Design: With a 2.5 inch LCD the Nikon D60 is much more compact than your average DSLR. While the grip is still quite comfortable less space means that people with larger hands may find a finger or two not able to hang on. Less space also means fewer controls with most options and controls accessible from the menu system. However, at 19.4 ounces the DSLR is lighter and more comfortable to use.
Specifications: The Nikon D60 offers a 10.2 megapixel CCD sensor with a three point auto-focus system. The chassis is compatible with a wide array of lens and takes a mixture of JPEG, NEF (RAW) and RAW+JPEG still images. RAW resolutions are at 3872×2592 pixels while JPEG resolutions are at 3872×2592, 2896×1944 and 1936×1296 pixels. The DSLR uses SD or MMC type flash memory cards and features a pop-up flash with composite video output and USB connectivity.
Features & Performance: While the virtual control system does take some time getting used to, the Nikon D60 is easy to use with a new retouch menu. This includes options for D-Lighting, cropping, red-eye reduction and new filter effects. The camera also features a NEF to JPEG converter as well as a Stop Motion Movie mode. Other features of note include the Rangefinder function for better focusing with AF-I or non-AF-S lens.
With a sync speed of 1/200 second the Nikon D60 is very fast, easily getting 2.8 fps in continuous shooting mode. This includes a startup time of 0.4 second, 0.5 second time between shots with the flash turned off and 0.8 second time between shots with the flash turned on. Shot-to-shot times improved to 0.4 second when shooting in RAW images with shutter lag at 0.4 second in high contrast and 0.7 second in low contrast.
Image quality is very nice with great colors and good exposure and sharpness while noise is a non-issue up until ISO 1600. Overall, the Nikon D60 is a superb DSLR for the entry-level user and with the right lens may even satisfy the intermediate user as well.
