Canon EOS 60D

Manufacturer: Canon Type: camera Sensor: APS-C Resolution: 18MP Year introduced: 2010 Key feature: First Canon EOS with Vari-Angle LCD; full HD video at 1080/24p made it popular with underwater videographers on a budget

Overview

The Canon EOS 60D, launched in August 2010 as a replacement for the 50D, was a significant camera for the growing segment of underwater videographers. It combined an 18-megapixel APS-C sensor with the HD video recording capabilities of the Canon EOS 7D at a lower price point (^[1]). Its 1080p video at 24p — enabling cinema-style footage — and manual audio level control made it especially appealing for underwater video production.

Canon positioned the 60D below the 7D in the lineup, which meant some compromises: it used the 550D’s autofocus system and LCD rather than the 7D’s more advanced versions, and switched from CF to SD cards. However, Drew Wong, who reviewed both the Seacam and Nauticam housings for Wetpixel, noted that production crews specifically preferred it because “they like the video output (basically equal to the 7D) and performance value” (^[2]).

The 60D’s Vari-Angle LCD screen — a first for any Canon EOS camera — was of limited underwater use since it could not articulate inside a housing, but the 1,040,000-dot resolution was useful for reviewing footage between dives.

Housing Availability

• Nauticam (NA-60D) — Released March 2011 (^[3]). Drew Wong field-tested it in Bali with both the 4.33-inch acrylic dome and new redesigned 9-inch optical glass dome. The housing featured Nauticam’s port locking system and optical flash triggering ports (^[4]).
• Seacam (Prelude 60D) — Part of Seacam’s new Prelude series, described as “a 100% Seacam housing for 40% less cost.” Drew Wong reviewed it after testing in South Africa and Indonesia. The minimalist design philosophy of “Less is More” deliberately omitted some controls to reduce complexity and cost (^[5]).
• Inon (X-2) — Released October 2011 (^[6]).

Reviews & Discussion

• ^[7] — Drew Wong’s comprehensive review tested with Seaflash 150 strobes. Discussed Seacam’s design philosophy and compared the camera to the 7D for video. Adam Hanlon called it “an amazingly comprehensive review.”
• ^[8] — Drew Wong’s field test in Bali, covering both dome ports and macro. Included a subjective comparison between the Seacam and Nauticam housings. Noted Nauticam’s history including two recalls (550D loctite issue and dome detachment).

Timeline

• 2010-08: Canon launches the EOS 60D with 18MP sensor, Vari-Angle LCD, and HD video (^[9])
• 2010-12: Canon releases firmware update for EOS 60D (^[10])
• 2011-03: Nauticam releases NA-60D housing (^[11])
• 2011-07: Canon releases second firmware update for EOS 60D (^[12])
• 2011-10: Drew Wong publishes Seacam Prelude 60D review on Wetpixel (^[13])
• 2011-10: Inon releases X-2 housing for Canon EOS 60D (^[14])
• 2011-10: Drew Wong publishes Nauticam NA-60D field test (^[15])

References

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