Text and Photos: SHARKAWI CHE DIN
Overview of EOS 60D
The aim of this article is to highlight some views on the practicality of camera in actual photographic environments. However due to time limitation, testing and trial shootings were only carried out with Cannon EOS 60D, thus features presented here are only associated with this model. The emphasis of this writing is on features that I used for the types of my photographic interest including nature, macro, low-light and long-exposures. Nevertheless, there are a number of improvements which were inherited from the previous Canon models that are worth mentioning including the creative filters, in-camera RAW processing, electronic leveling, full HD movie recording, the ‘M’ mode for optimum control for video recording, an innovative Vari-Angle LCD display and many more significant addition of features toward the contribution and improvement of the art of picture taking.
Practically, anyone using a DSLR can be considered as serious photographers and they are typically interested in making high quality photographic images. While the aesthetic skills related to understanding the art and design are still considered as essential ingredients, the latest improved technology will seamlessly complement both parties in producing good and publishable photographs. The lighter weight of the camera body of 755g including battery and secure digital (SD) card makes this camera perfect for outdoor activities especially among travelers or anyone who prefers lighter equipment for convenience and simplicity. The lighter weight perhaps is due to the material used for the body of this camera which is polycarbonate resin with glass fiber on aluminum chassis.
Technical Improvements
Vari-Angle 3-inch ClearView LCD
The 60D continues the tradition by being the first in the history of EOS DSLR cameras equipped with a wide Vari-Angle 3-inch ClearView LCD screen with 1,040.000 dot/VGA resolutions with anti flare and smudge-resistance coating. The Vari-Angle LCD offers unparallel flexibility for photographers and videographers to easily achieve a creative angle and unique point-of-view with ease. The introduction of 60D was due to popular demands among photographers of various needs and different requirements of photographic activities. The previous successor of 550D, 50D and 7D are well capable of filling the gaps but the 60D has attractive features designed to penetrate various segment of audiences with different set of photographic interests. The new technology and features incorporated in this camera makes the process of making perfect images effortless.
Multi-Control Dial
Another welcoming improvement of the EOS 60D is the new Multi-Control Dial which consists of a Multi-Controller and Set button, positioned inside the Quick Control Dial. Additionally, inadvertent changes of camera mode dial can be prevented by a button placed on top of the mode dial.
.
A New Perspective of Creativity
Creative Filters
Built-in advanced creative features offered in the Canon EOS 60D is another significant value added to this readily reputable model, a powerful tool in a small package camera. The built-in Creative Filters comprises of four special effect filters of Grainy Black and White, Soft Focus, Toy Camera Effects and Miniature Effects. All of these filters can be applied in-camera to both original jpeg and RAW files. The processed files will be saved as new files retaining the original files for archiving.
In camera RAW image processing
For advance users who are always under the pressure of tight deadlines, the in-camera RAW image processing allows photographers to process images without the need of using personal computers. In addition to the RAW image processing, the Resize feature makes the process of downsizing original files for various online applications including for email attachment and for varieties of internet applications trouble-free and practical.
HD movie recording
The HD movie recording facility is today’s standard of Canon EOS System and the 60D offers the ability of recording Full HD 1920 x 1080 at 24, 25 and 30 frames per second. The M mode for recording HD Movies provides full control over any aspect of movie recording. Taking the advantage of a complete lineup of EF lenses, shooting movies can fulfill the creative needs for effective and attractive storytelling embedded with seamless artistic flow of video recording competences. Frame rates of 50 and 60 frames per second are also available should the photographer requires specific purposes.
The built-in Speedlite Transmitter
The built-in Speedlite Transmitter is another additional valuable feature that provides maximum control for multi flash photography. The 60D uses E-TTL II which is capable of producing good flash exposure for wide range of subjects and conditions. An important note for photographers who use strobes for studio work is that the standard PC Sync terminal is not available in 60D.
