the same time. With the 60D, this feature was included within the body not requiring the expensive price tag of the Speedlite 580EX II flash ($350+). So for the hired photographer, who desires to take local photos for portraits, weddings, graduations, family photos, etc., this added capability will bring the photographer to a new level of professional quality.

Autofocus Improvement. 
Though the T2i and the 60D have the almost identical camera autofocus system, the 60D allows for 9 points of focus while the T2i only 6. This adds for slightly improved ability of the photographer to take in focus pictures. Though not a significant improvement, it is still a difference.

Expanded Shutter Speed. 
The T2i has a variable shutter speed from 30 seconds, bulb to 1/4000 of a second. While this is great for taking most all photos, the rare situation may call for faster shutter speeds yet, which is provided with the 60D's 1/8000 of a second. The added benefit may affect the individual who wants to take a photo of a hummingbird and be able to see their wings paused.

Photos per second. 
While the T2i has a 3.7 photos per second capability, the 60 can take 5.4 photos adding an extra coverage for those desiring to cover an action sequence.

60D vs. 7D

With the larger price tag of the 7D ($1499) comes some further features of the 60D ($1099). The question is are the additional features worth the $300 difference. Similar to the 60D, the camera also features the flash control capability, HD Video capabilities, larger body size, expanded shutter speed, and more efficient controls.

Lighter Body.
The 7D is heavier yet in comparison to the 60D. While the 60D is 26oz., the 7D approximates about 35 oz. With identical HD video capabilities, the heavier body will always be more stable when taking photos. The weight is due to the metal inner structure of the 7D, also making the 7D even more durable for those who want to be a hired photographer.

Improved Autofocus. 
While the 60D has an autofocus system similar to that of the T2i, the 7D has an entirely newly upgraded for the D series. This per several reports boasts significant improvement in an already fantastic autofocus.

Swivel Display. 
Though the 7D has a higher price tag, as the 7D was released earlier, it does not include the swivel display of the 60D.

Summary
Each of the described cameras, the T2i, 60D, and 7D have their benefits. For the casual photographer (those who travel and want to take some advanced photos to that of a point-and-shoot camera, the T2i will be fantastic. However, for those desiring to upgrade their DSLR, a 60D or 7D should be highly considered as contenders. The reality of the differences between the 60D and 7D is that there are not too many differences, and photos will likely be minimally better with one versus the other. But for the long-haul, if a hired photographer desired to use their camera on a regular basis, most all reviews recommend the 60D to that of the T2i. The 7D's structure is built even more as a work horse and would allow the professional photographer to take many photos with minimal wear on the camera.

About the Author.
In summary from the various situations above, any photographer may value several of the different features above another making them need to do their research on which is the better for their circumstances. In the author's situation, he has developed a local private hired photography business in Arizona, which he wants to upgrade his camera. In his situation, money is a significant issue and as there are more hired photographers in the market today with the advances of digital photography, it is not given that his business will warrant a 7D of Mark V. In general any camera can take great pictures, it's more based on the eye of the photographer than that of the camera's capabilities. However, once a photographer has reached their optimal capabilities with their current camera, it may be time to upgrade. Knowing what they will use based on subject matter is essential.

Article Expert: Tim Kruth