Canon EOS 60D

Canon EOS 60D

The Canon EOS 60D is a mid-range DSLR featuring 18 Megapixels, HD video and a fully-articulated screen. Announced in August 2010, it's the official replacement for the EOS 50D, but Canon's repositioned the new model from the semi-pro status of its predecessor into a new mid-range category for the company. As such the EOS 60D sits in-between the upper entry-level EOS 550D / T2i and the semi-pro EOS 7D, allowing it to directly compete against Nikon's highly successful mid-range DSLRs like the D90 and D7000. This repositioning has caused some heartache for existing xxD owners who were waiting for a semi-pro upgrade from models like the EOS 40D and EOS 50D. While EOS 60D offers several key enhancements over these models, the repositioning has also seen a number of 'downgrades', most notably concerning the body construction and removal of certain specialist features.
So while Canon officially describes the EOS 60D as the successor to the EOS 50D, we'd say the most sensible path for xxD owners who want an upgrade in every respect is to go for the existing EOS 7D instead – it may be a year older than the 60D, but remains a great camera with a price that improves the longer it's been out; see our Canon EOS 7D review for more details. As for the new EOS 60D, it's the ideal choice for someone wanting a step-up from an entry-level DSLR without the expense, weight or complication of a traditional semi-pro model. Think of it as a souped-up EOS xxxD / Rebel and it makes much more sense – and once again this repositioning finally gives Canon a DSLR to directly compete against Nikon's highly successful mid-range models rather than slotting-in above or below.

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