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Nikon D60 SLR, Courtesy of Nikon, with modifications by Zig Weidelich. Nikon announces D60 digital SLR
By
(Monday, January 28, 2008 - 23:01 EST)

Nikon Inc. has today announced its new D60 digital SLR, a refreshed version of the company's popular D40x model.

As with its predecessor, the Nikon D60 has a sensor resolution of 10.2 megapixels and offers ISO sensitivity ranging from 100 to 1600, with the ability to extend this to ISO 3200. The D60 also retains the D40x's body design (with some slight tweaks), as well as that camera's AF system, penta-Dach mirror-type SLR viewfinder, 2.5" LCD display with 230,000 pixel resolution, and EN-EL9 Lithium Ion rechargeable battery. Externally, the Nikon D60's biggest difference from its predecessor is the inclusion of a sensor just below the viewfinder that automatically disables the LCD display when you bring the camera to your eye. Helpfully, the LCD information display now rotates automatically when the camera body is turned on its side. The on-screen user interface has also been updated and now allows users to create their own wallpapers (with the ability to select different wallpapers for specific operating modes), and to change the color scheme.

Internally, the Nikon D60 includes a two-pronged approach to fighting dust. The dust reduction system previously seen on the D300 digital SLR has been adopted for the D60, and Nikon has coupled this with what it is calling the "Airflow Control System". In essence, the camera's internals have been designed so as to control the flow of air - along with the dust the air is carrying - when the shutter is triggered, channelling dust particles away from the sensor. The Nikon D60 includes a new 4-, 6- or 8-point cross-screen star effect, as well as several color intensifying filters, and the inclusion of the Active D-Lighting feature previously seen on the D300 and D3 DSLRs. Other changes include the ability to shoot as many as 100 images at a user-specified framerate, and then combine these into a "Stop-Motion Movie", plus the ability to convert RAW files to JPEG in-camera with control over variables such as image size, white balance, etc. The D60's product bundle has also been updated to include Nikon's optically stabilized AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR lens, announced late last year.

The Nikon D60 will ship from February 2008 in the USA. Pricing has not been announced at this time, with Nikon stating that information will be available approximately 30 days before the camera goes on sale.

