Canon EOS 5D Mark II vs Canon EOS 60D: A Veteran DSLR Face-Off for Every Photographer

When stepping into the world of Canon DSLRs from the late 2000s and early 2010s, two notable models often come up for comparison: the full-frame legend Canon EOS 5D Mark II and the popular APS-C enthusiast-oriented Canon EOS 60D. Both cameras helped shape Canon’s DSLR lineup in meaningful ways and remain relevant for photographers weighing their options in used or budget markets.

Having personally tested both cameras extensively across multiple shooting scenarios over the years, this in-depth comparison draws on hands-on experience and technical evaluation to give you a clear view of what each camera delivers - strengths, limitations, and who should consider each model.

Getting to Know the Cameras: Size, Handling, and Controls

Physical handling is the first impression that sets the tone for camera use. Let’s dig into the design and ergonomics of these sibling DSLRs.

The Canon 5D Mark II is notably larger and heavier than the Canon 60D, reflecting its professional aspirations.

• Canon 5D Mark II: Weighing approximately 850g with dimensions of 152 x 114 x 75 mm, this body leans into a robust, solid mid-size SLR format. Its magnesium alloy chassis and weather sealing make it durable for demanding professional use. The heftiness lends stability when shooting with large lenses but may feel tiring for extended handholding or travel.

• Canon 60D: At 755g and 145 x 106 x 79 mm, the 60D takes a slightly lighter and more user-friendly approach. It features a polycarbonate exterior with partial weather sealing, making it a bit more travel-friendly and approachable, especially for enthusiast photographers.

The 60D sports a fully articulated screen (not pictured) and user-friendly control layout, while the 5D MII offers a more classic professional interface.

Controls and Interface:
The 5D MII’s control layout leans towards experienced users. It lacks a touch screen and features a fixed-type LCD (3", 920k dots). The 60D introduces a fully articulated 3" Clear View TFT LCD with a higher 1,040k-dot resolution, facilitating varied shooting angles and more visible previews outdoors. Both lack touchscreen capability but offer full live view support.

Top-panel information displays feature on both, but the 5D has a classic “top screen” reminiscent of pro bodies, whereas the 60D emphasizes more dial versatility with extra buttons aimed at enthusiasts.

Sensor and Image Quality: Full Frame vs APS-C Dynamics

Arguably the most impactful difference between these cameras is their sensor format:

• Canon 5D Mark II: 21MP full-frame CMOS, 36 x 24 mm sensor area
• Canon 60D: 18MP APS-C CMOS, 22.3 x 14.9 mm sensor area (1.6x crop factor)

The full-frame sensor of the 5D MII delivers better light gathering, dynamic range, and shallower depth-of-field control compared to the APS-C sensor in the 60D.

Image Quality Tests and Real-World Use

• Dynamic Range and Color Depth: The 5D MII outperforms the 60D with a DxOMark overall score of 79 vs 66, largely due to superior color depth (23.7 vs 22.2 bits) and dynamic range (11.9 vs 11.5 EV). This translates to better highlight preservation and tonal gradations - crucial in landscape, portrait, and professional work.

• ISO Performance & Noise: The 5D MII exhibits cleaner images at native ISOs up to 1600, with acceptable noise levels up to ISO 3200. Although the 60D can reach ISO 6400, noise becomes more problematic beyond 800. Shooting in low light benefits from the larger sensor and pixel size of the 5D MII, granting it an edge in astrophotography and night shooting.

• Resolution & Detail: The difference between 21MP and 18MP is modest but noticeable in large prints or crops. Both cameras use anti-aliasing filters to balance moiré with sharpness, but the full-frame 5D MII’s sensor area inherently allows for superior detail capture and shallower depth of field effects.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance: Speed and Accuracy Under Pressure

Focus speed, accuracy, and continuous shooting are decisive for genres like wildlife, sports, and street photography.

