Comparison between a Nikon D80 vs D60 vs D40 – Which one should you buy?

March 4, 2008

Off hand, If someone were to ask me which camera to buy, I would suggest the following cameras for Beginners or people in the market for a new SLR.

Nikon D80 – For the Serious Hobbyist the needs the heft and bulk of the D80.

Nikon D60 – For the new kid on the block (going with new technology and features)

Nikon D40x – For the Budget and Quality conscious newbie that wants good quality photos.

Compare Nikon D80 vs D60 vs D40

Comparison between Nikon D80 vs Nikon D60 vs Nikon D40

Both D60 and D40 wont Autofocus with non AF-S Lenses… The D80 can focus on none AFS lenses but all units can still use Manual lenses.

The D80 is a mini D200 and the D60 seems like an upgraded D40..

For the Budget conscious the D40 wins hands down.

The Low light, high ISO winners are the D40 and the D60.

The D80 has 11 focusing points while both D40 and D60 just have 3.

The D60 is the only one that has the dust removal feature.

Only the D80 and The D60 have white balance bracketing.

The D60 has an improved LCD

The D60 has auto LCD rotation

The D60 has stop motion movie (frame rate and image size can be selected)

The D60 has active D-lighting

According to the Nikon Brochure only the D60 and D40 dSD-HC compatible -?

The D80 is the only one with grid lines on demand.

The D80 has the heft and Bulk of a camera that can be taken outdoors.

The Ergonomics on all cameras are great!

We can go on and on with the differences but I think the main differences would be for the intended use.

A major factor that people also tend to overloook is that, they need to feel and touch the camera and make sure it feels right in their hands. I have met a few photographers that have bought cameras based on specifications but once they use it, and they dont “feel” or like it… they just let it go even at a loss. The camera has to feel right in your hands. Especially if you are going to use it often.. bad ergonomics can lead to wrist or hand strain.

If I were to chose a camera from the list above, I would go for the Nikon D60.. i would place my money on Technology.. my answer is based on experience.. having used several nikon cameras already inlcluding a d70, d40, d2x, d200, d300 and even half breeds like the Fuji S1 and S2..

always remember its not the price or model of the camera that makes you good.. its your eye and talent and the camera is only a tool to capture the image. Dont be a gear head! Be a photographer!