The Canon has a 12 megapixel sensor, the Nikon only has 10. If you think this makes any difference, think again. The difference in linear dimensions is only about 10% (4272 vs. 3872 pixels) and 10MP is already plenty resolution for printing at sizes most people consider reasonable. People who print larger are not going to use an entry-level DSLR anyway.
Both cameras have auto-ISO (sensitivity). This is very important, as it allows you to shoot in situations where the lighting is going to change dramatically between shots. Set the camera to P (Program mode) or A (Aperture priority) and auto-ISO and shoot away without adjusting sensitivity when going from brightly lit areas to darker ones. Reportedly, Canon’s auto-ISO setting only covers the 100-400 ISO range, which is somewhat limited. The D60’s sensitivity can also be set as high as 3200 ISO, probably owing to the lesser pixel density. The Canon can only go as far as 1600. It’s hard to say whether this makes any difference in practice, as ISO 3200 might produce images so noisy, or so dull from excessive noise reduction, to make it almost unusable in practice.
The D60 has Active D-Lighting. This is the same feature that is available on the D300 and the D3. As Ken Rockwell says: “This feature automatically identifies highlight areas that will be lost, and does its best to bring them under control. It works, and it works automatically.” If what matters to you, in photography, is getting good tonal rendition and great shadow/highlight balance, then this is the feature that could tilt the balance in Nikon’s favor.
The Canon has Live View, meaning that you can view the image in the rear LCD while composing, just like people are used to be doing with a point&shoot camera. This can be useful in some situations, but it’s hard to say how often this will be used by the amateur who is the typical target market for this range of cameras. The Canon also has a larger (3″ vs. 2.5″) LCD, even though both screens only comprise 230,000 pixels. Too bad the D60 doesn’t sport the gorgeous 920,000 pixels screen of the D300.
The Nikon does not have a focusing motor in the camera body, meaning you can only use newer AF-S (Silent Wave Motor) lenses with it. This is not a big deal if you only have AF-S lenses or are going to buy new ones anyway, since all new Nikon lenses are AF-S, but older AF and AI lenses will have to be focused manually, so watch out.
There are many other elements that could be compared between the two, but these are the most relevant ones, in my opinion. Both are probably very good cameras and you won’t be disappointed with either one. Personally, I would go with the Nikon because of the higher auto-ISO range and the Active D-Lighting, but that’s just me. You might be a big fan of composing and reviewing using the LCD, so the larger screen and the Live View feature of the Canon will certainly appeal to you.
I can’t certainly say more about this comparison without having tried both cameras personally. If you want to help me do this, you can click on this affiliate link
Way to dumb down the Canon’s obvious advantages over the Nikon. Nikon has been too lazy to upgrade the model, even for a simple feature like AEB which can be done through firmware.
12MP vs 10MP
Live View vs No Live View
3″ LCD vs 2.5″ LCD
Cam that can AF with all compatible lenses VS one that cannot
Sorry, it’s just sad that the first Google result for a 450D vs D60 query is a totally biased article from an obvious blind Nikonian.
Molly,
I never pretended I wasn’t biased, but I mentioned in my comparison all of the points you listed (12MP, Live View, 3″ LCD and in-camera AF motor). I only said that different people assign different weight to different criteria. Personally I couldn’t care less for 12MP vs. 10MP, but you obviously do.
It now clear that the raise megapixels on entry level cameras only lead to higher noise, expecially when you use highiso settings. I approve nikon choice to stick with 10mpixel. This run to “the more mpixels the more the camera sells” is totally weird.
Ah, i own a Sony A100, so please don’t call me Nikonian
There are two aspekts in favour of Canon I would like to add:
- The Canon supports bracketing, which is important if you want to try hdr
- The range of AF-S Nikkors is still very limited. Nikon still hasn’t cared to put out an AF-S 50mm lens for instance
I think it’s a pitty because for one reason or the other I would like to buy a Nikon. Actually I am looking for a high-quality dslr in a compact body with a good overall (lens-) sytem from the producer. (I’m still using a Contax-G rangefinder…)
Daniel,
I agree that the lack of AF-S primes is unnerving. For the kind of stuff I would use a fast prime for, I could probably live with manual focus, but having choice would be better.
