D60 is the upgrade for D40x which I owned previously. The differences between two are too small to justify upgrading from D40x. If you own D40 and would like more resolution then D60 may fit the bill. For D40x owners only real advantage is the VR lens which is probably only slightly better than the non-VR one that comes with D40x (for the zoom range of 18-55mm). Off course I am not forgetting D-Lighting which is a much touted feature but I didn't see noticeable difference in quality. For people looking for their first DSLR camera, D60 is a great choice. It is very easy to use and provides excellent images without requiring a lot of technical knowledge. Actually the images I produced with my D60 (and D40x) were better and sharper than everybody else in my photography class (with students using anything from compact and semi-pro point and shoot cameras, Canon XT and XTi and Olympus E-510). It doesn't have live view. Like its predecessors, it doesn't have an auto-focus motor in the body so your lens selection is limited but for a beginner that shouldn't be an issue. I have no regrets about buying D60 (I had a bunch of unused gift cards from Christmas so I didn't have to pay a lot from my pocket).
Here is my advice for you: If you are looking for an easy to use DSLR which take excellent photos and can afford it then buy it. If you are on a budget then go with D40 which should now be even cheaper.

This is the 2008 upgraded version of the D40x.

First if you are new to DSLR and you wish to buy a new camera, then you are spot-on.

If you wish to upgrade from the D40 or D40x (as I am) you need to consider the reason for your upgrade.

Reason 1- Is it for taking better quality pictures?
Reason 2- Or, found out you are stepping to the advance photography level and you want an upgrade from your D40/40x?

Answering reason 1:
Yes, This camera will produce a better photos than the D40x for the following reasons;
- Active D-lightning (No more underexposed photos).
- The new Expeed sensor (as in the D300)
- The new VR Lens which produce sharper images.
- The Dust reduction is a big plus
- supporting 4GB SDHC cards.

Answering reason 2:
The D60 camera does not have the following:
- No DOF preview
- No Bracketing
- Does not trigger speed-flash remotely such as SB-600/800
- Mirror Lock-up (for taking super steady shots)
- only three active focus points.
- only one Command dial
- No Build in AF motor (limiting the amount of lenses you use)
It is not necessarily to have any of the above (specially to amatures and beginners) and you can always have a work around those features. however, when you get to a level that you work in a pro environment and you need least fail factor while taking shots or the ability to work within a studio environment. then yes, you need the above features even more. and this D60 is not the right upgrade for you.

I just want to make it clear for those who want to upgrade or before buying a new DSLR. because if you are new, and you feel one day you will get to the advance level (or, least becoming an obsessed amature) I prefer you invest on a D300 or atleast a D80.

other than that, this camera is the best DSLR I ever saw targeting the entry level photographers.

After using the Nikon D60 for a week or so, I thought I was ready to return it. It captured the images so slowly that I thought I was going to throw it out the window. But it turned out that the Adaptive Dynamic Range (ADR) setting was "ON" (which I had turned on immediately upon buying the camera) and after re-reading the owner's manual saw where it says "Using this setting will result in longer image recording time". I turned it off and it records as fast as my prior camera (the Nikon D40x).

The camera produces great images and with the SB400 or SB600 flash attachment, those images are even better.

If you are producing 4x6 or 5x7 with the occasional 8x10 pints, then get the D40 for about $200 or $300 less. If money isn't important, I'd suggest getting the D40 as well. But if the Active Dynamic Range is important and money isn't an issue, get this camera. You'll love it.

Upsides: Up to 30 minute timed exposures. Adaptive-dynamic-range ("Active D-Lighting" in the Nikon manual). 3 photos/second recording. VR lens included in the base kit. 4GB SDHC cards are supported. Point-and-shoot mode is foolproof. Battery seems to last forever. Eyepiece is a step up from the 40 and 40x models.


Downsides: Can't seem to get it to auto-rotate images in review mode based on the camera orientation (they always show them upright even if I turn the camera 90%.

Images taken when ADR is turned on take "centuries" to record. Doesn't seem to be any way to adjust the autofocus on a picture by picture basis using the 3-AF areas; but that could just be me. Camera is half the light-sensitivity as the D40 (200 ISO vs the 100 ISO of the D40). This means the built-in flash is almost always firing on indoor pictures.

D60 is the upgrade for D40x which I owned previously. The differences between two are too small to justify upgrading from D40x. If you own D40 and would like more resolution then D60 may fit the bill. For D40x owners only real advantage is the VR lens which is probably only slightly better than the non-VR one that comes with D40x (for the zoom range of 18-55mm). Off course I am not forgetting D-Lighting which is a much touted feature but I didn't see noticeable difference in quality. Using Active D-Lighting may also slow the camera response.

For people looking for their first DSLR camera, D60 is a great choice. It is very easy to use and provides excellent images without requiring a lot of technical knowledge. Actually the images I produced with my D60 (and D40x) were better and sharper than everybody else in my photography class (with students using anything from compact and semi-pro point and shoot cameras, Canon XT and XTi and Olympus E-510). It doesn't have live view which I would've liked because I plan to use tripod for a lot of my shots. Like its predecessors, it doesn't have an auto-focus motor in the body so your lens selection is limited but for a beginner that shouldn't be an issue. I have no regrets about buying D60 (I had a bunch of unused gift cards from Christmas so I didn't have to pay a lot from my pocket).

