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Nikon D60 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX VR Nikkor Zoom Lens | 
| Brand: Nikon
Category: Photography
List Price: $699.95
Buy New: $616.88
You Save: $83.07 (12%)
Rating:  32 reviews
Sales Rank: 50
Media: Electronics
Batteries Included: No
Includes Software: Yes
Optical Zoom: 3
Display Size: 2.5
Maximum Focal Length: 55
Minimum Focal Length: 18
Maximum Resolution: 10
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1.6
Dimensions (in): 4.6 x 6.6 x 12
nv:Sensor: 10.2 Megapixel
Image Resolution: 3872 x 2592
Storage Media: SD/SDHC Memory Card
Compressed Format: JPEG
Compressed Format: NEF (RAW)
LCD Monitor: 2.5-inch
LCD Pixels: 230,000 pixels
LCD Coverage: 100%
Shutter Speed: 30 - 1/4000 sec.
Light Metering Method: Spot
Light Metering Method: Matrix metering
Light Metering Method: TTL
Light Metering Method: Center Weighted
Exposure Modes: Auto
Exposure Modes: Manual
Exposure Modes: Landscape
Exposure Modes: Portrait
Exposure Modes: Close-up
MPN: 25438
Model: 25438
UPC: 018208254385
EAN: 0018208254385
ASIN: B0012OGF6Q
Shipping: Eligible for Super Saver Shipping
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
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| Features:
| • | Extraordinary 10.2-megapixel DX-format Nikon picture quality | | • | Includes AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G Vibration Reduction lens | | • | 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) |
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| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
18-55mm AFS DX Nikkor / 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
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| Customer Reviews: Read 27 more reviews...
Nice balance of technology and price! July 8, 2008
algrilli (New York)
Don't pass up the D60 just because it's called "entry level". This unassuming camera is very well made, doesn't cost a fortune, has a lot of features, and is capable of producing stunning photos under your control. Here's my overview of what you're getting, what you're not, and why I bought it.
What you're getting is Nikon engineering in a compact body with great ergonomics and all the necessary features you need to shoot in most situations -that is, for people who enjoy photography as a creative hobby, not a profession. If you're an average person, like me, who does occasional shooting, likes creativity and demands quality results, the D60 is great. It's light and comfortable without being flimsy. That means you're more likely to take it with you, rather than debating whether to carry around a heavy semi-pro beast.
You also get the latest Nikon technology such as the Expeed processor, in-camera Raw Conversion and Active D-lighting. You get the 18-55VR lens, but I took advantage of the Nikon instant $100 rebate and added the 55-200VR. Both lenses are lightweight and can produce some really stunning photos in many situations, though they're not that fast. VR really does steady the shot. I plan on adding the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 for lowlight and everyday use.
Here's what you're not getting: Live View mode. I really liked this on my P&S and I'll miss it. In fact, it was almost a deal-breaker. But I remember this feature really drains battery life, which was always annoying. There's no auto focus with older Nikon AF lenses, but the D60 has a rangefinder feature that allows you to pull up a meter in the viewfinder to help you focus manually. You also don't get a lot of direct access buttons on the body. Most picture settings have to be made on a grid on the LCD screen, but it's easy to do and it keeps the D60 uncluttered. I'd rather have buttons though. Lastly, higher end models generally give you a stronger build quality, a bigger, brighter viewfinder and a more enhanced AF system with more AF points. Still, the D60 is no slouch. You just have to decide if you really want those features along with the added weight they bring. Everything's a tradeoff.
My main reason for choosing Nikon over Canon and Olympus was because they have the largest-sized image sensor. Canon would have been an easy second choice; Olympus was just too small. I took the measurements of these sensors, drew each of them on a grid next to each other and the actual size difference really became apparent. And even though the other brands do a great job and reviewers try to explain why technologically size doesn't matter, I still believe that EVERY little bit of sensor real estate helps with image quality. But, hey that's just me.
As for ergonomics, I considered some mid-range Canons, but they felt rather boxy and cramped to me, and they all use that obnoxious pop-up strobing flash as an AF assist light. Nikon uses a steady lamp. I loved the Olympus 420, but it was so compact that the metal strap holder constantly dug into my middle finger and mounting a heavy lens made it feel oddly unbalanced. The E510 was very comfortable, more so than the D60 (but that sensor again!). It really helps to pick up these models and handle them.
Buying a digital SLR body is like buying a computer. The sensor is the heart of the camera, so and you should generally have the latest model with a newest processor. I REALLY liked the D80, but even though it's a great camera, I didn't think it was worth spending hundreds more on a "2 year old computer". Most of us are not photo professionals, so we restrict ourselves to purchasing just one body with enough technology that will last for a while. It's really difficult to see your spectacular "hit-of-the-year" become branded as the "competent-but-ageing" model within 12 months, but eventually it will happen, so you should focus your dollars wisely.
