Autofocus
Like the EOS 550D, the EOS 60D uses nine cross-type AF points, rather than the 19-point system used by the EOS 7D. Again, this helps to cement the 60D’s position between the two cameras. With the Nikon D300S boasting 51 AF points, I was a little concerned that the nine AF points of the EOS 60D may be somewhat limiting. However, I found that the nine points covered the key areas in the frame.
There are four AF points placed at the top, bottom and sides, exactly one third of the way into the frame. If you try to keep to the Rule of Thirds, the subject of your image will usually be placed at one of these points, or in the very centre of the frame. So while it may be preferable to have the 7D’s 19-point system, in practice the nine points of the 60D are enough for most images.
Setting the camera to use one of the single AF points is straightforward: you just press the button on the top-right of the back of the camera and then use the new control button to select the point. As a left-eye shooter this was a little awkward for me, but no different from any other camera I have used. It is easy to locate and find the relevant buttons while still keeping the viewfinder held to the eye.
The lens snaps almost immediately into focus, and it is one of the fastest focusing systems I have tested. Even photographing low-contrast subjects in dull light doesn’t prove a problem for the AF system, and it responds quickly where other cameras would have to search back and forth for focus.
Continuous AF is just as fast and is able to keep up with moderately moving subjects, such as people running. Although not designed especially for the rigours of sports photography, the continuous AF and 5.8fps shooting rate, along with some careful timing, should allow the 60D to meet the demands of most enthusiast sports photographers.
