Canon EOS 60D vs 550D vs 7D - Getting more bangs for bucks!
by Raphael Chieza

When Canon announced the long rumoured and must anticipated Canon EOS 60D, not everyone was ecstatic about the specs put before them but that was pretty much to be expected. With a new class of camera introduced with the release of the Canon 7D, it had prompted to ask questions about the future of the Canon XXD series. This becomes a bigger problem when you take a look at the Canon EOS 550D which in the right hands can already give the EOS 7D some stiff competition. So why choose the Canon EOS 60D? Was Canon out of their minds and is this really a marketing blunder?

Let's take a look at some of the specs first.

Canon EOS 550D, EOS 60D and EOS 7D Specifications

Features	Canon EOS 550D	Canon EOS 60D	Canon EOS 7D
Sensor Type	APS-C CMOS sensor	APS-C CMOS sensor	APS-C CMOS sensor
Sensor Size	22.3 x 14.9mm	22.3 x 14.9mm	22.3 x 14.9mm
Sensor Resolution	18.0 megapixels	18.0 megapixels	18.0 megapixels
LCD	3-inch 3:2 (1040k dots) Clear View LCD	3-inch 3:2 (1040k dots) Clear View LCD	3-inch (920k dots) Clear View II LCD
Tilt LCD	No	Yes	No
Live View	Yes	Yes	Yes
Viewfinder Type	Pentamirror	Pentaprism	Pentaprism
Viewfinder Coverage	Approx. 95%	Approx. 96%	Approx. 100%
Viewfinder Magnification	Approx. 0.87x	Approx. 0.95x	Approx. 1.0x
Focusing Screen	Fixed	Interchangeable (3 types, optional)	Fixed (Transmissive LCD screen)
HD Movie	1920x1080 (30, 25, 24fps), 1280x720 (60, 50fps)	1920x1080 (30, 25, 24fps), 1280x720 (60, 50fps)	1920x1080 (30, 25, 24fps), 1280x720 (60, 50fps)
Max. Continuous Burst Speed	3.7fps (34JPEG / 6RAW)	5.3fps (58JPEG / 16RAW)	8fps (126JPEG / 15RAW)
Metering System	TTL full aperture metering with 63 zone Dual Layer SPC	TTL full aperture metering with 63 zone Dual Layer SPC	TTL full aperture metering with 63 zone Dual Layer SPC
AF System	9-point cross type AF System	9-point cross type AF System	19-point cross type AF System
Flash Modes	Auto, Manual Flash On/Off	Auto, Manual Flash On/Off, Integrated Speedlite Transmitter	Auto, Manual Flash On/Off, Multi Flash, Integrated Speedlite Transmitter
Built-in Image Stabilisation	No	No	No
Image Sensitivity (ISO)	AUTO(100-6400), 100-6400 (Expandable to 12800)	AUTO(100-3200), 100-6400 (Expandable to 12800)	AUTO(100-3200), 100-6400 (Expandable to 12800)
Shutter Speed Range	30-1/4000 sec (1/2 or 1/3 stop increments), Bulb	30-1/8000 sec (1/2 or 1/3 stop increments), Bulb	30-1/8000 sec (1/2 or 1/3 stop increments), Bulb
Built-in Flash	Yes	Yes	Yes
Body Material	Stainless Steel and polycarbonate resin with glass fiber	Aluminium and polycarbonate resin with glass fibre	Magnesium Alloy body covers
Weight (Body Only)	Approx. 530g	Approx. 755g	Approx. 820g
Dimensions (W x H x D)	128.8 x 97.3 x 62 mm	144.5 x 105.8 x 78.6mm	148.2 x 110.7 x 73.5mm

Does it make sense to buy the Canon EOS 60D?

Well the first consideration would be the idea of "upgrading" cameras from the lower to higher ranges. Looking at the specs, it is definitely clear that by moving from the 550D to the 60D, and from the 60D to the 7D (or its future replacement) would make sense. While some might elect to jump straight from the 550D to the 7D, that would really depend on the final price tags once the 60D is fully launched in the marketplace.

Now why would I say that it makes sense?

Canon EOS 550D → Canon EOS 60D

Better layout of controls with a top LCD which many DSLR users find indispensable A faster body with improved continuous burst shooting and large range of shutter speed Tilt-able LCD for those who need to shoot at awkward angles Integrated Speedlite Transmitter for better off camera lighting control A more rugged weatherproof body

Why choose Canon EOS 60D instead of Canon EOS 7D?

Cheaper body (money does matter… how much will depend on the eventual price differences) Tilt-able LCD for those who need to shoot at awkward angles If you don't need more than 5.3fps continuous burst speed Want the lightest possible camera that can do the job (Those 65g will make a difference after some time)

Canon EOS 60D → Canon EOS 7D

A faster body with improved continuous burst shooting and maximum shots per burst An even more rugged body Transmissive LCD screen for greater flexibility while shooting 19-point cross type AF System for those who need more precise control (NEGATIVE) You lose the tilt-able LCD

Although I still see a lot of people buying cameras that are totally beyond their current abilities, I believe that there are many photographers out there who will be happy to get their "upgrades" without having to break the bank by getting the Canon EOS 60D instead of the Canon EOS 7D.

Do you agree? Drop me your comments below and share your view.