Canon EOS 60D vs Canon EOS 90D: A Hands-On Comparison for Enthusiasts and Pros

Choosing between the Canon EOS 60D and the Canon EOS 90D is a bit like comparing two generations of your favorite sports team - each has its achievements, loyal fans, and subtle but meaningful upgrades. Both are mid-sized DSLRs from Canon’s well-loved lineup, aimed at enthusiasts who want more control and quality than entry-level models, but with different technological inheritances and price points.

Having extensively tested both cameras across multiple shooting scenarios over the years, I’m here to share a detailed, practical comparison. I’ll walk you through the key distinctions, strengths, and compromises, so you know which fits your photography style and budget best.

Let’s dive in and see where Canon’s evolution from the 60D to the 90D takes us in real-world shooting conditions.

Size, Ergonomics, and Handling: Classic Feel Meets Modern Refinement

Both cameras maintain the classic DSLR posture and solid build quality Canon enthusiasts expect, but there are notable ergonomic changes in the 90D that reflect Canon’s embrace of modern design trends.

The Canon 60D feels slightly bulkier and a bit heavier at 755g compared to the lighter 701g 90D, though this isn’t a dramatic difference - you’ll notice it mostly during extended handheld shooting sessions or travel. The 60D’s grip is deep and comfortable, favored by users with larger hands or those who appreciate a solid anchor. The 90D trims down marginally in all dimensions (141x105x77mm vs 145x106x79mm), offering a slightly more compact footprint, which benefits portability without compromising handling.

Looking at the top control layouts reveals where ergonomics evolve:

The 90D integrates a more refined control scheme, including a dedicated AF-ON button, which is a boon for back-button focusing enthusiasts - a feature the 60D lacks. The 90D’s controls feel a bit more tactile and responsive, and the revamped mode dial now includes direct access for customizable settings, which speeds up workflow in dynamic shooting situations.

The fully articulated 3-inch LCD on both models is a favorite feature - I personally love how the 60D’s articulated screen feels slightly sturdier, but the 90D’s touchscreen capabilities vastly improve usability for live view shooting and menu navigation, especially when working quickly or sharing images on the go.

Speaking of displays:

The 60D’s 1,040k-dot articulated LCD offers clear, colorful previews, but it’s a non-touch panel which can feel outdated today. The 90D maintains the same resolution but adds touchscreen functionality - a real quality-of-life improvement if you often shoot in live view or vlog.

In sum, for ergonomics and handling, I’d say the 90D refines what the 60D established, adding modern conveniences without compromising familiar DSLR control layouts. If you prioritize tactile controls and a robust grip, the 60D still impresses, but the 90D’s interface feels more in tune with current shooting habits.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Resolution Leap and ISO Performance

Here’s where the 90D clearly flexes its muscles - sensor specs and imaging performance have evolved significantly.

Both cameras sport APS-C size sensors, sized at 22.3x14.9mm, but that’s where similarity ends.

• Canon 60D: An 18MP CMOS sensor with Canon's DIGIC 4 processor. The sensor includes an anti-alias filter and offers a maximum native ISO of 6400 (boostable to 12800).

• Canon 90D: A whopping 32.5MP CMOS sensor with the more powerful DIGIC 8 processor. It also includes an anti-aliasing filter but expands ISO sensitivity up to a native 25600 (boostable to 51200).

By bumping resolution from 18 to 32.5MP, the 90D enables incredibly detailed images suitable for large prints, extensive cropping, or commercial work where extra resolution is king. This jump is tangible whether you’re shooting landscapes or portraits - you'll see finer skin texture rendition and more precise architectural details.

In terms of dynamic range and color depth, the older 60D holds its own reasonably well given its age, scoring 11.5 EV dynamic range and 22.2 bits of color depth on DxOmark tests - which still delivers punchy images with decent highlight and shadow retention. The 90D, by contrast, benefits from more advanced sensor and processor tech, offering improved noise handling and dynamic range, although exact DxO numbers aren’t officially available yet. Canon’s DIGIC 8 processor also enables better noise reduction without sacrificing detail, notably at higher ISOs.

If you’re shooting in challenging lighting or require versatility, the 90D’s higher ISO reach and enhanced noise control make it superior for night photography, events, or wildlife in dense forests.

Autofocus Systems: From Basic to High-Precision Tracking

Autofocus (AF) performance is critical, especially with fast-moving subjects or in low light.

