DSLRs are not just for professional photographers. The growing popularity of entry-level DSLRs like the Nikon D3100 and Canon EOS 1000D are proof of that.
The versatility, expandability and better low-light capabilities of a DSLR cannot be argued with. Plus, there is a growing breed of interested and experienced photographers who only pursue photography as a hobby and not as a profession. That’s why the EOS 60D was created; as an ‘in-betweener’, to bridge the gap between the cheaper entry-level DSLRs and the professional ones.
Sitting squarely between the starting Rs22,000 range and the Rs1 lakh-plus models, the EOS 60D is available as body only, with prices starting at Rs65,295, or as a kit with either an 18-55mm, 18-135mm or 18-200mm Canon lens. In a nutshell, it marries the simplicity of something basic (like the EOS 1000D) with several high-end features from cameras like the EOS 7D and EOS 5D Mark II.
At a glance, the 60D reminds you of its professional brethren because of its larger size and heft. Though it doesn’t have the magnesium-alloy construction or the same weather seals as the more expensive models, it does have a backlit LCD on top, a multi-control dial (with a rotating D-Pad), a high-durability shutter and a built-in SpeedLite transmitter (for remote firing of a Canon SpeedLite flash unit).
The flip-and-twist LCD from some of the PowerShot series makes an appearance here, for the first time on a Canon DSLR. And, it sure is a welcome addition. Apart from being bright and razor sharp, the articulating nature of the 3-inch screen means that you can easily take self-portraits, low-angle, over-the-head or around-the-corner photos.
And thanks to the wide viewing angle of the LCD, you can also show off your photos to good effect. Another first is the ‘locked’ mode dial; before you change modes, you have to press a button on top of the dial. This prevents accidentally changing modes while using the camera.
As with any good DSLR, power it on and its ready to shoot in mere milliseconds.The continuous frame rate of 5.3fps is helpful if you want to capture a series of fast-moving subjects. The menu system is intuitive and new users to Canon will be helped along with the Quick Menu options and numerous shortcut keys.
Demanding photographers might be disappointed though, because it’s fairly evident that the basic 18-55mm IS lens simply does not do the EOS 60D justice. And the AF system does not cope well with every situation either. To do full justice, take it with the 18-135mm (Rs85,995) or the 18-200mm kit (Rs1,01,995).
Our final take: something that costs about half as much (EOS 550D) comes with the exact same lens, has the same CMOS sensor, 1080p video recording, 3-inch LCD and 9 AF points. A lot of confused customers? Quite likely.