Opinions needed - Nikon question

[declansdad]

Hello all,

I'm looking for your expert opinions on the Nikon D40 and D60. Is there much of a difference between these two models?

 

[GrillMouster]

The D60 has fifty percent more "D"s.

Sorry, I'm feeling a little playful. I have no experience with these models.

 

[declansdad]

The D60 has twenty more "D"s than the D40.

Sorry, I'm feeling a little playful. I have no experience with these models.

LOL, no problem

 

[scoot241]

This page has a chart that compares the D60, D40x and D40.

http://www.digitalreview.ca/content/Nikon-D60-Digital-SLR.shtml

 

[GrillMouster]

Okay, I felt a little guilty for the lack of insight I provided in my last post, so here's what I know about these cameras.
The D40 is Nikon's budget entry-level DSLR. Shortly after the D40 was released (I think it was 6 months later), Nikon released the D40X, which was basically the D40 with more megapixels. The D60 replaces the D40X. So, the D60 is pretty much the D40 with the following additions: more megapixels, a dust removal system, more frames-per-second burst shooting, lower base ISO, Active D-Lighting. I think they also added Vibration Reduction to the kit lens that comes with the D60.

 

[Angrypenguin]

The D60 has twenty more "D"s than the D40.

Sorry, I'm feeling a little playful. I have no experience with these models.

LOL fantastic!

I'm a Canon guy, so I don't know much about Nikons. From what I gather though:

* 10 megapixel sensor vs. 6
* Lower base sensitivity (ISO 100 vs ISO 200)
* Flash sync 1/250 vs. 1/500 sec
* Auto ISO option includes ISO 200
* Faster continuous shooting (3 fps vs. 2.5 fps)
* EXPEED processing
* Image sensor cleaning system with Airflow control system
* Automatically rotating user interface (for using camera vertically orientated)
* Stop motion movie function
* Eye sensor
* Electronic 'rangefinder' for manual focus
* Active D-Lighting with dedicated button
* In-camera Raw processing
* New JPEG retouch effect

If money's an issue, I'd suggest the D40, as it's a very solid beginner's DSLR. If it's not, maybe take a look at the new Nikon d5000? It's a significant jump from the D40/D60, as both are about to be discontinued in the near future.

Hopefully some of the Nikon DISers can give some first hand experience.

 

[annnewjerz]

Without getting too much into the technical stuff---I'd say no, there isn't much difference. The D40 and D60 both lack a focus motor in the body, they are both around the same body size, etc.

There are a few +s that the D60 has in its corner, but not necessarily enough to justify the price difference over the D40.

The D60 has:

-10 mpxl
-Image sensor cleaning system with Airflow control system
-An LCD that automatically rotates when you are shooting with the camera vertically oriented
-Eye sensor that turns off the LCD when you bring the camera to your eye to shoot
-Quick retouch
-Active D-Lighting with dedicated button
-In-camera Raw processing

Here is a good chart that compares the D40, D40x and D60. The differences between the D60 and the others are colored yellow.

http://www.digitalreview.ca/content/Nikon-D60-Digital-SLR.shtml

I purchased a D60 in October of last year and after seeing what the differences were, I probably would have saved the money to put towards a better lens and gotten a D40 instead. The differences were probably nice, but being that it was my first dSLR---I doubt I would have noticed if any of them were not available to me.

 

[Angrypenguin]

Hi annne! You're like todd_H, I see you everywhere!

 

[brandydandy]

I am looking at the exact same cameras I have an old Nikon N64?? (that may not be the right number, but it is close) LOL... film camera that I love and some really nice lens, but I don't think that they can be used on these because there is no focus motor in the body of the camera.

I would like to get something to use what I have, but then worry are they too old and outdated of lens. I don't have a ton of money to spend...

ACK!!

 

[scoot241]

I am looking at the exact same cameras I have an old Nikon N64?? (that may not be the right number, but it is close) LOL... film camera that I love and some really nice lens, but I don't think that they can be used on these because there is no focus motor in the body of the camera.

I would like to get something to use what I have, but then worry are they too old and outdated of lens. I don't have a ton of money to spend...

ACK!!

I think you can use them, but you would have to focus manually. I may not be correct on this, though.

 

[bob100]

Hello all,

I'm looking for your expert opinions on the Nikon D40 and D60. Is there much of a difference between these two models?

you can google for the differences but why?
the Nikon D40 was a classic (in 2005 ) but FYI - digital camera technology has improved in the past few years !

 

[declansdad]

Thanks everyone.

I have never owned a Nikon but rather a Canon Rebel SLR. I was looking at some new cameras in the $500 range and I was curious if the differenc ein price between D40 and D60 was worth it.

 

[Angrypenguin]

Did you like your Canon SLR? Just throwing the option out there; Canon's Rebel XS is a very good DSLR too in the 500 dollar price range. I learned on that one and I found it to be a great camera.

 

[declansdad]

Did you like your Canon SLR? Just throwing the option out there; Canon's Rebel XS is a very good DSLR too in the 500 dollar price range. I learned on that one and I found it to be a great camera.

I do like the Canon and I am considering it as well. Just curious about the Nikon.

 

[oregondaddyof2]

I did a bunch of research last year when i bought my camera, and I decided on the D60. I almost went with the D80, but couldn't justify the extra cost. Between the D40 and D60, decided to go D60. If you want to save a little money, try the D40X. It is closer to the D60, but less money. Either way you go, you won't be disappointed.