Is the Canon 60d still a good camera to buy for video now?

If you have to buy Canon, it's either that, a Rebel, or the 70D. All with similar image quality, the 70D with awesome AF for video (if you want to use that).

But if you can buy a different brand, and care more about image quality than about anything else (like ergonomics), then there are much better options out there: the Nikon D5200 and D7100 run circles around every Canon DSLR except the 5D3.
 
Of course, if you can buy the C100 at $5500, then going for the D5200 makes no sense. But if all you have is $700, then I think the D5200 is the best buy right now.
 
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Samuel H said:
If you have to buy Canon, it's either that, a Rebel, or the 70D. All with similar image quality, the 70D with awesome AF for video (if you want to use that).

But if you can buy a different brand, and care more about image quality than about anything else (like ergonomics), then there are much better options out there: the Nikon D5200 and D7100 run circles around every Canon DSLR except the 5D3.
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What about the notorious Aperture control not functioning properly in Live View issue...?
 
TheExecutive said:
Or would you buy something else newer in the range?
Thanks.
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Does it make an image that is pleasing to your eye? Does it offer the kinds of image controls that you want? Can you use the kinds of lenses you want with it?

Then it's a good camera to buy.
 
TheExecutive said:
Or would you buy something else newer in the range?
Thanks.
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I use my 60D on paying projects for 3 years now. I've been waiting for improved resolution in Canon apsc but it hasn't happened with the 70D. The focus feature gets high marks but I quick focus between takes or manually focus so it may slow me down under pressure. Also since you can get 2 60Ds for the same price an 1 70D for the same resolution, it's just not worth it.
If you just need a basic video dslr the 60D is set up correctly. The menu is quick to use, has a dedicated video mode and the rear wheel controls the aperture while the front wheel controls shutter speed.
I tested the Nikons and didn't like the set up. It's really geared more for still work first video 2nd.
 
plundstr said:
What about the notorious Aperture control not functioning properly in Live View issue...?
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It's not that it doesn't function properly - it's just not written into the controls & the manual states you can't do it. (perhaps nitpicking your comment, but this isn't a bug we're waiting for a repair on)...

The best way around it is to use lenses with aperture rings (most nikon glass from the last 40+ years will work, and there are many classics). I really prefer the aperture ring for video anyway, but I was raised that way I suppose. But if you're starting out with Nikon, it's easy to pick up a couple used primes. Nikkors will future-proof you to some extent, you can use 'em on M43 right up to a Red Epic.

Some good bets:

28mm 2.8 AIS (not Ai, not pre-AI, not AF). Stellar, legendary lens that's about "normal" on APS-C. Low distortion, sharp as hell. Under $300 used. Beats out Zeiss-Contax in many tests.

The Series E 28mm 2.8 is really a nice video lens though - dirt cheap, and after the line-skipping & reduction issues, it's hard to fault it, esp. from F4 to 5.6.

Series E 50mm 1.8 - cheap - sometimes even cheaper to buy an old film body with this lens. Just about any Nikkor 50mm 1.8 is a very nice lens. (translates to a bit telephoto on small sensor).

100mm 2.8 Series E - pretty damn glorious glass for the low price (some say there are poor examples out there).

35-70 2.8 AF zoom - under $400 if you shop around. One of the sharpest zooms ever produced. Can be hit hard by veiling flare, so hoods & flags can be a must when shooting into light, some examples worse than others. However, it's a very pretty "cinematic" look when dialed in.

85mm 1.8, about any variant is a really gorgeous lens for the sub-$500 range.
 
plundstr said:
What about the notorious Aperture control not functioning properly in Live View issue...?
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I just bought the D5200, almost went with the 60D for this issue and the 60D handling is a bit better for my hands. But I wanted the DR and clean image more. With the D5200 I've developed a way of setting up my shots with the OVF, adjusting all the parameters I need to adjust and then I enter live view to begin recording. That wouldn't be ideal for running around and shooting, but for planned stuff it works great.
 
pulpfiction007 said:
I That wouldn't be ideal for running around and shooting, but for planned stuff it works great.
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That's true if you have more time. I'm shooting with 2 cameras side buy side on a mount plate to shoot 2 camera interviews along with a boom mic mixer and headphones. I have one shot to get it right then my talent is out the door. So things like dedicated video mode and simple menu are the only way it will work.

If I had more time to plan things out I think I would opt for shooting raw via magic lantern with 5D, even an Mk2 would be light years ahead of switching to a Nikon for improved IQ
 
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The 60D is pretty unparalleled in ergonomics for video shooting. The D7000 was a bit awkward, and the D7100 seems about the same, though I have only handled one at a Fortress in HK metro while waiting for a friend. The 60D is better than many video cameras in the hand-to-operations factor.


IQ of the 60D is only good enough. You will not be wowing anyone, unless you can really shoot. Hmmm, maybe that is too critical. But alas, there is ML raw (720p?).


If you can get your self a good price, the 60D could save you the growing pains of buying something that is more expensive, but equally a stepping stone. And the additional money could be used for the real game changers.... lenses and lens accs, and basic lights, and audio solution, etc.
 
I got a 60d two months ago and loved it. But after reading more about the 70d I decided to return the 60D for the 70D. Simply because of the video af which cn be very helpful with one man crew hd a STM lens.
 
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