Electronic Level
Electronic Level which is inherited from 7D greatly facilitates horizontal and vertical-tilt correction to ensure each image is perfectly aligned in either direction. Recording sequential images for panoramic stitching will be much easier, ensuring correct position of images across of the combined image. The horizontal tilt is displayed in 1 degree increment and the line color will change from red to green indicating that the alignment is corrected within plus and minus one degree of margin of error.
Metering
The EOS 60D employs a 63-zone dual layer Intelligent Focus, Color, and Luminance (iFCL) metering sensor (5D Mark II employs 35 zone metering sensor) for producing perfect and consistent exposure under various shooting conditions for each and every creative expression. The iFCL metering system takes color information from subjects for illumination and color analysis, towards consistent and accurate results of various lighting conditions. The four metering modes available in 60D are Evaluative, Partial (6.5% of image frame at center), Centre-Weighted Averaging Metering and Spot (2.8% of image frame). The five stops exposure compensation offered by 60D enables photographers to fine tune the exposure for each subject based on their technical proficiency and individual artistic demands. The automatic exposure bracketing is also included in the camera for capturing images with different set of exposures. This feature is useful for photographers to acquire extreme precision of exposure or advance digital image processing to create stunning realistic high dynamic range images.
Focusing Points
Canon EOS 60D’s nine cross type AF points provide high precision focusing accuracy for every type of subject. However, these focus points seems too little for such an advance body of 60D. More focusing points will be greatly benificial for shooters of fast moving action activities. This new focusing point features f5.6-sensitive for all nine focusing points. The centre focus point provides accurate focusing of fast moving subjects which is obtainable approximately one second after the tracking of the main subject before the focusing is sucessfully locked. Alternatively, shooting any static subject can be achieved almost instantly.
The imaging processor
The internal operation of the camera has also been improved by a 18.0MP APS-C-sized (1.6x lens crop factor) CMOS sensor and blazingly fast image rendering speed of a DIGIC 4 processor excel in capturing any subjects in any conditions with greater details. The 14-Bit processing provides accurate color reproduction with smoother tonal expression. Another significant internal features of the 60D is the use of the DIGIC 4 processing chip which is the same processor for a higher end model of camera including 5D Mark II, 7D and 1D Mark IV (with the exception that 1D Mark IV uses dual DIGIC 4 processor) to ensure almost real time display on screen as well as its superiority in producing finest tonal rendition in images. The wide ISO range of 100-6400 (expandable to ISO12,800) provides greater advantages for photographers shooting indoors with low-noise images for low-light subjects.
Burst rate
The continuous shooting speed of 5.3 frames per seconds (fps) is suitable for capturing sequential of fast moving subjects for sports and motorsports activities. The maximum burst rates of 58 Large/Fine JPEG files are much anticipated inclusion of flexibility for those who are into action photography or photojournalism.
Battery Life
Another worth mentioning improvement is that the 60D use the same battery pack as 7D and 5D Mark II, making it more economical for users of previous models to purchase the 60D as a second body. Unfortunately, the battery of the previous camera model of 20D, 30D, 40D and 50D is incompatible with 60D. A fully charged battery pack can capture 1,600 shot without flash or 1,100 shot with flash. This is a great news for photographer who is working on outdoor assignments or in remote areas. However, this number varies depending on the shooting style. The usage of Live-View display and movie recording are among activities that will drain the battery power quickly.
Achieving consistent images with Canon’s Picture Style
One of the appealing features of the Canon EOS is its ability to achieve consistent image quality in terms of the ‘outlook’ of images across Canon EOS models. The consistent results can be achieved through a customization of Canon’s Picture Style. Therefore, previous users of EOS digital cameras can take the advantage of maintaining his or her style regardless of which model is being used. The standard picture styles provided within all EOS cameras include Standard, Portrait, Landscape, Neutral, Faithful, Monochrome and three other custom parameters you could develop over the years of your photographic career. All characteristic of your picture style is achieved directly in camera without the need of extensive post-processing. Alternatively, the Picture Style can be incorporated directly in the camera or after the files are transferred into the Canon DPP software. The Picture Style is an important feature among EOS photographers who uses multiple camera body to deliver highest quality images.
