Digital Home Thoughts: DPReview Reviews the Nikon D60

"The D60 is the third incarnation of Nikon's compact, user-friendly entry-level SLR line that started back in 2006 with the D40 (which replaced the first Nikon 'starter' model, the D50). The original D40 was a hugely important camera for Nikon and can be given a lot of the credit for the resurgence in Nikon's fortunes at the volume end of the SLR market (which had been totally dominated by Canon since the launch of the EOS 300D / Digital Rebel). The D40's success (which continued long after the D40X made its swift appearance only 6 months later) isn't hard to explain; it was keenly priced, nicely designed and built and capable of excellent results. It was also a camera that proved cameras do not sell on megapixels alone (even at launch its 6MP resolution was far from 'class leading'). The D40X, which was positioned as a premium alternative to the D40 rather than its replacement, didn't mess around with the formula much at all; a new sensor with more (ten) megapixels and a lower base ISO, plus a slightly higher continuous shooting rate. The D60 is a direct replacement for the D40X (the D40 will stay around for a while as Nikon's budget option), and once again it's not a major upgrade; the sensor remains the same (though now has a dust reduction system) and the external design is almost identical."

The D60 is clearly a great upgrade to the D40 and D40x. I love the fact that this review compares the camera to the Canon 400D which I think is its biggest competitor (yeah, I know, I am Canon biased). And as you will see, while the D60 has several advantages when it comes to features -- very short 'viewfinder blackout time' at shutter release, image stabilized kit lens, user definable Auto ISO (minimum shutter speed, maximum ISO), sensitivity up to ISO 3200 (HI-1), spot metering (vs. EOS 400D), excellent Nikon 3D Color Matrix Metering II, dedicated Auto Focus assist lamp, user comment can be set in-camera and instant 'power on' -- the photos by the 400D are just the slightest bit more sharp and true in color. It is interesting how consumers of the Olympus E-410, the Canon 400D (and the forthcoming 450D) and the Pentax K200D will react to the D60. I wonder whether the D60 is different enough to cause people to jump brand ships and go with the Nikon.