The Great Compromise : Canon EOS 60D

The new Canon 60D, pictured with a battery grip.

Since the arrival of the Canon EOS 7D and subsequent release of the T2i / 550D there has been a gap in the Canon lineup. Buying the 50D no longer seemed practical to many advanced amateurs, since it was so outclassed by the features of the T2i, but the price of the 7D put it just beyond the range of what many were willing to spend (and the weight and size beyond what they were willing to tote around). Yet, the advanced amateur still yearned for more features and ease of control, and frankly, more status than is offered by the entry level “Rebel” line.

The Canon EOS 60D, announced about a week ago, is clearly intended to fill this gap. Probably available in September, its expected price of $1099 falls nicely between the Rebel T2i ($799) and the 7D ($1535). Its features, also, are largely intermediate between the two cameras that were already very similar. The controls are similar, but not identical, to the 7D, while the construction is much more in line with the T2i than the 7D (or the 50D, for that matter).

Lets take a quick look at the differences, side-by-side:

	Canon 60D	Canon 7D	Canon Rebel T2i (550D)
Price	$1099	$1599	$799
Body Material	Polycarbonate & Stainless Steel	Magnesium Alloy	Polycarbonate resin & fiberglass with Stainless Steel
LCD Monitor Size	Articulated, 3.0", 1,040,000 pixels, 3:2 aspect ratio	3.0" 920,000 pixels, 4:3 aspect ratio	3.0" 1,040,000 pixels
Sensor	18 Megapixel CMOS	18 Megapixel CMOS	18 Megapixel CMOS
Crop Factor	1.6	1.6	1.6
Sensitivity (ISO Range)	100-6400 +12800	100-6400 +12800	100-6400 +12800
Metering System	63 Zone (point linked) Evaluative 6.5% Partial Metering 2.8% Spot	63 Zone (point linked) Evaluative 9.4% Center Weighted 2.3% Spot	63 Zone (point linked) Evaluative 9% Center Weighted 4% Spot
Focusing Points	9 cross-type points	19-point dual diagonal cross-type	9 Points, 1 cross-type at center
AF Working Range	-.05 EV to 18 EV	-.05 EV to 18 EV	-.05 EV to 18 EV
Still Photo Frame Rate	5.3 frames per second	8 frames per second	3.7 frames per second
Maximum Burst Duration	58 jpg 16 RAW	94 jpg 15 RAW	37 jpg 6 RAW
Exposure Compensation	1/2 or 1/3 stops via thumb-wheel	1/2 or 1/3 stops via thumb-wheel	1/2 or 1/3 stops via dedicated button + dial
Shutter Speeds	30 - 1/8000th sec.	30 - 1/8000th sec.	30 - 1/4000th sec.
Standard Flash Sync Speed	1/250th sec.	1/250th sec.	1/200th sec.
Highest Video Resolution	1080p	1080p	1080p
Max Video Frame Rates	30 fps at 1080p 60 fps at 720p	30 fps at 1080p 60 fps at 720p	30 fps at 1080p 60 fps at 720p
Media Type	SD / SDHC / SDXC	Compact Flash	SD / SDHC / SDXC
Weight	755g	820g	530g
Viewfinder Coverage	96% Frame, .95x magnification	100% 1.0x magnification	95% Frame .87x magnification

Probably the most important change between the 60D and the previous models in its line is that it does NOT have a metal body. Instead, Canon opted for a lighter, less expensive polycarbonate body which, although lighter than the magnesium 7D, still feels quite sturdy.

And perhaps just as significant, Canon has designed the 60D with a fully articulated, 3″ LCD screen for use in “Live” viewing mode and for video… the first ever on an SLR. Since I never use “Live” mode, and rarely use video, it’s hard for me to get excited about this feature, but perhaps for some photographers out there, it’s just what they’ve been waiting for.

The Deciding Factors

All three cameras share the same basic CMOS sensor, providing very similar resolution and high-ISO performance. All three cameras share the same video capabilities. So which should you get?

Buy the Canon 7D ($1535) if :

1. You are a professional or use your camera daily. It is the most robust of the three, with a magnesium alloy body that will stand up to the wear and tear of daily use. This is especially important if you’re a journalist and your camera equipment suffers undue abuse.
2. If you are primarily an action or sports photographer. The dual digic-4 processors of the 7D make it the fastest, and its 19 cross-type point focusing system is the most reliable in difficult situations.
3. Because the 7D has two Digic-4 processors, it is likely to be able to handle high definition video files better than single processor models, though I’d be surprised if there’ll be much of a practical difference.

