60D owners...help, i need reassurance before i pull the trigger

[able 1039]

well the co9mparison between 5dmk3 and d800 is a non-sense. the 5d is better in several areas than d800, the 60D is worst than k5/d7000 in everything (except lens selection, but this is not a feature of the camera)

The D7000 only does video at 1080p at 24 frames per second while the 60D does 1080p at 30/24 fps and 720p at 60/30/24fps. That's a big importance for someone who shoots video of sports.

Also, the D7000 is edged out because of the swivel screen too. I shoot mainly skateboarding which means I'm usually shooting with a fisheye lens at a low perspective. I can't stress how helpful the swivel screen has been.

If Canon makes the new 7D Mark II with a swivel screen I'm making the switch, but until that happens, the 60D remains the most pro (swively screened) DSLR that Canon offers.

[Dylan777]

we call a joke because we were very disappointed when it come out, really a step back from 50D

buying 2day it's really foolish for someone that is staring with photography, infact
all advantage except ergonomics over the rebel line are gone, and at the same price you can buy a nikon D7000 (slightly more expensive) or a pentax K5 (less expensive)

LOL...you gotta be kidding right? pentax??? What are you going to do with lenses??? Let me guess, Tamron and Sigma 

[DianeK]

I'm suspicious the original poster has abandoned this thread as we all here have wandered off on various tangents.  But if they haven't I'd be curious to find out what their final purchase was.

[kriptikracing]

I'm suspicious the original poster has abandoned this thread as we all here have wandered off on various tangents.  But if they haven't I'd be curious to find out what their final purchase was.

I'm the OP.  yeah this thread has gone a little off but I still appreciated the opinions.  In my research, I've found the one thing everyone is consistent with is...lenses. With me wanting to buy a camera now and at my price range, I felt the 60D gave me the best option for a decent body and great lenses. So, I'm going with the 60D, 15-85mm, and 50mm f1.8 just to start off.  I was hoping to get the non-L 100mm macro too but I took a step back so I don't forget that im getting this camera mostly to capture my son growing up.  Down the road I'll buy one along with a bigger zoom lens.  However, I haven't purchased yet because canon is currently doing their annual inventory check.  That's why on the canon website you don't see a link for the refurbished bodies. When I called to do the canon loyalty program, that's what the sales guy told me. Blah, I hate this feeling that I'm ready to buy but now I have to wait until possibly Monday.  Oh well...It gives me more time to confuse myself by researching which lens to get.

[DianeK]

I'm suspicious the original poster has abandoned this thread as we all here have wandered off on various tangents.  But if they haven't I'd be curious to find out what their final purchase was.

I'm the OP.  yeah this thread has gone a little off but I still appreciated the opinions.  In my research, I've found the one thing everyone is consistent with is...lenses. With me wanting to buy a camera now and at my price range, I felt the 60D gave me the best option for a decent body and great lenses. So, I'm going with the 60D, 15-85mm, and 50mm f1.8 just to start off.  I was hoping to get the non-L 100mm macro too but I took a step back so I don't forget that im getting this camera mostly to capture my son growing up.  Down the road I'll buy one along with a bigger zoom lens.  However, I haven't purchased yet because canon is currently doing their annual inventory check.  That's why on the canon website you don't see a link for the refurbished bodies. When I called to do the canon loyalty program, that's what the sales guy told me. Blah, I hate this feeling that I'm ready to buy but now I have to wait until possibly Monday.  Oh well...It gives me more time to confuse myself by researching which lens to get.

Thanks for updating us.  So just to confuse you even more:  I have the 15-85 and I love it as my general walk about lens if I'm not out to shoot birds or wildlife.  BUT, I find it is pretty much useless for indoor shooting without flash and am now looking at getting a used 17-55 to get that focal length range for indoors.  Are you thinking the 50 1.8 is going to be your indoor lens?  On a crop body, 50mm is sometimes too tight for group shots.  And a 50 1.8 is one of those lenses that will really reveal if AFMA is needed.  Just saying...
Diane

[Dylan777]

I'm suspicious the original poster has abandoned this thread as we all here have wandered off on various tangents.  But if they haven't I'd be curious to find out what their final purchase was.

I'm the OP.  yeah this thread has gone a little off but I still appreciated the opinions.  In my research, I've found the one thing everyone is consistent with is...lenses. With me wanting to buy a camera now and at my price range, I felt the 60D gave me the best option for a decent body and great lenses. So, I'm going with the 60D, 15-85mm, and 50mm f1.8 just to start off.  I was hoping to get the non-L 100mm macro too but I took a step back so I don't forget that im getting this camera mostly to capture my son growing up.  Down the road I'll buy one along with a bigger zoom lens.  However, I haven't purchased yet because canon is currently doing their annual inventory check.  That's why on the canon website you don't see a link for the refurbished bodies. When I called to do the canon loyalty program, that's what the sales guy told me. Blah, I hate this feeling that I'm ready to buy but now I have to wait until possibly Monday.  Oh well...It gives me more time to confuse myself by researching which lens to get.

Don't do it , 15-85mm will be very noisy for indoor shooting, unless, you plan to mount exnternal flash.

[Marsu42]

I have the 15-85 and I love it as my general walk about lens if I'm not out to shoot birds or wildlife.  BUT, I find it is pretty much useless for indoor shooting without flash and am now looking at getting a used 17-55 to get that focal length range for indoors.

