Gallery Preview
Imaging: 10.2MP (effective) CCD captures 3872x2592-pixel images with 12 bits/color in NEF RAW format.
Storage: SD and SDHC cards. Stores JPEG, RAW, or RAW + Basic JPEG.
Burst rate: Continuous Fine-quality JPEGs at 3 fps (tested with Kingston 16GB SDHC card).
AF system: TTL phase detection system with 3 selectable AF zones and red activation lights. Single-shot, continuous, and AF autoselect, predictive focus tracking. Sensitive down to EV -1 (at ISO 100, f/1.4).
Shutter speeds: 1/4000 to 30 sec plus B (1/3-EV increments).
Metering: TTL metering with 420-segment RGB sensor. 3D Color Matrix II evaluative metering, centerweighted (8mm circle), and spotmetering (approx. 2.5 percent of viewfinder). EV 0-20 (at ISO 100).
ISO range: 100-1600 (in 1-EV increments, plus boost to ISO 3200).
Flash: Built-in pop-up with i-TTL autoflash and 420-segment RGB sensor, GN 39 (ISO 100, feet). Flash sync at 1/200 sec. Dedicated hot-shoe.
Viewfinder: Fixed eye-level, penta-Dach mirror.
LCD: 2.5-in. TFT with approx. 230,000-dot (77,000-pixel) resolution.
Output: Hi-Speed USB 2.0 and video. PictBridge compatible.
Batteries: EN-EL9 Li-ion rechargeable; 520 single-frame shots per charge (CIPA rating).
Size/weight: 5x2.5x3.7 in., 1.22 lb with card and batteries (body only).
Street price: $749 with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR AF-S DX Nikkor lens.
For info:www.nikonusa.com.
VIEWFINDER TEST
Accuracy: 97% (Excellent)
Magnification: 0.81X (Very Good)
COMPETITIVE SET
• SONY Alpha 350 with 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 DT AFkit lens ($900, street)
$150 more gets you a DSLR with Super SteadyShot image stabilization that works with any Sony or Konica Minolta lens. The Alpha 350's AF system also works with all Sony and most KM lenses, while the Nikon AF only works with the latest AF-S lenses. The Nikon D60 captures images with slightly less resolution than the A350 (2050 vs. 2150 lines) despite the Sony's higher 14.2MP sensor, but at a faster 3 fps burst rate compared with 2.5 fps on the A350. The D60's JPEG noise control tested better at all ISOs up to 3200; however, the A350 produced less noise at high ISOs when shooting RAW (converted to TIFF with supplied software). As with the Sony, the D60's dynamic range can be adjusted using Nikon's D-light adjustments. The A350's 9-point AF system is more sophisticated, has better tracking capability, and is slightly faster than the Nikon's in bright light. The D60 viewfinder offers superior magnification and eye relief, while the Sony has a larger 2.7-inch, live-view LCD with fast live-view AF.
• PENTAX K200D with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 SMCP-DA kit lens ($800, street) Priced closer to the Nikon, the K200D may be a much tougher competitor -- literally. It has a more rugged body, with a stainless-steel chassis and dust- and weatherproof seals. Plus it offers a sensor-based shake reduction system that works with all Pentax lenses, and a more sophisticated 11-point AF system (again, with a wider range of AF-compatible lenses than the Nikon). Downside: It uses regular AA batteries, while the Nikon comes with a rechargeable Li-ion. We haven't tested the K200D yet, but it has a similar-megapixel CCD sensor and a wide variety of image controls. Its claimed burst rate, 2.8 fps, is slightly slower, and ISO goes up only to 1600. Previous models lead us to expect low noise and great color.
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