I am moving my blog from WordPress to my own website. This post comparing the Canon T3i, T2i, 60D, and 7D can now be read here:
http://blog.dojoklo.com/2011/02/20/canon-t3i-600d-vs-t2i-550d-vs-60d-vs-7d-etc/
Thanks for following me to my new blog home!
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
30 comments
February 25, 2011 at 1:58 am
Jay
To me, the Canon 60D just seems like a nicer camera rather than the Canon T3i. I am a youtuber and I personally feel like the 60D is better for a youtuber.
February 26, 2011 at 2:00 am
Do
Thanks for your post. It is very informative and helpful. I find myself going back and forth between 60D and 7D but after reading your post 60D sounds like a better option.
February 27, 2011 at 2:55 pm
pedro
hi
Would you please tell me major differenes between 60 D and 600 D?
March 4, 2011 at 4:30 pm
Scott
One new feature of the new T3i that you didn’t mention is the Custom Functions. I don’t know how well the feature is implemented, but I assume that it allows users to save their favorite setups for different situations. If this feature actually works, I think this is a huge advantage over the T2i. Do you agree?
March 4, 2011 at 5:46 pm
dojoklo
The Custom Functions (C.Fn) of the T3i are the menu settings that allow you to customize the camera – exposure level increments, ISO expansion, noise reduction, modifying the function of various buttons, etc. Most of the T3i Custom Functions are the same as the Custom Functions of the T2i. The 60D and the 7D have a far greater number of C.Fn options including more options to customize the AF system. In my e books (Your World 60D, Canon T3i Experience) I walk you through all of these options, with recommended settings.
These are not the same as the custom C Modes on the mode dial of the 60D and 7D that allow you to save your favorite setups. The T3i does not have this feature.
March 4, 2011 at 6:24 pm
Sophia
I’m deciding between the 60D & the T3i. The 60D kit comes with a 18-135mm lens (metal mount) and sells for $1199. The Rebel T3i kit comes with a 18-55mm lens (plastic mount) and sells for $899. I like the lightness of the Rebel T3i, but the 18-135mm lens is a better lens. The sales guy said he could swap out the 18-55mm lens for the same 18-135mm lens that comes with the 60D for an additional $300, bringing the cost to $1199, which, of course, is the SAME price as the 60D kit. I hesitate to pay the same price for a lesser camera, but the sales guy said I shouldn’t think of the T3i as lesser, that it’s really just as good as the 60D, and I should go with what feels more comfortable in my hand (which the T3i does, and “lugability” is important to me).
I mostly will be using it to take pictures of my 6 month old baby. Right now I’m using an old p&s, and miss the shot more often than not.
So, what do you think? Is it worth it to pay $300 more for the better lens with the T3i, or should I stick with the lens in the kit? And if I do need the better lens, for the same price is the 60D a better overall camera? Would I be insane to choose the T3i for the same price? (I already have a 50mm f/1.8 lens from an old Canon EOS 10S, so that is covered.)
Advice? Either way, I plan to buy your e-book for whichever camera I buy.
March 8, 2011 at 5:29 pm
dojoklo
It is definitely worth it to get the 18-135mm lens instead of the 18-55mm. Better yet would be the 18-200mm lens, but of course that is even more money!
When the T3i and 60D come out to the same price with the 18-135mm lens, it is a bit of a difficult decision. The 60D is a more advanced camera, with a more precise autofocus system, faster continuous frame rate, easier access to controls and viewing settings on the top LCD screen, more menu and customization options. It is a camera you won’t outgrow if / when you become a more advanced photographer, as you may outgrow the T3i. However, if those features of the 60D aren’t important to you, then the T3i may be a better camera for you based on its size and comfort. They both have a similar, if not the same, sensor, and the same exposure metering system, so the image quality will be the same in the T3i and the 60D.
March 27, 2011 at 11:30 am
kennycthai
I’m having the same problem here! I’m debating between the T3i and the 60D. As Sophia mentioned, they are pretty much cost the same with the 18-135mm lens, but I really like the Scene Intelligent Auto Mode in a T3i and wondering if a 60D also has it or not? I’m a newbie so I would prefer the Scene Intelligent Auto Mode to help me out at the very beginning but I definitely plan to dive into learning its features later on.
