The Ultimate Showdown: Canon EOS 60D vs. Panasonic Lumix GH5 II with Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM

Choosing the right camera can be a daunting task, especially when you’re considering two popular options like the Canon EOS 60D with the Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM lens and the Panasonic Lumix GH5 II. Both cameras cater to enthusiast photographers, but they offer distinct features and capabilities. This comprehensive comparison will delve into their strengths and weaknesses, helping you make an informed decision based on your specific needs and preferences.

Image Quality: A Tale of Two Sensors

The Canon EOS 60D boasts a 18-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, known for its excellent dynamic range and detail retention. The Panasonic Lumix GH5 II, on the other hand, features a 20.3-megapixel Micro Four Thirds sensor, sacrificing a bit of dynamic range but offering better low-light performance and a higher resolution.
Canon EOS 60D: The 60D’s sensor excels in capturing vibrant colors and producing high-quality images in daylight. Its dynamic range allows for recovering details in both highlights and shadows, making it suitable for landscapes and portraits. However, its smaller sensor size limits its low-light capabilities compared to the GH5 II.
Panasonic Lumix GH5 II: The GH5 II’s sensor offers impressive low-light performance, capturing clean images even in challenging lighting conditions. Its higher resolution allows for more cropping flexibility and printing larger prints. However, its Micro Four Thirds sensor might produce slightly less detail in high-contrast scenes compared to the 60D’s APS-C sensor.

Autofocus Performance: Speed and Accuracy

The Canon EOS 60D features a 9-point cross-type autofocus system, which is reliable but not as advanced as the GH5 II’s autofocus system. The Panasonic Lumix GH5 II boasts a superior 225-point contrast-detection autofocus system with impressive speed and accuracy, especially for tracking moving subjects.
Canon EOS 60D: The 9-point autofocus system is adequate for general photography, but it struggles to keep up with fast-moving subjects. Its lack of continuous autofocus (AF-C) in live view mode can be frustrating for shooting moving subjects.
Panasonic Lumix GH5 II: The GH5 II’s autofocus system shines in its speed and accuracy. It excels in tracking moving subjects, thanks to its advanced contrast-detection autofocus technology. The camera also offers a dedicated autofocus mode for video recording, ensuring sharp footage even when filming dynamic scenes.

Video Capabilities: A Clear Winner

The Panasonic Lumix GH5 II is a clear winner in this category. It offers 4K video recording at up to 60fps, along with a variety of video recording features like log profiles and anamorphic video modes. The Canon EOS 60D, while capable of capturing Full HD video, lacks the advanced features and resolution of the GH5 II.
Canon EOS 60D: The 60D can record Full HD video at 30fps, but its video capabilities are limited compared to the GH5 II. It lacks the advanced video recording features and resolution that make the GH5 II a popular choice for filmmakers.
Panasonic Lumix GH5 II: The GH5 II is a powerhouse for video recording. It offers 4K video recording at up to 60fps, 10-bit internal recording, and a variety of professional-grade video features. Its advanced video capabilities make it a popular choice for filmmakers and videographers.

Ergonomics and Design: A Matter of Preference

Both cameras offer comfortable ergonomics and intuitive controls, but their design aesthetics differ. The Canon EOS 60D has a more traditional DSLR design, while the Panasonic Lumix GH5 II boasts a more compact and modern mirrorless design.
Canon EOS 60D: The 60D’s DSLR design is familiar to photographers accustomed to traditional cameras. It features a large handgrip, a dedicated mode dial, and a well-placed button layout. Its optical viewfinder is a popular feature for many photographers.
Panasonic Lumix GH5 II: The GH5 II’s mirrorless design is compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry around. It features a tilting touchscreen LCD, a dedicated mode dial, and a customizable button layout. Its electronic viewfinder offers a clear and detailed view.

Battery Life and Connectivity: A Close Contest

Both cameras offer decent battery life, but the GH5 II’s battery life is slightly better. Both models offer a variety of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and HDMI.
Canon EOS 60D: The 60D offers a decent battery life, but it falls short of the GH5 II’s battery life. It offers Wi-Fi and HDMI connectivity, but it lacks Bluetooth.
Panasonic Lumix GH5 II: The GH5 II boasts a longer battery life than the 60D. It offers Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and HDMI connectivity, making it more versatile for wireless image transfer and remote control.

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Camera

The Canon EOS 60D with the Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM lens and the Panasonic Lumix GH5 II are both excellent cameras for enthusiast photographers. The 60D excels in image quality and affordability, while the GH5 II shines in video capabilities and low-light performance. Ultimately, the best camera for you depends on your specific needs and preferences.
If you prioritize image quality and affordability, the Canon EOS 60D is a great choice. Its 18-megapixel sensor delivers excellent image quality, and its price point makes it an accessible option for many photographers.
If you prioritize video capabilities and low-light performance, the Panasonic Lumix GH5 II is the clear winner. Its 4K video recording capabilities, advanced autofocus system, and excellent low-light performance make it a versatile camera for both stills and video.

Common Questions and Answers

Q: What is the best lens for the Canon EOS 60D?
A: The Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM is a versatile and affordable lens that is well-suited for the 60D. For portrait photography, consider the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM lens.
Q: Does the Panasonic Lumix GH5 II have in-body image stabilization?
A: No, the GH5 II does not have in-body image stabilization. However, many Micro Four Thirds lenses offer optical image stabilization.
Q: Is the Canon EOS 60D still a good camera in 2023?
A: While the 60D is an older camera, it still offers good image quality and is a great option for photographers on a budget. However, newer cameras offer more advanced features and capabilities.
Q: What are the differences between the Panasonic Lumix GH5 and GH5 II?
A: The GH5 II offers several improvements over the original GH5, including a higher resolution sensor, improved autofocus, and a new video recording mode.
Q: Which camera is better for beginners?
A: Both cameras are suitable for beginners, but the Canon EOS 60D might be slightly easier to learn due to its familiar DSLR design.