Feature	Canon 5D Mark II	Canon 60D
AF Points	9 (phase-detection), no cross-type info	9 (all cross-type)
Autofocus System	Phase-detect, face detection in live view	Phase-detect, face detection
AF Tracking	Yes	No
Continuous Shooting	4 fps	5 fps

The 5D MII autofocus is optimized for accuracy but limited in cross-type points by today’s standards - it performs well in controlled environments, portraits, and landscapes. Its tracking is sufficient but lagging behind newer multi-point systems. The 60D’s nine cross-type points improve focusing versatility but lack tracking capabilities seen in more advanced models.

Shooting speed favors the 60D at 5fps, slightly better for sports and action sequences than the 4fps 5D MII. However, the 5D MII’s larger buffer and more robust processor help maintain extended shooting during bursts.

Build Quality, Durability, and Environmental Resistance

Both models offer weather sealing to a degree, but there are important nuances:

• Canon 5D Mark II: This body features partial environmental sealing making it robust against light moisture and dust - typical of professional-grade builds from this era. Magnesium alloy construction adds toughness and better heat dissipation.

• Canon 60D: Polycarbonate body with some sealing, adequate for enthusiasts but less durable under professional abuse. It feels plasticky compared to the 5D.

Viewfinder and LCD: Critical Composure Tools

The 60D's articulating LCD is a versatile tool for creative angles, while the 5D MII's fixed screen delivers excellent color accuracy.

• The 5D MII’s large and bright optical pentaprism viewfinder covers 98% of the frame at 0.71x magnification, aiding composition precision.
• The 60D’s viewfinder covers 96% with slightly reduced magnification (0.6x), acceptable for enthusiast work but not pro-critical framing.

The 60D’s fully articulated LCD excels in video and creative shooting scenarios compared to the fixed screen on the 5D MII, which lacks touch or swivel but maintains excellent clarity.

Lens Mount and Ecosystem: Options and Compatibility

Compatibility impacts long-term investment:

• Canon 5D Mark II uses the Canon EF mount exclusively, allowing access to Canon’s extensive lineup of full-frame lenses - including L-series professional glass essential for quality and performance.

• Canon 60D supports both EF and EF-S mounts, offering versatility for APS-C optimized lenses and full-frame glass. This flexibility makes it attractive to enthusiasts who want a broader choice of affordable lenses.

Battery Life and Storage: Practical Considerations

• The 5D Mark II uses the Canon LP-E6 battery, providing approximately 850 shots per charge; respectable but modest by modern standards. Storage relies on CompactFlash memory cards, which have become less common and more expensive.

• The 60D also uses the LP-E6 but extends battery life up to 1100 shots, beneficial for extended shoots or travel. It supports SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, offering more affordable and universal storage options.

Video Capabilities: Early Foothold in DSLR Filmmaking

Both cameras contributed to Canon's video reputation, but the 5D MII was a pioneer.

• Canon 5D Mark II ushered in full HD video (1920x1080 at 30fps) in DSLRs with excellent image quality and manual control, influential in indie filmmaking. It supports an external microphone for enhanced audio recording but lacks headphone monitoring.

• Canon 60D builds on this by adding 1080p at 29.97/25/23.976 fps, along with 720p and VGA options at higher frame rates (up to 60 fps). It also features an articulating screen useful for video angles and microphone support, although no headphone jack.

Both cameras lack in-body stabilization, relying on stabilized lenses or external rigs for steady footage.

Performance Ratings and Genre Suitability

Comprehensive performance metrics reflect the 5D MII’s favor in image quality, while the 60D scores well for speed and user versatility.

Breaking down into specific genres underscores complementary strengths.

• Portraits: The 5D Mark II’s full-frame sensor delivers superior skin tones, bokeh, and enhanced eye detection - essential for flattering portraits.

• Landscape: The 5D’s better dynamic range and weather sealing make it the obvious choice for landscapes.

• Wildlife & Sports: The 60D’s faster burst rate and cross-type AF points favor wildlife and sports, though neither is specialized compared to modern high-speed DSLRs.

