As a D80 owner, how would I find the D60?

<p>I often feel I need a second body, even as a back-up or for general shooting. The D60 does have the same 10.2 MP sensor as the D80 and X-sync of 1/200th sec. It should be able to deliver identical results with my 16-85mm VR and 70-300mm VR, both AF-S lenses, as I am seeing with my D80.</p>

<p>I know the D60 has just three AF points and no DOF, what about build quality?</p>

<p>Thoughts are welcome from those who own/use both.</p>

<p>image quality will be the same.</p>

<p>The feel in your hands will be smaller, more delicate, the smooth plastic feel will make you think you're going to drop it. The lack of front dial will be annoying to your brain. everytime you switch cameras you will fumble trying to move a front wheel that's not there, or pressing the button and moving the back wheel when you're back on your D80.</p>

<p>Then you'll look through the viewfinder of the D60 and find the view to be small and hurt your eyes!</p>

<p>As you can see I don't think it's a great idea. But the D60 is still a good camera! It may infact BE just as durable as the D80...but it won't feel like it. I'd get a second D80. or save for a D90 and retire the D80 to the backup spot. Why do you want a second body anyways? are you taking photos for other people for money? or going on a long adventurous trip or something? perhaps some new lenses is something you'd appreciate more.</p>

<p>You bring up a good point about the top LCD on the D80 - my last few SLR's (all film ones) have had LCD's on the top, I don't know if I could go away from that.</p>

<p>I know I'd like the D90, it has a few features of note - namely a more durable shutter assembly and better display screen. To boot, it uses the same battery and grip as the D80. The video thing is nothing I would use, but it's there if you want to try it.</p>

<p>I'll keep my eye on the price of the D90, it needs to come down a bit - I just got my D80 at a bargain basement deal, I like the idea of getting a higher-end DSLR for $700 CDN=)</p>

<p>Overall, the D60 is "minimalist". It doesn't really define what's cheap or bad. In fact it's a respectable choice. It doesn't have much of that "rubbery" grip material on it, but it feel a lot better than any P&S. If you shoot in modes other than M and don't really use exposure compensation, then the single dial problem is not too bad. The viewfinder is not big. But it's bigger tha the viewfinders on a D70 or various other low cost DSLRs. </p>

<p>I shoot with both a D300 and D40. I don't find the D40 to be bad in any way, especially when using my better lenses on it. I'll use the D40 when I need a smaller and lighter camera for casual shooting. It's also nice to have a 2nd body when you need more FL covered or want to have 2 different set-up ready to go at the same time. </p>

<p>Obviously you wouldn't enjoy it as a primary camera, but you want a backup. The D60 is missing some features and has fewer AF points but it takes your lenses, and the same flashes and memory cards (but not the same battery) and has an identical or nearly identical sensor so with a bit of raw processor tweaking you should be able to make the results indistinguishable. So it's a cheap, small, light alternative that can serve as an alternative with minimal incovenience or let you have 2 lenses ready. Sounds like a backup to me. Don't drop it on concrete. (But don't do that with the D80 either - if a D80 is durable enough for your primary, a D60 is durable enough for your backup.)</p>

<p>Don't overlook the D40. It is better than the D80's 400+ ISO and has a 1/500 second flash sync.</p>

<p>D 60 is a good body, I used it for few months before I migrated to D 90,<br>

Advantages: Good Image quality ( similar if not better to D 80),<br>

Sensor Cleaning is another good point in D60 over D 80,<br>

Your lens can be used another plus point as you have AF S range,<br>

Light Weight ... it makes a good backup body,<br>

Disadvantages: You will have to get used to work with one command dial which is no big deal, I learnt to cope up with it after few sessions.</p>

<p>You'll find it smaller, lighter, and limiting. For about the same money, you can get a new D200 from Best Buy as they sell out their stock of D200's.</p>

<p>I checked into getting a D200, Best Buy won't ship to Canada. I think I will visit a lcoal shop and play with the D60, it would only be a secondary camera.</p>

<p>>> "Don't overlook the D40."</p>

<p>Really good point. </p>

<p>I think the D60 has some features the D80 lack too, like anti-dust. </p>

<p>I had a D60 and D80, the IQ on the D60 at ISOs above 400 is noticeably better than the D80, IMO. Using ISO 1600 the noise was less than the grain I used to get with Kodak ASA 400 print film. The D60 would make a fine backup to your D80 and it uses the same memory card (SD) as the D80.</p>

<p>I had a d60 before i 've upgraded to d80....bottom point,it is a decent choice.if you can try it a little bit before you'll buy it,you'll see if it will suits your needs.basically,you can use the same lenses in both cameras (with same minuses from d60 regarding af),same flashes,same cards...good luck.</p>

<p>The D60 is only $40 more than the D40 up here in Canada, it would be a no-brainer to get those extra 4 MP and a more updated body. I still need to try one out, though. Thanks for everyone's input.</p>

<p>The extra 4MP just crowds the sensor and adds noise at higher ISO. If you plan on always using AF-S lenses and don't mind clicking through the menus to change nearly everything, go for the D40.</p>