Retailing from October, the newly-introduced Canon EOS 60D camera features a 18 megapixels APS-C sensor that offers a 1.6x magnification "to capture poster-size images in a variety of aspect ratios," says Canon. The camera uses the firm's DIGIC 4 processor and offers a 5.3fps burst rate (up to 58 JPEGs at full resolution).

The 60D has a standard sensitivity range of ISO 100 to ISO 6400, which can be extended to ISO 12,800. It uses a nine-point autofocus system, has an Integrated Speedlite transmitter, a vari-angle three-inch LCD screen with Live View, and offers a series of creative effects for "photographers to add their own creative touch to images without worrying about changing settings."

Continuing on its support of HD-DSLR filmmaking, Canon is also introducing a full HD video option to the 60D. Photographers can capture 1920x1080p HD video in a variety of frame rates - 30, 25 and 24fps in 1080p, as 60 and 50fps in 720p.

But, the addition of full manual control in movie mode is sure to make the 60D a popular choice for filmmakers. "It allows photographers to employ their own exposure and focus settings and take advantage of the effects achieved from Canon’s wide range of EF lenses," says Canon. "An external stereo microphone terminal and the ability to adjust sound recording level ensures the audio track recorded matches the visual quality of the video, capturing broadcast-quality sound."

The 60D comes a month after BJP launched, in association with Canon, the first UK HD-DSLR awards. Open Shutter celebrates the emergence of filmmaking using an HD-DSLR and looks to reward those photographers and filmmakers who embrace the new convergence of technology to express their creativity and innovation beyond the still image. For more details and to enter, visit www.bjp-online.com/static/open-shutter.

Canon's EOS 60D camera accepts SDXC memory cards, which provide up to 2TB of available space, making it easier for photographers to shoot stills and HD video without the need to change cards.

Set to replace the 50D DSLR, the 60D will retail in a variety of kits starting at £1100 (body only). For more information, visit www.canon.co.uk.