Thursday, August 21, 2008

Nikon D60 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera Reviews


18-55mm VR AFS DX Nikkor and 55-200 Lenses / Fast Start-up / Active Dust Reduction / 2.5" LCD / Up to 3 Frames per second / SD and SDHC Memory Slot Up to 36 characters of alphanumeric text input available / Date imprint - Date, Date and Time, Date Counter, or None (selectable) Eye-level penta-Dach mirror single-lens reflex viewfinder File system - DCF (Design Rule for Camera File System) 2.0, DPOF (Digital Print Order Format), Exif 2.21 (Exchangeable Image File Format for Digital Still Cameras), PictBridge Focusing screen - Type B BriteView Clear Matte screen Mark V Compatible lenses - AF-S and AF-I NIKKOR - All functions supported; Type G or D AF NIKKOR not equipped with an autofocus motor - All functions supported except autofocus; Non-Type G or D AF NIKKOR not equipped with an autofocus motor - All functions supported except 3D color matrix metering II and autofocus; IX-NIKKOR and AF-NIKKOR for F3AF - Not supported; Type D PC NIKKOR - All functions supported except some shooting modes; AI-P NIKKOR - All functions supported except 3D color matrix metering II; Non-CPU - Autofocus not supported. Can be used in exposure mode M, but exposure meter does not function; Lens with maximum aperture of f/5.6 or faster - Electronic rangefinder can be used Frame advance up to 3 fps Self-timer - Can be selected from 2, 5, 10 and 20 second duration Metering method - Matrix - 3D color matrix metering II (type G and D lenses); color matrix metering II (other CPU lenses); Center-weighted - Weight of 75 percent given to 8mm circle in center of frame; Spot - Meters 3.5mm circle (about 2.5 percent of frame) centered on selected focus point (on center focus point when non-CPU lens is used) Range (ISO 100, f/1.4 lens, 20 degrees C/68 degrees F); Matrix, Center-weighted, and Spot metering Dimensions (W x H x D) - 126 x 94 x 64mm (5.0 x 3.7 x 2.5 inch)/ 1.1 lb


Product Details
  • Amazon Sales Rank: #954 in Camera & Photo
  • Brand: Nikon
  • Model: 9609
  • Dimensions: 10.00" h x 14.00" w x 12.00" l, 5.00 pounds
  • Display size: 2.5
  • Included Software: Yes
Features
  • Extraordinary 10.2-megapixel DX-format Nikon picture quality
  • Includes 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX VR and 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED IF AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor lenses
  • 2.5-inch LCD screen; horizontal and vertical orientation are detected automatically
  • Continuous shooting at 3 fps; Active Dust Reduction System with Airflow Control
  • Capture images to SD/SDHC memory cards (not included)
Are you looking for a real digital SLR that’s easy to use? Do you want mobility without sacrificing capability? Would you like simple operation and enough features to step forward creatively? If so, then get to know the Nikon D60. Now you can experience the best of both worlds: enjoy one-button simplicity with Auto, or try many exciting levels of creative control. There is room for everyone to explore the thrill and magic of photography. Have fun, and don’t worry -- it’s a Nikon.

Built on 90 years of optical expertise and decades of award-winning camera designs, the Nikon family of cameras covers every type of picture-taker -- from seasoned professionals to travelers on vacation. The D60 is the latest example of Nikon innovation, transforming complex technology into a fun, powerful and easy-to-use camera. Nikon delivers the cutting-edge technologies you would expect from a digital SLR -- fast response, creative versatility, and breathtaking image quality -- while eliminating complications and frustrations so that taking pictures is enjoyable and stress-free. With 10.2 megapixels, the D60’s image sensor delivers high-resolution pictures with rich, faithful color and detail that are ready for stunning enlargements. It also gives you the freedom to crop pictures exactly as you want them. And with Nikon’s 3D Color Matrix Metering II, you can expect beautifully exposed pictures under almost any lighting condition, with Nikon’s original digital image processing concept, EXPEED, comprehensively optimizing your pictures, shot after shot.

