Opinions on the Canon 60D

The 60D has more features and all the same features(minus a couple) that the 50D had and for a cheaper price($1099 vs $1299). They look like they are putting this more in-line as a Nikon D90 competitor. If you want to upgrade then you'll have to go with the 7D, because the 60D hasn't changed much since the 40D, except for the higher MP and now the addition of video.

I'd say the new 60D is a bit disappointed regard the body and specifications. 18MP is not what Canon lovers want. In fact, the more megapixel camera will require the better lens. Put it this way, shoot a 50D in jpeg and take a look at the picture 100% details using photoshop, you'll see that the details don't look so promising. It has much to do with the lens. In fact, a 12-16 MP DSLR camera provide us the better today picture quality.

Canon lens have much fallen behind the competitors. Recently, I'd rather use my 5D mark II with Carl Zeiss, old Leica R, and ancient Kinopti lens. The only backdrop is that these lenses are manually focus, but reaching the better output.

Back to your camera's demand, go for either 7D ( non-full frame ) or 5D mark II ( full frame ). These 2 cameras give you the better overall quality than that 50D and 60D. 5D mark II has served me well though the auto focus system,in the future, requires a big improvement. So far, Canon 5D mark II gives the best output for the full frame, better noise control than 1DS mark III. 7D is also fast, but requiring some good lens, with magnesium alloy body against the long-term corrosion. To go for full frame or not, it has much to do with the depth of field. So, you be the judge.

I'm sure you've seen the 60D by now so you may or may not have one. I know you posted this way back but just wanted to chime in. I went from a 20D which I purchased when it first came out to the 60D. Your concern was over the plastic body. I find the camera well balanced with lots of new features. Haven't even used the video yet but I love the higher ISO's and more advanced settings. A button that brings up all of your settings on the LCD instead of viewing just through the window. Use it all the time. Pictures are awesome. I love the feel of the camera and am totally pleased with the results. Good luck! Mike...

If you do a good amount of fast action shots and has a fast tele lens, then the 7D has a better AF and faster performance.

If you just want a replacement of your 40D, then either 50D or 60D will be good. The 60D has HD video and swivel screen, a lot of people like them but some don't. The 60D uses the same kind of sensor as the 7D, with very good low light performance (a slight step up from 50D). But it has a plastic body and loss of some minor features of 50D. Overall it is not much of a real upgrade if you are only interested in photography.

If you are not doing a lot of fast action shots, then you can perhaps consider the 5D Mark II to try out the full frame, great for landscape and portraits. And you can borrow your daughter's 40D if you have an occasional need of some action shots.