It seems that Canon have ceased production of the Digital SLR that I’ve been aspiring to for the last few months (but can’t really afford to buy as it’s ?1,900 body only).

Website: DP Review

“We have received several emails from concerned readers who were interested in buying an EOS-D60 have been told by their dealer that the D60 has been discontinued. This information is coming out of Canada and has apparently been (accidentally) confirmed by Canon Canada. This is indeed interesting news especially with PMA 2003 just around the corner. That said you would think that Canon could sell plenty more D60’s even in the time between now and any future model hitting the streets. UPDATE: As of yet this has NOT been confirmed to us directly by Canon USA or UK. More news, this time from Australia. Also apparently confirmed by Canon France.”

The D60 is, or was, the logical upgrade path for me to take if I ever decided to buy a DSLR, as I already have a Canon film body and several lenses. Until Canon announce and make widely available the D60’s successor, there is no logical path, only the Nikon D100, Fuji S2 or the Sigma SD-9. All good cameras but all requiring me to start from scratch.

Why Canon have decided to cease production before announcing the D60’s successor is currently unknown. Nikon must be rubbing their hands in glee at the thought of at least a 3 month period without their main competitor.

It will be very interesting to see what they replace it with. Will it be cheaper with a similar feature list? Or more expensive with enhanced features? Will it still utilise the current CMOS chip? Only time and maybe a visit to the PMA 2003 show will tell…