Canon EOS 60D 18 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera with 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 is UD Lens

_____________________________________________Instant update!!!! I forgot to mention that this camera also shoots Video!!! Yes, I have always wanted a means to shoot video when photographing birds and well, I have never had a video camera with me when I needed one. Well, now I do! In the past, when out shooting (photographing) birds I have had an instance of rarity that I could not keep up with shooting still pictures. "You are photographing song birds and notice that a coopers hawk lands in a tree nearby". Yeah, you can use rapid fire to hopefully capture the "bird of prey getting it's prey" but odds are, you will miss it all... With video capabilities, you go from stills to video in a second and capture the entire footage._____________________________________________This model replaces a Canon Rebel Xsi, purchased in 2008, that also replaced a Canon Rebel XT purchased in 2005.Up until 2005, I had owned numerous digital cameras, but none of them had the diversity that a film camera possessed. So, I decided to make the move to a DSLR, and have had no regrets what so ever. Yeah, the price is higher, but what you save on film erases the cost difference in just one year if you take pictures like I do.I use mine for a variety of photos, but mainly, I love to photograph wildlife! Invest in a 200 mm or even better a 400 mm lens and you can get very up close and personal with even the most skittish hummingbird. For wildlife, you also need to invest, but it's not a must if you use a tripod, in an "IS" piece of glass. The "IS" stands for "image Stabilizer". It compensates for your hand shake. Trust me, it's worth the investment.With the past models, I have found that using the "manual" settings worked best with me for the best shots. With the 60D, so far, the "auto" setting gets me really breath-taking photos! I can't wait to see what I can do with the manual settings, but as with any new camera, the learning curve is steep.I also love taking photos of pets and so far, I am not disappointed at all shooting pictures inside.The MP increase from the Xsi is almost 50 percent, and it shows!All of my old lenses work on this model and also, my memory cards do too.... The battery is another beast. Seems that Canon has an evil plot to keep changing the battery design so that you can not use a battery from an older model in a newer model. So, if you plan on keeping up with the Jones, then don't buy a lot of extra batteries as if/when you upgrade cameras, you will not be able to carry them with you.Other than that, this is a great camera and for a really good price here on Amazon compared to every other place I have shopped.

From the time I was 14 until I turned 50 in 2000, I was a dedicated "film" camera nut. In 1990, I graduated to a serious Nikon film camera and two quality lenses, a standard zoom and a telephoto zoom. Reluctantly, as the digital chatter started to fill most camera club discussions and magazines, I started to experiment with two advanced digital point-and-shoot cameras with a minimum of 10X optical zooms... each for a period of 4 years. The die was cast at that point, and I sadly found a storage spot for my beloved film gear. The second of the point-and-shoots was the Canon PowerShot S5 IS with the articulating LCD screen. I cannot begin to tell you the value of an articulating digital LCD screen that allows you to capture an eye level image of a blossom without the need to sit on the ground to do so. Or, capture several hours worth of a full lunar eclipse with a tripod mounted camera at a nearly overhead celestial body. That tilted screen made the job easier and saved lots of neck pain. So, from 2009 through the end of January (2011), I labored over which DSLR/lens combinations would take my "mad money". Being a Nikon man carried the ball, but I wanted that articulating LCD screen. Like buying a car, sometimes the little things carry the day.On February 1, 2011, I became the proud owner of a Canon DSLR. I purchased the Canon 60D body and two Canon "L" lenses: the f4 24-105mm IS USM standard zoom and the f2.8L 70-200mm IS II USM telephoto zoom. Sure, the camera body was significant, but lens quality takes your images to the NEXT level. I was confident with the decision, and now after a month of serious practice with the 60D/lens combinations, I am getting VERY satisfying image quality...sharp or soft depending on the subject. Not only does the camera body have the necessary articulating LCD screen, it allows me as much control as I choose...from full auto to standard settings, to the zone where I live...aperature-priority and shutter-priority. Living along the Atlantic Flyway, February can be a challenging month weather-wise but the Canon 60D and the lenses proved to be up to the task, especially when the first and last hours of light give you some truly spectacular wildlife opportunities and remarkable sunrises and sunsets.Just know that I don't spend my money recklessly and I expect results when I put my money down. Without a doubt, this camera body passed the February test in all kinds of lighting and temperatures ranging from 15 degrees to 65 degrees. I did little here to address the 60D's specs, but I now know this camera is not a Rebel and it's not a 7D. The controls and advanced features truly put the 60D in its own niche. If you want the specs, check the review by dojoklo dated Sept. 20, 2010.Bottom line: This camera is a good fit for a sports enthusiast, a dedicated nature/landscape lover, and the individual with a vision of digitally capturing "gallery" quality images. You are IN CONTROL with the 60D in your hands.