Nikon D60 versus D3000

[mia1181]

I had my sights set on a new D60, it really seems like the perfect camera for me, but it's hard to find because it has been replaced by the D3000. So now I am wondering maybe I should be looking into the D3000.

So I'm looking for any advice on which I should go with...

Here are the main differences I know about.

-They weigh the same but the dimensions are smaller for the D60
DSLRs are so big and bulky that I would like to have one that is as small as possible. However, with the D3000s larger size comes a bigger LCD preview screen.
Does anyone know if the D3000 is much bulkier than the D60?

- The D3000 has 11 AF points while the D60 only has 3.
If I did choose the D60 for the smaller size, would only having 3 AF points become a problem?

- Scene Recognition System only in the D3000. "This feature improves accuracy for exposure, white balance, and autofocus by analyzing colour and illumination over the entire scene milliseconds prior to shooting. It then adjusts the camera settings accordingly for optimal picture quality."
I don't really feel like this feature will have an impact on my decision, should it?

- The D60 also has a neat feature that automatically turns off the LCD display when you put your eye up to the viewfinder. I guess it saves battery, the D3000 does not have this feature but it is something I could live without.

I have held both camera's but couldn't find a place that carried both so I couldn't compare them side by side....
Also, it seems like the D60 is MORE EXPENSIVE than the newer D3000, is this a representation on which is more popular? Or is it because the D60 is discontinued and thus harder to find.


eta- I had "cheaper" in there but I meant the D60 is more expensive even though its older.

 

[MonkeyPie]

Date: 1/11/2010 5:04:14 PM
Author:mia1181
Does anyone know if the D3000 is much bulkier than the D60?
Not terribly. It "sits" differently - the grips are in a slightly different place, but all of the buttons are easy to reach, even for very small hands. I recommend holding each in person though to decide how you like it.

If I did choose the D60 for the smaller size, would only having 3 AF points become a problem?
Not for casual use - the AF points only come into play when you are splicing.

I don't really feel like this feature will have an impact on my decision, should it?
Not really. It's just a "fun" feature - if you know how to use your camera, then it isn't necessary.

Also, it seems like the D60 is cheaper than the newer D3000, is this a representation on which is more popular? Or is it because the D60 is discontinued and thus harder to find.
The D60 is cheaper because it is older, it has/had more issues, and it also had a LOT less buyers because it doesn't have internal motoring to function lenses that don't have the motoring on their own. (Plus lenses with motoring cost a lot more and tend to be slower.)

I hope that helps!

I personally would go with the D3000 - it's newer, cleaner, and has better everyday functionality than the D60 ever did. If you don't intend on buying more lenses, though, and can work with just the 18-55mm kit lens, then the D60 will be cheaper - to start. If you ever want lenses, you might regret the D60 in the end. I owned it and loved it, but it had its drawbacks.

 

[treefrog]

I'm a Canon guy but without knowing much about these, I'd go for the newer D3000 unless money is a big concern and there is a big price difference. The newer D3000 kit looks like it's $459 at B&H (no tax if outside of NY, free shipping) so unless the D60 is along the lines of $300 (and money is tight), I'd go newer.

According to the review at dpreview.com, it sounds like they are pretty much identical in size:
"With the 6 million pixel D40, released in 2006, Nikon made a decision to create a completely different type of DSLR to its previous low-end offerings. The D40, and the D40x and D60 that followed it, was designed specifically to be user-friendly, as well as merely wallet-friendly. Gone were the 'traditional' top-plate mounted LCD screen and many of the external control points, in favor of a stripped-down, minimalist design and a largely screen-driven interface. The D3000 continues in this mold, but if anything, is even easier to get to grips with thanks to the introduction of a new 'guide' mode. The D3000 shares the same 10 million pixel CCD sensor as the D60, and almost exactly the same body and design, but this camera is more than a cosmetic revamp of the older model. Crucially, the D60's adequate but uninspiring 3-point AF system is gone, replaced by the same 11-point system as found in the D90. This venerable AF module (the Multi-cam 1000, if you were curious) has impressive provenance, and was originally developed for the professional-level Nikon D200. Some photographers may be disappointed, however, by the lack of live view and video modes in the D3000, which makes it the 'odd one out' compared to many of its entry-level peers. "

See full review here:
D3000 review

Treefrog

 

[mia1181]

Thanks Monkeypie- By the way I actually meant the D60 is more expensive, which I why I was getting confused. I can''t find a new one for less than $600, while a new d3000 is ~$500. But I''m sure there are just less out there and that is why...

