Background. I have been shooting with 5d2 for two years, and 5d for 2 years before that. Recently, I starting shooting some hummers, and was interested in a crop body. I have shot with most of the rebel line as well as 20D, and 40D. Earlier this year I bought a 7d, very excited about the new autofocus and bells and whistles, but was unimpressed by the image quality (before LR3 update) and sold it.
I bought a t2i a month ago, as a back up, and for my wife to use, and to shoot birds. Image quality was good. I kept it for about 2 weeks. the size was ok. did not bother me. but coming from 5d2, the ergonomics were just not good, and the buffer size was pathetic when shooting raw. Also the idea of 60D having same battery as 5d2 was appealing. I was also looking at the 24 tse lens, with the double rebates. So gifted the t2i to my little brother for graduation, and got a 60D.
What I like:
The 60D is the perfect size for my hand, and is the perfect weight. grip is very comfortable. with the 18-135 lens mounted, I can put it face down in my sling shot 200 in on of the lens spots, and its barely bigger than my 24-105 with the hood.
The camera is very responseive, with short mirror black out. Autofocus is brisk and accurate.
I dont miss the joystick, and am fine with current wheel. However, I have lost the funciton of my set button, as the focus point is assigned to the new wheel, and the set now sets it to middle. so even though I have my set button assigned to image quality it does not work.
Image quality, no surprises. about the same as 7D and t2i. pretty decent up to iso 3200. my 5d2 is about 1 - 1.5 stops cleaner.
the articulating lcd is very nice for shooting video, and I hope 5d mark iii has it also.
the Q button, provides excellent access to about every thing that I need to change, reasonably quickly.
I love the external flash control, which also allows you to dial in ratios. another thing I hope 5dIII will have.
What I dont like:
1. Pressing the middle button to change mode. Was there on my film a2e, and they all broke. I never had problem with it accidentally changing in the past.
2. the top buttons no longer has dual function. so I lost the wb, flash exposure comp from the top. can access them through q button, but not as quick.
3. Custom settings. has only 1. not a big issue, as I will primarily be using it for birding, but as primary camera limiting.
other than that over all very impressed and happy with it as my second camera.
here is a 100% crop with the crappy 18-135 lens, iso 200, shadows pushed a couple of spots. 135mm.
The light house, 18mm, f8, same lens.
I would honestly say for most of my walk around shooting, I would be happy with this combo, from what I have seen so far.
here is a test of the external flash control, a 580 exii, triggered by on board flash, 2:1 ratio, ettl II, manual exp.
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