While the race in megapixels continues with as much gusto (12 and even 14 million pixel sensors are arriving on the entry level), the Nikon D60’s technical sheet may appear a bit bland:  10 Megapixel sensor, 3 point autofocus, and no LiveView aiming.  

However, this Nikon is left with the quality of its photo rendering, a domain in which the Japanese brand holds a comfortable lead.

Handling

Getting to know the new Nikon D60 resulted in few surprises. 

It inherits the body of the D40x and at first glance it’s very difficult to distinguish the two products. 

This SLR keeps the small size which some users will appreciate as it results in a relatively light camera that's easy to carry around, while others will be disappointed as it's sometimes difficult to get to all of the buttons if you have large hands. 

Either way, the D60 offers a nice feel in your hand and a good grip thanks to a well proportioned handle, something which isn’t always the case with the competition.

The interface also remains unchanged, with a 2.5 inch, 230,000 pixel LCD screen, a joypad for navigation and a variety of buttons for access to different menus. 

On the handle are the exposure mode dial (PSAM, scene modes, auto, etc.), exposure correction and something new, a button to activate D-Lighting.

This feature is designed to provide extra detail in overly dark or bright zones. 

While the interface is relatively sober, the menus can be rather dense, and sometimes are just too complex. 

Luckily, most shooting parameters--image quality, white balance, ISO, burst mode, focus mode, light measurement and flash--can be modified via the LCD. 

For each option, there is a small preview showing the scene type to which it is best suited, and for the more indecisive, contextual help is permanently displayed. 

Finally, the Nikon D60 proves to be generally reactive with almost instantaneous startup, a precise and fast autofocus and a satisfactory three frames per second in burst mode.

Image Quality

Although little has changed on the outside of this camera, image processing has gained a boost by the inclusion of the new Expeed system, which w can confirm pays dividends.

First of all, noise control is excellent with the 10 Megapixel sensor.  Chromatic granulation is well contained and details are conserved in the highest sensitivities (3200 ISO). 

Moreover, colors are quite vivid with real saturation in blues and reds. 

In the end, while the quality of images is good, the differences with the previous model are minimal.

Lenses

The Nikon D60 comes as a kit with a new 18-55 mm lens which has VR optical stabilization. 

This lens’ finishing touches are of high quality and optical construction enables the D60 to produce detailed images. 

VR stabilization also produces good results and easily allows you to move up two speeds. 

However, it's worth noting that the D60 is only compatible with AF-S lenses and you will have to manually focus with some older models. 

In addition, optical aiming is a bit limited for comfortable manual focusing, although there is sort of electronic rangefinder which tells the photographer which way to turn the lens and when focus is correct.