We've talked so much about high-end compact cameras, super-zoomers and mirrorless, compact DSLRs lately that we actually missed getting close and personal with a true, full-size digital single-lens reflex camera, but luckily enough, we managed to do so courtesy of Canon, that let us play (albeit for a relatively limited amount of time) with their latest product in this category, the EOS 60D.

Right from the start, we'll have to say that the EOS 60D feels great when held, especially if you're the type of photographer who's used with large-size cameras, complete with solid grips.

Also, the quality of the build is quite OK and solid, although I'll have to admit that the finishing could have been just a bit better (it's not really significantly inferior to the other models in the EOS series, but just a tad sub-par, compared to some of the other DSLRs we've come across, over time).

Quite obviously, one of the main novelties brought about by the 60D is the large Vari-Angle 3-inch Clear View LCD screen with 1,040,000 dot/VGA resolution plus anti-reflective and smudge-resistant coatings for bright clear viewing from any angle.

The swiveling display really delivers an extra level of versatility, although we weren't that convinced about the whole smudge-resistant coating thing (the screen was pretty "eager" to get filled with fingerprints).

The camera also sports a dedicated video recording button, since it's capable of easily recording full HD videos (which, by the way, look quite good, at least when viewed on the camera's own LCD display).

Also noteworthy is the 9-point AF system on the new EOS 60D that features f/5.6-sensitive cross-type focusing on all nine focusing points and, similar to the EOS 7D, the center AF point is a hybrid of standard cross-type and special diagonally-shaped “X” cross, with high-precision sensitivity for f/2.8 and larger aperture lenses.

Another interesting addition is the new Multi-Control Dial, that places a Multi-Controller and Set button inside the Quick Control Dial, thus streamlining camera navigation for vertical as well as horizontal shooting and enabling a cleaner camera design.

Plus, the EOS 60D also features a locking mode dial, which makes camera operation more secure by preventing inadvertent changes to the photographer’s selected shooting mode.

Unfortunately, much as in the case of the other cameras from Canon we've handled live, the amount of time at our disposal to spend with the 60D was rather short, so that were many things we weren't able to test (such as the in-camera photo editing and resizing features).

Hopefully, the EOS 60D will one day make its way into our testing labs, and we'll be able to tell you more regarding its photo shooting and video recording capabilities at that time.