Canon D60 vs Canon EOS3...first impressions

Giacomo Tognoni

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Hi...I've owned an EOS 3 for 3 years, and I just got a D60. I just wanted to give you my opinion on the difference between the two cameras...this could be useful to photographers switching from semi-professional analogue canon cameras to the digital D60.

Before I do so, I would like to say that I am not at all bashing the D60, of which I am very happy (because it's digital...).

Compared to the EOS3, the D60

1) seems like a toy :-) Seriously, the plastic feel and lower weight will initially put you off...also the buttons have a very strange, and seemingly less reliable feel than those on the EOS3

2) It is less tall...this is giving me problems, actually, because it gives you less space on the right to handhold the camera...I find the D60 much harder to handle than the EOS3...especially when shooting vertically (also because of the more slippery plastic used in the handle). I think the optional battery grip is a must to handhold the D60 properly...

3) the AF (we all knew that before) is very bad...although not as bad as I expected. Let's say it is somewhat similar in speed, for what I can remember, to my old EOS5. Unfortunately, though...it has serious accuracy problems as soon as the light levels drop...even in conditions that are far from dark! I find the AF illuminator totally useless...the range is too limited, but what is worse, the beam is obstructed by large lenses (my 70-200, for example) or even by wideangle lenses with a hood (my 17-35...).

4) has an extremely small viewfinder area. This is my biggest problem, and one that surprisingly was never mentioned in the postings I read. The area displayed in the viewfinder appears noticeably smaller than that of the EOS3 (as small as the EOS5, I'd say). That's a huge problem to me, as I've already noticed it is often hard to tell what is sharp and what is not...in other words, objects that look sharp in the viewfinder may not be in the actual picture...and it's very hard to tell. Coupled with the increased need for manual focussing due to the lower-quality AF system, this IS an issue.

These are the main points. There are more, of course....but in general it seems that we'll have to wait a bit longer to have a semiprofessional body housing at this price. At the moment the D60 has a wonderful engine trapped in a utilitarian.

Having said all this, I still love it...and was amazed by the smoothness of the pictures...for those of you that haven't seen samples...let's just say that there is no comparison with a dia scanned using consumer systems (e.g., PhotoCD). In this respect, the D60 truly rocks.

Giacomo
 
Howdy!

I've had an EOS-3 since they were released (and paid more, as an early adopter!) The Canon guy told me how great the AF was ... and he wasn't lying. Canon then used the 45 point AF system on the 1D and 1V. I've used a D30 for a few thousand shots, and I agree with all of what you've said. I don't believe that the D60 is overpriced ... we will get exactly what we paid for. But I would pay $1000 more to have the EOS-3 exposure and focus controls on that camera! I have a D60 on order, but I may end up with a 1D just to have a good camera for certain events coming up. The BG is essential ... it totally changes the feel of the camera. It's still not up to the EOS-3 or N* F100, but it's tolerable.
Hi...I've owned an EOS 3 for 3 years, and I just got a D60. I just
wanted to give you my opinion on the difference between the two
cameras...this could be useful to photographers switching from
semi-professional analogue canon cameras to the digital D60.

Before I do so, I would like to say that I am not at all bashing
the D60, of which I am very happy (because it's digital...).

Compared to the EOS3, the D60

1) seems like a toy :-) Seriously, the plastic feel and lower
weight will initially put you off...also the buttons have a very
strange, and seemingly less reliable feel than those on the EOS3

2) It is less tall...this is giving me problems, actually, because
it gives you less space on the right to handhold the camera...I
find the D60 much harder to handle than the EOS3...especially when
shooting vertically (also because of the more slippery plastic used
in the handle). I think the optional battery grip is a must to
handhold the D60 properly...

3) the AF (we all knew that before) is very bad...although not as
bad as I expected. Let's say it is somewhat similar in speed, for
what I can remember, to my old EOS5. Unfortunately, though...it has
serious accuracy problems as soon as the light levels drop...even
in conditions that are far from dark! I find the AF illuminator
totally useless...the range is too limited, but what is worse, the
beam is obstructed by large lenses (my 70-200, for example) or even
by wideangle lenses with a hood (my 17-35...).