Canon Digital Photo Professional software
The powerful and updated version of Canon’s RAW processing software of Digital Photo Professional (version 3.9.1.0) is a high-performance but often neglected of RAW image processing, viewing and editing software for EOS DIGITAL cameras provides excellence processing parameters for RAW files capture by EOS digital cameras. Through the Digital Photo Professional (DPP) software, major processing attributes can be performed precisely and effortlessly. In addition to the standard processing and editing of RAW files and advance adjustment inclusive of exposure, white balance, contrast, hue, sharpness and more), the DPP also provides a processing function for auto lighting optimizer, noise reduction options, lens aberration correction, trimming, angle adjustment, automatic dust erasure processing and dust spot removal. All processing parameters applied to an individual file can be saved as a Recipe for future use and the batch processing function makes conversion of RAW files a breeze.
Conclusions
The EOS 60D is a camera for photographers of various skills and a camera capable of producing excellent quality images. Videographers will benefit by the camera’s superiority of recording full resolution HD movies. Users who use EOS DSLR for the first time will be greatly benefited by the user friendly interface for easy navigation for both still images and video recording. In order to be better acquainted with the technical terms and functions of every menu, reading the instruction manual of EOS 60D is strongly recommended. Students enrolling in photography courses may find the intuitive body design equipped with higher end features are well suited with their limited budget and requirements for learning activities. Photography lecturers will appreciate the simplicity and versatility of the camera that contributes for teaching and learning activities which can be more engaging. Serious hobbyists can now greatly take the advantages of the incorporated high end features that is typically available for a pro-level camera models at a significantly bargained price. Professional photographers who are looking for a backup camera body will appreciate the superior image quality produced by the 60D. The built-in flash transmitter provides portrait and wedding photographers the ability to use multiple flash set-ups for extensive control over the flash outputs.
The aim of this article is to highlight some views on the practicality of camera in actual photographic environments. However due to time limitation, testing and trial shootings were only carried out with Cannon EOS 60D, thus features presented here are only associated with this model. The emphasis of this writing is on features that I used for the types of my photographic interest including nature, macro, low-light and long-exposures. Nevertheless, there are a number of improvements which were inherited from the previous Canon models that are worth mentioning including the creative filters, in-camera RAW processing, electronic leveling, full HD movie recording, the ‘M’ mode for optimum control for video recording, an innovative Vari-Angle LCD display and many more significant addition of features toward the contribution and improvement of the art of picture taking.
Practically, anyone using a DSLR can be considered as serious photographers and they are typically interested in making high quality photographic images. While the aesthetic skills related to understanding the art and design are still considered as essential ingredients, the latest improved technology will seamlessly complement both parties in producing good and publishable photographs. The lighter weight of the camera body of 755g including battery and secure digital (SD) card makes this camera perfect for outdoor activities especially among travelers or anyone who prefers lighter equipment for convenience and simplicity. The lighter weight perhaps is due to the material used for the body of this camera which is polycarbonate resin with glass fiber on aluminum chassis.
Technical Improvements
Vari-Angle 3-inch ClearView LCD
The 60D continues the tradition by being the first in the history of EOS DSLR cameras equipped with a wide Vari-Angle 3-inch ClearView LCD screen with 1,040.000 dot/VGA resolutions with anti flare and smudge-resistance coating. The Vari-Angle LCD offers unparallel flexibility for photographers and videographers to easily achieve a creative angle and unique point-of-view with ease. The introduction of 60D was due to popular demands among photographers of various needs and different requirements of photographic activities. The previous successor of 550D, 50D and 7D are well capable of filling the gaps but the 60D has attractive features designed to penetrate various segment of audiences with different set of photographic interests. The new technology and features incorporated in this camera makes the process of making perfect images effortless.
