Nikon D40 or Nikon D60

@druids (42)
Philippines
February 26, 2009 1:45pm CST
I have been saving money to buy for my first DSLR camera. In a couple of months I will be able to complete the savings. Now, I am torn between Nikon D40 or Nikon D60? Budget wise, D40 is more applicable and I've heard that D40 is about to be phased out. Should I still go for D40? Which of the two is best for a newbie in photography?
1 person likes this
5 responses
• Philippines
30 Mar 09
There are unique features of Nikon D60 DSLR this are the following; = It has three image sizes setting, small 1936x1296/2.5 megapixel; medium 2896x1944/5.6 megapixel; large 3872x2592/ 10 megapixel = It has automatic image sensor cleaning before the camera turn off = It has Active D-Lighting, which preserves details in highlights and shadows, this enable the natural contrast of the picture. = It has Auto Image Rotation, the image in LCD will turn automatically when the camera is rotated 90degree clockwise or rotated 90degree counter-clockwise This is some of the new features of Nikon D60. Hope this will help Find time to visit my web www.kuhanglitrato.multiply.com thanks
• Australia
19 May 09
All but the most basic cameras allow you to choose image size and quality, including the D40; but unless you are shooting purely for the web, you would rarely want to use less than the maximum available quality image. Reviews of the sensor cleaning system suggest it doesn't actually work, and while auto rotation is neat, it does nothing to improve image quality. A better, larger LCD like the D90 or the 5000D is more useful. Active D lighting is useful, but accurate exposure on a more sensitive camera with a less noisy sensor is better!
• Australia
26 Mar 09
It doesn't take a lot of research to find that the reviews all praise the D40 and are disappointed (underwhelmed) by the D60. I have seen several that describe the D60 as a slightly better but much more expensive D40. It has a few more megapixels, but not enough to affect image quality, and a faster image processor, but at the cameras maximum frame rate, not enough to mean anything. What the D60 does have is a better kit lens, with vibration reduction, but you could get that with the D40 body and be miles ahead financially. frankly, the D60 is old technology and only in the range to provide a price-point rival to some of the better Canon and Sony cameras, but it doesn't have their advanced CMOS sensors or other features. Be aware that the D60 is less sensitive to light then the D40 because the pixels have been made smaller to cram more of them into the same-sized sensor. Smaller pixels collect fewer photons than larger pixels. Since the D60 is half as light sensitive, it uses twice as long a shutter speed or a larger aperture, which makes it more likely to make a blurry picture than the D40. The expensive VR lens will compensate in low light, but you could have that on a D40 and get even more out of the camera. The D40 also has a faster flash sync speed (invaluable for use with flash outdoors), and the extra light sensitivity in normal use will help make sharper pictures. THe D60 has adaptive exposure to cope with difficult lighting, but otherwise, for most users, they are are identical. Compare them in person and you'll see. Megapixels don't matter. In short, the D60 is a good camera given it's older technology, but for most of us it's the same as spending $300 for a D40 with a VR lens. For the money, you could get a D40 a better lens and/or a bouncable flash. If you like Nikons and want better than the D40, look to the D80, a really fine camera with more up to date electronics and many real improvements. If money is a real issue, the more advanced Canon 1000D is a better prospect than either of the Nikons, but not in the same class as the D80.
@shajian (213)
• India
22 Mar 09
I recently purchased Nikon D40. I liked the camera very much. I suggest you to go for D40 as well. I think there is a decent different in the prices of D40 and D60. Buy a D40 and keep the remaining amount for getting the lenses.
• Canada
8 Mar 09
The D40 is one great little camera. Its very forgiving, takes pictures in very low light and is an extemely lightweight camera to lug around. And it makes picture taking so easy, that I'm having a hard time getting that camera away from my husband - as he's cornering on my hobby. To understand the differences between the two camera - you might visit www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/nikond40.htm. I'm way beyond "beginners" camera, and have a batch of Nikon film cameras - but for every day shooting, the Nikon D40 is still my favorite camera.
@alehell (63)
• Italy
18 Mar 09
in my opinion d60 is the best!!! i bought it in november and i noticed that it has a lot of functions!! d40 is more famous than d60 so if you aren't an expert of photography and you need tips it's better the d40 because surfing on the net you will find more info about it!!