4) has an extremely small viewfinder area. This is my biggest
problem, and one that surprisingly was never mentioned in the
postings I read. The area displayed in the viewfinder appears
noticeably smaller than that of the EOS3 (as small as the EOS5, I'd
say). That's a huge problem to me, as I've already noticed it is
often hard to tell what is sharp and what is not...in other words,
objects that look sharp in the viewfinder may not be in the actual
picture...and it's very hard to tell. Coupled with the increased
need for manual focussing due to the lower-quality AF system, this
IS an issue.

These are the main points. There are more, of course....but in
general it seems that we'll have to wait a bit longer to have a
semiprofessional body housing at this price. At the moment the D60
has a wonderful engine trapped in a utilitarian.

Having said all this, I still love it...and was amazed by the
smoothness of the pictures...for those of you that haven't seen
samples...let's just say that there is no comparison with a dia
scanned using consumer systems (e.g., PhotoCD). In this respect,
the D60 truly rocks.

Giacomo
 
Yes, it wasn't my intention to talk bad of the D60...it's still a great piece of the equipment for the price...I just wanted to let EOS3 and EOS1 users know what they WILL miss on the D60...

it makes me sad to see my EOS3 lie still on the shelf...it doesn't deserve it...but as good as it is...digital is the future (present?), so let's roll with it :-)
Hi...I've owned an EOS 3 for 3 years, and I just got a D60. I just
wanted to give you my opinion on the difference between the two
cameras...this could be useful to photographers switching from
semi-professional analogue canon cameras to the digital D60.

Before I do so, I would like to say that I am not at all bashing
the D60, of which I am very happy (because it's digital...).

Compared to the EOS3, the D60

1) seems like a toy :-) Seriously, the plastic feel and lower
weight will initially put you off...also the buttons have a very
strange, and seemingly less reliable feel than those on the EOS3

2) It is less tall...this is giving me problems, actually, because
it gives you less space on the right to handhold the camera...I
find the D60 much harder to handle than the EOS3...especially when
shooting vertically (also because of the more slippery plastic used
in the handle). I think the optional battery grip is a must to
handhold the D60 properly...

3) the AF (we all knew that before) is very bad...although not as
bad as I expected. Let's say it is somewhat similar in speed, for
what I can remember, to my old EOS5. Unfortunately, though...it has
serious accuracy problems as soon as the light levels drop...even
in conditions that are far from dark! I find the AF illuminator
totally useless...the range is too limited, but what is worse, the
beam is obstructed by large lenses (my 70-200, for example) or even
by wideangle lenses with a hood (my 17-35...).

4) has an extremely small viewfinder area. This is my biggest
problem, and one that surprisingly was never mentioned in the
postings I read. The area displayed in the viewfinder appears
noticeably smaller than that of the EOS3 (as small as the EOS5, I'd
say). That's a huge problem to me, as I've already noticed it is
often hard to tell what is sharp and what is not...in other words,
objects that look sharp in the viewfinder may not be in the actual
picture...and it's very hard to tell. Coupled with the increased
need for manual focussing due to the lower-quality AF system, this
IS an issue.

These are the main points. There are more, of course....but in
general it seems that we'll have to wait a bit longer to have a
semiprofessional body housing at this price. At the moment the D60
has a wonderful engine trapped in a utilitarian.

Having said all this, I still love it...and was amazed by the
smoothness of the pictures...for those of you that haven't seen
samples...let's just say that there is no comparison with a dia
scanned using consumer systems (e.g., PhotoCD). In this respect,
the D60 truly rocks.

Giacomo
 
I know what you mean - it makes me sad to see so many EOS-3s and EOS-1s in the second-hand market at such bargain prices. Such beautiful cameras so cheap! Compared to digital, at least. It will be nice in 5 years time when there are a lot of second-hand 1Ds around, and hopefully we have the EOS-3D and the EOS-5D (or D70 or whatever). Basically it will be nice when there is a fuller range of DSLRs on the market.

