Nikon D60 and Nikon D90?

Question

I am a novice in photgraphy and was thinking to purchase the D60. However after reading and reviewing the nikon D90, i guess it gave me more options to venture. I will be picking up photography lesson this March.

So, what would you advice me?

thanks

Answer 1

They both are good cameras and yes the D90 is a better camera for more reasons than just a few more megapixels. But I would still say the D60 as a starting camera. I have several reasons for this. First of all chances are you cannot afford both the D90 and lenses and accessories. So you will probably be better served putting the money into a longer lens than the kit lens, a good tripod or a good speedlight. All of these would still be able to be used when you do learn more in a couple of years and want to upgrade your camera body, as long as you stayed with Nikon. And with the rate of change in the technology on cameras by time you are ready to upgrade there will be camera bodies that are not even on the drawing board yet with improved perfromance and features.



Second it does not make sense to pay for function you do not use. If you are new you should be focusing on the basics of exposure and composition, Yes you can do this also on the D90 but for many it is easier on a simpler camera. My first film SLR had only a manual mode and a simple spotmeter that made it easy fro me to concentrate on the basics. Again by time you are ready to move up you will have more options and know what features you want to spend money on



I' don't have a D60 but I do have the D40 which is the same when it comes to controls. Its a quick easy to use camera that is very lightwieght and for a dSLR small and easy to carry. I also have a D300 and more than a couple of Nikon film bodiies including an F2 which I still think of as one of the most durable and well designed SLRs made. Guess what. When I am shooting for fun I usually grab the D40. Its great fun to use and gives me good results. Even though I was not a beginner with SLR the 500 page manual for the D300 tood a couple of days to wade through and I still from time to time have to go back to look up a function that is not routine.



But in the end its up to you go to the nikon use site and pull up the comparison chart. go down it and see which are must have, like to have and don't need functions then decide on the camera for you



http://www.nikonusa.com/Assets/Common-Assets/PDF/DSLR_Compare.pdf

Answer 2

LOL at the advices -- LOL -- Fraction of the bells and whistles -- LOL



If you can't use the camera to the full potential - you should just go ahead and buy a point and shoot camera!



D60 is a good start because you don't know much at this time. Like someone mention Lens > Camera when you talking about crop FF is a different story!



I'm going to tell you if you have the money don't settle for the D60 and jump into the D90. The 12.3 is just 2 more mp than the D60 but does the D60 offers you the ability to record HD videos? Do it shot at 4.5 frames per sec? Does it get you 3200 ISO??? I mean I can go on and on and on - Granted you will have to learn how to use this but when you do you will see that the D90 is far superior than the D60.



Once again if you have the money get the D90 if you don't there's no shame in owning a D60 as is a good camera.



In the mean while learn about simple stuff such as shutter speed, ISO, White Balance, aperture, lighting etc etc etc .. like that when you get your camera you dont have to use it in AUTO - because whats the reason you buy a DSLR if you going to keep it in AUTO?



Hope this help ....

Answer 3

If cost isn't a big thing for you i'd recommend the D90 for this reason only:



AF lens compatibility.



One of the things often overlooked is that the D60 does not have an auto focus motor which limits you to Nikon's newest lenses or manual focus only, which can be a pain in the butt or expensive. For example the 50 mm f/1.4D for a D90 would cost $200, have one for a D60 it'll cost $400 since you'd have to get the f/1.4G. This was the biggest regret I had getting my D40 a year ago. Granted, you can get most lenses these days with internal motors, its just nice not to be limited.

Answer 4

I'd start with the D60. I've used both, and in reality, you will only use a fraction of the options available on either camera. The D90 offers a lot more bells and whistles that you would probably never use, so just save the 500 bucks or so and go with the D60. You can use the money you save to buy some filters or a specialty lens that you will actually use.

Answer 5

Either would be good choices however as this will be your first DSLR I would go with the D60. It is always best to use a cheaper body and put the rest of your money into lenses. The body you use will have little to no impact on the quality of your photographs but the lens will make a huge difference. Also lenses last a lifetime while whichever camera you choose will be obsolete in a few years.



Buy the D60 and learn everything there is to know about it. Buy lenses to suit your shooting style and then when your ready you can upgrade to the newest body.

Answer 6

There are a lot of answers here, so I am just going ad a quick piece of advice. A lot of beginner photography classes still use film despite its waning popularity, so be absolutely sure that it is a digital class before you buy a DSLR. Look online at keh.com or visit your local camera store to purchase used film SLR's for very cheap. Once you have taken the class and are educated about cameras a little revisit the DSLR scene and you will have a better idea of what is good for you and you will know what some of the terms mean that apply these great cameras. Good luck!

Answer 7

I got my mom the Nikon D60 and I've used it and it is absolutely amazing! It has unbelievable focus, and it takes pictures nice and quick so you don't miss the moment. It is also not too heavy with the regular lense, but the large lense is great for far distances! You know how owls go onto pawer lines?? Well we caught it from a good distance and it wasn't even fuzzy. The product is AMAZING! I love it soooo much and I think you would too.

Answer 8

if you look on online photoforums about these cameras you'll get a better idea. students usually get a grounding in photography with a manual 35mm. the fundementals are important. rules are made to be broken, (artistic license), but it's good to know parameters. read as much as you can, good luck with your lessons.