Thanks for your recommendation! Now I am leaning toward the D3000...

Treefrog- Thanks for that review. They felt similar enough to me but it''s so hard to judge when I held them at different places on different days.

 

[TravelingGal]

Date: 1/11/2010 5:17:48 PM
Author: MonkeyPie

Date: 1/11/2010 5:04:14 PM
Author:mia1181
Does anyone know if the D3000 is much bulkier than the D60?
Not terribly. It ''sits'' differently - the grips are in a slightly different place, but all of the buttons are easy to reach, even for very small hands. I recommend holding each in person though to decide how you like it.

If I did choose the D60 for the smaller size, would only having 3 AF points become a problem?
Not for casual use - the AF points only come into play when you are splicing.

I don''t really feel like this feature will have an impact on my decision, should it?
Not really. It''s just a ''fun'' feature - if you know how to use your camera, then it isn''t necessary.

Also, it seems like the D60 is cheaper than the newer D3000, is this a representation on which is more popular? Or is it because the D60 is discontinued and thus harder to find.
The D60 is cheaper because it is older, it has/had more issues, and it also had a LOT less buyers because it doesn''t have internal motoring to function lenses that don''t have the motoring on their own. (Plus lenses with motoring cost a lot more and tend to be slower.)

I hope that helps!

I personally would go with the D3000 - it''s newer, cleaner, and has better everyday functionality than the D60 ever did. If you don''t intend on buying more lenses, though, and can work with just the 18-55mm kit lens, then the D60 will be cheaper - to start. If you ever want lenses, you might regret the D60 in the end. I owned it and loved it, but it had its drawbacks.

My understanding is that the D3000 is the same, although I haven''t looked at the specs lately. The auto focus motor has to be in the lens for the D40, 60 and 3000. And I daresay, the D5000 works the same way.

That being said, I''d go D3000 anyway, especially since the price has come down a lot. I think it was Cameta Camera that had a kick a** price on a kit for the D3000 not long ago. They are a vendor on Amazon.

 

[Brown.Eyed.Girl]

I considered both of those a couple weeks ago, as well as the D5000, and though I ended up going with Canon, if it came down to those two (D60 and D3000) I would go with the D3000. Partly because MP says to and she was super helpful during my search, but also because I would probably stick with the newer model. I played around with the D3000, D5000 and the D60 and they felt pretty similar to me, and I have pretty small hands.

 

[MonkeyPie]

Date: 1/11/2010 5:49:45 PM
Author: TravelingGal

Date: 1/11/2010 5:17:48 PM

Author: MonkeyPie

Date: 1/11/2010 5:04:14 PM

Author:mia1181

Does anyone know if the D3000 is much bulkier than the D60?

Not terribly. It ''sits'' differently - the grips are in a slightly different place, but all of the buttons are easy to reach, even for very small hands. I recommend holding each in person though to decide how you like it.


If I did choose the D60 for the smaller size, would only having 3 AF points become a problem?

Not for casual use - the AF points only come into play when you are splicing.


I don''t really feel like this feature will have an impact on my decision, should it?

Not really. It''s just a ''fun'' feature - if you know how to use your camera, then it isn''t necessary.


Also, it seems like the D60 is cheaper than the newer D3000, is this a representation on which is more popular? Or is it because the D60 is discontinued and thus harder to find.

