globetrekker Loc: Bend, OR

I am in the market for my first DSLR, and am likely to buy either a Canon t3i or D60. I would consider spending the extra $200 or so for the D60 (body only), since this will be my DSLR for many years – but only if I see enough advantages to doing that. So far, it’s not clear to me.

The sensors are identical in size. So I assume no difference at all in image quality? I see minor differences in things like fps of continuous drive and shortest shutter speeds, but I don’t think those things would make any difference to me. I believe battery life much better in D60, but since I like to carry a spare battery on big shooting days, that doesn’t seem to be a difference worth paying for.

I am intrigued by this comment from a t3i reviewer on Amazon: “If you work in Av, Tv, or M modes and need quicker and more direct access to your controls and the additional top LCD screen to view and change your current settings, then you need to consider the 60D or 7D over the T3i.” I’m working my way through Peterson’s Understanding Exposure (attention photography newbies: this is a Must Read!), and I do expect to be working in M, Av, and Tv much of the time. But I’m not sure why the extra display on the top of the camera makes working in those modes any easier. Wouldn’t the same data be displayed on the back LCD? Is it somehow easier to see and change via the top LCD?

Anyway, I’m not a status-conscious person, and I don’t need to have a better camera just because I can. I’m more concerned with becoming a better photographer. Having said that, since I’ll use my next camera for years, I don’t want to make a purely price-based decision. So if folks have any observations about differences between the t3i and 60D, and what type of photographer each model might be better suited to, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Thank you.

Robert Graybeal Loc: Myrtle Beach

Just before the 60D was released, I was dead set on a 7D.
Reading the reviews, it appeared to be the greatest camera ever built. Then, along comes the 60D at almost half price. People who knew a lot more than I said it is practily the same camera but with the rotating screen. So I purchased the 60D. Love it!
I have a Rebel - entry level DSLR
The 7D is a pro level DSLR
The 60D and T3i are somewhere in between.
I didn't realize it until I read your post, but I use the top LCD screen all the time.
Good luck

tripsy76 Loc: Northshore, MA

I have the 60D and love it. So here's my 2 cents...
If you plan on doing DSLR video, then the 60D wins out due to audio splits and better sound. And if you are new, the additional fps may be something you choose to use later. The top menu is a must for me.

Conversely, if video is not any sort of priority for you, then hands down my opinion is for the T3i, specificly so you can put the extra money into a better piece of glass.

Either decision will land you a great body, but the glass wins everytime for me.

Gary Truchelut Loc: Coldspring, TX

Go with the 60d if you can. The controls for changing f stop are much better with the use of a wheel on the back of the camera instead of a button on the t3i. With the t3i you must hold a button down while using the top wheel to set the f stop. With the 60d you have two separate controls which make it much more intuitive. also you will like the top lcd as it its much easier to read when you are down low on a tripod.

Dinxboomps Loc: Portland, Oregon

I had the t2i, which is basically the same as the t3i, but upgraded to the 60D, partly due to this "aperture wheel." It makes it much -- much -- easier to change the aperture while you're looking through the viewfinder. You have everything at your fingertips and can make changes quickly. While for me this camera was financially a stretch, I am very glad I got it. Also, it's sturdier, and just feels good in your hands. Get the 60D.

LittleRedFish Loc: Naw'lens (New Orleans)

Have you picked up and held both camera's? See which one feels better in your hands?

Also, if your going to do any outdoor photography, exposed to harsh elements etc. The 60D is a much sturdier camera with a more fps, which is important in wildlife photography.

I got the 60D, if I could have afforded the extra $6-700 more for the 7D I would have gone with that because of the bigger sensor.

Aslo, what lens(es) are you planing on getting? I see your not going to do the lens kit, is it because your going to go for an L lens? If you are your going to want the bigger and more sturdier camera.

Robert Graybeal Loc: Myrtle Beach

Rachel - the 7D and the 60D have the same sensor.

MWAC Loc: Somewhere East Of Crazy

I would simply go with the 60D because it has the daisy wheel, that makes it so much easier to shot in Manual.

LittleRedFish Loc: Naw'lens (New Orleans)

thanks, i thought i might be wrong about that. Does the t3i have the same one too?

JimH Loc: Western South Jersey, USA

No - the only Canons with F/F sensor are the "5D" series, and the "1Ds" and the announced but not yet out there "1D X" (NOT the plain old 1D, which has the oddball APS-H sensor)
Got it?

There'll be a quiz next period.

LittleRedFish Loc: Naw'lens (New Orleans)

OH NO! I hate pop quizes. I always bomb them because I wait until the last minute to study. Ugh!

JimH Loc: Western South Jersey, USA

Don't feel bad. I stayed up all night once studying for a urine test...and I still flunked. :) LOL

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imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Please don't foget the articulating viewing screen of the 60D - good for stills and video !

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Also BTW - the T3i, 60D, and 7D all have the same sensor - just different processing of the output of the sensor.

memorykeeper Loc: Indianapolis, Indiana

Any of these cameras has an optical viewfinder? That is what I prefer.