New Look for Canon EOS 60D Digital SLR

Two years after its predecessors hit the shops, Canon has just revealed the new EOS 60D.  There aren't many surprising innovations, but the look and feel has had a total makeover.  After the enthusiasm for the new interface introduced on the EOS 7D, Canon has decided to redesign the user experience for its expert-level SLR.

Canon didn't exactly have much room for manoeuvre: with both the EOS 550D and EOS 7D at 18 Megapixels, it would have been hard to not offer the same on the new EOS 60D.  The sensor has been slightly reworked, though, with larger pixels to avoid over-exposure, which should allow the camera to preserve more details in bright areas of the frame.

The new camera has a slightly slower burst mode of 5.3 fps, but all of the innovations brought in on the EOS 7D are repeated here, including, for example, triggering external flashes via the built-in flash or the exposure which now reaches a new minimum of 1/8000 of a second.

Another noteworthy change is the transition to SD memory cards, something that's common in more basic cameras but gaining popularity in more advanced cameras with all the big manufacturers.  Canon's expert-level SLR making the switch is another blow for Compact Flash.

All new interface

The real changes, though, are in the interface, and make the EOS 60D the most radically different member of Canon's 'expert-level' range since its arrival with the EOS D30.  While we're on the subject, note that this new EOS 60D is not to be confused with the EOS D60, released back in 2002.  Historically, the changes have been very gradual, with new buttons and switches on the top of the EOS 10D (in 2003); the addition of a joystick with the EOS 20D (2004) or extra controls under the screen on the EOS 40D (2007).

The new EOS 60D changes nearly all of these features, and more besides.  The buttons at the top are still there, but have been re-arranged and brought closer to the shutter release where they're more easily accessible.  Each one now also has its own dedicated function.  The power switch moves over to the left, a spot left empty since the EOS D60 but re-occupied on the 550D and 7D; ironically, Canon is making this change at exactly the same moment that Sony is doing the opposite.  The joystick and scroll wheel are merged, giving a combination directional control-scroll wheel-button that has recently been seen on several compact cameras.  The buttons that were underneath the screen have now moved up to the right, where they're found on entry-level cameras, and are now easily reachable with your thumb.

Better still, the EOS 60D has a new rotating screen, with the same excellent display found on the 550D, which makes lining up a tricky shot much easier, especially while filming.  And remember, the EOS 60D shoots Full HD video at 24, 25 or 30 fps.  Disappointingly, the sound is still in mono, but there is an input for an external mic.  There's no headphone jack to listen to what you're recording, but there is a level on screen.

Another small change is the addition of a lock to the mode dial to prevent it from any accidental changes.  Unfortunately, the video mode is the very last option, beyond the scene modes, making it tricky to move from the classic PSAM photography modes to shooting video.  While we're on the details, the depth of field detector, whose position has been the subject of criticism ever since 1987 and the EOS 650 (!) finally makes back underneath the middle-finger of the right hand.

An alternative to the 7D?

When we got a look at it, we really liked the EOS 60D, and the only addition we're uncertain of is the new combined joystick-scroll wheel-button.  The splashproof finish is pretty good, as is the viewfinder.  We like being able to tag photos with notes and then search for them afterwards, as well as being able to develop RAW photos on the camera itself.

Overall, if you don't need an 8 fps burst mode, control over three external flashes, a 100% viewfinder and grouped autofocus, then the EOS 60D could represent a great alternative to the EOS 7D.

All that remains to be seen is the price, but Canon will have to position it carefully: too low and it will cannibalize the EOS 550D's market; too high and photographers will go all-out and opt for an EOS 7D.  

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