but this makes 60D a threat to 550D instead of 50D because the nature of 60D is much closer to the rebel now than the previous xxD series, it's not horrible in term of a new product but it's horrible in term of "upgrade" for xxD series and don't forget there's people that buy the previous xxD series just for the bigger body feel alone(one of the reason i sold my d90 and get 50D), let see what nikon D7000 will look like when it come out
I dont believe that Canon intends users to upgrade within the same segment bracket. They are hoping you move from a 550D to an xxD. In this case, 60D offers better controls, better AF, perhaps a bigger VF(needa verify this) and flash control.
The whole idea of "upgrading" nowadays is to push people to the next bracket. 1 year cycles are meant to push the 2 year old users(500D users now) to this camera or the 7D.
Sony A55:
US$749 with kit lens
16.2MP (effective) APS HD CMOS sensor
Fixed, pellicle-type semi-translucent mirror
15-point phase-detection AF array with 3 cross-type AF points
EVF with 1.15 million dot resolution, 100% FOV, 1.1x magnification
500g (body, card & battery)
Built-in GPS
Electronic level in EVF/LCD with pitch/roll indicator
Dual-purpose Memory Stick/SD card slot
10fps continuous shooting rate (effective rate is 6 fps)
1080p AVCHD movie mode with continuous AF
Articulated 3" 'TruBlack' LCD with 912k dots
Canon 60D:
US$1249 with 18-55 kit lens, US$1099 body only
18 MP (effective) APS CMOS sensor
9-point phase-detection AF array, all cross-type AF points
OVF with 96% FOV, 0.95x magnification
755g (body, card & battery)
NO built-in GPS
Electronic level in OVF/LCD with pitch/roll indicator
Single SD card slot
5.3fps continuous shooting rate
1080p MOV movie mode WITHOUT continuous AF
Articulated 3" LCD with 1040k dots
Rumored Nikon D7000 specs:
US$1199 body only
Magnesium alloy body
16 MP APS CMOS sensor
39-point phase-detection AF array
OVF with 100% FOV
Dual CF/ SD card slots
~6.5fps continuous shooting rate
1080p movie mode WITH continuous AF
The 60D is over-priced and under-spec when compared to A55.
If I have no lens investments and just want to dabble with an interchangeable lens camera, the A55 is the obvious choice.
Valid points in terms of specs. But one thing we must remember is that Canon is 1 of the big 2. Not everyone relies on specs to do their shopping, word of mouth plays a large part.
2ndly, the specs that the A55 has, are they really relevant? Yes, their video has continuous focus. But dont you realize that its the semi-pros/pros(armed with rigs, Wire focus attachments, 2k tripods) that is driving the HDSLR video revolution? these people have no use for AF during video and they are the ones buying 4 5D2's at one shot. AF for video will come when consumers actually buy enough of Canon's HDSLRs for video use. As of now, the pros are dictating the features.
EVFs are all well and good, but have we found an EVF that has beaten an OVF? I doubt so and I believe I have handled enough cameras to know that. This newest EVF from Sony might prove me wrong, but lets see.
15 point AF, 3 Cross types. 9 point AF. All cross types. I would say personal preference but from handling an A500, A900, I would say the Canon's AF system still works better(subject to personal preference)
As for plastic bodies, this seems to be part of Canon's segmentation strategy. Plastic build + SD= Entry/Amateur level. CF + Magnesium alloy = Pro.
As for micro adjustment features, I dont use it but many here seem to do so. Whatever it is, its developed technology and I dont know why did Canon drop it. Cost cutting/added incentive to jump to 7D might be 2 of the possible reasons. If this impacts their sales, then its a bad move, nothing more.
As for price, we all know that Sony is engaging in a price war to try and grab market share. Its been quite awhile since they entered the market, I do not see them dominating the entry level segment. Its not that they make bad cameras( the A850 with the Zeiss 85 is an absolute joy to shoot with), just that the reputation is not as established.
Relax guys, I am not trying to sing Canon's praises or diss Sony or anything, just saying that if the 60D is a disappointment, you can always change brands or buy a 7D
Canon is gambling that the xxD user has enough lenses to prevent him from changing, which according to this thrend, seems to be working out.
As for new users, I would say Canon has a strong entry level line up, if new users are jumping to the other brands, then the next iteration will be a stunner. We saw that happen with the 550D when the KX,D90 were eating into Canon's market share.
