Nikon D60: ultra-compact DSLR to replace D40x

Nikon today announced the D60, one of the smallest digital SLR cameras the firm has ever introduced.

Replacing the popular Nikon D40x, the Nikon D60 offers plenty of features and technology crammed into its ultra-compact body. The camera also helps make more sense of the names in the Nikon DSLR range - it now reads as D40, D60, D80, rather than the confusing D40, D40x and D80.

Sporting a 10.2-megapixel high-resolution image sensor, 3fps shooting, a 2.5-inch LCD display, three-point AF system and start-up time of just 0.19s, the Nikon D60 will sit in between the Nikon D40 and the D80.

The D60 looks like another hit for Nikon. The DLSR boasts a new eye sensor function which automatically turns off the LCD monitor when the viewfinder is used. When the user moves away from the viewfinder, the LCD monitor turns on again. This automatically enhances the camera's battery life and extends shooting capability.

Dual dust reduction

It also features Nikon's proprietary 3D Colour Matrix Metering II technology, which ensures balanced exposures, and natural contrast and colours in your shots. An automatic dual dust reduction feature has been added too to keep the imaging sensor free from dust particles.

We had a quick play with the camera at a London pre-launch event yesterday and can confirm that it's a joy to use, and rests very comfortably in your hand. The mode dial button is slightly larger than on the previous Nikon DLSR models, and the user interface can be personalised. Apart from that, expect the usual high Nikon standard, as well as functions such as in-camera image editing and colour enhancement.

The Nikon D60 is due to go on sale in late February, priced at £530 with a AF-S DX Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR lens, or £500 with a AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED II. If you want to buy the Nikon D60 body only, it'll set you back £450.

Latest in DSLRs
Nikon Df DSLR camera on a wooden surface by large window, with dusk light
Forget Fujifilm, I've retested 2013's Nikon Df DSLR and it's the ultimate retro camera for these 6 reasons
Monochrome image of a distant wind farm alongside a Canon DSLR camera in the hand with black background
You don't really need a new camera – a $200,000 photo prize was just won with this old Canon DSLR
Photographer holding the Nikon D800 DSLR camera up to their eye while leaning on a tree trunk surrounded by bluebells
I used my DSLR for the first time in years since switching to mirrorless – here are four things I learned
Two cameras sitting next to each other on a wooden table
If DSLR cameras are dead, why are they still so popular? Here are 5 reasons
Prouct photo of the Pentax K-3 Mark III Monochrome with a 16-50mm f/2.8 attached
Pentax K-3 Mark III Monochrome review: one love
Canon EOS 4000D with 18-55mm lens attached on red background beside a lowest ever price text
This Canon beginner DSLR is so cheap right now it might even tempt you away from mirrorless
Latest in News
Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Con up-close from app store
Nintendo's new app gave us another look at the Switch 2, and there's something different with the Joy-Con
cheap Nintendo Switch game deals sales
Nintendo didn't anticipate that Mario Kart 8 Deluxe was 'going to be the juggernaut' for the Nintendo Switch when it was ported to the console, according to former employees
Three angles of the Apple MacBook Air 15-inch M4 laptop above a desk
Apple MacBook Air 15-inch (M4) review roundup – should you buy Apple's new lightweight laptop?
Witchbrook
Witchbrook, the life-sim I've been waiting years for, finally has a release window and it's sooner than you think
Amazon Echo Smart Speaker
Amazon is experimenting with renaming Echo speakers to Alexa speakers, and it's about time
Shigeru Miyamoto presents Nintendo Today app
Nintendo Today smartphone app is out now on iOS and Android devices – and here's what it does