Photo answers review
Photo answers rating 
On close inspection you’ll notice the layout and dimensions of the D60 are virtually identical to its predecessor, the D40X. This is by no means a bad thing, with the design of the D60 nice and compact. A complaint made of similar-sized D-SLRs is the relatively small handgrip – not a problem with the D60, which is a good size with a positive feel.
The Nikon D60 also shares a very similar specification with the D40X – there’s the same 10.2MP sensor as before, along with the 3-point autofocus system aligned horizontally and 2.5in screen. The D60 doesn’t feature Live View, allowing you to compose shots using the screen on the back. Whether this is a deal-breaker will depend on you, but it’s a feature that’s becoming ever more popular.
With the D60, Nikon has addressed a couple of things missing from the D40X – anti-dust and anti-shake. Here Nikon has introduced Image Sensor Cleaning (first seen on the D300), shaking dust from the sensor. It has also developed an Airflow Control System that directs dust away from the mirror box towards small ducts near the lens mount. The dust particles then stick to a line of adhesive underneath, designed to last the camera’s lifetime.
Nikon has also added VR (Vibration Reduction) to its supplied 18-55mm kit lens – an optical solution to camera shake, rather than a sensor-shift found in certain Sony and Pentax D-SLRs. Then there’s Nikon’s EXPEED image processor making it’s first appearance on an entry-level D-SLR, after the pro-spec D3 and D300.
Nikon has refined the display on the back of the D60: the image rotates when shooting in portrait format and automatically switches off when you lift the viewfinder to your eye.
Performance
Though you could find yourself having to recompose a bit more than on a model with more AF targets, performance is quick and precise, while the VR in the new 18-55mm kit lens works well – allowing you to shoot at slower shutter speeds than normal and still get sharp shots.
If you’re new to D-SLR photography, the D60 is really simple and straightforward, with a brilliant Help option explaining various settings on the LCD screen.
The 3D Color Matrix II metering in the D60 performs exceptionally well, even in tricky lighting conditions. The Active D-Lighting is a bonus too, maintaining detail in both highlights and shadows. The 10.2MP sensor produces some lovely sharp results and also handles noise really well, even holding up when it’s cranked all the way to Hi-1 (ISO 3200 equivalent).
Verdict
The Nikon D60 is keenly priced at £529 with the latest VR kit lens, and you can expect the price to drop still further once it hits the shelves and the usual discounting occurs. The D60 isn’t a major upgrade over the D40x, but the bits they’ve added are all welcome additions, making the D60 great fun to use with spot-on results.
Video Verdict
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Weight/size (WxHxD)
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475g/126x64x94mm
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Effective resolution
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10.2MP
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Lens mount
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Nikon F
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Focal length conversion
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1.5x
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Aspect ratio
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3:2
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LCD monitor size
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2.5in
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File formats
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JPEG, RAW (NEF)
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Card type
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SD/SDHC
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Exposure modes
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Auto, program, aperture-priority, shutter-priority, manual, 6 scene mode
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Metering modes
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3D Colour Matrix II, centre-weighted, spot
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Autofocus
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3-point
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ISO range
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100-1600 (expandable to 3200)
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Battery type
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1x EN-EL9
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Contact
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www.nikon.co.uk
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Start-up time
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Less than 1 second
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Write times
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1.5 seconds (JPEG), 2 seconds (RAW)
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Shutter speed range
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1/4000sec to 30 seconds + bulb
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Flash sync
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1/200sec
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Continuous shooting speed
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3fps for up to 100 JPEGs or 7 RAWs
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