Then again it was not so long ago that the only DSLRs were the top-of-the-line pro units! The D30 broke the mould there ... and now we have the second generation. So we should really be thankful for what we have.
it makes me sad to see my EOS3 lie still on the shelf...it doesn't
deserve it...but as good as it is...digital is the future
(present?), so let's roll with it :-)
 
I had EOS3 when got D30, and sold D30 fairly soon mostly because of AF, lack of spot-metering and built. Although I placed an order for D60 (and still waiting for it) looks like I'm going to skip it and wait for digital equivalent of EOS3. Hopefully it won't be too long. Till then I'll use slide film and scanner.
 
Hi Giacomo

I agree with most of your observations. Since I own an EOS3 and D30, here's a few more

1. You say the D60 feels like a toy. I had the same impression when comparing the EOS3 to the F100. However, I now see how strong and durable modern plastics are in cameras and would never want to haul around the heavy weight of the F100.

2. I don't use my EOS3 nearly as much as before but it still gets plenty of use for wide angle shots. Also, there are many times when I take pictures for other people who know how to handle negatives but are clueless with what to do with jpegs.

3. The picture quality of the D30 was so good that I have given up on taking film and scanning. The scanned picture quality never came close. I would have to spend thousands for a better scanner.

4. I agree whole heartedly with you comments on the D30/D60 viewfinder. It's as if you are looking at a distant viewing screenr through a paper tube. Strangely enough, my ancient Oympus OM2 was fabulous - the view angle was wide, bright, and gave the impression that you were very close to the scene. The EOS3 didn't come close and well, the D30 even furthe out.

5. I have the BG-ED3. Use it 100% of the time. Unbelievable battery capacity. I don't even take a charger along now for a 1 wk vacation - and that's with a 1gb MD!
Hi...I've owned an EOS 3 for 3 years, and I just got a D60. I just
wanted to give you my opinion on the difference between the two
cameras...this could be useful to photographers switching from
semi-professional analogue canon cameras to the digital D60.

Before I do so, I would like to say that I am not at all bashing
the D60, of which I am very happy (because it's digital...).

Compared to the EOS3, the D60

1) seems like a toy :-) Seriously, the plastic feel and lower
weight will initially put you off...also the buttons have a very
strange, and seemingly less reliable feel than those on the EOS3

2) It is less tall...this is giving me problems, actually, because
it gives you less space on the right to handhold the camera...I
find the D60 much harder to handle than the EOS3...especially when
shooting vertically (also because of the more slippery plastic used
in the handle). I think the optional battery grip is a must to
handhold the D60 properly...

3) the AF (we all knew that before) is very bad...although not as
bad as I expected. Let's say it is somewhat similar in speed, for
what I can remember, to my old EOS5. Unfortunately, though...it has
serious accuracy problems as soon as the light levels drop...even
in conditions that are far from dark! I find the AF illuminator
totally useless...the range is too limited, but what is worse, the
beam is obstructed by large lenses (my 70-200, for example) or even
by wideangle lenses with a hood (my 17-35...).

4) has an extremely small viewfinder area. This is my biggest
problem, and one that surprisingly was never mentioned in the
postings I read. The area displayed in the viewfinder appears
noticeably smaller than that of the EOS3 (as small as the EOS5, I'd
say). That's a huge problem to me, as I've already noticed it is
often hard to tell what is sharp and what is not...in other words,
objects that look sharp in the viewfinder may not be in the actual
picture...and it's very hard to tell. Coupled with the increased
need for manual focussing due to the lower-quality AF system, this
IS an issue.

These are the main points. There are more, of course....but in
general it seems that we'll have to wait a bit longer to have a
semiprofessional body housing at this price. At the moment the D60
has a wonderful engine trapped in a utilitarian.