The D60 is cheaper because it is older, it has/had more issues, and it also had a LOT less buyers because it doesn''t have internal motoring to function lenses that don''t have the motoring on their own. (Plus lenses with motoring cost a lot more and tend to be slower.)

I hope that helps!

I personally would go with the D3000 - it''s newer, cleaner, and has better everyday functionality than the D60 ever did. If you don''t intend on buying more lenses, though, and can work with just the 18-55mm kit lens, then the D60 will be cheaper - to start. If you ever want lenses, you might regret the D60 in the end. I owned it and loved it, but it had its drawbacks.

My understanding is that the D3000 is the same, although I haven''t looked at the specs lately. The auto focus motor has to be in the lens for the D40, 60 and 3000. And I daresay, the D5000 works the same way.


That being said, I''d go D3000 anyway, especially since the price has come down a lot. I think it was Cameta Camera that had a kick a** price on a kit for the D3000 not long ago. They are a vendor on Amazon.

TGal is right actually - no internal motoring. Whoops! That''s what I get for trying to squeeze this post in before I headed home for the day.

When I was chatting with BEG about cameras, the internal motoring ended up being a pretty big factor because she wanted the option of using pretty much any lens she wanted. Without the internal motoring, you either have to manual focus (good for macros, bad for moving objects) or buy a lens that will focus for you, which costs more. Something to think about.

 

[that_someone_special]

ETA

I have the D5000 so nm... I am so out of it.. I shouldn't be online. lol

 

[TravelingGal]

Date: 1/11/2010 8:37:10 PM
Author: MonkeyPie

Date: 1/11/2010 5:49:45 PM
Author: TravelingGal

Date: 1/11/2010 5:17:48 PM

Author: MonkeyPie

Date: 1/11/2010 5:04:14 PM

Author:mia1181

Does anyone know if the D3000 is much bulkier than the D60?

Not terribly. It ''sits'' differently - the grips are in a slightly different place, but all of the buttons are easy to reach, even for very small hands. I recommend holding each in person though to decide how you like it.


If I did choose the D60 for the smaller size, would only having 3 AF points become a problem?

Not for casual use - the AF points only come into play when you are splicing.


I don''t really feel like this feature will have an impact on my decision, should it?

Not really. It''s just a ''fun'' feature - if you know how to use your camera, then it isn''t necessary.


Also, it seems like the D60 is cheaper than the newer D3000, is this a representation on which is more popular? Or is it because the D60 is discontinued and thus harder to find.

The D60 is cheaper because it is older, it has/had more issues, and it also had a LOT less buyers because it doesn''t have internal motoring to function lenses that don''t have the motoring on their own. (Plus lenses with motoring cost a lot more and tend to be slower.)

I hope that helps!

I personally would go with the D3000 - it''s newer, cleaner, and has better everyday functionality than the D60 ever did. If you don''t intend on buying more lenses, though, and can work with just the 18-55mm kit lens, then the D60 will be cheaper - to start. If you ever want lenses, you might regret the D60 in the end. I owned it and loved it, but it had its drawbacks.

My understanding is that the D3000 is the same, although I haven''t looked at the specs lately. The auto focus motor has to be in the lens for the D40, 60 and 3000. And I daresay, the D5000 works the same way.


That being said, I''d go D3000 anyway, especially since the price has come down a lot. I think it was Cameta Camera that had a kick a** price on a kit for the D3000 not long ago. They are a vendor on Amazon.

TGal is right actually - no internal motoring. Whoops! That''s what I get for trying to squeeze this post in before I headed home for the day.

When I was chatting with BEG about cameras, the internal motoring ended up being a pretty big factor because she wanted the option of using pretty much any lens she wanted. Without the internal motoring, you either have to manual focus (good for macros, bad for moving objects) or buy a lens that will focus for you, which costs more. Something to think about.

Yup, I agree. If you are thinking more about getting into it as a serious hobby, I''d skip the entire line and buy the D90 for the lens selection. For amateur mommas like me, you can buy this line and the $199 35 mm lens and be pretty happy. I''m not investing in any more lenses (I have 2), so I''m a different kettle of fish compared to someone who is serious. If I ever do get series, I''m upgrading the camera.