Something tha a lot of people are overlooking on the Nikon D300, it doesn’t have a 920,000 pixel monitor, it has a 307,000 pixel monitor which has 920,000 dots. Not the same thing. 3 dots = 1 pixel.. Clever marketing by Nikon.
Canon 450D vs. Nikon D60
Some other feature differences:
3.5 fps vs. 3 fps
9-point AF vs. 3 areas
Highlight Tone Priority vs. Active D-Lighting
14 bit image depth vs 12 bit
> 14 bit image depth vs 12 bit
As if this could matter to the kind of people who will use this camera.
That said, I will readily admit that AE bracketing and 9-point AF are real pluses for the Canon. I’m not so convinced Live View is all that useful.
What about astrophotography. Attaching camera to a Borg 101ED w/ super F4 reducer. Which camera better?
From astrophotographer imagers I heard the Canon 450D would work well. Nikon D60 not mentioned. Just an oversight?
Hey, funny to see our little conversation on 450d/d60 on the web!
Anyway, the 450d is clearly a superior machine. Nikon will have to work hard to close the gap. I think Nikon offer is also a bit confusing: d40x, d60 and d80 are too similar in features.
I don’t see a problem with lack of autofocus with most primes and non CPU lenses. The D60 is an entry level camera meant for beginner/ low budget DSLR users upgrading from P&S/prosumer digicams. The D60 works brilliantly with the 18-55 VR kit (+ there is a reasonably priced Nikkon 55-200 VR also availabe). So all the way from 18-200 you’re covered in high quality (but affordable) lenses. It is only heavy users of primes that would benefit in choosing the Canon’s XSi over the D60.
If you use bracketing, DOF preview then the Canon is a better choice.
9 area AF vs 3 is no big deal…
3.5 FPS vs 3 is no big deal…
14 bit vs 12 bit no big deal …
both cameras are capable of stunning images, and that is what matters.
despite the fact that Canon has better specs, we are talking about entry level cameras. I have used the rebel xTi and the D40x, again the xTi has better specs but it is so much easier to pick the D40x for the first time and take an excellent picture. I do not find this with xTi series. If you only care about features, go to the 40D or the D80. As for an entry level camera, what i care about is when an amateur picks it up will it take a good picture, and more often then not it’s the Nikon, So until we can get our hands on these camera’s i would not make my judgment.
I have noticed one major point and to me a major downside for the Nikon. On many sites all the way to the D300 is it’s AUTO Auto easier AUTO. If I wanted everything AUTO or easier to P&S than I will stay with a P&S.
Features don’t matter…Please
14 bit vs 12 3.5 fps vs 3., 9 AF vs 3,faster processer. etc
These are obvious improvements. Higher resolution and a better converter to handle it.
The only arguments it may not be as technically inept, but it’s EASIER. Read the manuals, utililize the features, and enjoy the reason we are photographers and not P&S camera operators.
How about F stops on each kit lenses? I have always been a cannon fan but I most recently bought a d40 and have been extremely happy with its 6mp resolution. I get little noise (a big complaint of the d40x) and can crop to about 35% and still have a usable shot. I would also be curious to know the prices each are being offered at.
Body only pricing in the UK is £450 for the D60 and £600 for the 450D so I would question the better specification for the Canon as value for money given the 33% hike in the price. For me photography is about the image and controls to get that image, so things like the 10Mp or 12Mp, 3” or 2½” LCD, Live View or No Live View are academic to my mind. A pity about no AEB on the D60, but for an entry level DSLR is it worth a 33% price increase for a 450D over a D60?
people they are both entry level, they are the same “crap” delivering images to non professional photografers.
please do not get angry with each oder
I am trying to decide bn both cameras, without being restricted by having any pre-exiting lens. It seems that a nice option with the Nikon is the ability to access the 18-200mmVR lens, which appears to get good reviews. Canon offerings seem more restricted in this range by comparison.