Having said all this, I still love it...and was amazed by the
smoothness of the pictures...for those of you that haven't seen
samples...let's just say that there is no comparison with a dia
scanned using consumer systems (e.g., PhotoCD). In this respect,
the D60 truly rocks.

Giacomo
 
I had EOS3 when got D30, and sold D30 fairly soon mostly because
of AF, lack of spot-metering and built. Although I placed an order
for D60 (and still waiting for it) looks like I'm going to skip it
and wait for digital equivalent of EOS3. Hopefully it won't be too
long. Till then I'll use slide film and scanner.
If you didin't like the D30, you won't like the D60 either. Aside from shutter lag and the illuminated AF points, handling is identical.
 
Were you not aware in advance that the D60, like the D30, is a beefed up digital Rebel?

Lisa
Hi...I've owned an EOS 3 for 3 years, and I just got a D60. I just
wanted to give you my opinion on the difference between the two
cameras...this could be useful to photographers switching from
semi-professional analogue canon cameras to the digital D60.

Before I do so, I would like to say that I am not at all bashing
the D60, of which I am very happy (because it's digital...).

Compared to the EOS3, the D60

1) seems like a toy :-) Seriously, the plastic feel and lower
weight will initially put you off...also the buttons have a very
strange, and seemingly less reliable feel than those on the EOS3

2) It is less tall...this is giving me problems, actually, because
it gives you less space on the right to handhold the camera...I
find the D60 much harder to handle than the EOS3...especially when
shooting vertically (also because of the more slippery plastic used
in the handle). I think the optional battery grip is a must to
handhold the D60 properly...

3) the AF (we all knew that before) is very bad...although not as
bad as I expected. Let's say it is somewhat similar in speed, for
what I can remember, to my old EOS5. Unfortunately, though...it has
serious accuracy problems as soon as the light levels drop...even
in conditions that are far from dark! I find the AF illuminator
totally useless...the range is too limited, but what is worse, the
beam is obstructed by large lenses (my 70-200, for example) or even
by wideangle lenses with a hood (my 17-35...).

4) has an extremely small viewfinder area. This is my biggest
problem, and one that surprisingly was never mentioned in the
postings I read. The area displayed in the viewfinder appears
noticeably smaller than that of the EOS3 (as small as the EOS5, I'd
say). That's a huge problem to me, as I've already noticed it is
often hard to tell what is sharp and what is not...in other words,
objects that look sharp in the viewfinder may not be in the actual
picture...and it's very hard to tell. Coupled with the increased
need for manual focussing due to the lower-quality AF system, this
IS an issue.

These are the main points. There are more, of course....but in
general it seems that we'll have to wait a bit longer to have a
semiprofessional body housing at this price. At the moment the D60
has a wonderful engine trapped in a utilitarian.

Having said all this, I still love it...and was amazed by the
smoothness of the pictures...for those of you that haven't seen
samples...let's just say that there is no comparison with a dia
scanned using consumer systems (e.g., PhotoCD). In this respect,
the D60 truly rocks.

Giacomo
 
Well i went from EOS-1VHS to D60 and sure the differences are immense but once you use the D60 more and more you get more comfortable with it and use it to its fullest extent. I still use both bodies, but mostly the D60, no doubt- but id be lying if i said that after shooting a bit with the D60 then picking up and using the 1V it feels like i just switched from swimming the atlantic in a 21 foot fishing boat to flying over it on the concorde- night and day- but you simply need to maximize both to your needs and im doing just that and am very happy- and my nikon 4000ED scanner has been missing me.... ;)

JPCAP
http://www.joepries.com
I agree with most of your observations. Since I own an EOS3 and
D30, here's a few more

1. You say the D60 feels like a toy. I had the same impression
when comparing the EOS3 to the F100. However, I now see how strong
and durable modern plastics are in cameras and would never want to
haul around the heavy weight of the F100.