Multi-Control Dial
Another welcoming improvement of the EOS 60D is the new Multi-Control Dial which consists of a Multi-Controller and Set button, positioned inside the Quick Control Dial. Additionally, inadvertent changes of camera mode dial can be prevented by a button placed on top of the mode dial.
.
A New Perspective of Creativity
Creative Filters
Built-in advanced creative features offered in the Canon EOS 60D is another significant value added to this readily reputable model, a powerful tool in a small package camera. The built-in Creative Filters comprises of four special effect filters of Grainy Black and White, Soft Focus, Toy Camera Effects and Miniature Effects. All of these filters can be applied in-camera to both original jpeg and RAW files. The processed files will be saved as new files retaining the original files for archiving.
In camera RAW image processing
For advance users who are always under the pressure of tight deadlines, the in-camera RAW image processing allows photographers to process images without the need of using personal computers. In addition to the RAW image processing, the Resize feature makes the process of downsizing original files for various online applications including for email attachment and for varieties of internet applications trouble-free and practical.
HD movie recording
The HD movie recording facility is today’s standard of Canon EOS System and the 60D offers the ability of recording Full HD 1920 x 1080 at 24, 25 and 30 frames per second. The M mode for recording HD Movies provides full control over any aspect of movie recording. Taking the advantage of a complete lineup of EF lenses, shooting movies can fulfill the creative needs for effective and attractive storytelling embedded with seamless artistic flow of video recording competences. Frame rates of 50 and 60 frames per second are also available should the photographer requires specific purposes.
The built-in Speedlite Transmitter
The built-in Speedlite Transmitter is another additional valuable feature that provides maximum control for multi flash photography. The 60D uses E-TTL II which is capable of producing good flash exposure for wide range of subjects and conditions. An important note for photographers who use strobes for studio work is that the standard PC Sync terminal is not available in 60D.
Electronic Level which is inherited from 7D greatly facilitates horizontal and vertical-tilt correction to ensure each image is perfectly aligned in either direction. Recording sequential images for panoramic stitching will be much easier, ensuring correct position of images across of the combined image. The horizontal tilt is displayed in 1 degree increment and the line color will change from red to green indicating that the alignment is corrected within plus and minus one degree of margin of error.
The EOS 60D employs a 63-zone dual layer Intelligent Focus, Color, and Luminance (iFCL) metering sensor (5D Mark II employs 35 zone metering sensor) for producing perfect and consistent exposure under various shooting conditions for each and every creative expression. The iFCL metering system takes color information from subjects for illumination and color analysis, towards consistent and accurate results of various lighting conditions. The four metering modes available in 60D are Evaluative, Partial (6.5% of image frame at center), Centre-Weighted Averaging Metering and Spot (2.8% of image frame). The five stops exposure compensation offered by 60D enables photographers to fine tune the exposure for each subject based on their technical proficiency and individual artistic demands. The automatic exposure bracketing is also included in the camera for capturing images with different set of exposures. This feature is useful for photographers to acquire extreme precision of exposure or advance digital image processing to create stunning realistic high dynamic range images.
Focusing Points
Canon EOS 60D’s nine cross type AF points provide high precision focusing accuracy for every type of subject. However, these focus points seems too little for such an advance body of 60D. More focusing points will be greatly benificial for shooters of fast moving action activities. This new focusing point features f5.6-sensitive for all nine focusing points. The centre focus point provides accurate focusing of fast moving subjects which is obtainable approximately one second after the tracking of the main subject before the focusing is sucessfully locked. Alternatively, shooting any static subject can be achieved almost instantly.