Thank you.
March 28, 2011 at 12:28 am
dojoklo
No, the T3i is the first Canon dSLR to offer this feature – Scene Intelligent Mode. The 60D does not have it. But that is nothing that special – it just sort of automatically decides which Scene Mode you are trying to capture, like Portrait, Sports, etc. It is kind of like turning your sophisticated dSLR into a point and shoot. You are better off learning the camera´s settings and functions from the manual or from a book, like my ebook Canon T3i Experience!
March 28, 2011 at 12:13 pm
kennycthai
As this will be my first DSLR so I’m wondering if the Scene Intelligent Mode will sort of taking care of the manual turning the function “wheel” between different mode? If it is what that is, I better off with the 60D then.
March 28, 2011 at 7:00 pm
dojoklo
Yes, the Scene Intelligent Auto Mode is similar to choosing a scene mode yourself – Sports or Portrait, etc., but the camera analyzes the scene and determines how it should tweak the settings. I content that it is always better to take control of the camera and its settings yourself, so that you can capture the image you wish to capture.
March 28, 2011 at 8:32 pm
kennycthai
One last question! Choosing a scene mode on a 60D will be as simple as getting the “wheel” function with the appropriate icon to the right place and the rest will be taken care of? I want the camera as simple as possible to take good quality pictures (setting aside all the special effects and technical advances for now) before I can spend more time learning it. And by the way, if I purchase 2 e-books: 60D and T3i, is there a special discount?
March 28, 2011 at 10:15 pm
dojoklo
Yes, that is correct – just turn the Mode Dial to the appropriate scene mode. I will email a discount code for purchasing two ebooks.
March 28, 2011 at 10:32 pm
kennycthai
Thanks! I got the email. I will get them as soon as I purchase the 60D for myself and the T3i for my cousin.
March 9, 2011 at 8:11 am
Bob Travaglione - Missouri
I have been a happy owner/user of a 7D for a year now. I am going to buy a 60D as a second lighter body mainly to get the tilt screen for video which will help while walking around in the video mode. I find it impossible and dangerous to walk around through towns, cemeteries, battlefields etc while holding the 7D to my eye. I also want the locking mode dial, I have accidently changed my setting on the 7D and had to reshoot a few times. The lighter body of 60D will make a day out walking just a little easier. And finally, (don’t tell anyone) I love the minature filter on the 60D and the ability to add effects after shooting in camera while not ruining my original files. The RAW Processing in-camera is a time saver to try different white balances. So, like all modern digital imaging machines, time marches on and the upgrades are mostly very good improvements that make Life & Images Better!
March 9, 2011 at 10:53 am
dojoklo
I believe that there are some LCD attachments that you may be able to put on the 7D that could help – which will project the image upward so you can view it from waist level, etc. Perhaps something made by Zacuto. I will look into that. Also, Canon will retrofit your 7D with a locking mode dial for $100. But, yes, the 60D will make a nice backup and alternate, lighter camera with virtually the same image quality.
Edit (3/14/11) – Sony is coming out with an external LCD monitor that attaches to the hotshoe (cold), include adapters for Canon and Nikon hotshoes, connects via HDMI cable, and is powered by a Sony M battery on the back. Here is a photo I took of a prototype that was just shown to me by a Sony rep:
March 10, 2011 at 5:03 pm
Don
Thanks for the very detailed and helpful comparison though I’m still a little confused on several levels. One is because I didn’t quite understand the benefits (or usages) of all the different features. And two is because if and when I do learn how to use all the various features, will I quickly outgrow the Canon 60D and long for the capabilities of the 7D? At least that’s my fear. But I wouldn’t mind saving the extra dough – especially with that huge difference in price. But there is also something to be said for spending big bucks and getting a camera that can take some knocking around or at least an accidental fall. Back when everything was manual I enjoyed the flexibility of my Canon AE1P. And now I just want to relive that again and then some! I also really like cameras with the retractable lcd screens. Plus it doesn’t hurt to have video capability, having never owned a video camera. I am not a huge sports photographer but I do like shooting tennis at the US Open every year. Will the 60D capture all those fast movements giving me enough choices of desirable shots? And is the 60D as weatherproof as the 7D – like enough to shoot in light rain conditions? When I talk to the sales guys at the Canon counter at B&H Photo, they’re complete snobs in terms of the 7D compared to anything less. It’s just so confusing! But do I really need to spend so much money and it doesn’t even have the retractable screen??? Oy vey!!!
