The expression “60D file” is not an official format but a simple shorthand for media generated by the Canon EOS 60D, which produces CR2 RAW files, JPG images, and MOV videos rather than anything ending in .60D; when people use the phrase, they’re describing the camera of origin because editing workflows rely heavily on camera-specific traits, and CR2 metadata lets software recognize the model and adjust for differences in sensor design, color output, noise levels, and dynamic range, so photographers commonly refer to these as “60D files” for quick communication.

Studios and production teams tend to organize footage based on camera model instead of file format, creating folders labeled 60D, 5D, or Sony A7S even if the actual media inside is CR2, JPG, or MOV, and collaborators end up calling everything inside “the 60D files,” which streamlines communication when multiple cameras are used; clients and non-technical users adopt the same phrasing because they relate quality to the camera, so when they ask for “the 60D files” or “the RAWs from the 60D,” they’re simply requesting the original high-quality captures, with the camera name giving clearer expectations for quality and editing range than a technical file label.

This practice started during the peak DSLR period, when models varied significantly and mixed-camera productions were common, so editors had to track which camera created which files because color work, noise handling, and lens adjustments depended heavily on the model; as a result, naming clips by camera became standard and still persists even though extensions haven’t changed, and the misunderstanding comes when someone thinks there is a special .60D file type, even though a “60D file” is simply a regular image or video with metadata identifying the Canon EOS 60D, meaning the real concern isn’t opening a .60D file but correctly working with CR2, JPG, or MOV files from that camera.

People often say “60D file” instead of “CR2” because in practical workflows the camera identity guides editing decisions while “CR2” only tells you it’s Canon RAW and nothing about the sensor, and although CR2 is shared across models, each Canon camera has unique color science, dynamic range, noise performance, and highlight characteristics; calling something a “60D file” instantly signals editing behavior, suitable profiles, and expected strengths or weaknesses.

Another reason is that **editing software directly supports camera-specific workflows**, since programs such as Lightroom, Capture One, and Photoshop differentiate RAWs by camera through EXIF-based profiles, curves, and color matrices for each model like the Canon EOS 60D; therefore, a CR2 from a 60D ends up being processed differently than one from a 5D or Rebel, and because the tools make camera distinctions automatic, people naturally describe files the same way.

Workflow organization also plays a major role because on professional shoots files are commonly sorted by camera model rather than by extension, especially when several cameras are involved, so a folder labeled “60D” might hold CR2 photos, JPG previews, and MOV videos, yet the entire team simply calls them “the 60D files,” which reduces confusion, speeds communication, and helps coordinate editing, color matching, and delivery; clients and non-technical stakeholders reinforce this since they understand gear labels more than extensions, so when they request “the 60D files” or “the RAWs from the 60D,” they just want the original high-quality material from that specific camera, with the model name setting clearer expectations about quality and editability than a file extension ever could.

#keyword# Finally, this kind of language originates from classic DSLR culture, where camera models produced widely varying outcomes even if they all used the same RAW format, so teams needed the camera identity to maintain project consistency, eventually turning camera-based naming into a standard convention; the practice continued, leaving “60D file” as shorthand for “a Canon RAW captured on a Canon EOS 60D,” despite the file actually being a CR2. If you have any kind of concerns relating to where and ways to utilize advanced 60D file handler, you can contact us at our webpage. #links#