Canon Canada Inc. has announced a new enthusiast DSLR with HD video recording, 17.9-megapixel APS-C-sized sensor, and three-inch high-resolution LCD. The EOS 60D will arrive in Canada in late September, and replaces the current EOS 50D.

One of the most visible features of the new camera is its three-inch 3:2 aspect-ratio high-resolution (1,040,000 dots) Vari-Angle LCD. While Canon has long offered PowerShot digicams with articulating LCDs, this is the first time this feature has been available on a Canon DSLR. This feature makes much it easier to take overhead and low-angle shots and videos in LiveView mode. For still photography, users can also employ the pentaprism reflex viewfinder, whose specs are almost identical to the 50D's.

The EOS 60D is slightly lighter than its predecessor, partly the result of its plastic body shell versus the 50D's magnesium-alloy construction. It stores images on SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards. It has built-in support for wireless flash, but does not offer automatic multi-flash capability.

Enthusiast features for still photography include in-camera development of RAW image files, with user control of picture style, white balance, colour space, noise reduction and other parameters after shooting. JPEGs can be resized in-camera as well, to 1920x1080 for display on an HDTV, or 720x480 for uploading to social-networking sites.

The EOS 60D can shoot full HD (1920x1080) HD video at 24p, 25p and 30p frame rates. Exposure and audio level can be adjusted while shooting, and video clips can be trimmed in-camera after shooting. The EOS 60D also provides 720p (at 24, 25 and 30 fps) and standard-definition (at 50p and 60p frame rates) video options.

The new camera has a nine-point autofocus system with f/5.6-sensitive cross-type sensors at all nine points, and a high-precision hybrid AF sensor at the centre for f/2.8 and larger lenses. Its metering system takes colour as well as brightness information into account when calculating exposure. ISO is adjustable from 100 to 6400 (up from 3200 on the 50D), and expandable to 12,800.

The EOS 60D will be available in body-only configuration for $1,200 MSRP. A kit with Canon's EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens will retail for $1,500, while a kit with the EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens will sell for $1,600.

Article Tags:  Canon, 60D, EOS, Vari-Angle, DSLR, camera