Nikon D60 Digital SLR Highlights

Includes AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR (Vibration Reduction) and 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED IF AF-S DX VR Image Stabilization lenses NIKKOR lenses are famous for breathtaking sharpness and faithful color. With Nikon's fast, accurate autofocus and Vibration Reduction (VR) image stabilization technology built in, pictures are even sharper, free from blur caused by camera shake when shooting hand-held.

Nikon Integrated Dust Reduction System Dust in front of your camera sensor can mean distracting spots on your pictures. That’s why Nikon does everything to ensure clear pictures, including minimizing the build-up and appearance of dust. Nikon’s exclusive Airflow Control System is one of the two main protections against dust. It leads air within the mirror box towards small ducts near the base, preventing internal dust from settling in front of the image sensor. The D60’s second form of defense is the Imaging Sensor Cleaning function, which was originally built for the D300. Every time you turn the camera on or off, this function uses vibrations to steer dust away from the optical low-pass filter in front of the sensor (deactivation and manual activation are also possible). Nikon engineers have also dealt with dust and other tiny particles in many other ways to prevent such image degrading material from attaching to the filter or being seen by the sensor when you are taking pictures. With all these measures in place, you can concentrate on getting the shot while exploring the wide array of Nikkor interchangeable lenses that a Nikon digital SLR opens up to you.

Rich, smooth detail with Active D-Lighting Sometimes, even a perfectly exposed scene will not render an ideal photograph. With difficult lighting conditions, important details can be lost in the highlights and shadows. But with Nikon’s Active D-Lighting, the D60 can correct these exposure issues instantly and automatically, while you shoot. Simply set Active D-Lighting before you start shooting. Active D-Lighting is available when "Matrix" is selected for metering.

Eye Sensor The Eye Sensor activates every time you look through the viewfinder, turning off the information display on the LCD for comfortable shooting.

Compact, light and comfortable The D60 is compact, light and ready to go wherever life takes you. The D60’s size is not the only factor to consider; its shape is ergonomically designed to fit in your hand naturally and comfortably. Nikon’s experienced engineers know that operating a camera shouldn’t distract you. That’s why each button and texture on the camera’s exterior has been carefully considered for the most efficient and fluid operation possible.

The D60’s bright, clear optical viewfinder is also designed with the user in mind, its helpful indicators and intuitive icons helping you achieve ideal composition with the optimal settings.

Nikon’s Intelligent Built-in Flash -- Simply Brilliant Proper flash lighting used to require skill, time and patience. With the D60, however, flash photography is simple, instant and accurate. Thanks to Nikon’s cutting-edge i-TTL flash technology, all the complicated calculations happen automatically, giving you balanced flash illumination under almost any conditions, even difficult lighting situations such as backlit subjects. With Auto mode, you just point, shoot and let the camera do the rest. It’s that simple.

Display format options The information display in the 2.5-inch LCD monitor lets you check essential camera information quickly and easily. Choose whatever display format fits your taste best: each of the Graphic and Classic formats have three color variations to suit your preferences, while Wallpaper uses one of your own pictures as the background. Graphic format uses visual displays to show shutter speed and aperture, as well as the mode dial every time you turn it to a new setting. The D60 even recognizes whether you are holding the camera horizontally or vertically, and then automatically displays camera information on the LCD monitor accordingly.

Intuitive menu navigation The D60 lets you alter settings and functions in many ways. For all the choices it offers, the menu is still amazingly simple and intuitive, with navigation made easy thanks to a carefully considered design. If you are ever unsure about a specific feature or function, simply press the O button for detailed information. It’s like having an onboard instructor to answer your questions. The D60’s convenient assist images help you select appropriate camera settings. These useful reference images help explain the effect that each function has on your photos -- very helpful for exploring new features and making the most of the camera.

Creative shooting is just a quick turn away With the D60, you will always be prepared to shoot a wide variety of subject matter. Just turn the mode dial to fit your shooting situation and beautiful results are yours instantly.

Quick responses, captured moments Amazing moments can pass by quickly, but the D60’s fast 0.19-second startup, split-second shooting time lag and fast, accurate autofocus capture more of these moments with precision. The camera’s high-speed continuous shooting also helps capture fast-moving action at up to 3 pictures per second for as many as 100 (JPEG) pictures.

