Canon EOS 60D vs EOS 7D | 2021 Comparison, Reviews, Pros & Cons

Last Updated: December 13, 2018

This candid review compares the Canon EOS 60D vs. Canon EOS 7D. You should know which of these Canon semi-pro and pro level DSLRs is the best option for you by the end of this page.

Both these capable cameras have 18.0MP APS-C (22.3 x 14.9 mm) sensors. They share quite a few camera specs and features too. They also have their own unique characteristics, hence this guide.

Keep reading to determine which is better—for YOU, and how these two Digital-SLRs compare. This page looks at where the cameras fall short as well as the areas they excel.

The list below breaks down these areas of comparison:

Canon EOS 7D & 60D DSLR Comparison

	Canon EOS 60D	Canon EOS 7D

Best For	Advanced amateur photographers	Prosumers and professional photographers
Price	See Price on Amazon	See Price on Amazon
Articulating Screen	3-inch fully articulated screen	None
Battery Life	1100 shots	800 shots
Camera Weight	26.63 oz.	30.33 oz.
Color Depth	22.2	22
LCD Screen Resolution	1.040k dots	920k dots
Flash Coverage	13.0 meters	12.0 meters
Viewfinder Coverage	96%	100%
Continuous Shooting	5.0fps	8.0fps
AF Micro Adjustment (AFMA)	None	Yes
Shutter Life Expectancy	100000 cycles	150000 cycles
Number of Focus Points	9 focus points	19 focus points
Dynamic Range	11.5	11.7
Low Light ISO	813	854

Here’s what we cover in the review:

Canon EOS 60D and Canon EOS 7D Shared Features

These cameras share around a dozen or so features that are popular among photographers. Starting with flash capability are the built-in pop-up flashes. Integral flash can be invaluable in failing light.

Both bodies have external flash hot shoes that allow for more creative lighting control. And their flash sync ports are ideal for when you need to hook up one or more external flash units.

Each camera has a top-mounted flat liquid-crystal displays or LCDs. Top LCDs make it easier to view and change camera settings. They’re especially comfortable to use when the camera’s low down.

Microphone ports are popular among video buffs and vloggers who demand high-quality audio. And the environmental sealing is appreciated by those into all-weather photography.

The cameras have 18MP image resolution, RAW file support, AE Bracketing, and Face Detection Focusing. Their optical viewfinders are beneficial for improved framing in bright light.

Not every person needs all these shared features, but it’s good they are there all the same. After all, photographers styles, interests, and demands can—and often do—change with the wind.

Camera Body Comparison

A camera’s physical specs can affect choices in a few ways. Cosmetic appearance doesn’t offer practical benefits of course. Even so, most photographers consider the look of a Digital-SLR before they buy it.

More important than physical looks are ergonomics, size, and weight. Both the EOS 60D and the Canon EOS 7D boast excellent ergonomic design and easy handling for users.

Ergonomics is not only about how the camera feels in the hands. It’s also about the layout, access, and position of its controls. There’s no perfect ergonomic design as no two hands are ever the same.

The bodies of these Canon cameras have some small variations. The Canon 60D is slightly narrower and shorter than the 7D, but it’s a little thicker. These subtle differences are barely noticeable.

The most significant difference is with the weight. The Canon 60D weights 105g (12%) less than the EOS 7D. That doesn’t sound much, but some folks are sure to notice the extra on an all-day shoot.

Visual differences between them are subtle from the front, top, and sides. The table below shows the dimensions and weight variances of these two models.

Canon EOS 60D	Width: 5.7”	Height: 4.2”	Depth: 3.1”	Weight: 26.63 oz.
Canon EOS 7D	Width: 5.8”	Height: 4.4”	Depth: 2.9”	Weight: 30.33 oz.

A view from the rear

The rear-view layout of these two cameras are where the most noticeable differences exist.

The EOS 7D has a fixed, high-quality rear LCD. The EOS 60D also has a high-resolution rear display, but it’s a fully articulated 3-inch flip-out screen. That forces a different rear layout for the 60D.

The 60D’s tiltable screen has a hinge on its left side, so there are no buttons along that edge. Canon gets around this by moving the left buttons to the right side and combining some of the functions.

Why Consider the EOS 60D over the EOS 7D?

There are a few reasons to consider the EOS 60D over the EOS 7D. It’s articulating display screen is a major plus. The rotation is invaluable for composing shots at unusual angles and for taking selfies.

The 60D also has a 13% higher resolution screen than the 7D. In dots that translates to 1.040k dots to the 7D’s 920k. The camera is also lighter by 105 grams or 755g vs. 860g.