I am about to buy my first digital SLR and have narrowed it down to the new Canon eos 450d or the Nikon D60. I have done heaps of research on the info that’s available on both models and still can’t decide. It’s seems that both have their pros and cons. My subject matter will be family, friends, pets and wildlife. I don’t really care about live view or lense compatability as I only want to start with an 18-55 and 55-200 zoom lense.
Can anyone offer any advice for which camera would suit my needs more, or are they both much the same? Thanks.
The price comparison above is incorrect (Body only pricing in the UK is £450 for the D60 and £600 for the 450D). Check current prices on the Camerabuster website - you’ll see that the D60 body is £379.99 and the 450D body is £449, so the difference isn’t £150, it’s just £70.
HOWEVER - if you are considering the 450D, you have to ask yourself if you shouldn’t find an extra £220 for the 40D, since Canon will be doing £100 cashback on this much superior camera in March…
Never heard of this Camerabuster website, care to provide a URL? On Amazon.co.uk, however, the prices are £454.95 and £599.99, respectively.
Ugo: Just Google the cameras. For example Komplett (a computer part supplier I’ve used for some time) have the 450D with the IS lens for £530. So paying £600 for just the body from somewhere like Amazon is complete madness.
They have the Nikon D80 for £780 (with kit lens) which is the EOS 450D’s real competitor.
This Active D-Lighting on the D60 is great! I am getting a better tonal range than with HDR and without having to worry about anything moving between shots, such as twigs in the wind. By the way, you don’t need auto bracketing for HDR, just exposure control, which the D60 has. I look forward to the write ups in the camera mags when the 450D eventually hits the street, and seeing what the verdict is on the images themselves. I am really enjoying the D60 at a price I can afford thanks to surfing the net and finding an attractive ‘loyalty’ deal.
Why is no one talking about the processors in the cameras? digic 3 is pretty darn fast and a big bonus if you ask me. And for saying that picking up the nikon and being to take great pictues right away… Its simple if you don’t know how to use an SLR don’t use one. Any camera is capable of taking amazing pictures, Its if you know how to. These arguments about nikon vs. canon, bluray vs. HDDVD, PS3 vs. 360. Their all pointless as all are equivalent.
What i do have to say is that its upsetting as Nikon didnt make very many changed from d40x - d60 as xti - xsi.
JMO
It’s no reason to go for the D60 because of Active D-lighting since 450D has the equivalent Highlight Tone Priority!
And regarding the higher ISO of D60, well it will just put more noise in the image.
There are a lot of small details already described here that make 450D a better camera but it’s the Live Preview that makes the difference. Still don’t understand why some people tend to minimize its importance referring that it’s something for the P&S camera users. It’s not! Live Preview is coming to Pro cameras for obvious reasons: it helps producing better photos! I’m just disappointed that the display isn’t articulated like Sony’s A300 and A350.
The 450D would be the obvious choice… if it wasn’t the money it costs. The 450D comes with 55-55 and is still more expensive than the D60 that comes with a 16-55 and 55-200! And for a lot a people that’s something to be considered.
Dear all,
I believe the lens makes the difference, hence these cemras are more or less the same. When it comes to nikon, the choice of lens with relatively bigger apperture-at their shortest- focal lengh, which is a rare occurance in 3.5X to 4X or more focusing lens (with canon); unless it is a prime.
Beware of vignetting though……….I am talking about
APS-C
It’s interesting that the comparisons are between the XSi and the D60. Keep in mind, Canon is not replacing the XTi which they see as the entry-level competitor to the D60 (which IS replacing the D40x). The XSi is *meant* to be a step up on the D60 as a direct competitor to the D80.
So, if you’re going to compare…compare D60 vs XTi and D80 vs XSi.