A wide variety of in-camera Retouch Menus Even after a picture is taken, the D60 offers ways to explore your creativity further. With a wide range of options to choose from, the quick, simple and extensive Retouch Menu allows you to create a duplicate image with amazing photo effects, leaving the original picture intact. And it’s all done in-camera -- without the need for a computer.

The right touch -- Quick Retouch Sometimes you want to make sure that your picture has the best balance of contrast and saturation. For this, choose the Quick Retouch feature. It creates an automatically retouched copy that has been optimized for better-looking pictures.

Original animation -- stop-motion movie Want more fun out of digital photography? Try making a stop-motion movie from a series of consecutive pictures. Simply select the first and last frames from a sequence of shots. You can easily re-edit before saving it as a movie by changing the starting image or removing specific images. There are also several size and frame rates to choose from.

Expect much more from your pictures -- In-camera NEF (RAW) processing Nikon’s NEF (RAW) format lets you enjoy an incredible amount of creative freedom and control over camera settings -- even after the actual shot is taken. If time is tight or you are unsure of which setting to use, it’s even possible to shoot first with NEF (RAW) and make adjustments later. That’s right: you can take pictures, and then change the image quality, image size, white balance or even exposure compensation. All operations are quick, simple and do not require a computer.

Explore further -- Filter Effects The D60’s Filter Effects let you experiment with color and light. Each of the Red/Green/Blue Intensifier effects let you enhance the color of your choice. Try the Cross Screen feature to create starbursts radiating from scene highlights. For other options, use Color Balance to modify the entire image, or experiment with Skylight and Warm Filters.

Customer Reviews

Idiot-proof4

This camera was delivered on Friday and I left for England on Saturday with no time to do anything more than charge the battery and attach the lens. I thought I would have a look at the instruction booklet and camera on the plane over. So of course I left the book at home! Bottom line, I came home with about 300 beautiful pix -- Camera easy and intuitive to use. I only gave 4 stars because I haven't had a chance to discover its flaws, if any. Everyone who sees the pictures either says, "what camera do you have?" or "you take great pictures!" Looking forward to discovering and using all the features and tuning up my photographic skills for the next big vacation!

Very Satisfied4

I've only had for a short time, but I took it on my vacation.It's takes very sharp shots. It's also very easy to use. I also have an FZ18 which I used for comparison. In night shots which I took alot of, the Nikon was definitely superior. I also provides good color saturation which I personally like.I'm very satisfied with it's performance. I thought the night shots were a good test of it's capabilities. I still have moer to learn about the camera but it's size and weight made it a good companion. I did alot of research between the other cameras before making this purchase, I believe I made the right decision. I didn't like the feel of the Canon Xsi, and was concerned about high contrast with the Olympus E-510,the Nikon D80 was a close second, but I compared specs carefully and think the D60 with upgraded lenses make sense as You get most bang for the buck. This camera will be obselete in a few years so go for the lenses.They won't.

D40 replacement - NOT upgrade3

If you are torn between the D40 and the D60, pick the D40. It has 95% of the functionality of the D60 and it's much cheaper. Both cameras share the biggest limitation of not having an Auto Focus motor and only 3 focus points so you're likely to outgrow both at the same time. At least with the D40, you'll have a much lower investment while you learn about photography. Don't get me wrong, both take great pictures given the right conditions and lenses, but don't under-estimate the lack of an AF motor.

If you have D60 money, I would STRONGLY recommend getting the D80 instead. It may cost a little more, but you will quickly pay for that if you purchase the 50mm 1.8 lens that actually does autofocus on the D80 plus countless other older AF style lenses that do not AF on the D60 or D40.

Again, the reason why I'm giving the D60 3 stars is not about the picture because it is a good camera, but it's very over priced as of this writing. Once the D90 comes out, the D60 will be Nikon's starter DSLR the way the D40 is but make no mistake, the D60 and D40 are in the same class and the D40 is a much better bargin. That's why so many people love it.

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