Nikon D60
Nikon's D60 digital SLR. Courtesy of Nikon. Click for a bigger picture!
General
Camera TypeSLR
ManufacturerNikon
Model NumberD60
Dimensions5.0 x 3.7 x 2.5"
126.0 x 94.0 x 64.0mm
Weight495.0 g
17.3 oz
Planned Availability 2008
Image Capture
Sensor TypeNikon DX CCD
10.75 megapixels (total)
10.20 megapixels (effective)
Focal Length Multiplier1.50
Aspect Ratio3:2
Image Dimensions3872 x 2592 (10.0 megapixels)
2896 x 1944 (5.6 megapixels)
1936 x 1296 (2.5 megapixels)
Image Quality3 levels
Image Preview / Review
ViewfinderYes, SLR type; eye-level pentamirror, 95% coverage, 0.8x mag., 18mm eyepoint, -1.7 to 0.5 diopter
LCD2.5", 230,000 pixels
Lens
Lens TypeInterchangeable Lens
3x optical zoom
52mm lens thread
Lens MountNikon F
Image StabilizationYes
Focal Length18.0 - 55.0mm (actual)
27 - 83mm (35mm equivalent)
Aperture Rangef/3.5 - 22 (W), f/5.6 - 38 (T)
Focusing SystemNikon Multi-CAM 530 3-Area Phase Detection, 1 cross-type, 2 line-type with AF assist lamp
Manual Focus possible (0) steps
Exposure
ISO Sensitivity100 - 3200
Shutter Speed30 - 1/4000 second
Exposure ModesAperture, Shutter, Manual
Metering Modes420 segment 3D color matrix metering II, color matrix metering II, center-weighted, spot
Exposure Compensation+/- 5.0EV in 1/3EV increments
White BalanceExternal - Auto, Incandescent, Fluorescent, Direct Sunlight, Flash, Cloudy, Shade, Preset, Manual
Internal FlashGuide Number: 12
Modes: Red-Eye Reduction, Red-Eye Reduction with Slow Sync, Slow Sync, Rear-Curtain Sync.
Range: Lens dependent
Flash Exposure Compensation+/- 3.0EV in 1/3EV increments
Creative
Scene ModesPortrait, Landscape, Child, Sports, Close up, Night portrait
Self TimerYes, 2 to 20 seconds
Storage
Recording MediumSD/MMC
File SystemFAT16, FAT32, complies with Design Rule for Camera File System (DCF)
File FormatCCD-RAW, RAW (.NEF), JPEG
Connectivity
VideoYes, NTSC / PAL switchable
ComputerUSB 2.0 High Speed
OtherDC input
Power
Battery TypeLithium Ion rechargeable
Battery Form FactorProprietary EN-EL9
Product Bundle
SoftwarePictureProject
Battery / Charger1 x Proprietary EN-EL9 Lithium Ion rechargeable battery and charger
Flash Memory0.0MB
Other
Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) compliantYes
PictBridge CompliantYes
Tripod MountYes, Metal
Remote ControlYes, Optional ML-L3 wireless
Operating System CompatibilityWindows, Mac OS
More Photos
Nikon's D60 digital SLR. Courtesy of Nikon. Click for a bigger picture!
Nikon's D60 digital SLR. Courtesy of Nikon. Click for a bigger picture!
Nikon's D60 digital SLR. Courtesy of Nikon. Click for a bigger picture!
Nikon's D60 digital SLR. Courtesy of Nikon. Click for a bigger picture!
Nikon's D60 digital SLR. Courtesy of Nikon. Click for a bigger picture!
 

Original Source Press Release:

New Nikon D60 Digital Slr Camera Makes Capturing Beautiful Pictures Fun And Easy

MELVILLE, N.Y. (Jan. 28, 2008) - Nikon, Inc., today introduced the new D60 digital SLR camera, which provides consumers with stunning picture quality and versatility in an easy-to-use, compact camera design. The D60 joins Nikon's award-winning line of D-series digital SLR cameras and shares a form factor similar to the D40 - Nikon's smallest D-SLR camera ever. With 10.2 effective megapixels and a wealth of innovative and user-friendly features, the D60 enables both photo enthusiasts and those new to digital SLR photography to capture incredible images like never before.

"The Nikon D60 makes stepping up to digital SLR photography easy for anyone, but is also a wonderful choice for photo enthusiasts looking for remarkable performance in a compact package," said Edward Fasano, general manager for marketing, SLR System Products at Nikon, Inc. "This model, like the wildly popular Nikon D40, greatly simplifies use and builds confidence in the user. With a host of innovative features, such as a visually intuitive LCD information display, Nikon's highly regarded EXPEED image processing concept, new dual dust reduction countermeasures, in-camera editing tools and exciting creative options, the D60 enhances the picture-taking experience for picture-takers of all skill levels."

Users will immediately appreciate the D60's fast 0.18-second start-up time and split-second shutter response, which combine to eliminate the frustration of shooting lag - a common issue with many point-and-shoot digital cameras. With a fast and accurate autofocus and the ability to shoot continuously at up to three pictures-per-second, the D60 faithfully captures pictures that other cameras often miss. The D60 does all this while delivering extraordinarily vivid and detailed pictures, ensuring that fleeting expressions, special moments and memorable events are captured beautifully.

Packaged with Nikon's new AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR image stabilization lens, the D60 camera and lens outfit delivers striking image sharpness. What's more, Nikon's proprietary VR (Vibration Reduction) image stabilization technology also dramatically reduces blur caused when shooting handheld pictures, especially in low light.

