canon 60D

[alexV]

hi everyone

I am about to purchase Canon 60D and would like to get some feedback from 60D users

How happy are you with that camera

Thank you

[Derek Klepp]

Hi Alex I just purchased one of these due to the fast shutter speed 1/8000sec and the tilt screen which I find particularly useful.I use it mainly for Sunrise/Set pics combined with a 28-300mm zoom.Its a step up from the 450D and well priced.I shoot mainly with the manual settings but do enjoy the inbuilt level function. It is well priced but if money is no option I would consider the 6D with the full frame sensor.If you look in the terrestrial section you will see some shots with the camera with little post processing.(Jabiru Shots)
Cheers Derek.

[alexV]

thank you Derek

[Rod771 (Rod)]

For less than $900 (body only) you wont be disappointed Alex.

The 6D would be awesome but that's a big difference in price.

[AstroJason (Jason)]

I have been using the 60D as well, unmodded, I have been able to get some great shots of DSO without a scope attached to it. I reiterate what Derek said in that the flip screen is very useful when the camera is mounted in awkward positions. You wont be disappointed with this purchase.

[Jay-qu]

Hey, another 60D user here.

I love this camera, it is a really good all-rounder day and night, and cant be beaten for the price. Here is a small sample of images I've taken with it: http://www.astrobin.com/users/Jay/

[Antlerscreek]

I have a 60D and a 60Da, the 60Da slays the 60D but up untill i got the 60Da i was very happy with the 60D and if i lost my Da would definitely be staying with the 60D. If i couldnt get another 60Da that is
The rotating screen is super handy if its hanging of the back of a scope low to the ground. Also i found it really easy to contol the camera with the free software on my mac for long remote exposures. Also the live view, through to my computer works well. I was using a nikon D7000 before the 60D btw.

<i should add though i have only been playing in this sandpit for about a year now so still learning a lot about gear myself>

[Jay-qu]

The 60Da would be the obvious choice, if you weren't paying double for the filter to pass the H-alpha line... as far as I know that is the only difference:
http://snapsort.com/compare/Canon-EO...-Canon_EOS_60D

[Rod771 (Rod)]

Originally Posted by Jay-qu

as far as I know that is the only difference:

Plus all the extra gear in the box , ac adaptor, remote connections etc.

[MrB (Simon)]

Also have the 60Da and love it.
As mentioned, the flip screen is very handy, also mentioned, live view(Cam back or tethered) is great for focusing, not yet mentioned is how handy the in-camera electronic level is for shooting nightscape or lightning shots, get your horizon right first time with no mucking around and best of all, when it's too dark to see the horizon!
As far as I am aware, this feature is only available in the pro-sumer bodies(1D's, 5D mkIII, 6D, 7D) and the 60D.

I am not sure, but Canon's blurb kinda reads as though the 60Da has a lower noise sensor than the vanilla 60D, hard to say tho as it's a bit vague.
Perhaps they pick the cream of the 60D sensors for the Da

Now, if canon would release a 6Da

[Jay-qu]

Originally Posted by Rod771

Plus all the extra gear in the box , ac adaptor, remote connections etc.

1. Magic lantern is free and provides more functionality
2. AC adapters are peanuts: http://www.ebay.com/itm/ACK-E6-AC-Po...-/220819636701

I don't think the 60Da has lower noise.. if canon had put any effort into that I would expect they would have made it a major marketing point.

[MrB (Simon)]

2. AC adapters are peanuts: http://www.ebay.com/itm/ACK-E6-AC-Po...-/220819636701

True, but pretty sure you could say goodbye to your warranty if the camera craps itself connected to a generic power supply, I'm not taking that risk. I have generic power for my out of warranty 40D and 400D's.

I don't think the 60Da has lower noise.. if canon had put any effort into that I would expect they would have made it a major marketing point.

They do, Canon's blurb says "Low Noise" for the 60D, but "Lower Noise" for the 60Da, but not what it is "Lower Noise" compared to. I assume the 60D, but it could well be compared to the 50D, they just don't say. Hence why I said they were vague. I don't think it's unreasonable for them to set aside a few low noise 60D sensors and slap them in the low volume higher value Da's after they've done the QA testing on them. Commonplace in other industries. Very well possible they don't, but who knows I was just throwing the idea out there after reading 'Lower Noise'

[DJT (David)]

K..comparisons thin across the ground however this is one I found earlier comparing a modded stock camera, the 60d and the 60da.

http://www.astropix.com/HTML/I_ASTRO..._60D_550Da.HTM

In reading this it appears that the signal to noise ratio is better comparing the 60d and the 60da by a Reasonable amount. The guy who wrote this writes a lot about dslr imaging for astro. His basis for his numbers whilst not incredibly scientific seems reasonable.

End of the day, if Simon is happy and he is getting good results then its worth it?

[MrB (Simon)]

Interesting page David, I visit Jerry's site every now and then but had missed this, wonder when he did it?
Will read it when I have time later, cheers

[Jay-qu]

Originally Posted by DJT

K..comparisons thin across the ground however this is one I found earlier comparing a modded stock camera, the 60d and the 60da.

http://www.astropix.com/HTML/I_ASTRO..._60D_550Da.HTM

In reading this it appears that the signal to noise ratio is better comparing the 60d and the 60da by a Reasonable amount. The guy who wrote this writes a lot about dslr imaging for astro. His basis for his numbers whilst not incredibly scientific seems reasonable.

End of the day, if Simon is happy and he is getting good results then its worth it?

I haven't read this carefully, but I'd guess the extra SNR is due to the extra light from h-alpha...

[alexV]

What about 650d it looks like they in the same price bracket 650d is newer it is lighter then 60D

Any thoughts on 650D

Thank you all

[Jay-qu]

Compared to the 60D you don't lose much that matters for astro
- 1/4000 instead of 1/8000 shutter speed
- a bit worse battery life
- slightly worse fps
- it's not weather sealed (slightly worse build quality overall)
- settings lcd screen on top

You do gain touchscreen though... but I prefer the dials while shooting anyway, you don't have to look and fiddle..