Hello all,
I am interested about both the Nikon D60 and Canon 450D and of course both have their pros and cons. I was wondering if anyone out there knows which camera (or others) might be good for night sky photography as well as family, wildlife etc. Any thoughts would be welcomed!
Adding to the debate….
I myself had the Nikon Vs Canon debate with myself and finally opted for the Nikon D60.
Why? I just preferred it I went into the shop tried them both, felt the Nikon was more “my thing”.
Both Camera are excellent, yes there are “better” (read more expensive), cameras out there, and there are a million people offering their option.
Ultimately the most important opinion out the is your own, and a new shiner “better” camera is just round the corner, all the time!!!
Jump in, you’ve done the head work Nikon Vs Canon, it like saying dogs Vs cat, both good, just what floats your boat in the end.
I like my new Nikon, but my opinion doesn’t count, YOUR LITTLE VOICE IN YOUR HEAD/HEART DOES!!!
Lastly, don’t wait to long debating what Camera to buy, your missing once in a lifetime shots as you wait……..
Click..click..awayyyyyyyyy
I am also looking for my first dSLR. I was all ready to buy the Nikon D80, then Canon came out with the Rebel XSi. So then I wanted that. From what i read, i guess it doesn’t matter which model. So let me ask this, what company do you think offers better customer service?
Also, I keep reading about Nikon’s next camera. The D80x/D90. I would like to see the specs on that and compare it to the Xsi. Guess I’ll have to wait and see.
Just to let the reviewer know, the 450D includes the Canon version of the Active D-Lighting that Ugo raves on about. It is a Custom fiunction called highlight priority, and it does exactly the same as Active D-lighting.
Also, for Jim, the D80 should be compared with the 40D. The 40D is regarded as the superior camera.
the two lienups sit side-by side like this:
Canon Nikon
400D D40
450D D60
40D D80
Just buy a used d80 and you will all be happy campers… dont get the d60. Its just a d40 with a different name. All the cams made by nikon and canon over the last few years have been great. Just go to the store and see which one you like to hold and which one has menus you like. For me it was a d80. my friend, an xti, my rich friend a 40d… my really rich friend… a d300. Just go to the store with a mem card and play with them and you will EASILY make your decision.
same boat here but im tempted to buy the 450d over the d80 mainly because ,, the dust thing bothers me i have heard soo many horrer stories of cleaning the sensor, i know the d80 is i great camer but i dont want to spend all that money and knacker up the sensor i dont even vacum the house never mind a sensor [ lazy i know]
Thanks for a sensible, concise review of the main points. I’m looking for a good, small size dSLR with a quality wide ranging lens and the D60 with a VR 18-200 looks like it will fit the bill nicely for me.
@@@Cam that can AF with all compatible lenses VS one that cannot@@@
Oh PLEASE, what a NONSENSE. It is actualy Nikon that allows you to use 50 YEARS OLD LENS in the newest camera, not other way round.
Yes AF-S/I range is short yet, but there are still 50mm autofocus lens from Sigma anyway.
I have also been researching both D60 and 450D and I am still split between the two.
When comparing to D80, please don’t forget the weight factor. D60 and 450D are almost the same weight, whereas D80 and Canon 40D weigh a lot more and are bulkier. For ex, I am looking for something I will WANT to carry with me.
That said, I first was leaning towards D60 due to better build quality and sufficient specs. However, 450D’s faster 9-point autofocus, larger display and new censor have started to tip the scale towards Canon. D60’s censor is an old censor from D40x, whereas Canon’s is brand new 14bit.
Are there any differences between the d40 and d60????????????
Yes, there are some differences between the d40 and d60. I just recommend you to watch youtube reviews of nikon D60. In addition, read all technical specifications (d40 and d60) and compare them. Also know, Nikon D60 has 10.2 MP while D40 has only 6.1.