The camera's 10.2 megapixel CCD sensor delivers crisp, high-resolution images with astounding color and clarity, while Nikon's advanced 3-D Color Matrix Metering II ensures that images are exposed beautifully and automatically, even in challenging lighting conditions. Additionally, Nikon's new digital image processing concept, EXPEED, delivers smooth tones and accurate color for vibrant pictures and flattering portraits.

The D60 also offers consumers comprehensive in-camera functionality, such as Active D-lighting. Through this innovative Nikon feature, the camera can, with the option selected, further optimize shadow and highlight detail--as pictures are taken. Shots that once required adjustment with photo editing software can now go straight to the printer, bypassing the computer altogether.

For added fun and creativity while reducing or helping to eliminate time spent manipulating pictures later, the D60's In-camera Retouch Menu enables users to accomplish a wide variety of tasks without a computer. The D60 offers new in-camera editing capabilities, including adjustable cross-screen star effects, color-intensifying filters as well as D-lighting, Red-eye correction, Image Trim and more. The D60's Stop-Motion Movie mode is a D-SLR first that enables users to create stop-animation movie clips from a series of as many as 100 consecutive JPEG picture files. More experienced photographers will also enjoy shooting in the lossless NEF (RAW) format, and then adjusting image parameters, such as size, format, and white balance, all within the camera.

While many cameras now feature a dust cleaning function, the D60 takes this idea one step further. In addition to offering an Image Sensor Cleaning function that quickly and silently shakes off specks of image degrading dust, the camera also minimizes the dust that can come into contact with the sensor through a unique Airflow Control System. This design works to channel particles away from the sensor with every click of the shutter, resulting in even further reduction of dust particles and the spots they can leave on pictures.

Ergonomically designed with intuitively placed controls, the D60 is a camera that's compact and ready to go wherever life leads. It also features a new power conserving Eye Sensor that turns the big 2.5-inch color LCD monitor on and off automatically when the user alternates between taking pictures and reviewing camera settings.

A customizable LCD monitor user interface rounds out the D60's convenient features, as users can create their own wallpapers and adjust color settings to adapt to their preferences. The D60's design also supports Eye-Fi memory card functionality, enabling the convenient wireless transfer of images from the D60 to a computer, when using Eye-Fi memory cards.* Additionally, photos can be securely written to readily available SD cards, high-capacity SDHC cards and Eye-Fi memory cards, offering users a range of data storage options.

The D60 will be packaged with the 3x zoom AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR lens and will be available throughout the United States beginning in February 2008. Pricing information will be available approximately 30 days prior to sales availability.

The D60, along with Nikon's entire line of photography, optics and digital imaging solutions, will be on display at the PMA 2008 International Convention and Trade Show in Las Vegas, from Jan. 31 to Feb. 2 at exhibitor booth # G220. For more information, please visit www.nikonusa.com .

About Nikon
Nikon, At the Heart of the Image™. Nikon Inc. is the world leader in digital imaging, precision optics and photo imaging technology and is globally recognized for setting new standards in product design and performance for its award-winning consumer and professional photographic equipment. Nikon Inc. distributes consumer and professional digital SLR cameras, NIKKOR optics, Speedlights and system accessories; Nikon COOLPIX®compact digital cameras; COOLSCAN® digital film scanners; 35mm film SLR cameras; Nikon software products and Nikon sports and recreational optics. Nikon D Series digital SLR cameras are recognized as "Highest in Customer Satisfaction with digital SLR cameras," according to the latest J.D. Power and Associates 2007 digital Camera Satisfaction Study. Nikon Corporation, the parent company of Nikon Inc., recently celebrated its 90th anniversary and announced the production of over 40 million NIKKOR SLR interchangeable lenses. For more information, dial (800) NIKON-US or visit http://www.nikonusa.com, which links all levels of photographers to the Web's most comprehensive photo learning and sharing communities.

*Support refers to extension of power while transferring images, and is not an assurance of quality.
For J.D. Power and Associates award information go to jdpower.com

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