Looking at this entry-level dSLR? See what other reviewers are saying about it.

CNet liked the cameras’ features but wasn’t completely sold on the price.

There was a time when the idea of an entry-level dSLR was a bit of an oxymoron. Even the least expensive SLR was a large step up from the digital compacts at the time, but these days entry-level SLRs are being made to be entry-level, and their prices line up closely with the most expensive compact cameras. Nikon’s D60 is a good example of the current breed of these dSLRs. It checks in with a healthy 10.2-megapixel CCD sensor, a slightly small-by-comparison 2.5-inch LCD, and an upgraded, now-optically-stabilized, kit lens. While those features are nice, the D60 falls behind the competition in several areas in terms of its specifications.

For instance, Sony’s DSLR-A200also sports 10.2-megapixels, but has a slightly larger 2.7-inch screen, body-based image stabilization, similar in-camera editing and dynamic-range optimization features, and costs less than this Nikon. Its performance numbers were slightly worse than the D60, but not by very much. Meanwhile Canon’s Rebel XSi, which we haven’t reviewed as of this writing, offers 12.2-megapixels, a 3-inch LCD, 14-bit digital-to-analog conversion, and also comes with an optically stabilized lens, though its list price is higher than the D60. The main issue with this Nikon is that it doesn’t feel like a major upgrade over the D40x, while Sony’s and Canon’s upgrades over their predecessors are easy for consumers to understand, such as the Rebel’s shift from 10.1MP to 12.2MP.

Here’s what they gave for ratings…

• Editors’ rating: 7.5 Very good
• Average user rating: 9.0 Spectacular
• The good: Optically stabilized kit lens; convenient onscreen user interface; compatible with a wide variety of lenses and accessories.
• The bad: Pricey for what it offers; lens-based image stabilization is less flexible than sensor-shift offered by some competitors.
• The bottom line: Despite modest improvements in performance, and a couple of new features, Nikon’s D60 fails to impress and costs more than some competing models.

PC Advisor had a slightly different attitude, thinking that it was an excellent starter cameras for photographers looking to get serious.

All that’s missing in the Nikon D60 is Live View, an increasingly common function on DSLRs whereby the rear LCD can be used to compose and check images; useful if you’re shooting flush to the floor, whereupon it’s impossible to get your eye level with the viewfinder. Plus you need to opt for the most expensive Nikon D60 kit to get image stabilisation. Still, if you’re replacing an existing camera with your first digital SLR, the Nikon D60 represents a very user friendly, good value option.

The Sydney Morning Herald liked the D60, but still states that its somewhat low-frills.

This camera has many of the qualities we expect from Nikon - responsiveness, excellent ergonomics and consistent image processing - in a lightweight body. On its own terms it is a fine camera and no doubt will retail for considerably less than its recommended retail price. For anyone who is content with the kit and has no aspirations to own better lenses and couldn’t care less about exposure bracketing - in other words wants the simplest DSLR - then the D60 is a winner. Compare with the Olympus E-510 before buying.

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