Nikon D60 review

For the opportunity Nikon D60 body review Many thanks to Olga Goncharova.

Nikon D60 review

Nikon D60 review

Ergonomics, display

The camera is very compact, small and lightweight. This is exactly what an amateur needs. The smaller the camera, the more likely you can take it somewhere and take good pictures. The display of the camera is of medium size, at 2.5 inches. The D60 is Nikon's latest camera with a 2.5-inch display. All cameras after her, as well D3, D300coming to her, use a display with a larger diagonal.

Usually the camera comes with a whale lens. Nikon 18-55mm f / 3.5-5.6G ED II AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor or one of its versions.

Matrix

To date, the Nikon D60 cannot boast a good range of ISO values, which is 100-1600 and can be expanded to ISO 3200 (HI1 mode). The ISO value depends on the camera matrix, Nikon D60 uses the old 10.2MP CCD matrix. The same matrix uses a number of cameras: Nikon D40x, D80, D3000, D200, though in the latter there is a double kit for reading the signal, because it is often said that D200 another matrix. Roughly speaking, the quality of images on the Nikon D60 will not be any different from Nikon D80 or Nikon D3000.

Speed

The camera can shoot at a speed of 3 fps. This is not much, but the huge shooting speed is important only for a number of cases. The camera can produce pictures of 3872 x 2592 pixels, while frame buffer can accommodate:

  • 6 RAW format shots with disabled features ADL, Noise reduction, Auto ISO
  • 9 JPEG L, Fine shots with features disabled ADL, Noise reduction, Auto ISO
  • 51 JPEG S, Basic

To increase the buffer, you need to disable additional functions, such as ADL, noise reduction, Auto ISO, and shoot at low ISO. At high ISOs, the camera automatically tries to suppress noise, regardless of the settings. Sorry, the RAW + JPEG format is only available in JPEG Basic mode.

Focus system

The Nikon D60 uses the most primitive focusing system, which includes just three focus points. The module is used for focusing. Nikon Multi-CAM530same as cameras Nikon D40, D40x. If the first Nikon D40 Since you could come to terms with 3 focus points, then in the updated Nikon D60, three focus points are not enough.

Attention: the camera does not have a focus motor and cannot automatically focus when working with lenses Nikon AF. Camera needs lenses Nikon AF-S, AF-I.

Metering

For measuring exposure used 420 segment RGB sensor '3D Color Matrix Metering II'. Same metering sensor exposure can be found in cameras D50, D40, D40x, D80, D3000, D90, D5000, D3100, D5100, D3200, D3300, D3400, D3500. As you can see from the list, almost whole amateur lineup uses this sensor. You just need to get used to the work of the exposure meter.

Nikon D60 has an interesting display off functionWhen the camera is brought up to your face, the display backlight turns off. The function is activated via the 'Auto off. eat. inf '. Also, the display turns off by itself after a certain time.

Unlike cameras Nikon D40, D40x, at the Nikon D60 camera INFO button is replaced by a button 'Active D-Lighting'. Otherwise, all three cameras Nikon D40, D40x have same body and controls. On cameras D40, D40x also have a function D-lighting, but it only applies to captured images.

In Auto ISO, the minimum excerpts can take a value of only 1 second to 1 \ 125s. For example, for working with telephoto lenses, it is highly desirable to use shorter excerpts. For example, advanced camera Nikon D200 has a minimum shutter speed in the 'Auto ISO' menu equal to 1 \ 250s, and Nikon D700 1 \ 4000s.

Also, the D60 has a function date imprinting, which can be very rarely seen on the Nikon Central Control Hall. You can customize imprinting:

  • Dates
  • Dates and times
  • Frame counter

This function works only in JPEG image quality mode.

Nikon D60 also has a function electronic rangefinder, which allows you to more quickly and accurately focus manually. The range finder tells you which way you should turn the focus ring on the lens. True, the function is quite unusual, it does not work with manual non-chip lenses. AI-S in manual camera control mode, though, this particular function would be very useful for manual optics. And on the other hand, if you install an old lens without processor contacts, the function works in any mode other than M, but in these modes the camera cannot take pictures. It turns out that in order to conveniently focus on sharpness, for example, using the Helios-81N lens, you need to use any mode except M, and take a picture by switching the camera to mode M.

