While the race in megapixels continues with as much gusto (12 and even 14 million pixel sensors are arriving on the entry level), the Nikon D60’s technical sheet may appear a bit bland:  10 Megapixel sensor, 3 point autofocus, and no LiveView aiming.   However, this Nikon is left with the quality of its photo rendering, a domain in which the Japanese brand holds a comfortable lead.

Handling

Making the acquaintance of the Nikon D60 resulted in few surprises.  It inherits the body of the D40x and at first glance it’s difficult to distinguish the two products.  This reflex keeps the small size which some will appreciate (easy transport and handling) while others will be disappointed (some fingers easily fall under the bottom of the camera).  Either way, the D60 offers a nice feel in your hand and a good grip thanks to a well proportioned handle, something which isn’t always the case with the competition.

The interface also remains classic with a 2.5 inch (230,000 pixels) LCD screen, a joypad for navigation and a variety of buttons for access to different menus.  The handle features the exposure mode dial (PSAM, scene modes, auto, etc.), exposure correction and something new, a button to activate D-Lighting (allows gaining detail in overly dark or bright zones).  While the interface is relatively sober, menus are rather dense (at times too much so).  Luckily, most shooting parameters (image quality, white balance, ISO, burst mode, focus mode, light measurement and flash) can be modified via the LCD.  For each option, there is a small vignette showing the scène type it is best suited, and for the more indecisive, contextual help is permanently displayed.  Finally, the Nikon D60 proves to be generally reactive with almost instantaneous startup, a precise and fast autofocus (only 3 point) and a satisfactory 3 i/s burst mode.

Image quality

While ergonomic changes are rare on this camera, image processing received a little boost from the newly adopted Expeed system.  And here we can confirm the quality of results.  First of all, noise control is excellent with the 10 Megapixel sensor.  Chromatic granulation is well contained and details are conserved in the highest sensitivities (3200 ISO).  Moreover, colors are quite vivid with real saturation in blues and reds.  As for exposure, it is often very efficient.  In the end, while the quality of images is good, the differences with the previous model are minimal.

The Nikon D60 comes as a kit with a new 18-55 mm lens which now has VR optical stabilization.  This lens’ finishing touches are of high quality and optical construction enables the D60 to deliver well detailed images.  VR stabilization also produces good results and easily allows gaining two speeds.  However, note that the D60 is only compatible with AF-S (stands for autofocus) lenses and you will have to manually focus with some older models.  In addition, optical aiming is a bit limited for comfortable manual focusing.  The D60 does have a type of electronic rangefinder which tells the photographer which way to turn the lens and when focus is correct.  Finally, the flash on the Nikon D60 is well controlled enabling correct exposure.