OT - Nikon D60 Camera

[thegrimdwarf]

Do you have one? Love it? Hate it?

Our point & shoot has been dropped one too many times, and as of this morning, is officially dead. I'm looking to replace it with a DSLR in the $800-$1000 range (total, including body, lens, filters and memory cards). The D60 has excellent reviews, and there's a sale going on at Ritz that plunks it right in the middle of our price range. But the reviews are so good, almost too good to be true, and I'm sorta looking for the sour grapes.

 

[triplet_mom_2001]

I have the D70 which is an earlier version and have been very pleased. The camera definitely takes professional looking pictures. Costco has the D60 in store for a great price. It includes 2 lens, a 1 GB card and bag. The price on the website is higher than in store, but here is the info:

$849.99 After $100 OFF
Nikon D60 10.2MP 2.5"
18-55 VR & 55-200 VR
3 Frames Per Second
3-Area AF
3D Color Matrix Metering
1GB SD Card
DSLR Camera Bag
$849.99

 

[rsmithx]

I use the D50 and don't have any issues. I even bought it used.

You'll find similar quality and speed across the board with a DSLR. You just have to decide what kind of features matter to you the most. You could even find a DSLR for less than that if you just wanted something that snaps quick pictures in auto. There are smaller lighter models and heavier larger models, some that autofocus better than others...I don't think reviews on DSLR's are "too good to be true". It's just a different kind of camera that makes everybody happy, especially after dealing with slow shutter's and low light autofocus issues.

 

[Manda]

I've got the D50 and love it. I've used a friend's D60 and it was comfortable to hold and use. My only problem with the D60 is that any lenses without an autofocus motor won't focus on it. Which eliminates pretty much every "prime" lens. Considering my 50mm lens is my most favorite lens ever that's kind of a deal-breaker for me. Most of the lenses on my wish list are prime lenses. It kinda depends on how you plan to use the camera though. If you're just going to pop a lens on there and leave it in auto mode to take snapshots of the family, it's probably more than adequate. It's really almost the same as the D40 though. If it were me, I'd probably save money and get the D40 or get a better camera and get the D80. Honestly, I'm so glad that I got my D50 when I did.

 

[Feeln'Froggy]

I got the D40 kit at Target for $499.99 not too long ago.

18-55 VR & 55-200 VR
SD Card
DSLR Camera Bag
SD Card holder

I like it and it takes pretty pictures.

 

[mom2faith]

I LOVE my D40!! LOVE IT!! LOVE IT!!

Like PP, just learn the features you want.

Get the lens with the Vibration reduction - you will notice that!!

I also took a course at our community center to get familiar with it. It was well worth the $40 just to get to know my camera.

Amy

 

[StitchandPooh'sMom]

I bought DH the D80 last year for Christmas to replace his D70. He has been very happy with both of them. As a PP said, Costco has a good deal in warehouse for the D60.

He really likes the lenses with vibration reduction, so consider factoring that into your budget!

You might check the photography board for opinions or cross-post there as well.

 

[thegrimdwarf]

Thank you all for your input! We've decided to go with the D60!

We're getting the camera body, 2 VR lenses, filters for the lenses, 8 GB memory, a camera bag and some training discs, and "free" tuition to Nikon school (though she thinks the next classes aren't until Spring 09) for $850. It's amazing how much the pot is sweetened when a commissioned sales person thinks you're walking out the door because they don't have your camera in stock, lol. She ordered it for me yesterday, I'll pick it up tomorrow.