We have
had the opportunity to briefly test the Nikon D60 digital SLR with the
new AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G Nikkor Vibration Reduction
(VR) kit lens. We have published a few sample images taken with a Nikon
D60 (Firmware A 1:00, B 1:00) under a range of ISO sensitivity settings
and exploring some of the available options on the camera.
Featuring
the identical overall body design to the Nikon D40x SLR, the controls
and menus on the Nikon D60 SLR are equally well laid out and easily
accessible making for user friendly operation.
In most
situations the Nikon D60 can be left in automatic / default modes with
confidence. Ideal for more novice users. For those that desire more
creative control the Nikon D60 offers custom options for setting exposure,
image processing and autofocus modes. The Nikon D60 Retouch Menu is
also a handy feature that allows for some convenient quick edits in
camera (same as the Nikon D40X and D80 digital SLR, although now includes
option for in-camera NEF / RAW conversion and adjustments).
From
our quick hands on with the Nikon D60, we have no doubt that this camera
will deliver as promised and bring a whole new legion of fans. We are
especially impressed with the AF-S DX Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 VR lens
that comes bundled with the Nikon D60 kit package, delivering excellent
sharpness and colour detail overall for a lens in this price range.
Check out the Nikon D60 SLR Test Shots below and see for yourself.
Nikon
D60 Digital SLR Test: Sample Image #1
Taken
with the Nikon D60 and the AF-S DX 18-55mm VR Nikkor zoom lens
Shooting
Data:
Nikon
D60 with sensitivity set at 400 ISO
High
ISO Noise Reduction (NR) set to Off
Aperture
Priority, 1/20 sec shutter speed at f5.6
sRGB,
Normal, Active D-Lighting set to Off, Original NEF / RAW
Image converted
from RAW and "Trimmed" using D60 Retouch Menu
Nikon
D60 Digital SLR Sample Test Image #2
Taken with the
Nikon D60 digital SLR and the AF-S DX 18-55mm VR Nikkor zoom lens.
JPEG Large / Fine setting
Shooting Data:
Nikon
D60 with sensitivity at 1600 ISO
High
ISO NR On
1/60
sec shutter speed at f/5.6 ( -1/3 EV compensation)
Auto
White Balance, Active D-Lighting Off
Aperture
Priority mode with Multi-Pattern Metering
sRGB, Optimize
Image Normal
Nikon
D60 Digital SLR Sample Test Image #3
Taken with the
Nikon D60 and the AF-S DX 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR Nikkor zoom lens
Nikon
D60 with sensitivity at 200 ISO
Aperture
Priority Mode, Multi-Pattern Metering
1/8
sec shutter speed at f/9, -0.7 EV Adjustment
White Balance
set to Auto, Normal Processing
Nikon D60 Digital SLR Sample Test Image #4
Taken
with the Nikon D60 and the AF-S DX 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR Nikkor
zoom lens set at 18mm wide angle
Shooting
Data:
Nikon
D60 with sensitivity at 200 ISO
Optimize
Image Parameter set to "Vivid" Processing
1/40
sec shutter speed at f/9, -0.3 EV Adjustment
Aperture
Priority, Multi-Pattern Metering
Auto White
Balance, Medium High Sharpening
sRGB colour
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Accessories:
Nikon
D60 Digital SLR Test: Sample Image #5
Taken with the Nikon D60 and the AF-S DX 18-55mm VR
Nikkor zoom lens set at 55mm focal length
Shooting Data:
Nikon
D60 with sensitivity set at 1600 ISO
High
ISO Noise Reduction (NR) set to Off
Aperture
Priority, 1/15 sec at f5.6, -0.7 EV adjustment
sRGB,
Normal, Active D-Lighting set to Off, Original
NEF / RAW
Image
converted from RAW and "Trimmed" using
D60 Retouch Menu