That's where the D60 comes in. It's a nice balance of current technology and price. The fact that you're even considering this model means that price (or simply value) is of some concern to you. Yes, it may be missing a bell here or a whistle there, but overall it's a great camera. And if you still succumb to upgrade lust, you can always get a "dream" camera later on knowing you haven't previously spent thousands of dollars on this one. If not, you still have a very good camera...well, for about 5 years anyway.
As automatic or manual as you want July 3, 2008
trlamb (Salem, OR USA)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I recently replaced my old Olympus film SLR with the D60. I have liked my digital Nikon pocket cameras because they are small and easy to use, and my pictures always had better quality than those taken with other similarly-priced brands. However, the pocket cameras' shutter lags really annoyed me and I really missed the quality that glass optics give to landscapes.
So far, I am delighted with the D60. I have taken several short photo classes and experimented with the camera's settings. I am really impressed with the photo quality and ease of use. The D60 is easier to use than my film SLR because the screen reminds me of my settings and offers help. I can see what options I chose for each picture on-screen. The camera lures me into trying manual settings. I am very happy with the quality of the photos I have printed.
 Great entry level D-SLR July 2, 2008
Robert Williams
4 out of 4 found this review helpful
Okay, it's 10.2 megapixel, it gives you great pictures, and has plenty of options.
And it's one of the cheapest D-SLRs on the market right now,
There are downsides. The flash does not have a commander mode for using wireless flashes, there are only 3 autofocus zones, Nikon does not make an extended battery grip for this model, and the camera will only autofocus with the AF-S and I believe AF-I lenses. Older lenses are still usable, but only with manual focus.
Ok, all of the bad stuff is now out of the way. Everything is pretty straight forward to set up to take good pictures. I have personally seen point and shoots that have less intuitive controls without having all of the versatility that this camera provides.
The included lenses are very good considering that they come in a package that costs less than $1000 with the body. The Image Stabilization is very good, and optical quality is high for the price range.
Personally, I see very little reason to get an advanced point and shoot over the D60.
In my humble opinion, I think that the Canon XSi/450D is a superior camera; however, I personally could not justify the added expense. The other option from Nikon is the D80, which answers all of my criticisms; however, many first time SLR owners will probably like the added feeling of comfort from the D60's self-cleaning image sensor which is one feature that the D80 lacks. Either way, Canon or Nikon you can't really go wrong in the long run.
Very un-digital digital camera July 1, 2008
J. Deering
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
I should preface this with a little history, this is my third digital camera but my first digital SLR. I have and still own several quality 35mm SLR but fell for the instant gratification and cost of digital several years ago. I was almost to the point of going back to film due to the drawbacks (slow shutter, quality of enlargements, limited versatility etc.) of my past digital cameras. I then read a review of the new Nikon D60 and for just a little more than I paid for my last 35mm SLR (inflation adjusted) thought I would give it a try.
I have finally gotten thru the manual of my new Nikon D60 camera, it really has more in common with a 35mm SLR than any digital camera I have ever used. Except for the fact that that I can take 2K pictures at max resolution on the 8 gig SD card I bought. It also has more options than any single person can ever use, I assume this is to appeal to varied users who have different priorities. I have decided to use it much like my old auto 35mm SLRs in Shutter Priority mode most of the time. I now should know enough to take some decent pics if something important comes up, say a wedding or something. It will be some time before I feel I am using all this camera has to offer. The shutter is super quick, again just like a 35mm film camera, no delay. I need to try some action shots now to verify this but at 3 frames a second it should be great.
As much as I like it this camera is not for everybody, sure you can put it in auto and use it like a point and shoot but if that is all you want save a few hundred and buy a point and shoot. It is also missing two features that some people would like. The 2.5" screen shows you the picture after you take it but can not be used to take pictures, you have to use the viewfinder. I assume this is to save battery power, or maybe they figure real photographers would use the viewfinder anyway. With an SLR you do get exactly what you see in the viewfinder on the picture, plus there is all the other info you would need there, shutter speed, aperture, focus point etc etc. The other feature casual picture takers would miss is the capability to take movies. You can use the continuous mode at 3 frames per second and then you can stitch them together into a MPEG right on the camera. But again this camera is aimed at the serious photographer and if you are serious about movies you would use a video camera anyway.
Bottom line for me anyway, this camera has everything I loved about my 35mm SLRs, without any of the drawbacks, it is way lighter, cheap to use, (no film), fully adjustable for every exposure criteria, (f-stop, shutter speed, lighting color, white balance, etc. etc), plus I get the instant gratification of digital photography. I can't wait to take some great photos and blow them up as I used to with film. I highly recommend to anyone who wants a good quality, reasonably priced camera. Now I need to pick-up the 70 to 200 zoom lens and remote control, there's this humming bird on the feeder that I would love to capture of "film".
Great Camera June 30, 2008
Brian Gaideski (Ann Arbor, MI)
0 out of 2 found this review helpful
The Nikon D60 is a great camera. I was a SLR newbie when I first got this camera. I am still learning all the great features this camera has to offer. It has so many different settings and options that it could take ages to master them all. I thoroughly enjoy this product.
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