Programmable FN Button can be configured to one of the functions:

  1. Self-timer
  2. Shooting mode
  3. Image quality
  4. ISO sensitivity (I always program this button to switch the ISO value)
  5. White balance

Despite the fact that the camera cannot boast of good performance at high ISOs, a good dynamic range and vignetting correction and HAThe Nikon D60 is a large-matrix digital SLR camera. Physical matrix size plays a very important role, and matrix size Nikon D60 is the same size as Nikon cameras D500, D7500, D5600, D3500 etc. This means that when using good optics, you can squeeze a lot out of the camera. For example, I shot for a review of the Nikon D60 using a lens Nikon 50mm f / 1.4G AF-S Nikkorwhich allows excellent control depth of field and has a nice bokeh.

Active d-lighting

One of the new features in the Nikon D60 is Active D-lighting, which allows you to better transmit details in the light and dark areas of the image (it works on lights and shadows). Roughly speaking, this is partly a software implementation of expanding the dynamic range. This feature was first used on cameras. Nikon D3 и Nikon D300 and was subsequently used on all subsequent Nikon Central Control Units. Unlike D3 и D300 Nikon D60 cannot select the level with which this function will work. For example, at the camera Nikon D90, which is the next cropped camera after the Nikon D60, you can choose from 5 levels of work: Auto, Extra Strong, Strong, Normal, Moderate. In the future, all subsequent cameras from the line in which the Nikon D60 is located, just did not have advanced settings for Active D-lighting.

It's important: when you turn on Active D-lighting the camera buffer is significantly reduced, and the burst speed after filling the buffer drops to 1 frame in 4 seconds. Unfortunately, the Nikon D60 is very difficult to tolerate the inclusion of Active D-Lighting. By the way, the same Nikon D90 the inclusion of Active D-Lighting has almost no effect on rate of fire, on the frame buffer. Most likely, the problem here is not in the buffer volume, but in the camera processor, which does not have time to process the data.

Big bets were apparently made to work with Active D-Lighting, since they even allocated a separate button for it, located next to the shutter button. Only the Nikon D60 has a separate button responsible for Active D-Lighting in subsequent models, such as Nikon D3000, D5000, this button has been reassigned to another function. Unfortunately, the Nikon D60's Active D-Lighting button cannot be reprogrammed.

Also, this function can be enabled by pressing the 'i' button and navigating to the corresponding icon. It can also be enabled from the 'Active D-Lighting' shooting menu.

EXPEED processor

This processor was first installed in cameras Nikon D3 и Nikon D300that were presented at the same time. Nikon D60 is the third camera with this processor. Subsequently, this processor was also used on Nikon D3x models, D3s, D300s, D700, D90, D5000 and D3000.

Unfortunately, the processor power is not enough to quickly work with Active D-Lighting. The same function with the same processor on other cameras works with virtually no loss in burst speed. I assume that the Nikon D60 still does not use the full Nikon EXPEED. In any case, it is unfortunate that despite the praised Nikon EXPEED, the usual Active D-Lighting makes the camera slow and thoughtful.

The speed of the camera as a whole is only slightly higher than that of the models Nikon D40, D40xthat did well without this processor. Also, this processor did not help in using the camera at high ISO values. Noise level on Nikon D60 practically does not differ from Nikon D40x и Nikon D80.

My the investigation revealedthat the Nikon D60 is cunning and doesn’t actually use the EXPEED 3 processor. After that, it immediately became clear why the camera is so difficult to digest Active D-Lighting.

Sensor Cleaning

The Nikon D60 is Nikon's second DSLR camera with a sensor wipe function. This feature was first introduced to the camera Nikon D300, and later it was installed on almost all Nikon cameras (again removed on Nikon D3400).

The cleaning function can be turned off, or set to run while the camera is turned on and / or off.

The photos in the gallery below are shown without processing, the conversion of the source RAW files by the original Capture NX-D converter or on-camera JPEG without any additional adjustments. Lens used Yongnuo YN 85mm F1.8N.

Personal experience

In the hands of the D60 is no different from D40. The D60 is sorely lacking in focus points. I believe that the Nikon D60 is very slightly different from the Nikon D40x and is of no interest, especially now, when there are more advanced Nikon D3000, D3100, D3200. Nikon D3000 already has 11 focus points, which greatly simplifies the shooting process. I do not recommend the D60 camera, although, even with such an old woman of 2008, you can squeeze out wonderful photos, important how to take pictures.

Prices for modern Nikon cameras in popular stores can look at this link.

Comments on this post do not require registration. Anyone can leave a comment. Many different photographic equipment can be found on AliExpress.

Conclusions

Nikon D60 is now an obsolete camera. It was replaced by more modern Nikon D3000, D3100 и Nikon D3200, which for an amateur can be much more interesting. In any case, Nikon D60 even now you can get great photos.

