Decisive for the decision in favor of the Canon 60D against the 600D or 650D even more current was slightly better operability through the additional dial and the shoulder display and the larger body, the better is for my taste in his hand. Here I would however advise everyone to try it themselves.
Now on to the review.
Image quality and ISO:
I shall not go into the lab tests, but reports from the experience gained so far, I've done with this camera here. The pictures made so far convince me fully. The quality is very good and you have to cut a lot of potential and subsequently to zoom. I used the camera to 90% for landscape and day. So I do not need extremely high ISO values. In the range up to ISO 400, I could not detect any significant differences to the EOS 400D. After that, the 60D has benefits. More than ISO3200 I would not recommend. Theoretically, ISO 12800 are possible, which should only be used, however, if there is no other way out and otherwise no picture is possible. About JPG I can not make any statements because I always RAW receiving and then editing.
Service:
In the operation, I see the biggest advantage over the 400D and also the current three- and four-digit cameras from Canon. The second dial and the shoulder display facilitate many settings and make the operation much more comfortable. I do not want to miss that. Alone scrolling through the images captured by dial is much faster than the smaller models. The direct access to the ISO values, focus or other settings is simply managed.
Rotatable display:
To this end, I have to say that I am still divided. Certainly, it is helpful for situations overhead or on the ground. Here you can then but targeted photographing than before. However bothers me that the display does not go out, if you look through the viewfinder. That was made really great at the 400D. Now you can fold back the display alternatively. I think it's always awkward, however, since a quick glance at the display control is then no longer so easy. At this point I would give a little discount.
Feel:
Often criticized, the plastic feel of the EOS 60D compared to the previous double-digit models here. I do not mind it honestly and I am very satisfied when it comes to grip. Compared to the 400D, and other three-digit course much better. Who the 60D is still too small, which can be to buy the battery grip, which has the advantage of being able to use a second battery.
I find it very pleasant that the 60D is not too heavy. I like to go hiking and then take my camera with. Because every gram saved is valuable. Of course, smaller cameras would be even better, but then again missing the ease of use.
Autofocus:
Autofocus is not too important for me. Portrait already was already satisfactorily even with the 400D. When landscape has usually more time and does not need a super-fast focus. However, I have to say that the focus in the one or other Sitation already allowed use of its capabilities and I was pleasantly surprised to see what is possible. Here you could tell the nine cross-type sensors. But one should also say that it is always good also to use bright optics. The more light, the more accurate is the auto focus.
Movies:
Here I used mostly manual focus and work more with short clips, as with longer videos. Anyone who looks at a film according to critical, noted that there is zoomed hardly ever and the individual scenes are always relatively short. So I try to keep it and to make the individual sequences even at family gatherings so short that not zoomed and almost does not need to be refocused. If you heed this succeed with the 60D wonderful videos in FullHD.
File size:
One should always keep the file size in mind and already provide accordingly hardware and memory. Especially those like me who need images reworked expect to have an appropriate PC with sufficient disk capacity available.
For whom I would recommend the camera?
The camera is generally suitable for all users. Beginners will probably not necessarily need all the functions, but can also operate fully automatically and make corresponding right good pictures. Those who want to take pictures only in fully automatic mode, however, should think about the four or three-digit model, because you can save money here.
Intermediate and advanced are (as a second Body) miss any manual settings. If not necessarily fast-moving images and a huge autofocus for Sport is needed, even professionals can access.
Is it worth upgrading from 550D, 600D or 650D?
From the picture quality here, I would say "no" because the sensor in all current models down to the 550D is the same. Here come only autofocus, operating concept and feel to wear. Whether you want to spend the money, everyone must decide for themselves.
At the end of the body does not make the picture, but the lens. But I would buy me the 60D at any time. For the money you get a very good camera. Those like me who takes pictures of hobby and does not make money with it, will be fully happy.
I hope the review was helpful.
Regards, Jan