March 10, 2011 at 5:57 pm
dojoklo
If you are shooting with a basic (Rebel) digital SLR now, or even with a compact point and shoot, you should be able to see and understand some of the features you may long for in a new camera – for example quicker access to changing settings and controls, or the need to adjust how the autofocus system is tracking a subject. If you don’t understand their benefits, then more often than not you don’t need those features. However, when you consider the possibility of learning them and growing into them, it indeed makes the decision difficult because there are too many unknowns. Maybe you can rent a 60D or 7D from a store such as Calumet or from an online lens rental place, and try it out.
A user with a 60D will be able to track and capture fast movements in a couple ways: 1. selecting a single AF point, using One Shot AF mode, and being quick and accurate or 2. learning how to track and capture subjects with all the points of the AF system and AI Servo mode. I was able to capture rapid dance action with a much more basic and far less accurate AF system of the Rebel XT. Often it is a matter of fully understanding how your autofocus system operates, choosing the proper AF modes, points, and settings, and then gaining some skill with operating the camera and timing. See the Dance section on my website here for examples of that, and these videos on Flickr to see how fast they were moving.
But, yes, in many ways the advanced AF system of the 7D will be much better for action and movement if you know how to customize and use it. It has more focus points to locate and/ or track the subject, and more options as to how the AF points track and how they deal with new objects in the scene or objects that come between you and your subject. This can take some of the pressure off the photographer, but also surrenders a certain amount of control over to the camera, especially depending on how well the photographer understands how the AF system is working. And here is what can happen when even a pro, using a top-of-the-line camera, surrenders control over to their AF system: http://www.scottkelby.com/blog/2011/archives/15755. So as you can see, a “better” camera isn’t always the solution to the issue.
The 60D is weatherproof, but not as much as the 7D. The 7D could probably handle light rain better than a 60D, though in either case you would be wise to use a raincover like this one.
If you really want the 7D with a rotating screen, you can always wait around for its replacement version, the 7D Mk II or whatever it will be! It may include that feature.
March 27, 2011 at 12:16 am
Kenny Thai
Thank you so much for the very details review. I’m considering a new T3i vs a 60D. I really like the new feature “Scene Intelligent Auto Mode” in a T3i and wondering if a 60D offers it too?
April 1, 2011 at 12:41 am
Lance Taylor
Great article. I am trying to decide between the T2i and T3i (upgrading from a 20D) for Astrophotography. The articulating screen is definitely a nice asset when your camera is connected to an SCT telescope (effective 2000 mm lens) pointed straight up in the night sky. Definitely was awkward to look at the results that way. However, Michael Convington let me in on a secret he uses with his 40D. A simple hand mirror held to the screen at any angle will do much the same as the articulated screen, at least for astrophoto purposes. The body-only price of a T2i in Canada right now is $729 and the T3i at $899. So, for me it comes down to.. is the articulated screen really worth it. I have to think yes from experience, and my Chiropractor will thank me. No need for a 60D with same feature as I am shooting mostly long exposure, not high speed so don’t care about the FPS. ISO setting on the other hand… yah.. love the higher ISO. Thanks for an informative blog, you have helped me make up my mind.. after visiting several such threads of Canon Cognitive Dissonance on the Nets. Canon, they sure don’t make it easy to decide anymore. ;)
April 1, 2011 at 9:31 am
dojoklo
I’m glad you found the information helpful! It definitely sounds like the articulating screen is worth it for you. Can you share a link to some of your astro-images?
April 4, 2011 at 1:36 pm
mlovergaard
Great article…Like many of the people above I am having a hard time deciding between the 60D and the T3i. I mainly shoot landscapes and only occasionally shoot a Football game, however I might shoot more during the next season I am wondering if the faster FPS is really worth the money. Where I live the price difference amounts to almost $500 and I was thinking it might make more sense to simply get a better lens.
BTW…This will be my first DSLR I am upgrading from the canon SX20 is, which I loved but have simply outgrown in many aspects.
April 4, 2011 at 3:21 pm
dojoklo
Thanks for reading, and I’m glad you found it to be helpful.