Material prepared Arkady Shapoval. Training/Consultations | Youtube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Telegram

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Comments: 53, on the topic: Review of Nikon D60

  • Igor

    I have been using this camera for quite some time. I bought a carcass (without a whale).
    The first lens was an 18-200 sigma with a stub. I could not get enough.
    Because often traveled to different countries and the size of the camera and a wide range of FR completely satisfied.
    The second lens was a portrait: 85mm 1.8
    I even learned to focus quickly with my hands - the results are great !!!
    But now I’m shooting more with 17-55mm 2.8

    I agree with the author and consider the main disadvantages: only 3 focus points, high noise at high ISO.

    For a novice amateur, at one time there was a great camera. Now, of course, there are much more interesting proposals.
    Nevertheless, I'm not going to change my D60 yet - I'm used to everything and, as an amateur, I'm happy with it.

    • Arkady Shapoval

      Thank you for sharing your experience.

  • Max

    A good, reliable camera, for a start and even at that time ... only it seems that earlier than in 2008 they began to produce them, I don't remember in 2006 or in 2007 I took mine. She shot me all this time without a single problem, as the first DSLR taught a lot and left behind only good memories! :) Although, of course, d7000 after her - heaven and earth ...

  • Ayrat

    The thing in itself. I have been using it for 4 years. The first year I studied with a whale lens. Then he put a 35 mm fix - it became a universal camera, despite the presence of the D7000 now.

    A great option to learn how to use manual modes without the hassle of additional functions. At first I thought to sell, but decided to leave it: it’s a pity to carry a more advanced model everywhere with you, while you can take quite good photos. For example, like in this article. And if you are also friends with Photoshop, then the “masterpiece” button can be found with this camera.

    By the way, I still have the ability to clean the matrix, for 4 years I have never cleaned the sensor, however, it’s worth it as a 35 mm lens.

  • Petro

    Arkady, a good review as always. :)
    I dare to ask you to give examples of images taken at different ISOs in the dark in future reviews. And in the reviews I would like to see more people. It is portraiture, growth shots, when choosing a lens, I want to know exactly what the background blur in such photographs will be.

    • Arkady Shapoval

      Good. I will take into account your wish.

      • Petro

        Thank you!

    • Elvira

      I'm sorry, but with the ISO the comment is clear, but does blurring the background really depend on the lens?

      • Arkady Shapoval

        From the lens. Most likely, the person just wanted to see the lens review in the camera review right away.

  • Alexander

    My first CZK, I learned to take pictures on it, the camera is super, there is nothing superfluous for a beginner, I agree with the author about the minuses, and I will add another, very uncomfortable grip, it is small, although my hands are not very big when you have nowhere to put it little fingers, recently changed it to the D200.

  • Igor

    About the grip.
    Once upon a time acquired a pen and an extra battery.
    Two batteries or six AA batteries are inserted into the handle.
    The grip has become more convenient and works longer)

  • Roman.NMSK

    I have been shooting with this camera for 5 years already :) 18-55 remained for landscapes, and so I mostly use Soviet optics. one of the shortcomings is a small viewfinder: (it is inconvenient to focus with it manually in medium / low light

  • Olga

    My favorite!

  • Vladimir V.

    The device has been actively operated since 2008, including in frost, damp and heat. There were no failures and the quality of the pictures is quite arranged. I switched to the D90, but I do not part with 60 either. Due to its compactness and lightness it is good for hiking. Somehow a rumor struck: it’s morally outdated. I would say that he was replaced by devices with more functionality. This will not be offensive to the beloved model, which continues to serve :-)

  • Jury

    Tell someone. How is the flash forced to turn on in sunny weather on the D60?
    Write to samoruk1@yandex.ru I will be very grateful.

    • Andrei

      Switch to one of the modes A, S, P, M, press the button with the flash icon, it will rise :)

  • Mojo

    I have been using it for 6 years. The camera took more than 400k shots without replacing parts (once I took it apart myself to pull out a memory card). The device is not killable. More than half of the pictures were taken in nightclubs. A single burnt pixel (pah-pah). Before the reporting camera, she’s like cancer in Kiev, but she’s coping with everything)

    • Maxim.

      And you were not mistaken with mileage. 400k is 400000 frames. Only Nikon D4 /

    • Maxim.

      The fact is that today I got it (Nikon D60) in a super-duper look with a range of 11000 frames. Before that there were Nikon D300, D700, D200, etc. And the first thing that caught my eye was the color reproduction. like on the Nikon D200.