I want to know if Canon has made it easier to adjust the flash exposure compensation without going into the menus.. I have a D40x, but have shot a LOT with my schools 400D and nothing is more annoying than this…
I decided on the Nikon D60 (with 18-55 VR/55-200 VR kit lenses) over the Canon 450D. Live view did not appeal to me that much and the larger screen on the 450D is probably a drain on the battery. I prefer the feel of the D60 and the menu/button layout compared to the Canon. I am very happy with this camera and highly recommend it. I think that whatever you choose (Nikon D60 or Canon 450D) you will be happy. Both are excellent entry level DSLRs.
I have been using canon 400D. 30D and nikon D200, 40Dx and studying cinematography and basic photography in Japan. I have been to Canon Camera factory as part of our placements, what I found out there was the Canon cameras will go under strict supervision with at least 2 highly qualified Japanese technician to conduct its perfection I am only talking for only single part of the camera such as DiGiC image processor. But it doesn’t mean I am in favor with Canon. I like them both.
I have purchased Nikon D60 on 19-3-08 it produces excellent exposure for both outdoor and indoor photography (manual ISO rating only) but they can be to slow to focus and the VR lenses kits are too noisy and you could actually see it moving through the viewfinder I fnd that if you set AUTO ISO ratings it produces very underexposed indoor and overexposed outdoor. (perhaps thats the reason why they have in built easy to use in camera photo editing and correction) I mainly use the manual setting for ISO ratings for this camera. but if you set it to boost ISO ratings the photo becomes too noisy the 10 mp are no match for Hi-ISO boost mode. The picture can be too sharp and looks unreal and scarry. With canon its a lot smoother, and produces natural color and the low noise gives the natural effect without using photoshop editing
Nikon camera is very solid, small easy to handle compared to canon (very slippery and plastic, bulkier) but the component inside the canon are purely canon japanese made. compared to nikon uses some sony parts.and either made in Thailand and China, But this is not important anymore, but the value and the name “Made in Japan” can matters to other Pro. Photographers, All Nikon Pro-Cameras are Made in Japan. but not D-series all made in Thailand.
Canon 450D versus Nikon D60
14 bit image vs 12 bit image (very critical)
12 mp vs 10 mp (not a big deal) 10% difference
9 area focus vs 3 area focus (not a big deal for professionals)
live view vs no live view (not very important but useful)
CMOS vs CCD about 10% better than canon
3.5 fps vs 3fps (but who cares)
Made in Japan vs Made in Thailand (may be important for resale and good for collect)
Censor size for canon 450D is smaller than Nikon D60 can be
important as well.
The only thing I like about Canon is that they will release a newer or latest model after more than 12 month I owned my Canon 400d since 2006. Compare to Nikon they will release a latest model less than 12 months it can be fraustrating after buying a latest model and Nikon will announce a latest model after buying a latest model after 3 months like Nikon D-series (I am pertaining about D-SLR). but no regrets with my Nikon D60 but just heard about the new Nikon D90 rumours said they will announce and release it by the end of the year or early January 2009. with 12 mp and I dont know about live view.
Both brands are neck to neck when it comes to performance.
I will mainly use my D60 for everyday use becuase of its build and quality, and no need for photoshop bcoz of its in built editing program. I mainly use my 400D for my class for better quality picture are more natural.
*MY INSIGHT*
Help soon, Will the Nikon give me a great entry level into photography to use for paintings for competition purposes and for wildlife photography at a distance. Heidi
Technically, they are both good camera and depending on the person using it will determine how good the camera is, PERIOD. I’ve personally used Canon XT/350D with crappy lens and loved it to death but my next upgrade purchase ended up being Nikon D300. Why? it just fell good in my hand when I tried it at a local camera store. Comparative models between Canon and Nikon will take equally great pictures so there are no wrong decisions. If you plan to carry it all day, pick the one that is comfortable to you. Just think, Canon people will most likely to pick Canon and vise versa for Nikon people.
850 vs 667
All said, the xsi is $850 and the D60 is $667. Now thats a significant difference for me, a newbie to dslr
not 12 vs 10MP
3.0 vs 2.5in
3.5 vs 3fps, etc….