 

[Brown.Eyed.Girl]

Date: 1/11/2010 8:37:10 PM
Author: MonkeyPie

Date: 1/11/2010 5:49:45 PM

Author: TravelingGal

Date: 1/11/2010 5:17:48 PM


Author: MonkeyPie

Date: 1/11/2010 5:04:14 PM


Author:mia1181


Does anyone know if the D3000 is much bulkier than the D60?


Not terribly. It 'sits' differently - the grips are in a slightly different place, but all of the buttons are easy to reach, even for very small hands. I recommend holding each in person though to decide how you like it.



If I did choose the D60 for the smaller size, would only having 3 AF points become a problem?


Not for casual use - the AF points only come into play when you are splicing.



I don't really feel like this feature will have an impact on my decision, should it?


Not really. It's just a 'fun' feature - if you know how to use your camera, then it isn't necessary.



Also, it seems like the D60 is cheaper than the newer D3000, is this a representation on which is more popular? Or is it because the D60 is discontinued and thus harder to find.


The D60 is cheaper because it is older, it has/had more issues, and it also had a LOT less buyers because it doesn't have internal motoring to function lenses that don't have the motoring on their own. (Plus lenses with motoring cost a lot more and tend to be slower.)

I hope that helps!

I personally would go with the D3000 - it's newer, cleaner, and has better everyday functionality than the D60 ever did. If you don't intend on buying more lenses, though, and can work with just the 18-55mm kit lens, then the D60 will be cheaper - to start. If you ever want lenses, you might regret the D60 in the end. I owned it and loved it, but it had its drawbacks.

My understanding is that the D3000 is the same, although I haven't looked at the specs lately. The auto focus motor has to be in the lens for the D40, 60 and 3000. And I daresay, the D5000 works the same way.



That being said, I'd go D3000 anyway, especially since the price has come down a lot. I think it was Cameta Camera that had a kick a** price on a kit for the D3000 not long ago. They are a vendor on Amazon.

TGal is right actually - no internal motoring. Whoops! That's what I get for trying to squeeze this post in before I headed home for the day.


When I was chatting with BEG about cameras, the internal motoring ended up being a pretty big factor because she wanted the option of using pretty much any lens she wanted. Without the internal motoring, you either have to manual focus (good for macros, bad for moving objects) or buy a lens that will focus for you, which costs more. Something to think about.

That was my deciding factor. I ended up going with the Canon line because all the Nikons I could afford didn't have internal motoring (couldn't afford the D90). So I ended up with the Rebel XSi, which I really really like (and also feels light and good in my hands). And while I'm mostly using the camera right now to take pics of my kittens and my mom's new puppy, I wanted to keep open the option of using the camera for amateur photography later (without upgrading the camera).

As it is, I've already bought another lens (50mm f/1.8 prime lens) and it's more than possible I'll buy more lenses in the future, so I think getting the Canon, for me, was a good decision.

 

[mia1181]

Date: 1/11/2010 8:50:54 PM
Author: TravelingGal

Date: 1/11/2010 8:37:10 PM
Author: MonkeyPie

Date: 1/11/2010 5:49:45 PM
Author: TravelingGal

Date: 1/11/2010 5:17:48 PM

Author: MonkeyPie

Date: 1/11/2010 5:04:14 PM

Author:mia1181

Does anyone know if the D3000 is much bulkier than the D60?

Not terribly. It ''sits'' differently - the grips are in a slightly different place, but all of the buttons are easy to reach, even for very small hands. I recommend holding each in person though to decide how you like it.


If I did choose the D60 for the smaller size, would only having 3 AF points become a problem?

Not for casual use - the AF points only come into play when you are splicing.


I don''t really feel like this feature will have an impact on my decision, should it?

Not really. It''s just a ''fun'' feature - if you know how to use your camera, then it isn''t necessary.