  • Oleg Muravitsky

    Recently they gave me such a camera to play with (and at the same time they asked me to sell it). Went with her, took pictures, liked it. If it had a screwdriver, I would have fused my D90 instead of it. There is not so much noise there, and at night she shoots very well, here in this album there are examples: https://picasaweb.google.com/110408932305362145276/NikonD60?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCKPa_pCxq8CPUA&feat=directlink

  • Eugene

    My first DSLR. I took it a couple of weeks ago, not yet having complete information on the model. Now I am slowly understanding. In my experience, I have not yet noticed that three AF ​​points are not enough. There has not yet been a case) A photo at high ISO turns out to be quite tolerable in my opinion, although it is clearly not a masterpiece, but suitable for an evening dacha. I will master. Frankly, my hands are itching to change for something else, but since I don't know what exactly, I will not change. The model pleases with pictures and calls to develop in photography

  • Sergei

    Great once-for-money camera. For 7 years of use there was NO SINGLE JOURNEY.
    Now of course her capabilities are beginning to be missed. Not so upset by the primitive focusing system as noticeable noise at high ISO values.

  • Victor

    Maybe someone sells this? I will buy it. Kiev

  • Alexander

    I bought a larger Nikon D60 for experiments with Soviet lenses. Used, the price is small. It's not a pity to beat, put different lenses. But he attracted me so much, I liked him so much. I practically do not part. I'm even thinking of taking a second one as a reserve. Let it lie. I understand everything - the model is outdated. Does not affect the quality of shooting!

  • R'RёS,R ° F "RёR№

    The price of both d200 and d90 is almost the same, the carcass is 4.5 - 5 thousand.
    D200 captivates with its capabilities.
    Of the glasses in the kit is 18-55, I want to buy another 50mm.

  • R'RёS,R ° F "RёR№

    Sorry, not there)

  • Novel

    Fotik is like a fotik, there are no minuses and there will not be, you choose the lens according to the plot and forward, there are no focus points, we twist the knobs, there are no cool iso and figs with them, the device worked for 10 years and it will be so, the shutter is quiet, there were no failures, it paid off 2000% off! Now lies until the son got to him, I feel I need to buy a lens on him prozapas))))

  • Anatoly

    cool camera, not selling to anyone, not even Arkady :)

    • Arkady Shapoval

      I have one

  • Anatoly

    Arkady, please tell me, I have a D60 kit and a D3100, the other day I took a nikon 18-300mm f / 3.5-6.3g ed vr af-s dx-stuck in the D3100 and for some reason I get sharp, different degrees of shots, and at different focal lengths , the sharpness in the camera at maximum, the lens norms. focuses, but the result is worse than with a whale.

    • anonym

      check focus in live view.
      if sharpness appears, you are in the service of the service to do the adjustment of the carcass / lens.

  • Anatoly

    How to do this?

    • anonym

      switch to live view - focus on the screen. take pictures during the day.
      see if there is sharpness in the focus area.
      if sharpness appears, you are in the service of the service to do the adjustment of the carcass / lens.

      this is a standard problem of ALL DSLRs - there always the plane of the phase AF does not coincide with the plane of the sensor / matrix. Always! Hence the need to make corrections - fine-tuning the phase AF to get rid of back or front focus.
      Hence the two obvious truths
      - do not buy DSLRs that do not have accurate AF adjustment
      - mirrorless cameras do not have such a problem from the word at all - they have a focusing plane on the matrix itself.

      PS
      in fact it is even more complicated. different distances require different corrections. and even more difficult - zooms on different focal lengths can also have different corrections!
      Nikon is sad, there the table supports only one correction for zoom.
      the canon is noticeably better, there you can make various corrections for the zooms at the edges of the focal.

  • Anatoly

    I understand you, I’m just shooting it only through the viewfinder, I completely forgot about Live Wiew. I will give it for adjustment right away. Thanks for the info

  • Paul

    Fotik is really great, even in 2019, completely satisfied as an amateur. I switched to d3100 because of the video function, but then they shoot on d60. Now I sell slowly d60 (5k, Moscow) acidgpa@ya.ru

  • Milen

    Hello Bulgaria, this is my first DSLR camera. I bought it for her in 2009 and it turned out to be very good for me. On it I learned to shoot in manual settings. I also have it. I shoot only in RAW format and get good colors and quality. The detailing is not so good; focus is often difficult to catch in complex scenes. The workmanship is not very good. The Nikkor AF-S VR 18-55 whale lens is of poor quality - it disintegrates quickly. With this camera I took thousands of reportage photos for office needs and it did a good job. I'm thinking of giving it a second life, buying a prime lens with a high aperture like Yongnuo 50 mm 1: 1,8. To conclude, I can say that I took a bunch of cool photos from this camera and was very pleased.

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