50D vs. 60D

[Ronald Zigler]

I hope this is not too pedestrian of a question to Canon users who are probably using more advanced camera bodies than either the 60D or the 50D; but for those few individuals (like myself) who would like to pursue bird photography on a more limited budget, is there a consensus among Canon users that the 50D is a better choice than the 60D for bird photography on account of its micro-focusing adjustment, more frames per second and metal construction? One can still purchase a 50D body directly from Canon. So, short of purchasing the 7D, is the 50D really a better choice than a 60D?

[Stu Bowie]

Hi Ronald, I cant comment on the 60D, but Ive had great service from my 50D for a few years, and feel that its more than adequate for bird photograpghy. Most of my shots are in flight, and I havent been dissappointed. Obviously buying good glass will go a long way too, but my trusty 100-400 also produces the goods. Good luck.

[Raul Padilla]

i have the 50D, i use and abuse of it everyday, it is great in the field, very resistent, i not know the 60D, i hope the same

[Kaustubh Deshpande]

Ronald, we had discussed this a lot when 60D was released. here are a couple of threads

http://www.birdphotographers.net/for...nfo-Needed-%29
http://www.birdphotographers.net/for...anon-60D-vs-7D
http://www.birdphotographers.net/for...ade-from-a-40D

For me the biggest issue would be not having the 40D-50D-7D-like joystick for AF point selection. I've not used 60D...but what they have instead of the joystick does not look like it would be ergonomically very good to use. Especially for Avian photography where you have to change the AF point very quickly at times. smaller size and reduced fps are cons as well. And no button for flash exp. compensation.

IQ should be similar to 7D...which is I guess a good thing.

I am still using my 40D. Its been a while since 60D has been released and I still dont see anyone posting regularly in Avian using it :-)

[Grant Atkinson]

I have used both bodies, and the controls of the 60D are not well suited to rapid changes of the AF point as noted by Kaustabh above. The 60D body is also a bit smaller than the 50D so if you have big hands then that may make the 50D a more comfortable camera to use. Image quality of the 60D should be a little better. The actual function of the AF is much the same, and the 60D has longer battery life.