Why One Filmmaker Still Uses a Nearly Decade-Old Camera

The Canon 60D was a great camera when it was announced back in 2010, but of course, like any other camera that's almost a decade old, it's been far outpaced by the technology that has come out since its release. And yet, this filmmaker has stuck with it despite all that.

Coming to you from Darious Britt, this video features him discussing why he still relies on his Canon 60D to this day, even after eight years with it. I'm a fan of Britt for his very pragmatic approach, and that's on full display here. For him, the 60D is a camera he knows on a deep, intuitive level, and he values that because it means the camera stays out of his way on a shoot because he has to devote minimal mental energy to operating it. In turn, this allows him to focus on things like storytelling and creating a compelling visual narrative for his viewer. It's only now after nearly a decade that Britt is semi-retiring the camera. It's a great and inspiring reminder that you can probably get a lot more mileage out of the gear you have than you might think and to not obsess over the latest upgrades. Check out the video above for Britt's full thoughts. 

Alex Cooke's picture

Alex Cooke is a Cleveland-based portrait, events, and landscape photographer. He holds an M.S. in Applied Mathematics and a doctorate in Music Composition. He is also an avid equestrian.

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14 Comments

I always expect to (heavily) use a camera for at least five years before considering an upgrade. I still have a ten year old Nikon D300s with over 200,000 clicks trucking along as a backup camera.

The 2018 card slot paranoia

Ha ha. It actually did come with two. One Compact Flash and one SD which could be used as a backup. I was ten years ahead of my time I guess.

I have had the 705 for about five years. It is a lighter camera than the full frame, has a fully articulating screen which is fully touch screen. Non of these features i want to give up. Was hoping to get the 6Dii until the reviews came out. Alas now waiting for the 6Diii. I may though buy a 6d. It is unfortunate that these features r considered entry level features and r introduced later in the "professional" cameras. For instance the fully touchscreen features is extremely helpful in night time photography. I also think using ones camera to its full ability is money well spent

Well, I used the 6D for years (105000 shots, roughly) and have bought the 6Dii (didn't knew the R was on its way), and it's a great combination for that price (if you're a Canon user and have lenses for it, like I do, expensive primes and TS-E lenses). Of course, it has it's flaws compared to what is available on the market, but for me it's more than enough. A bright OVF, electronic balances included, flip screen, fast AF and it's way better than the old 6D. It's a matter of budget if you choose the old 6D. If you know how to shoot and nearly never increase the shadows more than 2 stops ... take the 6Dii. If you want to try the 6D get a used one, they're pretty cheap on the market. Mine still works.

I have a 60D. I love it. I had two of them at one point in time. I was playin around with it last night. it's low light Capabilities are still impressive. I wish i could buy more lenses for it though :( i'm a Nikon main but enjoy other brands too. A great little camera.

I'd agree, had one and sold it after upgrading to the 6D in 2013. One thing I can't agree with are the low light capabilities, but this depends on with what you're comparing it too. When you compare it with the 6D you'll never look back, the only thing I was missing was the flip screen. Which I now have on the 6Dii.

A *film* maker?

I still have 2 x 60Ds I shoot a lot of video and for when I need multiple camera angles (performance videos - opera, big bands etc) I still use them...they're always loaded with cards with Magic Lantern and so can keep shooting and have all the exposure/focus tools needed. I now have upgraded to a C100mkii for main camera. Up until 3 months ago (when I upgraded to a 6Dmkii) I still used one of them for stills.

This illustrates perfectly why photographers are one conservative bunch when it comes to tech and why it took 10 years for mirrorless to become 'mainstream'. I'm not saying it's a bad thing, but it does explain why tech innovation in photography literally takes decades to go from 'new' to mainstream.

If a tool works, why discard it for a shiny new tool that costs an arm and a leg, and has a steep learning curve?

My accountant would have a fit if I told him I was still using 10 year old cameras.

I love the whole Lego thing you do :)

I've had my 60D since 2010. Love it. But I am finally upgrading to a 7Dii literally today.