The 60D’s AF system includes:

• 9 focus points - all cross-type
• Center-weighted metering with spot and partial options
• AF modes supporting single, continuous, live-view contrast detection, and face detection
• No AF tracking or animal eye-detection features

The 90D, however, brings a quantum leap:

• 45 focus points - all cross-type, distributed for better coverage
• Advanced AI Servo tracking for continuous AF with enhanced subject tracking
• Face detection with eye AF (human), but no animal eye AF
• Touch autofocus via the LCD touchscreen in live view mode
• Focus bracketing feature for macro and product photography

Having tested both extensively for sports and wildlife, I can say the difference is significant. The 60D's 9-point system works well for static or slow-moving subjects but struggles with erratic or fast action. The 90D's 45-point system tracks runners, cyclists, and birds in flight with a reliability that feels modern and confident.

Moreover, the 90D’s faster processor enables 11 frames-per-second (fps) continuous shooting with full AF, compared to the 60D’s 5 fps. This makes the 90D a viable tool for many sports and wildlife shooters on a budget.

Build Quality and Weather Sealing: Toughness for the Outdoors

Both models use polycarbonate bodies with metal chassis - sturdy but not fully pro-grade magnesium alloy shells.

The 60D features environmental sealing, which Canon calls “dust and drip resistant,” and while not fully weatherproof, it holds up well against light rain or dusty conditions. My field use in moderate rain confirmed it isn’t invincible but good enough for most outdoor enthusiasts.

The 90D maintains and refines this sealing, slightly improved in critical areas to resist dust and moisture better. Though still not a professional-level weather-sealed model like Canon’s 7D series, it’s more confidence-inspiring for substantial nature shoots or travel photography.

Lens Compatibility and Ecosystem: Canon EF/EF-S - The Tried and True

Both cameras support the Canon EF and EF-S lens mounts, unlocking access to the extensive Canon lens ecosystem comprising over 300 lenses ranging from budget primes, versatile zooms, to high-end L-series optics.

Your choice here isn’t limited by these bodies; both provide ample opportunity to grow your gear based on genre and budget. That means you can pair either body with outstanding portrait primes, wildlife telephotos, or versatile travel zooms without compatibility concerns.

Battery Life and Storage: Powering Longer Days

Battery endurance isn’t glamorous but is a very practical issue.

The 60D uses the LP-E6 battery, rated for approximately 1100 shots per charge under CIPA standards - a solid number reflecting efficient performance.

The 90D upgrades to LP-E6N batteries, which typically edge out slight improvements in power density, supporting roughly 1300 shots per charge, plus improved power management through the newer DIGIC 8 processor.

Both cameras have a single SD card slot; however, the 90D supports faster UHS-II SD cards, beneficial when shooting high-res RAW bursts or 4K video recording. The 60D is limited to UHS-I speeds, which can bottleneck buffer clearing and video workflows.

Video Capabilities: From 1080p to 4K Modernity

Video is where the 90D notably expands possibilities.

The Canon 60D provides:

• Full HD (1920 x 1080) at up to 30p
• H.264 compression
• External microphone input (no headphone jack)
• No 4K video or high frame rates for slow motion

The Canon 90D offers a serious upgrade:

• 4K UHD (3840 × 2160) at 30p (no crop), along with 1080p at up to 120 fps for slow-motion footage
• Built-in microphone and headphone ports, supporting audio monitoring (a big plus for serious videographers)
• Advanced video formats including MP4, H.264, and AAC audio
• USB charging support and built-in Wi-Fi/Bluetooth for easier file transfer and camera control

While the 60D was once beloved among videographers for its low-light and Canon-color science, the 90D makes a compelling case as an all-in-one hybrid stills and video tool - especially for vloggers or content creators desiring crisp 4K footage with solid autofocus during recording.

Real-World Performance Across Photography Genres

How do these two cameras stack up across the wide spectrum of photographic disciplines? Let’s look at my shooting notes, supported by genre-specific image comparisons and lab scores.

Canon 60D screen back Canon 90D front Canon 90D screen back

Portrait Photography

The 60D’s 18MP sensor, coupled with pleasing Canon skin tones, provides pleasant portraits, especially when using fast prime lenses to create smooth bokeh. However, the 60D’s limited AF points and lack of eye AF require more manual precision.

The 90D shines with 32.5MP detail, accurate face detection, and eye tracking, improving focus reliability and sharpness in eyes - crucial for headshots and candid portraits.

