Are you looking, Canon 60D?

Wednesday, 13 April 2011 03:52

Written by Rica Peralejo-Bonifacio

Buying a camera can be overwhelming especially in the digital age wherein total number of new features and innovations seem to rise by the minute. What helps though is if we can be definitive and already be clear at the onset about two very important aspects; ask even before the search begins, “What do I need?” and “What do I want?” My shopping philosophy is that unless I know what I am looking for, chances are, I won’t find it. Want and Need

In a nutshell, I want SLR-quality photos at “snapshot convenience,”or clear and vivid images of and by someone whose life is always on the go. Aside from being a celebrity, I’m also a student and a new wife, and the need right now is for a camera that can cope with multiple tasks at the speed that I do them. To be more specific, I want a camera that can handle well-lit outdoor activities to dimly lit parties, from still to fast acting subjects, without having to sacrifice moment or quality.

Trying the 60D

I already fell in love with the basic shooting mode of my Canon Rebel camerafrom before, and I do once more. It’s just so convenient to have an arrayof ready-to-shoot options: full auto, landscape, portrait, portrait at night, close up, moving subjects and my favorite: no flash or disabling flash feature which ideally reproduces the exact mood of the image you are capturing. Options under this zone are highly recommendable for quick, impromptu, moments.

The other half of the dial are options that fall under the creative zone, which are all preset according to shutter and exposure priorities except themanual feature wherein one can be totally in control of both. The advantage of using this over the basic zone modes is that it allows for manual adjustment between the three Auto-Focus functions made for still subjects, moving subjects or a shift from one to the other. This works well with all red-ringed Canon lenses that come with the auto-focus and image stabilizer functions.

In this sense, I personally think that the 60D isn’t too different from the older models except for a few wonderful additions. For one, the live view shooting is such a treat. Instead of looking through the viewfinder, you now have the option to refer directly to the LCD monitor when shooting, aside from reviewing and editing pictures from it. What’s more is that it’s adjustable. You can rotate the monitor in different directions: normal, low and high angle.
The high angle option is for shooting beyond your view or reach. Say a crowd is blocking your view of yoursubject, you can easily stretch your arms up and tilt the monitor to your eye level while leaving your lenses focused on your subject, and voila! You got the picture that you’re looking for. It’s also fun to flip it around while the lens stays focused on you and then you can efficiently take your own photo with a friend or two.

From the same monitor you also get to use the amazing Quick Control Setting, which is quite self-explanatory. You press the Q button and it shows everything that you can adjust according to your chosen mode of shooting. This includes an old feature of shooting by light or scene type (daylight, shade, cloudy, tungsten, fluorescent and sunset), plus a new set of ambience settings: vivid, soft, warm, intense, cool, brighter, darker, and monochrome. Flash exposure is also easily adjustable through the quick control button, as well as options of continuous shooting and self-timing.

Another remarkable difference is that the 60D already uses an SD card instead of the customary compact flash cards. I honestly don’t know why this is technically better but it surely is more convenient. First off, many computers have built in SD card slots. Case in point, even the camera connecting kit made for solely for theiPadhas ports only for USB and the SD card.

Needless to say, it isn’t only convenient but even sweet that the 60D has a movie shooting or video recording option. I didn’t know this until I got this unit for testing and I must say, it’s such a welcome addition since it also satisfies my desire for high quality video (as it is not just another one of those extra options but an HD or high definition) that my handy FLIP cannot fulfill. However, the catch is that you have to at least have the size of a fresh 2GB memory capacity for your SD, enough to handle its HD quality. Anything lower than this size will not allow you to record videos continuously.

So far, the 60D seems to fit the bill but does it really? Because the third and equally significant question hasn’t been asked yet: “How much does it cost?” followed by, “Can I afford it?” or “Is it worth it?”

A quick survey from my supplier says that the 60D’s body alone is already P55-58,000; with 18-55mm lens it’s P62,950; with 18-135mm lens it’s P75,950. And if I’d like to maximize its features, I’d better upgrade my SD capacity as well to at least 4-6GB which, depending on the brand, quality and dependability, prices might range anywhere from hundreds to thousands.I guess you can tell that getting a camera, and a good one at that, is never going to be a cheap enquiry.

What I think

On the whole, the camera is really somewhere between the Rebel series and the semi-pro Canon 7D, and other reviews are quite accurate when they say that the model is perfect for “enthusiastic amateurs looking to upgrade from an entry-level camera.”

The 60D is also relatively lighter than previous models, although still not small enough to fit a purse for sleek and glam events. If that were the case, it would have been perfect as the performance, more often than not, is up to par and it even brings to the table a few additional surprises.

Aside from that, I personally think the video recording option makes the 60D a good investment. Considering that I am in a new season of making a beautiful life with my husband, this camera might just be the perfect gadget to render quality images of our own precious moments and memories.That is if I don’t see anything better to fulfill my want and need other than the 60D, and also if we could actually afford it. Last few tips before I go: no matter how convinced you may be, canvass before deciding and do not settle for what seems to be good, but go for the best deal. Happy hunting! - Article Courtesy of Manila Bulletin.