The faster frame rate of the 60D will definitely make a difference when shooting sports, although the super-fast frame rate of the 7D would be ideal for that! It is unfortunate that the price difference is so great for you, since in the US, it amounts to a $100 difference. However, you will probably want a better lens than the kit lens no matter what you shoot, so compare what the T3i body only plus the 18-200mm will cost vs. the 60D kit with that same lens. Since you can get the 60D as a kit together with that lens, you potentially save several hundred dollars, and the cost of the two options may even out.
April 7, 2011 at 8:24 am
Miriam
Hi there. My husband and I are looking at buying the Canon 60D, mostly to take photos and videos of our small children but are unsure as to which lens or lenses we should buy with it. The twin lens kit includes the 18-55 & 55-250 or would these be better replaced with the 18-135 or 18-200? Does the 18-200, for instance, do away with having to have 2 seperate lenses and/or does it produce better quality images?
You also mention in one of your other reviews, with regards to taking videos, that dSLRs are just not the same as using a camcorder. I have never taken videos with either a camcorder or an SLR – in your opinion and experience, is the resulting quality of videos taken with SLRs less than desirable, to the extent that we should be investing in a camcorder in addition to the camera? And if we do end up relying on the camera alone for taking videos, have I understood your reviews correctly in saying that the Canon 60D will do a better job than the Nikon D7000 although it has full time autofocus?
Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and expertise – it is greatly appreciated.
April 7, 2011 at 8:54 am
dojoklo
A quick answer that I will elaborate on later:
The 18-200mm lens is a far better, higher quality lens than either the 18-55mm and 55-250mm kit lenses. It does away with the need for 2 lenses, and has better optics and build quality, so it should produce images with better sharpness, color, and contrast.
The video quality of the 60D and T3i is excellent, it is just that it does not auto focus continuously as a camcorder does. The D7000 claims to have full time AF, but it does not work well, and does not compare to the full time auto focusing of a real camcorder.
April 9, 2011 at 9:19 pm
Dennis Wierck
Great info.
I have a G11 that satisfies most of my needs but now need something with a long lens for wildlife. If this is the primary purpose for this purchase, do you recomend the 60D or T3i and which lens? Yes, most of my use is simply on Auto. I’m not that interested in manual adjustments of the 60D but would pay more if it means a beter picture.
April 10, 2011 at 10:33 am
dojoklo
The T3i and the 60D will give you the same image quality since they share the same 18MP sensor and exposure metering system. However, the autofocus system of the 60D is more precise (all cross-type AF sensors) and the faster continuous shooting rate of the 60D may come in handy for your needs. Plus, the larger body of the 60D might prove to be much more comfortable and balanced with a large lens.
As far as lenses, it depends on your budget and the amount of telephoto reach you want. Have a look at the 70-200 lenses, either the 70-200 f/2.8L IS or the 70-200mm f/4L IS. You will want the image stabilized version for sure. Other lenses to consider, for more reach include the 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS, the more expensive L version of it, the 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS, or perhaps the compact, innovative DO version that I wrote a post about a few weeks ago, the 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS.
Or the next step would be to look at some of the big primes, like the 300mm or 400mm, depending on exactly what it is you shoot and what you are after. But those are really expensive options.
May 2, 2011 at 12:39 am
Miriam
Hi.
I’m planning to purchase the Canon 60D and am trying to deicde on which lens to buy. Do you recommend the Canon 18-200mm lens or the Sigma 18-250mm HSM lens or perhaps another lens? Does one produce better quality images over the other? Do you know if there is a difference in the build quality of the lenses? Also, I’ve heard there is a kit version and a non-kit version of the Canon 18-200mm – is this true?
May 2, 2011 at 5:48 pm
dojoklo
Head on over to my blog’s new location of this post, and I’ll post my reply there:
http://blog.dojoklo.com/2011/02/20/canon-t3i-600d-vs-t2i-550d-vs-60d-vs-7d-etc/
May 2, 2011 at 5:49 pm
dojoklo
Head over to my blog’s new location, where I now have this post, and I’ll reply there. Thanks!
http://blog.dojoklo.com/2011/02/20/canon-t3i-600d-vs-t2i-550d-vs-60d-vs-7d-etc/