While f2.8 has some advantages for pro-level af systems on the 1dx/5d3, it certainly isn't shoot-in-the dark quality, especially on current crop sensors - or you'll get in ridiculously high iso regions in no time. You'll be better off with a Sigma or Canon f1.4 (on 60d, if you get one that doesn't need afma) that has some reach with the 1.6x crop, too.

[DianeK]

I have the 15-85 and I love it as my general walk about lens if I'm not out to shoot birds or wildlife.  BUT, I find it is pretty much useless for indoor shooting without flash and am now looking at getting a used 17-55 to get that focal length range for indoors.

While f2.8 has some advantages for pro-level af systems on the 1dx/5d3, it certainly isn't shoot-in-the dark quality, especially on current crop sensors - or you'll get in ridiculously high iso regions in no time. You'll be better off with a Sigma or Canon f1.4 (on 60d, if you get one that doesn't need afma) that has some reach with the 1.6x crop, too.

Well the problem is I also want IS for indoor stills and video (I just don't have a steady hand) and I will be the first to admit that I am very lazy when it comes to trotting out the tripod.  And my family just seem to act unnatural as soon as they see the camera sitting there on a tripod.

[Marsu42]

Well the problem is I also want IS for indoor stills and video (I just don't have a steady hand) and I will be the first to admit that I am very lazy when it comes to trotting out the tripod.

Be sure to try out if IS really is a substitute for a tripod or other stabilization gear when you buy a lens. While IS is nice for non-motion still scenes or handy for steady composure of shots, video can still suffer with IS because the lens is only stabilized in a certain amount of shake radius, but once you move it there are still tiny jerks. You can see this effect on lens reviews videos like

Tamron 24-70 Vibration Control - video test	Small | Large

[DianeK]

Thank you for that link.  For me, I saw enough of a difference in that review to confirm for me that for casual family videos I want a lens with IS or VC.  I was considering the Tamron but have been reading quite a few complaints about the quality of its bokeh.  I was also waiting for the new 24 2.8 with IS but it seems to have CA issues.  Alas, no lens is "the one".

[aznable]

we call a joke because we were very disappointed when it come out, really a step back from 50D

buying 2day it's really foolish for someone that is staring with photography, infact
all advantage except ergonomics over the rebel line are gone, and at the same price you can buy a nikon D7000 (slightly more expensive) or a pentax K5 (less expensive)

LOL...you gotta be kidding right? pentax??? What are you going to do with lenses??? Let me guess, Tamron and Sigma 

and pentax for sure...tokina lenses pratically...so?

[kriptikracing]

Apparently even lenses are subjective.  Earlier in the thread people said the 15-85 is great...now others are saying don't do it.  Interesting!

[Marsu42]

Apparently even lenses are subjective.  Earlier in the thread people said the 15-85 is great...now others are saying don't do it.  Interesting!

Lenses are subjective, because all lenses and camera bodies are compromises, the top ones compromise weight, size and price. This is why asking what's "best" or "great" is not a good idea, only what's suitable for what purpose.

The efs15-85 is a very good standard zoom for aps-c (like 24-105 for full frame) because it isn't as expensive as the 17-55 and has longer zoom range. It isn't suitable for low light non-still shooting, because it goes from f3.5 to f4 and smaller nearly instantly and the current 18mp aps-c sensor lacks in low light capability. If you want shoot-in-the-dark moving objects for an aps-c, get a f1.4 lens.

[kriptikracing]

Lenses are subjective, because all lenses and camera bodies are compromises, the top ones compromise weight, size and price. This is why asking what's "best" or "great" is not a good idea, only what's suitable for what purpose.

The efs15-85 is a very good standard zoom for aps-c (like 24-105 for full frame) because it isn't as expensive as the 17-55 and has longer zoom range. It isn't suitable for low light non-still shooting, because it goes from f3.5 to f4 and smaller nearly instantly and the current 18mp aps-c sensor lacks in low light capability. If you want shoot-in-the-dark moving objects for an aps-c, get a f1.4 lens.

What is considered low light?  Also, what do u mean by shoot in the dark?  Sorry just need a reference point so I can determine myself if the 15-85 is ok for me.

Bottom line, I'm getting the 60D through the loyalty program.  I have $1500 to spend and the body alone is $640.  If u were me where 75% of your pictures will be your child, what would you buy with the rest of the money? 

[elflord]

What is considered low light?

Any condition that is likely to push the camera/lens combo to its limits.

Most indoor daylight conditions would be considered "low light" even night time with "normal" electric lights can be somewhat low.

Also, what do u mean by shoot in the dark?  Sorry just need a reference point so I can determine myself if the 15-85 is ok for me.

If you are shooting indoors with the 15-85mm, you will want a flash. I wouldn't recommend this lens for photographing your growing son -- it's just not the best fit for this. Having a fixed f/2.8 aperture is more useful (higher shutter speeds indoors, more background blur)

Bottom line, I'm getting the 60D through the loyalty program.  I have $1500 to spend and the body alone is $640.  If u were me where 75% of your pictures will be your child, what would you buy with the rest of the money?

A flash and fast lenses. I bought my first SLR under similar circumstances to you (it was a Rebel XS for $400) and then got the Canon 50mm f/1.4, a flash and the 15-85mm. I ended up selling the 15-85mm, but the 50mm f/1.4 became my favorite lens.

Given what you wrote above, I'd recommend something like the Tamron non-VC (get this used), the 50mm f/1.4, and a decent flash (e.g. 430EX). That would get you close to 1500.