The imaging processor
The internal operation of the camera has also been improved by a 18.0MP APS-C-sized (1.6x lens crop factor) CMOS sensor and blazingly fast image rendering speed of a DIGIC 4 processor excel in capturing any subjects in any conditions with greater details. The 14-Bit processing provides accurate color reproduction with smoother tonal expression. Another significant internal features of the 60D is the use of the DIGIC 4 processing chip which is the same processor for a higher end model of camera including 5D Mark II, 7D and 1D Mark IV (with the exception that 1D Mark IV uses dual DIGIC 4 processor) to ensure almost real time display on screen as well as its superiority in producing finest tonal rendition in images. The wide ISO range of 100-6400 (expandable to ISO12,800) provides greater advantages for photographers shooting indoors with low-noise images for low-light subjects.
Burst rate
The continuous shooting speed of 5.3 frames per seconds (fps) is suitable for capturing sequential of fast moving subjects for sports and motorsports activities. The maximum burst rates of 58 Large/Fine JPEG files are much anticipated inclusion of flexibility for those who are into action photography or photojournalism.
Battery Life
Another worth mentioning improvement is that the 60D use the same battery pack as 7D and 5D Mark II, making it more economical for users of previous models to purchase the 60D as a second body. Unfortunately, the battery of the previous camera model of 20D, 30D, 40D and 50D is incompatible with 60D. A fully charged battery pack can capture 1,600 shot without flash or 1,100 shot with flash. This is a great news for photographer who is working on outdoor assignments or in remote areas. However, this number varies depending on the shooting style. The usage of Live-View display and movie recording are among activities that will drain the battery power quickly.
Achieving consistent images with Canon’s Picture Style
One of the appealing features of the Canon EOS is its ability to achieve consistent image quality in terms of the ‘outlook’ of images across Canon EOS models. The consistent results can be achieved through a customization of Canon’s Picture Style. Therefore, previous users of EOS digital cameras can take the advantage of maintaining his or her style regardless of which model is being used. The standard picture styles provided within all EOS cameras include Standard, Portrait, Landscape, Neutral, Faithful, Monochrome and three other custom parameters you could develop over the years of your photographic career. All characteristic of your picture style is achieved directly in camera without the need of extensive post-processing. Alternatively, the Picture Style can be incorporated directly in the camera or after the files are transferred into the Canon DPP software. The Picture Style is an important feature among EOS photographers who uses multiple camera body to deliver highest quality images.
Canon Digital Photo Professional software
The powerful and updated version of Canon’s RAW processing software of Digital Photo Professional (version 3.9.1.0) is a high-performance but often neglected of RAW image processing, viewing and editing software for EOS DIGITAL cameras provides excellence processing parameters for RAW files capture by EOS digital cameras. Through the Digital Photo Professional (DPP) software, major processing attributes can be performed precisely and effortlessly. In addition to the standard processing and editing of RAW files and advance adjustment inclusive of exposure, white balance, contrast, hue, sharpness and more), the DPP also provides a processing function for auto lighting optimizer, noise reduction options, lens aberration correction, trimming, angle adjustment, automatic dust erasure processing and dust spot removal. All processing parameters applied to an individual file can be saved as a Recipe for future use and the batch processing function makes conversion of RAW files a breeze.
Conclusions
The EOS 60D is a camera for photographers of various skills and a camera capable of producing excellent quality images. Videographers will benefit by the camera’s superiority of recording full resolution HD movies. Users who use EOS DSLR for the first time will be greatly benefited by the user friendly interface for easy navigation for both still images and video recording. In order to be better acquainted with the technical terms and functions of every menu, reading the instruction manual of EOS 60D is strongly recommended. Students enrolling in photography courses may find the intuitive body design equipped with higher end features are well suited with their limited budget and requirements for learning activities. Photography lecturers will appreciate the simplicity and versatility of the camera that contributes for teaching and learning activities which can be more engaging. Serious hobbyists can now greatly take the advantages of the incorporated high end features that is typically available for a pro-level camera models at a significantly bargained price. Professional photographers who are looking for a backup camera body will appreciate the superior image quality produced by the 60D. The built-in flash transmitter provides portrait and wedding photographers the ability to use multiple flash set-ups for extensive control over the flash outputs.
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