Nikon D60 DSLR (18-55mm VR kit): Review

Replacing the D40x, the Nikon D60 continues to follow the furrow ploughed by its predecessor, but also successfully fuses that design with recent Nikon technology. The most obvious aspect of this is the D60's use of Nikon's new EXPEED digital image processing concept, which slots into the familiar small 10.2 megapixel body.

For those unfamiliar with EXPEED, it is not a specific engine or system, but a concept or promise from Nikon. This may sound unconvincingly vague, but it's Nikon's way of saying �when it comes to digital imaging, we know what we're doing.� How much EXPEED raises the bar above and beyond the previous D40x is for debate, but as part of the Nikon D60 package there's certainly a handful of �small change, big difference� (Nikon's tag line for the D60) features and functions: Active D-lighting is an optional one touch pre-shoot process (as per the D3 or D300) that compensates for difficult lighting conditions by producing optimised exposures. The user-interface menu has been modified to be more user friendly, now including in-camera quick retouch options. Other 'fun' options are available too, including a stop motion animation feature - take a series of snaps and you can process them together. Perhaps the strongest Nikon D60 feature-set bought to the fore are both the Image Sensor Cleaning (sensor-shift) and Airflow Control Systems. The latter system cleverly benefits from the direction of airflow caused by the shutter in the mirror box of the camera - where small ducts near the base then capture any dust.

The most controversial aspect of the D40/D40x design remains though; it lacks the 'screwdrive' in-body motors needed to drive older autofocus lenses, restricting options to Nikon AF-S or ultrasonic/hypersonic third-party lenses. This means many older AF-D lenses still in the Nikon catalogue (including relatively popular designs, such as every Nikon 35mm, 50mm and 85mm prime lens) cannot autofocus with the Nikon D60. This is not a problem for many prospective buyers (especially newcomers to SLR photography), but those with a lens farm of classic autofocus lenses might not agree.

Mike Lowe

more : thinkcamera