• Street Photography: The 60D’s smaller form and articulating screen lend advantage here, along with APS-C crop helping reach distant subjects.

• Macro: Both perform adequately with macro lenses, but lack focus stacking or bracketing features.

• Night & Astro: The 5D MII’s cleaner high ISO performance enables better astro shots.

• Video: Both solid, with the 60D offering more frame rate options.

• Travel: The lighter 60D with longer battery suits travel better.

• Professional Use: The 5D MII is more professional-grade due to build, sensor, and full-frame capabilities.

Sample Images: Real Results from Both Cameras

Side-by-side real world shots demonstrate the 5D MII’s better dynamic range and low noise in shadows, while the 60D images show good sharpness and color fidelity with less depth of field control.

Practical Recommendations: Who Should Choose Which Camera?

Why You Might Prefer the Canon 5D Mark II

• Professional photographers or advanced amateurs wanting full-frame image quality without breaking the bank
• Portrait, landscape, and astrophotography where dynamic range and low light are critical
• Users with investments in Canon EF glass seeking a rugged body with weather sealing
• Filmmakers seeking classic DSLR video with excellent image control

Why You Might Prefer the Canon 60D

• Enthusiast hobbyists or semi-pros on a budget wanting versatility and ease of use
• Sports and wildlife shooters who need faster burst rates and cross-type AF points
• Travel or street photographers preferring lighter, more portable gear with articulated LCD
• Users wanting a wide choice of APS-C and full-frame lenses and affordable SD card storage

Final Thoughts and Value Analysis

While both cameras are now considered dated compared to modern mirrorless innovations, each represents a solid choice in their price brackets when bought used. The 5D Mark II, often found around $1200 (body only), remains a powerhouse that punches well above its weight for image quality and professional reliability. The 60D offers appreciable value below $900, especially for those new to interchangeable lens cameras craving versatility and user-friendly operation.

The gap in sensor size and image quality will be decisive for many, but the 60D’s ergonomics, faster continuous shooting, and articulated screen make it a compelling all-rounder with modern shooting conveniences. Your choice rests on how much you prioritize ultimate image quality versus operational versatility and portability.

Why trust this comparison?
I've tested both cameras extensively across studio and field work over the past decade, analyzing RAW files, autofocus accuracy, and handling on real shoots. Synthesizing objective benchmarks with practical usage ensures you’re getting advice rooted in experience - not just specifications.

Summary: Canon 5D Mark II vs Canon 60D at a Glance

Feature	Canon 5D Mark II	Canon 60D
Sensor	21MP Full Frame CMOS (36x24mm)	18MP APS-C CMOS (22.3x14.9mm)
Image Quality Score	79 (DxOMark)	66 (DxOMark)
ISO Range	100–6400 (expandable to 25600)	100–6400 (expandable to 12800)
Autofocus Points	9 (phase detect), face detection	9 cross-type AF points, face detection
Continuous Shooting	4 fps	5 fps
Video	1080p@30fps, external mic port (no headphone)	1080p@30fps, external mic port
LCD	Fixed 3", 920k dots	Articulated 3", 1,040k dots
Build	Magnesium alloy, weather sealed	Polycarbonate, partial weather sealed
Weight	850 g	755 g
Storage	CompactFlash	SD/SDHC/SDXC
Battery Life	850 shots	1100 shots
Price (used approx.)	$1100+	$700-$900

Whether you prioritize image fidelity, professional build, and full-frame impact (5D Mark II) or value flexibility, portability, and faster operation (60D), both cameras serve as capable DSLRs that still deliver solid results a decade after their release.

If your photography focuses on portraits, landscapes, or cinematic video - go full-frame with the 5D Mark II. But if you demand a balanced all-rounder for wildlife, travel, street, or sports with better ergonomics and screen versatility, the Canon 60D stands out.

Happy shooting, and be sure you’re buying the best camera for your creative ambitions!

End of Review