Nikon D60 vs. Canon Xti, Sony A200, Pentax K200 and Olympus E510

After the Nikon D40 appearing in 2006 and its 10 megapixels latest upgrade – the Nikon D40x, the D60 is the third incarnation of Nikon's “cheap” entry-level SLR line, which replaced the first Nikon 'starter' model, the D50. Sure, this new digital SLR camera is a true Nikon with many good features. However, the fact that “Auto Focus only for AF-S or AF-I lenses” doubt whether makes D60’s users happy.
Nikon D60 vs. Canon Digital Rebel Xti, Pentax K200, Olympus E510 or Sony Alpha 200
There are a lot of not bad entry-level SLRs such as Canon EOS 400D, Sony A200 and Pentax K200D with many advantages, which can’t make the D60 beyond comparison. The latest Alpha digital SLR from Sony, the A200 has a ten-megapixel APS size CCD (from Sony), Super SteadyShot sensor-shift image stabilization system, three frames per second continuous shooting, Sony's Dynamic Range Optimizer (DRO) and a 2.7 inch 230,000 pixel LCD monitor for $700 with 18-70 mm kit lens. For any details look through Sony A200 vs Pentax K200 or Nikon D60 – what’s new in Sony’s SLR.
The Pentax K200D offers a host of user-friendly features and sophisticated functions such as weather-sealed body, CCD-based anti-shake and dust removal. This SLR has the same APS-C sized (23.5 x 15.7 mm) sensor with 10.2 million sensor photo detectors. For more: Pentax K200D vs Sony A200 / A300; Weather resist SLR vs. Live-View.
As for well-known Canon Digital Rebel Xti (EOS 400D), the 22.2 x 14.8 mm CMOS nine-point AF sensor from the EOS 30D, a new dust removal system which includes anti-static surface coatings, low-pass filter vibration and software based dust pattern removal are not many impressive than an anti-dust system that incorporates a self-cleaning sensor unit that shakes off dust, coupled with an airflow system designed to channel dust away from the D60’s sensor.
As for Olympus SLRs, it's better to look through Compare digital SLR cameras: Olympus E-1, E-400 vs. Nikon D80, D40x or Pentax K10D; 4/3” sensor rules in Pro hands.
Nikon D60 main features
Let’s look through D60’s cool features.
- 10 megapixel 23.6 x 15.8 mm sensor, Nikon DX format CCD (1.5x FOV crop)
- Nikon EXPEED* image-processing concept such as D300 and D3
- 12-bit A/D converter
- 3D Color Matrix Metering II, 420 pixel sensor
- Multi-CAM530 three-area AF sensor
- New Image sensor cleaning system
- Eye sensor, which turns off LCD display
- ISO sensitivity range 100 - 1600 plus HI 1; 3200 equiv
- 3.0 fps continuous shooting (slower with noise reduction enabled), unlimited in JPEG
- Large 2.5" 230,000 pixel LCD monitor with help suggestions
- Short shutter lag and viewfinder blackout
- Support for SDHC (SD cards over 2 GB in capacity)
- In-camera retouching
- USB 2.0 with PTP and Mass Storage device support
* The Nikon D60 uses EXPEED technology to maximize image quality and processing speed. These features designed to allow the optimisation and adjustment of images without the need for a computer. Image optimisation is achieved through functions like Active D-Lighting, which compensates for strong shadows, and the automatic correction of false eye colour when using the built-in flash. Creative features include the automated creation of stop-motion animation files from a sequence of images, and effects that simulate the use of optical filters to produce colour shading and sparkling highlights.
Nikon D60 differences from the D40x
- Image sensor-cleaning system
- Airflow control system
- Automatic defeat via Eye Sensor
- Automatically rotating user interface for using vertically orientated camera
- Stop motion movie playback function
- New stabilized kit lens AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR
- Active D-Lighting with dedicated button
- In-camera Raw processing
- JPEG retouches effects
Nikon D60 specifications
- 23.6 x 15.8mm CCD sensor
- 10.2 million effective, 10.8 million total pixels
- 3872 x 2592 -- Large, 10.0 MP; 2896 x 1944 -- Medium, 5.6 MP; 1936 x 1296 -- Small, 2.5 MP image sizes
- Equivalent in 35mm (135) format is approx. 1.5X lens focal length
- Eye-level penta-prism mirror single-lens reflex viewfinder
- 3 frames per second continuous shooting speed at full resolution
- 2.5" TFT LCD 230,000 pixel
- Combined mechanical and CCD electronic shutter 30 to 1/4000 sec (1/3 EV steps)
- USB 2.0 (Hi-Speed), Mass storage / PTP selectable, Video out, DC-IN (optional AC adapter) connectivity
- Nikon F mount 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; Type G or D AF NIKKOR not equipped with an autofocus motor: All functions supported except autofocus; IX-NIKKOR and AF-NIKKOR for F3AF not supported; Type D PC NIKKOR: All functions supported except some shooting modes
- Dimensions: 126 x 94 x 64 mm (5.0 x 3.7 x 2.5 in)
- Weight (no/inc. batt) 471 g (1.0 lb)/ 522 g (1.2 lb)
- Optional Accessories: ML-L3 Wireless Remote Control, Capture NX, Camera Control Pro 2, EP-5AC Adapter Connector, EH-5a AC Adapter, EG-D100Video Cable, CF-DC1 Semi-Soft Case, Speedlight SB-800, SB-600, SB-400, R1C1
- Supplied Accessories: EN-EL9 Rechargeable Li-ion Battery, MH-23 Quick Charger, UC-E4 USB Cable , DK-20 Rubber Eyecup, AN-DC1 Camera Strap, BF-1A Body Cap, DK-5 Eyepiece Cap, BS-1 Accessory Shoe Cover, Software Suite CD-ROM
Nikon D60 pros and cons
Of course, none of this information can give a full view on the Nikon D60. However, there are some pros and cons, whith can be usefull for buyers.
Pros:
- This is Nikon’s cheapest DSLR
- This is a Nikon camera that is a pleasure to use
- A very good kit lens
- Effective image stabilisation system
- Hight image quality with good sharp and contrast
Cons:
- No focus drive in a camera body as in case of the D40/D40x
- No exposure and white balance bracketing
Conclusion
First of all the D60 is a Nikon with its high quality of work, excellent ergonomics, lightweight body and great quality images. Sure, the Nikkor range of auto-focus lenses available for this camera is limited. However, 18-55 mm and 55-200 mm twin lens kit is more than enough for a majority of photographers. At the same time, there are many new lenses with in built focus motors from Sigma, Tamron etc. As for comparison with the Canon Xti (Canon EOS400/XTi, Nikon D40x and Pentax K10 pros& cons; SLR over SLR-like triple benefits), Pentax K200, Sony A200 and Olympus E510, all of these 10MP cameras have its own pros and cons, different prices and different lenses. For making a right choise, it is better to get acqainted with these Digital SLR cameras by youself. For it bother all salesmen you can rich. Let you trouble be their trouble.