Canon 50D vs 60D

The Canon 50D vs 60D comparison is easy to get caught up in. The prices have come down dramatically and it's a great time to buy either one of these well built cameras. This article will help you decide if the Canon 50D or 60D is a better fit for you.

You can see from the photos that many of the rear buttons on the 60D are now close to the new Multi-Control Dial and a few have different shapes.  Some Canon camera reviewers say that this opens up possible one-handed shooting.

I am not sure.  I've always like keeping my right hand fully gripped on the camera and make camera setting adjustments with my free left hand.  This is another one of those issues you have to decide for yourself.



Canon 50D Specs

15.1 Megapixel

6.3 Frames per second

3.0  inch stationary LCD Screen

Canon 60D Specs

18.0 Megapixel

5.3 Frames per second

3.0 Vari-Angle LCD Screen


Don't get caught up in the Megapixel Myth.  More Megapixel does not always mean better. Will you know the difference between 5.3 and 6.3 frames per second?

The Vari-Angle LCD is great for low-camera and high-camera position shooting.


The Features That are the Same

Both  camera have the small LCD on the top of the camera.  Both have Canon's Digic 4 processor.

Both camera will take great photos.  Both have the same auto-focus and ISO settings.

They both accept some great Canon accessories. The 60D takes the Canon BG-E9 Battery Grip.  The 50D takes the Canon BG-E2 Battery Grip.


The Practical Features

Canon 50D


The cleaner runs every time you turn the 50D on or off.

No Video

HDMI output for displaying full high-resolution images on a HDTV.

Has a PC link.  The 60D does not.


Canon 60D

The vari-angle LCD is also great when shooting video or when shooting on a tripod.

This camera also has a new Multi-Control dial and set button.  this makes it easier to navigate.

The mode dial has a locking button which prevents accidental changes to the mode setting.

Better Exposure Compensation, -5 to +5

The 60D is compatible with Canon's IR remote controls.


Canon 50D and 60D Features That Won't Make Either a Deal Breaker

Plastic Composite Body Shell vs. Magnesium Shell.  Does that really matter?  For some it matter quite a bit how it feels in your hands.  For many, how the camera functions and the the quality of the photographs is what matters most

There is a fine tune adjustment to Auto-focus  which is best left for you if you are an expert.

The 50D is slightly larger.

For most shooters the fact that the 60D does not include a PC port is no big deal.


Conclusion of Canon 50D vs 60D Comparison

The X0D progression of Canon Cameras (the 20D, 30D, and 40D) were clearly sufficient upgrades to persuade buyers to upgrade to newer models.  The 50D may have been the end of the line in that line of Canon's thinking as the 60D was clearly a step in a different direction.

The 50D was not enough of an improvement over the 40D and the 7D loomed in the distance as an alternative.

So what's the verdict of the Canon 50D vs 60D battle.  Too many variables for me to recommend one over the other.  If you want to shoot any video at all than the 60 is the obvious choice or if you don't want to buy a camera that is too outdated, stay away from the 50D. Deals on the Canon 60D.

Just don't wait too long on you will miss out on the the photography fun! You can wait until you find the perfect camera or you can jump in and start shooting.  The best way to really find out if a camera is a good fit for you is to give it a try yourself. 

Smaller Canon 50D LCD ScreenSmaller Canon 50D LCD Screen

With the 60D being officially discontinued by Canon, you might not think of it as a good camera for you to buy. Generally, I don't recommend buying a discontinued camera unless you're buying it used for a newbie photographer who isn't ready yet for a modern DSLR. 

Keep shooting your Canon

Author Bruce Lovelace
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Bruce Lovelace is the publisher of Canon Camera Geek. Read more about him on the About Page. He also publishes how to articles and camera gear reviews at the Photography Tips website.

View some of Bruce's photos on Instagram  and Flickr  Join the tribe of followers on YouTube. Bruce also runs photo workshops and provides 1 on 1 digital photography coaching.

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