Landscape Photography

Resolution matters for landscapes, making the 90D’s higher megapixel count advantageous. Its improved dynamic range and better high-ISO noise control allow capturing intricate shadow and highlight detail during sunrise or sunset shoots.

Both cameras include multiple aspect ratios (1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9), but the 90D’s sensor and processor combination results in images with richer tonality and cleaner shadows.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

Here, speed matters. The 60D’s 5 fps burst rate and 9-point AF limit fast-action shooting. The 90D’s 11 fps and 45-point AF allow locking focus on moving animals or athletes with more consistency, even in challenging light.

Street Photography

Portability and responsiveness are king. The 60D’s slightly larger size and lack of touchscreen may slow down candid shots. The 90D’s lighter weight, touchscreen AF, and faster burst rate make it more adaptable for quick street moments.

Despite the mirror’s audible click in both models, the 90D’s higher shutter speed range (up to 1/16000s with electronic shutter) offers more flexibility when shooting in bright environments.

Macro Photography

While neither camera features specific macro enhancements, the 90D’s focus bracketing tool is a welcome addition for focus stacking workflows, enabling sharper extended depth-of-field macro images.

Night and Astrophotography

The 60D’s max ISO of 6400 limits exposure possibilities, and its noise can become noticeable when pushed. The 90D improves ISO ceiling to 25600 native, with better perceived noise and dynamic range, helping capture stars and nightscapes with less grain.

Final Performance Assessments: Scores and Summaries

Performance ratings from extensive testing highlight the tangible improvements of the 90D.

The 90D scores highest across sharpening, autofocus speed, video capabilities, and high-ISO noise handling, whereas the 60D performs solidly but shows its age in sensor resolution and AF sophistication.

Connectivity Features: Wireless and Workflow Integration

The 60D provides Wi-Fi connectivity via Eye-Fi card compatibility - not very convenient or modern in today's standards.

The 90D integrates native Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, enabling seamless smartphone tethering, remote shooting, and fast file transfer. USB Power Delivery allows charging from external sources - a boon in the field.

Price-to-Value Considerations

At launch, the 60D retailed around $900, while the 90D started approximately at $1200.

While the 90D commands a higher price tag, the substantial upgrades in sensor resolution, video, autofocus, and connectivity arguably justify the investment for photographers craving contemporary performance.

The 60D represents an excellent budget-friendly platform for enthusiasts seeking solid image quality and classic DSLR handling, especially if purchasing used or refurbished.

Who Should Buy Which?

Here’s my practical take on which camera suits which user type:

• Choose the Canon 60D if you:

  • Are budget-conscious and don’t require 4K video or high burst rates
  • Prefer a sturdy grip and classic DSLR interface without touchscreen
  • Shoot portraits, landscapes, and general photography with steady subjects
  • Want a durable, weather-sealed body that handles most environments
  • Are fine with slower autofocus and older processor speeds

• Choose the Canon 90D if you:

  • Need high resolution for professional-quality prints or heavy cropping
  • Shoot sports, wildlife, or fast action requiring rapid, accurate AF
  • Want advanced video features like 4K, slow-motion, and headphone monitoring
  • Value modern connectivity options like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and USB charging
  • Appreciate touch interface and a lighter, more compact DSLR body

Wrapping Up: Evolution That Matters

In conclusion, the Canon 90D is a savvy evolution of Canon’s APS-C DSLR lineage, offering significant leaps in sensor resolution, autofocus, video, and connectivity that meet contemporary demands for hybrid photo/video gear. The 60D remains a respected, well-built camera with excellent image quality for its class but feels hampered by dated tech in today’s fast-paced creative environment.

If you’re stepping up from entry-level gear or seeking versatile photo/video performance, the 90D is an investment that will serve well for years. If on the other hand, cost savings and the charm of a tactile traditional DSLR appeal more, the 60D continues to deliver solid value and dependable performance.

Whichever model you choose, the Canon EF/EF-S ecosystem ensures excellent lens options and accessory support. And - most importantly - you’ll have a tool that’s capable of capturing beautiful images with confidence.

Happy shooting!

If you want to explore the cameras further, including sample galleries and side-by-side comparisons, check out the images above, which showcase sample shots, detailed specs, and performance scores to help your decision.

Canon 60D screen back Canon 90D front Canon 90D screen back