Nikon D60
10.2MP
$630, street, body only; $750 with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G Nikkor AF-S DX VR lens
The Buzz
Modest upgrade to the D40x comes with VR kit lens standard, lots of in-camera processing tricks.
The Lineup Now
The 10.2MP D40x ($535, street, body only; $610 with non-VR kit lens) and the 6.1MP D40 ($500 with non-VR kit lens) will continue in the line for now.
New & Noteworthy
• Self-cleaning sensor plus Airflow Control technology to dislodge dust.
• Rear LCD control readouts automatically reorient to vertical, switch off when raised to eye.
• In-camera RAW-to-JPEG conversion that allows adjustment of more image parameters. | |
• Active D-Lighting tones down hot contrast on the fly.
• Redeye correction and digital filters.
• Can make stop-action movies from individual frames.
• Scale-type manual-focus indicator in viewfinder. |
Not So Hot
• Autofocuses only with AF-S lenses.
• Low-rent AF array.
• 2.5-inch LCD now looks small by comparison.
Our Take
Great price for a camera with a VR lens, plus fun and functional image controls, but where's the live view?
Vital Stats
Autofocus: 3 points, widely spread, with central cross sensor.
LCD: 2.5-inch, 230,000-dot.
Burst: Up to 100 JPEGs at 3 fps, up to 6 RAW.
Storage: SD card.
Battery: Nikon Li-ion.
Pentax K200D
10.2MP
$720, street, body only; $800 with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Pentax DA lens
The Buzz
Entry-level DSLR mates with tank and it won't get cranky working in the rain.
The Lineup Now
The K200D replaces the K100D and K100D Super as the new base model, with 14.6MP K20D slotting in as the enthusiast model above.
New & Noteworthy
• Only weathersealed DSLR in this price class.
• Self-cleaning sensor plus clever dust-map system to show you where to aim your blower.
• Expanded Dynamic Range calms down excessive contrast. |
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• Sensor shift stabilizes shots with any lens on the camera.
• Image comparison lets you review two shots simultaneously on the LCD screen. |
Not So Hot
• Wimpy burst rate.
• High ISO limited to 1600.
• Trades in Li-ion battery of the K10D for 4 AAs.
• Controls get more "entry-level" -- e.g., a single command dial.
Our Take
Toughest body in its class makes it a good deal for a 10MP camera; ideal move up from a point-and-shoot.
Vital Stats
Autofocus: 3x3 grid of cross sensors plus linear sensor to either side.
LCD: 2.7-inch, 230,000-dot.
Burst: Up to 4 JPEGs or 4 RAW at 2.8 fps.
Storage: SD card.
Battery: 4 AAs.
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