As automatic or manual as you want | Nikon D60 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX VR...

Excellent Camera | Nikon D60 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX VR Nikkor Zoom Lens

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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 Nikon Nikon average customer review:based on 59 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

Nice balance of technology and price!

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, depending on the user. 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 very good 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 a good camera to work with. 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 technology such as the Expeed processor, in-camera Raw Conversion and Active D-lighting. And you get the 18-55VR lens. I added the 55-200VR. Both lenses are lightweight and capable. Between the lens and the lightmeter, I've taken some really stunning photos in varied situations. The lenses are not optically fast, but VR works well to steady the camera when needed. I plan on adding a fast prime 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, but I remember this feature really drains battery life, which was really annoying (and they haven't perfected it in SLRs yet).
-No Auto Focus with older Nikon AF lenses, but the D60 has a rangefinder feature which allows you to pull up an analog focusing meter in the viewfinder.
-You don't get a lot of direct access buttons on the body. There are some, but most picture settings have to be made on a grid on the LCD screen. It's pretty easy to do and it keeps the D60 uncluttered, but I'd much rather have the buttons.
-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 in these areas. Its viewfinder is bright and its 3-point AF seems fast enough for me.

I have to say though, I really liked handling the other strong, ruggedly-built SLRs, like the Nikon D300 and Canon 40D, but when the chips are down, I just don't want to carry all that weight around, especially on vacation. You would have to decide if you really want all the features of a higher end camera because it really adds to the size, weight and especially COST. Everything's a tradeoff.

My main reason for choosing Nikon over Canon and Olympus was because they use the largest image sensor, followed by Canon; 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 still do a great job with image quality and some reviewers try to explain away the size issue, 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 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. Mounting a heavy lens made it feel oddly unbalanced. The E510 was very comfortable, even more so than the D60. 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 I looked for the latest model with the newest processor. I REALLY liked the D80, but even though it's a great body, I couldn't see spending hundreds more on what I consider a "2 year old computer" that may be discontinued soon. Unless you're a pro, you're probably going to purchase just one DSLR body, so I'd say invest in one with enough current technology to last for a while along with most of the features you think you need.

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 value is of some concern to you, so striking that balance is important. Yes, it may be missing a bell here or a whistle there, but overall it's a great little camera. The lightmeter works extremely well, the processor is fast, the lenses are sharp, the images are excellent. And the price is right.

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As automatic or manual as you want

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.

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Excellent Camera

I love this Camera. I am pretty new to the world of SLR digital photography and I highly recommend purchasing one of Nikon's SLRs as a great camera to becoming a photographer. Very user friendly and produces beautiful pictures.

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Great entry level D-SLR

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.

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Awsome Camera!!!

I researched cameras for months before I bought this one. My mom got a D40 for christmas from my dad that I played with before I ultimatley decided to stick with Nikon. This camera has excelent performance in most all kinds of environments. The only thing that I have not mastered yet is shooting at dusk or in low light/evening outdoor shots. I recently took over 5,000 shots at an airshow that 98% of the Photos came out perfectly. I added the Nikon AF-S 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED DX VR [Vibration Reduction] Zoom-Nikkor Lens + Hoya UV Haze Filter - Accessory Kit for Nikon D40, D40x, D60, D80, D200 & D300 Digital SLR Cameras (Lens Refurbished by Nikon USA) that shoots perfectly. The lenses switch easily and the camera has no issues with them. I preordered a book from David Busch's Nikon D60 Guide to Digital SLR Photography. This has a lot of information on how to take the pictures like a pro.

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