Nikon D60 unveiled

[David Rasnake]

For those of us who could never understand why Nikon called the upgrade to its entry-level D40 the D40x, the company has rectified the situation this evening with the announcement of the Nikon D60 DSLR.

Presumably the D40x's long-speculated replacement, the new D60 shares key specs with the previous model, including its 10.2 megapixel CCD. Built around the diminutive D40/D40x form factor, the D60 sports a 2.5-inch LCD with an eye-control feature that automatically shuts off the display for improved visibility when the shooter is using the optical viewfinder.

Active D-Lighting, allowing the dynamic range enhancing effects of Nikon's D-Lighting processing to be applied while shooting, appears on the D60. As on it's higher-end models, the new step-up DSLR also employs Nikon's advance 3-D Color Matrix Metering II. As with Nikon's compact offerings, the EXPEED processing concept promises images that are vibrant and rich with less visible noise.

The D60 comes in kit form with Nikon's new AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G Vibration Reduction lens, providing optical image stabilization by default.

With all the rumors about slowing D40x flying around, there were high hopes for Nikon's new enthusiast-level DSLR release. Sadly, it seems like rumors of live view, in particular, were not to be, and while the D40x is an excellent camera, given how much this model seems to carry over, it may not be the big announcement many were hoping for.

Nikon has slated the D60 for shipment in February. No official word yet on pricing.

Nikon D60 specifications:

Sensor	10.2 megapixel, 23.6 x 15.8 mm CCD
Lens/Zoom	Nikon F-mount (AF-S or AF-I only for full functionality)
LCD/Viewfinder	2.5", 230K-pixel TFT LCD with Eye Sensor; Penta-mirror optical viewfinder with diopter adjustment
Sensitivity	ISO 100-3200
Shutter Speed	30-1/4000 seconds
Shooting Modes	Auto, Scene, Program, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority, Manual
Scene Presets	Portrait, Landscape, Child, Sports, Close Up, Night Portrait, Flash Off
White Balance Settings	Daylight, Cloudy, Shade, Incandescent, Fluorescent, Flash
Metering Modes	3D Matrix, Center-Weighted, Spot
Focus Modes	AF Single, AF Continuous, Auto Single/Continuous, Manual; Single Area, Dynamic Area, Closest Subject
Drive Modes	Single, Continuous
Flash Modes	Auto, Red-Eye, Slow Sync, Slow Sync w/ Red-Eye, Fill, Rear Curtain
Self Timer Settings	20 seconds, 10 seconds, 5 seconds, 2 seconds, Off
Memory Formats	SD, SDHC
Internal Memory	None
File Formats	JPEG, RAW (NEF)
Max. Image Size	3872x2592
Max. Video Size	N/A
Zoom During Video	N/A
Battery	Rechargeable lithium-ion, 1000 mAh
Connections	USB 2.0, video output, DC input
Additional Features	EXPEED Image Processor, Stop-Motion Video Recording, Active D-Lighting, Eye Sensor LCD Control, Dust Reduction/Airflow Control System

[usapatriot]

Its basically just a D40x!

I guess its between the Rebel XSi and K200D for me when I purchase a new camera this summer.

[CalebSchmerge]

I wouldn't quite say that. Some of the other reading I have done speculates that its got quite a bit of the new "soft" type features of the D3 and D300, which really help with things like color and dynamic range. I wouldn't run out to buy one myself, but its not just a D40x.

[usapatriot]

It still doesn't have in-body autofocus.

^ Major killer right there.

[CalebSchmerge]

I sort of agree. In body is nice and all, but again, the target audience can get all the lenses they need with internal focus. This might not be the camera for you, but that doesn't make it a bad camera.

[britbiker]

Nikon have just sent me an email 'flyer'. The pricing of the D60 kit (inc 18-55mm lens) is exactly the same as the previous D40X - £499.99 - don't do the $$$ conversion as the current exchange rate will make it look horrendous to you guys over in the USA ! The upside is the D40/D40X is being discounted in the retailers over here in the UK to clear existing stocks, which makes it a real bargain, seeing as the two cameras are almost the same bar a few slight (insignificant?) differences. I had held out on a new purchase hoping the D60 would be something really special. Ah, well..................

Looks like this could be a good time for me to buy a D40X !

[David Rasnake]

Thanks for the info, britbiker. From what I've seen, looks like we can expect US pricing to be roughly the same as the D40x as well.

dr