Here is my advice for you: If you are looking for an easy to use DSLR which take excellent photos and can afford it then buy it. I would definitely recommend D60 over D40x (unless you are saving a couple of hundred dollars or more). If you are on a budget then go with D40 which is an excellent camera and should now be even cheaper.

If you are buying this camera (or D40), I highly recommend getting 55-200 VR lens which is around $200. Add that to the kit lens and throw in an SB-400 or SB-600 flash and you'll have a set up that is hard to beat.

Here's the quick reminder: it's not the camera, but it's the photographer. Maybe, maybe a nice lens would help a bit.

Like most things in life, it doesn't really matter how "good" or how expensive the equipment is, it's really how "well" you can use it that makes great results. You can own a Ferrari, but if you don't know how to drive it, anyone with a Honda Civic can outrun you. You can own the best racket in the world, but Roger Federer will still beat you any day with a wooden racket.

Such is the case for the D60. It has more than enough features to produce great pictures. If you take the time to learn all its functions, you'll find that for an entry level DSLR, it really is a great camera.

Pluses:
- light & compact
- sensor dust cleaner
- pretty good performance from built-in flash
- ISO 3200 available
- Active D-Lighting
- LCD screen shuts off when eye is close to viewfinder (saves power)
- quick startup
- SDHC compatible

Minuses:
- not so great focusing in poor lighting, only 3 focus points, sometimes wrong objects are focused on
- Auto ISO doesn't always choose the right ISO
- the all "Auto" mode produces slightly oversaturated pictures
- bit "noisy" after ISO 800

Simply put, if you're looking for an all "Auto" camera, don't get the D60. You're better off with a point & shoot and you'll save some money.

But if you're looking for a DSLR that can do many wonderful things but don't have a whole lot to spend, this is the camera to get. Point is, rather than going for a D300 ($1000 more), you're much better off getting the D60 and spend the $1000 on a nice fast lens.

The only reason I'm giving this camera 4 stars instead of 5 is because of the focusing system. 3 focus points are adequate, but I believe having more focus points and a faster focus motor would speed up overall focusing and wouldn't have as much trouble in poor lit conditions.

So, unless you have a need to shoot fast actions in poor lighting conditions and flash is not allowed, get this one. It's worth the money. And remember, it's not about the megapixels or the size of the LCD screen, it's about YOU, the photographer!!!

This is the 2008 upgraded version of the D40x.

First, if you are new to DSLR Photography and you wish to buy a new camera, then you are spot-on.

Second, I dont recommend D40x users to upgrade to this model! true the new futures are a plus however, personally I find it not a big difference. unless you like to keep up with latest technology releases and don't mind paying the extra dollars :)

If you wish to upgrade from the D40 (as I am) you need to consider the reason for your upgrade.

Reason 1- Is it for taking better quality photos or your current camera is old?
Reason 2- Or, found out you are stepping to the advance photography level and you want to upgrade from your D40?

Answering reason 1:
If you are happy with your current D40 but you need to upgrade because its old or you need higher Mega Pixels or you want more (a bit) better images? then this D60 is a perfect upgrade, plus the following new features;
- Active D-lightning (No more underexposed photos).
- The new Expeed sensor (as in the D300, reduced ISO noise)
- The new VR Lens which produce sharper images.
- The Dust reduction is a big plus
- supporting 4GB SDHC cards.

Answering reason 2:
The D60 camera does not have the following:
- No DOF preview
- No Bracketing
- Does not trigger speed-flash remotely such as SB-600/800
- Mirror Lock-up (for taking super steady shots)
- only three active focus points.
- only one Command dial
- No Build in AF motor (limiting the amount of lenses you use)
It is not necessarily to have any of the above (specially to amatures and beginners) and you can always have a work around those features. however, when you get to a level that you work in a pro environment and you need least fail factor while taking shots or the ability to work within a studio environment. then yes, you need the above features even more (which i did not mention). and this D60 is not the right upgrade for you.

I just want to make it clear for those who want to upgrade or before buying a new DSLR. because if you are new, and you feel one day you will get to the advance level (or, least becoming an obsessed amature) I prefer you invest on a D300 or atleast a D80.

other than that, this camera is the best DSLR I ever saw targeting the entry level photographers.

First off, if you have the d40x, don't rush out to buy this. Nikon is merely keeping competitive in the entry-level market. However, if you don't own a DSLR this is the ticket. I am completely new to digital photography and DSLR's. I decided that I needed a hobby and this camera fit the bill. I shopped between Cannon and Nikon and finally decided on Nikon because Nikon owners are pretty proud of their stuff. Seems everybody else shoots cannon these days. Plus, the online communities that support Nikon cameras were an instant fit for my goals with this camera. I wanted to be able to shoot manually and within three weeks, I can easily navigate the d60 thanks to the help I recieved from the Nikon community. Enjoy this camera.

