The Ultimate Face-Off: Canon EOS 60D with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II vs Canon EOS 7D Mark II – Which Wins?

If you’re a budding photographer looking to upgrade your gear or a seasoned enthusiast seeking a reliable workhorse, the Canon EOS 60D with its kit lens, the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II, and the Canon EOS 7D Mark II are two compelling options. Both cameras offer impressive features and image quality, but they cater to different needs and skill levels. This comprehensive comparison will help you determine which camera aligns best with your photographic aspirations.

The Canon EOS 60D: A Solid Foundation for Beginners

The Canon EOS 60D, released in 2010, remains a capable camera for those starting their photographic journey. Its 18-megapixel APS-C sensor captures detailed images, and the 9-point autofocus system provides reliable focus accuracy in various shooting situations. The 60D’s built-in features include a vari-angle LCD screen, allowing for flexible shooting angles, and a dedicated microphone input for capturing high-quality audio.
The bundled EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II lens is a versatile option for everyday photography. It covers a wide range of focal lengths, making it suitable for landscapes, portraits, and everyday snapshots. The image stabilization feature helps to minimize camera shake, resulting in sharper images, especially in low light.

The Canon EOS 7D Mark II: A Professional’s Choice

The Canon EOS 7D Mark II, released in 2014, is a professional-grade camera designed for photographers who demand speed, accuracy, and versatility. It boasts a 20.2-megapixel APS-C sensor, delivering exceptional image quality with high dynamic range. The 65-point autofocus system with 19 cross-type points ensures lightning-fast and precise focus, ideal for capturing fast-moving subjects.
The 7D Mark II’s impressive burst rate of 10 frames per second allows you to capture fleeting moments with ease. The camera’s robust build and weather-sealing provide protection against the elements, making it suitable for challenging shooting conditions.

Sensor Size and Image Quality: A Closer Look

Both cameras feature APS-C sensors, which offer a good balance between image quality and affordability. The 7D Mark II boasts a slightly higher resolution of 20.2 megapixels compared to the 60D’s 18 megapixels. This translates to slightly larger files and more detail, especially when printing large images.
However, the 60D’s sensor performs admirably in low light conditions, delivering good image quality even at higher ISO settings. Both cameras offer excellent dynamic range, allowing you to recover detail in both highlights and shadows.

Autofocus and Performance: Speed and Precision

The 7D Mark II’s 65-point autofocus system with 19 cross-type points is a significant advantage over the 60D’s 9-point system. The 7D Mark II’s autofocus system is incredibly responsive and accurate, making it ideal for capturing fast-moving subjects like sports or wildlife. The 60D’s autofocus system is adequate for general photography, but it may struggle with fast-paced action.
The 7D Mark II‘s 10 frames per second burst rate is another significant advantage over the 60D’s 5.3 frames per second. This allows you to capture a rapid sequence of images, ensuring you don’t miss any crucial moments.

Video Capabilities: A Comparison of Features

Both cameras offer video recording capabilities, but the 7D Mark II surpasses the 60D in this area. The 7D Mark II records 1080p video at 60 frames per second, providing smooth and detailed footage. It also offers manual audio control, allowing you to adjust the audio levels for professional-quality recordings.
The 60D records 1080p video at 30 frames per second, which is adequate for basic video recording, but it lacks the high frame rate and audio control features of the 7D Mark II.

Ergonomics and Design: Comfort and Control

The 7D Mark II is designed for professional use, featuring a deep grip, a multitude of buttons and dials, and a high-resolution LCD screen. Its robust build and weather-sealing make it suitable for demanding shooting conditions.
The 60D offers a more comfortable grip than many entry-level cameras, but it lacks the professional-grade features of the 7D Mark II. Its LCD screen is smaller and has a lower resolution, making it less ideal for reviewing images in detail.

Connectivity and Features: Staying Connected and Organized

The 7D Mark II offers a wider range of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi and NFC, allowing you to easily transfer images to your smartphone or tablet. It also features a built-in GPS receiver, which can record location data for each image.
The 60D lacks Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity, making it less convenient for sharing images wirelessly. Its GPS functionality requires an external receiver.

The Verdict: Choosing the Right Camera for You

The Canon EOS 60D with its kit lens is a great choice for beginners who are looking for a versatile and affordable camera. Its 18-megapixel sensor, 9-point autofocus system, and vari-angle LCD screen provide a solid foundation for learning photography.
The Canon EOS 7D Mark II is a professional-grade camera designed for photographers who demand speed, accuracy, and versatility. Its 20.2-megapixel sensor, 65-point autofocus system, 10 frames per second burst rate, and robust build make it an excellent choice for action, wildlife, sports, and other demanding genres.
Ultimately, the best camera for you depends on your individual needs and budget. If you’re a beginner looking for a reliable and affordable camera, the 60D is a great option. If you’re a seasoned photographer who needs a professional-grade camera with advanced features, the 7D Mark II is the clear winner.

Choosing Your Photographic Journey

Both the Canon EOS 60D and the Canon EOS 7D Mark II offer excellent image quality and features. The 60D provides a solid foundation for beginners, while the 7D Mark II empowers professional photographers with its advanced capabilities. Consider your skill level, budget, and photographic aspirations when making your decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the difference in price between the Canon EOS 60D and the Canon EOS 7D Mark II?
A: The Canon EOS 60D is significantly more affordable than the Canon EOS 7D Mark II. The price difference reflects the difference in features and performance.
Q: Can I use Canon EF lenses on both cameras?
A: Yes, both cameras are compatible with Canon EF lenses. The 60D can also use Canon EF-S lenses, which are designed specifically for APS-C cameras.
Q: Which camera is better for low light photography?
A: Both cameras perform well in low light conditions. The 60D’s sensor performs slightly better at higher ISO settings than the 7D Mark II’s sensor.
Q: Which camera is better for video recording?
A: The Canon EOS 7D Mark II offers superior video recording capabilities, including 1080p video at 60 frames per second and manual audio control. The 60D records 1080p video at 30 frames per second.
Q: Can I upgrade the firmware on both cameras?
A: Yes, both cameras can be upgraded to the latest firmware via Canon’s website. Firmware updates can improve camera performance and add new features.