2. I don't use my EOS3 nearly as much as before but it still gets
plenty of use for wide angle shots. Also, there are many times
when I take pictures for other people who know how to handle
negatives but are clueless with what to do with jpegs.

3. The picture quality of the D30 was so good that I have given up
on taking film and scanning. The scanned picture quality never
came close. I would have to spend thousands for a better scanner.

4. I agree whole heartedly with you comments on the D30/D60
viewfinder. It's as if you are looking at a distant viewing
screenr through a paper tube. Strangely enough, my ancient Oympus
OM2 was fabulous - the view angle was wide, bright, and gave the
impression that you were very close to the scene. The EOS3 didn't
come close and well, the D30 even furthe out.

5. I have the BG-ED3. Use it 100% of the time. Unbelievable
battery capacity. I don't even take a charger along now for a 1 wk
vacation - and that's with a 1gb MD!
Hi...I've owned an EOS 3 for 3 years, and I just got a D60. I just
wanted to give you my opinion on the difference between the two
cameras...this could be useful to photographers switching from
semi-professional analogue canon cameras to the digital D60.

Before I do so, I would like to say that I am not at all bashing
the D60, of which I am very happy (because it's digital...).

Compared to the EOS3, the D60

1) seems like a toy :-) Seriously, the plastic feel and lower
weight will initially put you off...also the buttons have a very
strange, and seemingly less reliable feel than those on the EOS3

2) It is less tall...this is giving me problems, actually, because
it gives you less space on the right to handhold the camera...I
find the D60 much harder to handle than the EOS3...especially when
shooting vertically (also because of the more slippery plastic used
in the handle). I think the optional battery grip is a must to
handhold the D60 properly...

3) the AF (we all knew that before) is very bad...although not as
bad as I expected. Let's say it is somewhat similar in speed, for
what I can remember, to my old EOS5. Unfortunately, though...it has
serious accuracy problems as soon as the light levels drop...even
in conditions that are far from dark! I find the AF illuminator
totally useless...the range is too limited, but what is worse, the
beam is obstructed by large lenses (my 70-200, for example) or even
by wideangle lenses with a hood (my 17-35...).

4) has an extremely small viewfinder area. This is my biggest
problem, and one that surprisingly was never mentioned in the
postings I read. The area displayed in the viewfinder appears
noticeably smaller than that of the EOS3 (as small as the EOS5, I'd
say). That's a huge problem to me, as I've already noticed it is
often hard to tell what is sharp and what is not...in other words,
objects that look sharp in the viewfinder may not be in the actual
picture...and it's very hard to tell. Coupled with the increased
need for manual focussing due to the lower-quality AF system, this
IS an issue.

These are the main points. There are more, of course....but in
general it seems that we'll have to wait a bit longer to have a
semiprofessional body housing at this price. At the moment the D60
has a wonderful engine trapped in a utilitarian.

Having said all this, I still love it...and was amazed by the
smoothness of the pictures...for those of you that haven't seen
samples...let's just say that there is no comparison with a dia
scanned using consumer systems (e.g., PhotoCD). In this respect,
the D60 truly rocks.

Giacomo
 
Wow, your first post in this forum and you are an expert on the D60. Most people hang around here a little longer before they become so opinionated. Have you ever even seen or used a D60?

Rich
Lisa
Hi...I've owned an EOS 3 for 3 years, and I just got a D60. I just
wanted to give you my opinion on the difference between the two
cameras...this could be useful to photographers switching from
semi-professional analogue canon cameras to the digital D60.

Before I do so, I would like to say that I am not at all bashing
the D60, of which I am very happy (because it's digital...).

Compared to the EOS3, the D60

1) seems like a toy :-) Seriously, the plastic feel and lower
weight will initially put you off...also the buttons have a very
strange, and seemingly less reliable feel than those on the EOS3

2) It is less tall...this is giving me problems, actually, because
it gives you less space on the right to handhold the camera...I
find the D60 much harder to handle than the EOS3...especially when
shooting vertically (also because of the more slippery plastic used
in the handle). I think the optional battery grip is a must to
handhold the D60 properly...