Both DSLRs have built-in flashes, but Canon’s 60D has a 13M range that gives it a 1M gain. Battery life is another plus point with 300 more frames per charge or 1100 shots to the 7D’s 800.

Cost is sure to be a consideration for some people, too. Prices and promotions fluctuate in the Digital-SLR realm of course. Nonetheless, you can expect to save a few hundred dollars on the EOS 60D.

These pros mean different things to different people. There are also a few things that the EOS 7D boasts that the 60D lacks as shown in the next section.

Why Consider the EOS 7D over the EOS 60D?

The EOS 7D has 8fps (frames per second) continuous shooting. That’s 3fps faster than the 60D’s 5fps. A faster fps is sure to attract some, especially sports and action photographers.

At 150000 vs. 100000 cycles, the shutter life expectancy is better with the 7D by 50,000 cycles. That’s something to think about if you do a lot of shooting or expect to hold onto the camera for a long time.

Canon’s 7D has autofocus micro adjustment (AFMA). There can be times when ultra-fine focus tuning is invaluable. Ultra-precise focusing also allows you to create specific defocus effects.

Another advantage of the 7D is its 100% viewfinder coverage. The 60D has 96% coverage, and so the 7D is more accurate. The 7D also boats ten more focus points (19) to the 60D’s nine.

A couple of subtler advantages are the 7D’s slightly higher dynamic range and its better High ISO performance.

OK, that concludes the seven EOS 7D points of consideration over the EOS 60D.

Shared Weaknesses

Both cameras share one common weakness and that is no sensor-based image stabilization (IS). It means you have to spend extra on lenses that have optical stabilization (OS).

Canon has plenty of native lenses on offer. At the time of writing there are over 300 pieces of quality glass for the EF/EF-S lens mount. Over 90 of those native Canon lenses have image stabilization.

Rumors suggest Canon is looking at integrating 3-axis sensor-based IS in future upgraded models. There’s nothing confirmed yet, but it looks like their mirrorless and DSLRs could soon offer in-body IS.

What the Reviewers Say

Canon is a giant when it comes to Digital-SLR cameras and technology. That means they sell plenty of products and thus receive a lot of feedback from real users. Most of it’s positive, but not all.

Canon launched its EOS 60D on August 26, 2010. It was an instant hit and sold well and continues to sell. That means there are lots of reviews and user feedback for this popular semi-pro DSLR.

There are many more likes than dislikes for this camera. Users appreciate how easy it is to change the settings on the 60D. The long battery life also gets plenty of mention.

Reviewers like the camera’s shooting capability and its ability to produce stunning 18MP images. The articulating LCD screen and 5.0fps are other much-loved features.

Another reason people choose this semi-pro D-SLR is its RAW file support. Shooting in RAW gives enthusiasts a lot more photo editing options than JPEG files. Both cameras have this feature.

DSLR videographers welcome the full HD video, but not the slow AF in Live View mode. Manual video focus is something that puts a few photographers off the 60D, but most get by just fine.

A few other complaints talk about the cheapish feel of the control buttons and wheel. The camera is comfortable to hold, but it does have a plasticky feel to it, say reviewers.

Feedback for the Canon EOS 7D

Canon launched the EOS 7D cropped sensor DSLR on September 1, 2009. It’s been a big hit too. Reviewers love the feel of this camera and compliment the solid construction.

One common grumble is the 860g weight of the EOS 7D body. But then photographers know they can’t have a solid build without the extra heft. People still buy the camera despite the weight gripe.

The 19-point autofocus (AF) gets favorable feedback for its speed and accuracy. The simple one-touch switch between JPEG and RAW file shooting is another pleasing feature.

Owners of the 7D enjoy the fast frame rate, full 1080p video, and ease of the camera’s intuitive menu system. They also praise the image quality, custom picture styles, and ISO capability.

The ISO performance is not on a par with the newest models above 6400, though. It’s a tad grainy. Despite this, its low-light ISO produces pleasing results with little noise—better than the 60D

The weather sealed body is another big hit with year-round outdoor photographers. So, aside from the price and heft, there are very few shared criticisms for this popular pro DSLR.

The Verdict

Canon’s EOS 60D is an ideal camera for any beginner DSLR user looking to step-up to a semi-pro DSLR. There are some key features worth remembering with the EOS 60D too, like the vari-angle screen.

Its adjustable screen is worth considering if you shoot a lot of video. It’s also instrumental when taking photos at unusual or awkward angles. The 60D also enjoys a longer battery life and a lower price tag.

If stills—rather than video—is your forte, then the 7D has a definite edge. It’s faster and better in low light as well. It has superior AF too, and a 100 percent viewfinder.

So, despite their similarities, these are two different cameras when pitted against each other.