Nikon D60

Value (5.00)
The D60 carries a suggested retail price of $750 and, like all digital cameras, can be found for less. For the price you're getting all the image resolution you're ever likely to need, with a high-quality lens and pleasing responsiveness while shooting. Incompatibility with some Nikon lenses is a black mark for prosumers but, for the intended market of amateurs eager to step up from a compact to a higher-performing SLR, we think the D60 is an acceptable, but not outstanding, value.

Comparisons

Nikon D40 – Even as it adds new models, Nikon continues to offer the D40, which hit stores shelves in 2006 – and no wonder. At less than $500 with lens, it's a tempting entry-level choice. Yes, the resolution is 'only' 6.1 megapixels, but unless you're planning prints larger than 11 x 14s, that's a completely acceptable figure. If you find the size and portability of the D60 alluring, the D40 matches it millimeter for millimeter. The mode selections (Portrait, Landscape, etc.) that comfort users moving up from compact point-and-shoots are here, too. On the other hand, the same autofocus system limitations plague both models, the D40 handles noticeably slower than the D60, and image quality doesn't stand up to close inspection, though it's fine for snapshot shooters.

 Pentax K10D – Available for less than $1000 with an 18-55mm lens, the 10-megapixel K10D offers several features we missed on the D60 for not a lot more money. The weatherproof body is solidly built, standing up to the dust and water hazards encountered in an active lifestyle. The 11-point autofocus system performed well in our testing, and in-camera image stabilization makes inexpensive lenses a viable option. A raft of control features and options do make the K10D more difficult to learn for beginners, though, and while image quality is acceptable, it tested no better than the D60.

Nikon D300 – This 12.3-megapixel model, priced at $1,799 without a lens, stands at the opposite end Nikon's consumer line, but it illustrates the compromises involved in choosing the D60. The D300 is built to take rough handling when necessary, with a solid construction and size that feels good in a man's hands. The pro-quality autofocus system is lightning-fast and includes 51 focus points versus the D60's three. It features a superior high-res 3-inch LCD with live view when shooting, and image quality was consistently excellent in our tests. Of course, the price difference is huge, but the D300 is a camera you're not likely to outgrow. 

Canon XSi – The XSi is similar to the D60 in many ways; it has a similar price, broadly similar feature set and is aimed at much the same point-and-shoot users looking to upgrade. And some of the upgrades that the two cameras offer are the same; both have optical image stabilization in the kit lens. But the XSi has a number of advantages over the D60, such as better overall imaging performance, live view, and a bigger LCD screen. With only a slight price difference between the two cameras, the deciding factor may be brand loyalty; if you already have Nikon lenses and acessories, the D60 would be a good pick. But if you have Canon lenses, the XSi would be the better choice.

Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters – The automatic controls work well, the price is right, and fun features like in-camera editing should also appeal to casual users. The Digitutor online video tutorials are a nice bonus for this group. However, SLRs with live view on the LCD while shooting may have more appeal when stepping up from a compact camera.

Budget Consumers – There are less expensive models available for penny-pinching consumers, including Nikon's own still-popular D40 at less than $500, offering the same core features, albeit at a lower resolution.

Gadget Freaks – Nothing here to inspire hardware lust.

Manual Control Freaks – The manual controls are probably more extensive than necessary for the target market, but the settings-obsessed will do better elsewhere.

Pros / Serious Hobbyists – If you're a Nikon shooter, there are other reasonably low-cost cameras in the line (the D80 comes to mind, at just $50 more) offering better compatibility with the range of Nikon lenses and more robust construction.