3) the AF (we all knew that before) is very bad...although not as
bad as I expected. Let's say it is somewhat similar in speed, for
what I can remember, to my old EOS5. Unfortunately, though...it has
serious accuracy problems as soon as the light levels drop...even
in conditions that are far from dark! I find the AF illuminator
totally useless...the range is too limited, but what is worse, the
beam is obstructed by large lenses (my 70-200, for example) or even
by wideangle lenses with a hood (my 17-35...).

4) has an extremely small viewfinder area. This is my biggest
problem, and one that surprisingly was never mentioned in the
postings I read. The area displayed in the viewfinder appears
noticeably smaller than that of the EOS3 (as small as the EOS5, I'd
say). That's a huge problem to me, as I've already noticed it is
often hard to tell what is sharp and what is not...in other words,
objects that look sharp in the viewfinder may not be in the actual
picture...and it's very hard to tell. Coupled with the increased
need for manual focussing due to the lower-quality AF system, this
IS an issue.

These are the main points. There are more, of course....but in
general it seems that we'll have to wait a bit longer to have a
semiprofessional body housing at this price. At the moment the D60
has a wonderful engine trapped in a utilitarian.

Having said all this, I still love it...and was amazed by the
smoothness of the pictures...for those of you that haven't seen
samples...let's just say that there is no comparison with a dia
scanned using consumer systems (e.g., PhotoCD). In this respect,
the D60 truly rocks.

Giacomo
 
The D30 was a rebel because it changed the world of digital photography with its CMOS sensor and price. That is something the d60, and D1 did not achieve.
 
I keep both in my bag and interchange depending on shooting conditions. Most people seem to choose a body and carry lenses for differrent situations, I turned that on its head I carry the Lenses and the bodies to meet all situations. If I end up in low light and still need to autofocus I pull out the EOS 3. If I am in good light and want lots of shots to record the action and mood I pull out the D60. I feel that this way I do not have to compromise. I ALWAYS have my rolls of film processed to High definitiaon CD and Use Photoshop and print/Photolab as requied so there is integration at that pint and then I burn all imaged to CD for long term organized storage.
I had EOS3 when got D30, and sold D30 fairly soon mostly because
of AF, lack of spot-metering and built. Although I placed an order
for D60 (and still waiting for it) looks like I'm going to skip it
and wait for digital equivalent of EOS3. Hopefully it won't be too
long. Till then I'll use slide film and scanner.
If you didin't like the D30, you won't like the D60 either. Aside
from shutter lag and the illuminated AF points, handling is
identical.
--
Pips
 
What is ignorant/arrogant about her statement? I have a D30. I also used to own a Canon A2. The A2 is a $400 camera and has more features than the D30. That doesn't mean that I don't like the D30. But just because the D30 cost several thousand dollars I'm not going to say that it's better or even equal to the A2.

You pay a huge premium for digital technology and I don't see anything wrong in acknowledging that.
 
Whatever. I firmly believe that the d30 is closest to an Elan, not a Rebel in terms of build quality and even some features. Of course you pay a price for digital technology, who is denying that.
What is ignorant/arrogant about her statement? I have a D30. I also
used to own a Canon A2. The A2 is a $400 camera and has more
features than the D30. That doesn't mean that I don't like the D30.
But just because the D30 cost several thousand dollars I'm not
going to say that it's better or even equal to the A2.

You pay a huge premium for digital technology and I don't see
anything wrong in acknowledging that.
--
Sincerely,
Y. Chachad
Shoot The World
http://www.pbase.com/eastrace
http://www.pbase.com/chachads
 
Hmmm ... size and build quality? How about FEATURES and build quality. It is the equivalent of a digital Rebel ... in my most humble opinion. In the US the only Canon SLR lines are the Rebels, Elans, EOS-3, and EOS-1 series. It matches the Rebel best. It isn't BASED on a Rebel ... we all know that. It just compares best to a Rebel.
 

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