Also, it seems like the D60 is cheaper than the newer D3000, is this a representation on which is more popular? Or is it because the D60 is discontinued and thus harder to find.

The D60 is cheaper because it is older, it has/had more issues, and it also had a LOT less buyers because it doesn''t have internal motoring to function lenses that don''t have the motoring on their own. (Plus lenses with motoring cost a lot more and tend to be slower.)

I hope that helps!

I personally would go with the D3000 - it''s newer, cleaner, and has better everyday functionality than the D60 ever did. If you don''t intend on buying more lenses, though, and can work with just the 18-55mm kit lens, then the D60 will be cheaper - to start. If you ever want lenses, you might regret the D60 in the end. I owned it and loved it, but it had its drawbacks.

My understanding is that the D3000 is the same, although I haven''t looked at the specs lately. The auto focus motor has to be in the lens for the D40, 60 and 3000. And I daresay, the D5000 works the same way.


That being said, I''d go D3000 anyway, especially since the price has come down a lot. I think it was Cameta Camera that had a kick a** price on a kit for the D3000 not long ago. They are a vendor on Amazon.

TGal is right actually - no internal motoring. Whoops! That''s what I get for trying to squeeze this post in before I headed home for the day.

When I was chatting with BEG about cameras, the internal motoring ended up being a pretty big factor because she wanted the option of using pretty much any lens she wanted. Without the internal motoring, you either have to manual focus (good for macros, bad for moving objects) or buy a lens that will focus for you, which costs more. Something to think about.

Yup, I agree. If you are thinking more about getting into it as a serious hobby, I''d skip the entire line and buy the D90 for the lens selection. For amateur mommas like me, you can buy this line and the $199 35 mm lens and be pretty happy. I''m not investing in any more lenses (I have 2), so I''m a different kettle of fish compared to someone who is serious. If I ever do get series, I''m upgrading the camera.

Yup, I''ll be using it casually, like you. If it were to grow into an actual hobby I won''t mind getting a new camera. I just can''t justify the cost of a professional camera when I am just learning the basics.

Soooo.... Thanks for all your help everyone I just ordered the D3000!

 

[mrssalvo]

I just got the D3000. Hubby researched a lot more than me and knows a ton more about camera''s but we looked at the d40 and d60 too. he ended up getting an amazing deal on a kit with 2 lenses from costco and I know there are other similar pricing deals out there that it was worth it just to go ahead and get the newer model. I''m still a novice, I''ve only used a point and shoot until now, but so far I love it and the pics I''m getting even in the auto setting are amazing.

 

[LaurenThePartier]

I just went through the same sort of decision process, and I found that it really depends on what you're going to be shooting.

Last year, many of my friends who have various blogs ended up purchasing DSLRs. Most of my friends who bought a D60 for photographing food for their cooking blogs are now, just a few months later, selling their D60s secondhand on several camera sites and upgrading to the D90 body (or above) because of the AF (auto-focus) motor in the D90, 11 focus points, and the fact that the D90 has the same sensor as the much more expensive D300.

If you'll need the camera for professional looking photography (but don't have the bidget for a D300 or above) and you're going to be shooting in mostly manual mode, and you'll take advantage of the many filters and menus contained within the camera, I'd consider upping your budget, or maybe even buying a used D90 or D60 body and some nicer glass from some of the photography sites out there, just to learn the basics. You may end up never outgrowing the camera, or you could outgrow it in a few months. You just never know until you get your hands on it and start taking pictures.

If you're planning on leaving it mostly in Auto mode, and you don't need Live View or HD video, I bet the D3000 would be a great camera, especially for the money.

Also, the live view on the D90 is particularly helpful to me when I need to shoot food from high above, and I can't get my eye on the viewfinder. And the fact that it takes HD video doesn't hurt it, either.

Also, looking into the Canon line could also be an option as they have some better features on more entry level cameras for less money. I have a Nikon F4, so I thought I would take advantage of the lenses I already owned.