Comparison between Nikon D90 vs D80 vs D60 – Which one should you buy?

August 29, 2008

Comparison between Nikon D90 vs D80 vs D60 – Which one should you get?

The D90 has the best resolution at 12.3MP

For the Budget conscious go for the Nikon D60

If you planning to use it for work, get the D90 or the D80. D80 because it has been tested on the street. D90 because it is an upgraded model. Main difference would be that the D90 is using a CMOS sensor, which they say is better for portraiture.. more silky feel to the photo.

CCD are said to creat higher quality and cleaner files than CMOS
CMOS is power efficient compared to CCD Sensors
CCD has advantage in Dynamic Range and Noise over the CMOS
Both image chip types are equally reliable in most consumer and industrial applications.
CMOS is gaining ground with the CCD technology and soon will outdo CCD

There are many pros and cons about the whole CCD vs CMOS chip selection that is why i didnt highlight the CCD or CMOS in the chart. Click here to read more about Cmos vs CCD

The D90 and the D80 better autofocus system using the Nikon Multicam 1000

The D90 has more refined white balance selection having up to 12 position with 5 manual presets.

Both D90 and the D80 have Kelvin selection for the White Balance.

All Three cameras have a max shutter of 1/4000 sec.

The D90 can shoot up to 4.5 frames per second while the D80 and the D60 can only shoot up to 2.5 frames per second. This will come in handy depending on the type of shoot you do. If you do weddings, the D90 maybe a good 2nd or 3rd camera in the bag.

The D90 has a bigger LCD at 3″ and is more than 3x in lcd pixels meaning you get clear and crisp views of your photos on cam.

The D60 is lightest among the 3 cameras, good for the ladies that plan to take photography as hobby. The D90 and the D80 are a little heavier and more robust in built for the advanced hobbyists.

The D90 has live view while the 2 others dont.

The D90 has D-Movie mode captures progressive format video at 24fps while the D60 has a stop motion movie feature wherein you choose the photos that the camera puts together as a short movie choosing frame rates of 3fps to 15 fps.

320×216, 640×424 and a high definition 1280×720 mode (HD720p)

The D90 uses Scene Recognition System integrated with Face Detection System

After you read this, you may feel that there is a bias towards the D90.. all I stated were facts based on the specifications of the camera. I guess Nikon has just really given us a good camera model to upgrade to.. but would you call this a D80 replacement or would you call it a mini D300?

D60 price range is anywhere from $400-700 depending on the package/bundle you choose.

D80 price range is anywhere from $588-900 depending on the package/bundle you choose.

D90 price range is anywhere from $999-1200 depending on the package/bundle you choose.

You can see the D80 vs D60 vs D40x comparison here

Filed Under Photography TECH, Useful Photo Links, nikon cameras · 10 Comments

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!