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Nikon D60 Digital Camera Review

by Steve Morgenstern
Published on June 03, 2008

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Reviews: Canon Digital Rebel XSi · Nikon D300 · Nikon D40
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Connectivity
Software (4.00)
The Nikon Software Suite supplied with the camera includes two programs, both with versions for Windows and Mac OS:

  • View NX: Provides basic image browsing and organizing functions and RAW to JPEG conversion with basic image parameter adjustments.
  • Nikon Transfer: transfers images from the camera or a card readers to your computer, though why you'd use this instead of the operating system utilities is unclear.
More detailed RAW file editing requires Nikon Capture NX, which is sold separately for $120.

Jacks, ports, plugs (2.00)
On the left side of the camera, under a flip-up door, are connections for a video-out cable and a mini-USB jack. Video output is standard-definition only, with no support for HDTV. Surprisingly, the video-out cable is not included with the camera, an annoying piece of skinflintery in a $750 purchase.

Direct Print Options (7.50)
The D60 can be connected via the USB port to a PictBridge-compatible printer for outputting JPEGs directly (RAW files require computer software for printing). Photos can be printed individually, as a group via selection from a thumbnail display on the LCD, or via a DPOF print order creating on the camera (which lets you choose the number of prints desired for each included image). You can also print a contact sheet with thumbnail images of JPEG photos directly from the camera.

Battery (7.00)
The familiar 7.4-volt 1000mAh EN-EL9 lithium-ion battery carries over from previous models – a good thing, since it guarantees ready availability of replacements or spare batteries if needed. Nikon claims 500 shots per charge, which seems about right based on our experience during testing.
 
Memory (4.00)
The camera accepts both standard SD and high-capacity SDHC cards. The card slot is located on the right side of the camera, under a ridged door that slides open easily with a little thumb pressure, but is unlikely to be opened accidentally.


The D60 is compatible iwth SDHC cards, which enables
huge shooting capacity.

Other features (6.00)
Dust Reduction – The D60 inherits the Active Dust Reduction System introduced earlier this year in the far more expensive Nikon D300. By default, low-pass filter protecting the image sensor vibrates each time you turn the camera on or off. There's also an airflow system that blows dust onto a sticky strip and out of the way.

Digitutor - The production values are reminiscent of a 1950s-era industrial film, but the model-specific video tutorials Nikon offers on the Web (nikondigitutor.com/eng/d60/index.shtml) do a nice job explaining a wide range of topics. They start out basic, which is the right idea for the target audience (no, it's not that easy installing the camera strap if you've never done it before, and the animated explanation here is much easier to follow than a static diagram in the manual). Keep going and you get to some potentially intimidating topics, such as Nikon's D-Lighting technology and shooting in RAW format, explained well. This is a valuable free addition to the straightforward product manual, and we applaud Nikon for investing in educating its customers.
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