(1) Large ~18.00-megapixel CMOS sensor

The EOS 60D is equipped with a large, high-sensitivity CMOS sensor (Photo 2) with an effective size of 22.3 x 14.9 millimeters. It has an effective resolution of about 18.00 megapixels.

(2) High-performance DIGIC 4

Although the EOS 60D uses the 50D’s DIGIC 4 image processor (Photo 3), the DIGIC 4 is the heart of the 60D’s new digital image processing functions, such as full HD movie recording, in-camera RAW processing, and creative filters.

(3) Wide ISO 100–6400 range opens up new creative shooting opportunities

The 60D borrows the high sensitivity, low noise, wide dynamic range technologies from the EOS 7D and others to realize a full-time ISO range of 100 to 6400, which is a full stop wider than the 50D.
The user can set the upper limit of the ISO Auto function to ISO 400, ISO 800, ISO 1600, ISO 3200, or ISO 6400.

(4) Support for SD memory cards

The 60D uses SD memory cards as its recording media. It also accepts SDHC memory cards and the new SDXC memory cards, a standard that scales to tremendous storage sizes.

(5) Appending copyright information

The user can set the “Author’s name” and “Copyright details” directly in the camera. These parameters are saved in the Exif data with each shot.

(1) Creative effect selections

The creative effect selections are intended to let the user easily express the image in his or her mind as a photograph. Selections are made by way of two functions: Shoot by ambience selection and Shoot by lighting or scene type. The creative effect selections are designed to work only in the Basic Zone shooting modes. Note that the user can check the results of applying a certain creative effect before shooting in Live View because the effect is automatically applied to the Live View image.

(2) Improved functions that deliver higher image quality

The Auto Lighting Optimizer uses a new control that works together with evaluative metering to optimize the exposure balance between a backlit subject (a person) and the background (a blue sky). The lens peripheral illumination correction, high ISO speed noise reduction, and highlight tone priority function in the same way as on the 50D.

The EOS 60D includes a number of interesting image processing functions — such as in-camera RAW processing and creative filters — that are applied after shooting an image.

(1) In-camera RAW processing

Users can apply the following processes to captured RAW images: brightness adjustments, white balance, Picture Style, Auto Lighting Optimizer, high ISO speed noise reduction, JPEG image recording quality, color space, lens peripheral illumination correction, distortion correction, and chromatic aberration correction (Figure 2). The results of the RAW processing (except recording quality and color space) can be viewed in real time on the LCD monitor. Processed RAW images are saved separately as JPEG images, so it is possible to reprocess a RAW image multiple times with different settings. Note that in-camera RAW processing does not work with S-RAW and M-RAW images.

(2) Creative filters

Users can apply Grainy B/W, Soft focus, Toy camera effect, and Miniature effect filters (Figure 3) to captured JPEG and RAW images (not applicable to S-RAW or M-RAW images). The post-filter results are saved as a separate JPEG image, so filters can be adjusted and applied multiple times to the same original image.

(3) Resizing recorded images

Users can reduce the size (number of recorded pixels) of a captured JPEG image to M, S1, S2, or S3.

(4) Ratings

On the 60D, users can rate their favorite photos from one to five stars. Images can be sorted by ratings and slide shows can be set to display only rated images.

(1) 3.0-inch, Vari-Angle Clear View LCD monitor with a wide aspect ratio

The 60D’s 3.0-inch LCD monitor has a wide viewing angle, a wide 3:2 aspect ratio, and a resolution of about 1.04 million pixels. The Vari-Angle monitor can be tilted for viewing from above or below or flipped to face the subject (Photo 5). Because it opens sideways, the monitor remains equally adjustable when the camera is mounted on a tripod or when a battery grip is attached.
A fluorine coating is applied to the surface of the monitor to cut reflections and resist smudging.

(2) Electronic level

The 60D’s electronic level (Photo 6) indicates the 360-degree horizontal pitch in one-degree increments on the LCD monitor. The user can also check the pitch between ±9 degrees of the horizon in one-degree increments in the viewfinder or on the LCD panel. (Note that the electronic level is not displayed in the viewfinder or on the LCD panel when the camera is held vertically.)

(3) User-friendly controls

We have made a number of improvements to the EOS 60D to make the controls easier to use and more intuitive: a power switch that is easier to locate and operate, a Mode dial lock button to prevent accidental changes to the shooting mode setting, a Quick Control Dial that incorporates the eight-key Multi-controller, a Quick Control button, and a Live View shooting / Movie shooting button.

(1) Enhanced Live View shooting

The Live View function has been upgraded to work with all shooting modes. The new multiple aspect ratio function can take photos at 4:3, 16:9, and 1:1 aspect ratios as well as at the standard 3:2 aspect ratio. A border indicating the selected aspect ratio’s boundary is displayed on the monitor (Figure 4).* JPEG images are recorded at the selected aspect ratio. RAW images are recorded at 3:2 and then changed to the selected aspect ratio when processed.

*Available only in the Creative Zone modes.

(2) Improved movie shooting

The user can choose from full HD, HD, and SD (standard definition) when shooting movies. The Movie crop function delivers up to 7x zoom magnification over regular movie shooting when shooting in SD. Both automatic and manual exposure settings are available, and the camera can automatically set the ISO speed between 100 and 6400 or the user can set the speed manually. The built-in microphone records a mono audio track, but an external microphone can be used for stereo audio recording. The audio recording level is adjustable automatically or manually (in 64 steps), and a wind filter can be applied.

Movies shot in full HD can be enjoyed in high definition by connecting the camera to a full HD television with an HDMI cable.