Having come full circle from owning Canon Rebel manual 35mm film cameras in the 80's and 35mm automatic cameras in the 90's, then using a relatively good Sony Point and Shoot digital, I have to say the Nikon D60 has reinvigorated my desire to get "the picture" rather than just snap "a picture". I evaluated the Sony, Canon and Nikon models, and in the end the 60 provide the right blend of megapixels, comfort while shooting, available Vibration Reduction lens combinations, and at a price point under $1000 for body and 2 lens, 18-70 VR and 55-200 VR. I have found these VR lens do indeed add an extra level of forgiveness in your shooting.

In last 30 days, we have taken shots of Vegas sites, the Grand Canyon and of many sites along the Nile in Egypt, daylight and night, and the results are very good even for an amateur such as myself.

As a nikon fan and user for more than 30 years, at last I bought a digital slr. Of course it was a nikon. The name, the feeling, the quality, it had to be a nikon.
Now I'm using it for more than a week and I'm more than pleased with it.
I can recommend it to anyone who can afford one. It's so much better than any small digital camera.
Greetings from Holland
Jan

I just returned the D40 (also a nice camera) for the d60 with VR lenses (The 18-55 and the 55-200)
I can not say enough great things about this camera. The VR makes a BIG difference. If you are considering buying a DSLR and are moving from a Point and shoot to a DSLR this is the one you want!!! WITH VR (vibration reduction!!) I had an Olympus I bought about four years ago that was a point and shoot. Top of the line at the time. It looks like a child too the pics after I compared them to the D60. Mine came with a cool little camera bag as well that is WONDERFUL! Not the prettiest thing ever but great for taking this camera every where I want to go.

I am a scrapbooker and a Mom not a professional. I am sure that if you are like me this would be perfect for preserving memories as well as fulfilling my dream of being an amateur photographer!!

I highly recommend this camera. When I bought it I actually had people stop me and say "I have that camera I love it!!" the cashier said "we sure sell a lot of these!" May I also mention it was NOT a electronics or camera store so I think that is saying a lot! :)

I was a bit torn between this camera and the D80 which my friend has but, with the lower price, smaller size, and a VR kit lens I was sold on the D60. Last night I had a photo shoot in a night club for a birthday party. I love the sensor in the eye piece, i didn't mind not having the extra LCD screen, Also, I took over 400 pictures using mostly my internal flash with a jimmy rigged defuser, but my photos came out wonderful. the VR really helped to reduce low light noise when compared to my friends D80 with a kit 18-70mm lens. my battery lasted the whole night and still reads 3/4 full. I am very pleased in my decision to get the D60 for me it was perfect.

Recently purchased Nikon D60 with 18mm-55mm VR lens. Very happy with the product and the performance. Was taking pictures as soon as the battery was charged. Ease of use and picture quality is excellent. User will get great shots with this camera if exposure setting is set at -0.3 in the "Program" mode. Auto setting is too bright. The VR lens allows the user to get great pictures with longer exposure times and small aperture settings while hand held. Suggest a 52mm UV filter and a backup battery as necessities. Shop the internet for batteries as these can be bought for less than $10.00 rather than to pay the Nikon price. These substitutions are great and perform as well as the higher priced batteries. Ken Rockwell's website on the D40 camera is as helpful as the users manual and far easier to follow to get a complete understanding of how to use the D60 (almost identical to the D40)

This is My first Nikon. I have been a fan of Canon and Olympus for many years. Previous to this camera, I was using an Olympus Evolt 500. The E-500 is a good camera. However, it is older and some aspects of the 500 bugged me. The view finder could have been a little clearer, the focus could have been faster and although the picture quality was good, it still wasnt quite at the level I wanted. I was on the verge of buying two new lenses, which were better and more expensive than the two kit lenses, and a external flash. Then one day while I was out at the big Warehouse Store shopping, I saw the Nikon D60 kit with camera bag and two lenses and for about the same cost as I was ready to spend on my 500. I knew this camera had great reviews and was one of the top 10 recommended digital SLRs on one of my favorite camera review sites. So I bought it and put my 500 up for sale and am happy I did. The quality is very good. Colors are great and so is detail. Overall the D60 is easier to use. I can figure out settings very quickly. The D60 is also fast. Much faster than my 500 when it comes to quick pictures in succession. The D60 also has a very nice shutter click that I like. One thing I noticed about the eye piece cover is that it was tough to put on. Once I finally got it on fully, with a click, I couldnt take it off too easily. In my attempt to remove it, one side broke, but only a piece of it. It came off then and since it is only a cover for when your not actually looking through the eyepiece to take a picture, it now fits on and off nicely! A happy accident. Battery life was quite good. Another good thing is that the 18mm - 55mm zoom lens gets me closer for macro shots better than the kit lenses for the 500. Good enough that I dont feel compelled to get a dedicated macro lens at this time. All in all the D60 is great. I am very satisfied with it. I highly recommend it if you are one of those getting into digital SLRs for the first time. You wont be disappointed.

This camera is the bomb. It has amazing clarity and coloration. I feel like every picture looks professional. I would recommend this to anyone!