Buy the Canon 60D ($1099) if:

1. You want the 7D but can’t afford it. The differences are minimal, and a good photographer can easily work around them.
2. You shoot a lot of video and the articulated LCD would be helpful to you.
3. If you’re upgrading from the Rebel line and would like to keep using your SD cards.
4. You shoot a lot of action. The 9 cross-type focusing points are a major improvement over the previous cameras in this series (40D, 50D, etc) and the Rebel series, and will help tremendously when focusing on action or in low contrast situations.
5. You’re looking for a lighter alternative to the 7D.

Buy the Canon Rebel T2i / 550D ($799) if:

1. You’re on a tight budget but still want an awesome 18 megapixel sensor, full features, and 1080p video.
2. If you’re looking for a lightweight camera for travel and will be able to treat it with a bit of care, or a backup for your usual camera.
3. If you primarily shoot portraits or products rather than action, or shoot landscapes/art.

Who will benefit from paying for the Canon 7D?

[If you're interested in the VIDEO features of the Canon 5D Mark II, 7D, and T2i / 550D, you may also find this article helpful: Canon SLRs for Video - JMG]

This week’s introduction of the new Canon 550D / Rebel T2i raises some interesting questions.  This is a camera that clearly out-classes the Canon 50D in many regards, and has many of the features of the Canon EOS 7D, but at less than half the price (Currently $799 at Amazon.com). Will professional or semi-professional photographers be satisfied using the T2i instead of the 7D? What types of photographers will get any practical benefit from paying double for the Canon 7D?

Let’s get this out of the way first. If you’re at least a semi-pro, you’ll want to opt for the 550D designation over the “Rebel”, if it’s available. What photographer over the age of 15 wants a camera with “Rebel” in red letters across the front? Just kidding.

More seriously, though, let me do a quick side-by-side comparison of their features. If you’d like to see the whole table at once, just click use the drop-down menu at the top-left of the table:

The back of the Canon T2i is dominated by the 3" LCD

If you think any items should be added to this table for comparison, let me know.

There are certainly some differences between these cameras. The 7D has a metal body and a brighter viewfinder with full coverage. The 7D will feel better in your hand,  and these things are always nice. On the other hand, the new 550D sports a higher resolution LCD than the 7D, which can be handy in the field.

The main differences, though, are centered around a very specific style of photography, and really might not be a benefit to many photographers. The main area difference? Speed. The Canon EOS 7D will focus on faster moving subjects, and take more photos at faster shutter speeds. It has a faster flash sync speed, too. Many of these are the result of the dual-processor power of the 7D, though some are certainly limitations for marketing purposes… (my Canon EOS A2 in 1994 had a 1/8000th sec. shutter speed at half the price of this camera… I’m sure this isn’t a technological based limitation for the “Rebel”. I don’t remember ever using it then, either).

For example, if you primarily shoot in the studio, there would be no benefit to spending the extra $900 on the 7D, especially for product photography. Since they use the same sensor, the image quality will be identical. Fast moving models might be a little more of an issue if you’re shooting with very dim modeling lights, but most models are staying within a relatively small studio space, so this just wouldn’t make much difference. In fact, a great deal of portraiture work would fall under this category as well.

Similarly, if you primarily shoot landscapes or other still-life fine art photography, you can expect the same image quality as that produced by the 7D, and being able to focus faster and take 8 frames per second won’t make any difference.  Both have mirror lock-up, which is more important to this type of work. Indeed, if you’re backpacking and every ounce counts, the Rebel T2i / 550D has the benefit of being lighter. Keep in mind that if you’re rough on your cameras out there in the wild, the 7D will hold up better.

I suspect that the lens mount is the only metal portion of the housing of the Canon Rebel T2i / 550D

On the other hand, journalists who need to catch fast action on a regular basis will have better success with the 7D, as it has a superior auto-focus system. The Rebel T2i’s AF system is basically the same that found in the 40D, so if you have used that camera with success, the Rebel may suit your needs as well. Sports photographers will undoubtedly enjoy the accuracy of focus provided by the 7D.

Similarly, wedding photographers (especially wedding photojournalists) may find the speed and accuracy of the AF (as well as the other high-speed functions) useful for catching those moments that only happen once. If you’re a more traditional wedding portraitist, the 550D may suffice, especially as a backup. Indeed, you could buy two of the Rebels for the price of a 7D. David Ziser, a well known Ohio wedding Photographer (see his training videos on KelbyTraining.com) used a 40D for years. Personally, I would not use a 550D as my main camera for shooting weddings since my own work involves catching fleeting moments… but I’d consider using one for a backup or second body.

Needless to say, if you have the extra money, the Canon EOS 7D is going to be the superior camera. However,  that saved $900 could buy a pretty nice lens (or two) or some pocket wizards or flashes… The choice in the end depends on your shooting style and how important it is to have extra money left over for extras.

As always, comments are welcome!

READY TO BUY ONE? I’ve found that the best prices are at Amazon, but some people prefer B&H for their selection and reputation.