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Outstanding images, poor flash exposure.

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4 Jan 2nd, 2003  (Mar 19th, 2003)

23 Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful

Advantages:
high resolution, SLR, full lens range available

Disadvantages:
flash exposure, cost

Recommendable Yes:

Detailed rating:

Picture Quality

Range & Quality of Features

Ease of Use

Durability

Value for Money

sandyn

sandyn

About me:

Member since:30.07.2000

Reviews:4

I already own a EOS 5 with some lenses and flashes, but haven't used it since getting my Casio QV3000 digital camera, approximately three years ago. I missed the capabilities of a SLR system, but the quality of images from the Casio, and the convenience of digital output meant that film was dead for me.

I waited with anticipation for an affordable Canon SLR, which would have been the D30, however there was no improvement in resolution over the Casio, so I decided to wait for the next generation from Canon which was the D60.

I read every review on the D60 and waited about 9 months after the launch before finally deciding to go for it.
My first impressions of the camera weren't very good. since it's mid winter, the first pictures were by flash and the camera suffers from extremely poor exposure control when using flash. A frantic search of the web revealed that some cameras seemed to suffer from exposure problems when using flash. I found that I needed about 2 stops compensation to get the exposure correct. I updated to the latest version of firmware, but this made no difference. I took about 3000 flash photos to try and find a pattern to what caused the underexposure, but it seemed a bit random. not every picture was underexposed. I think I have convinced myself that if there is any reflections from the flash or areas of white, then the camera seems to underexpose, but it's very unpredictable. I compared my camera to another brand new D60 and they both performed identically, both seemed to underexpose.

I will chase it up further with Canon, but for the time being, it seems to have improved, which is strange?? and I know to check the levels after I take a picture. The image can always be corrected when underexposed, but I don't understand why it can't get it right---the first thing I do is check the levels of the image, and it's obvoiusly underexposed, so the camera already knows it is wrong??? (The Casio always seemed to get the exposure spot on with flash, however, I now think they are mostly overexposed, and that's what I was used to, however the Canon definitely gets it very wrong sometimes).

Another irritating thing is that most of my accesories for the EOS 5 will not work with the D60. The 420EZ flash will not work, the hot shoe adaptor 2 will not work, the remote switch will not work.

So that's the bad bits, the good bit is that the quality of the image is simply outstanding. I used to think the 3.3 Mpixel image from the Casio was good, but the D60 is way way way better!

I have done some direct comparisons and the D60 is just so much better, as you would hope with twice as many pixels.
This is a camera which takes time to get used to. You have so much control over different things like white balance, exposure, flash exposure. You have to know what you are doing to get the best from the camera.
The supplied software is good, although I just download the images from the flash card, it's quicker. The photo-stitcher software for producing panoramas is very very good.


Despite my experiences with flash exposure, I am delighted with the camera and have some incredible pictures to prove it, I give it a 'good' rating, if the flash exposure was rectified, then I would give it a Excellent.

Update:
I have learned to live with the poor flash exposure. I just check the levels all the time, but I've found an excellent way of taking flash pictures. I use my old 420 EZ flash set to manual and guess the setting, take the picture and the exposure most times is better than using the E-TTL.

Generally, I have taken thousands of pictures and I'm absolutely delighted with the quality. especially long exposures 10 to 20 seconds. Some samples can be found on webshots, username sandyn111, but there is a mixture of images from the Casio and Canon.
I think the main thing the camera has done is re-kindle my love of photography. I just love going out into the garden and finding things to photograph, then spending hours on the PC messing around with the images---Great fun!!

 

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Comments about this review »

wooballoo 31.05.2003 19:00

Just seen the photos on web shots. Look great - good colour depth and clarity. Review was good - nice to hear a more personal experience.

casarina 29.03.2003 11:25

I own D60 and have enjoyed using it. It takes great pictures and the resolution is fantastic. Will write the opinions later. After reading your comments, I checked on my camera and the pictures that I have taken so far. I make the comparison with my husband. Both of us do not have the experience that you have. Perhaps you would want to check with Canon. Recently, Canon has released some real good cameras and much cheaper. Great to know someone that has a D60.

Kingseany 19.03.2003 10:20

Interesting to see the issues you had with it, but would also be useful to hear a bit more about the features, resolution, and including how much you paid for it.

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