Spec Smackdown: Nikon D60 vs. Canon EOS Rebel XSi
Over the past several months, both Canon and Nikon introduced new entry-level Digital SLRs to their lineups. Both brands offer many new features, and better image quality. Boy, these cameras are sweet. Their light, portable, offer stunning image quality, and they are a huge step up from the previous version. It’s a Smackdown!
Round 1: Design
Both the Canon and the Nikon have wonderful design. The XSi features a huge 3 inch screen, while the D60 sports a 2.5 inch display. Being that the Canon uses Live View technology that allows you to see the image on the screen before you press the shutter button, I love the larger screen. Both the XSi, and the D60 feel almost natural to use. The buttons fall right where you would expect them to be, however, being a hardcore EOS 40D user for nearly a year now, I would love to see the addition of a “Quick Control Dial.” The D60 has the shutter button, preset modes, power switch, and command dial all at your index finger, allowing it to be almost identical to its 6.1 megapixel predecessor, the Nikon D40.
Winner: Both camera bring excellent design to the DSLR table. They both have many of the buttons placed on the right side of the unit, allowing your thumb and index fingers to do most of the controlling, without moving your left hand off the lens, making it feel almost natural to use. Canon’s XSi and Nikon’s D60 both get a 9 this round.
Round 2: Features
When comparing both brands to their predecessors, you are blown away with some of the new features. The XSi now features a 12 megapixel sensor, and Live View. The D60 is now equipped with 10.2 megapixels, and Nikon’s “Integrated Dust Reduction System” which presents several ways to rid the dust from the image sensor. Both cameras are a giant step up from their predecessor, however the Canon XSi simply has more features. The screen is absolutely breathtaking, and the shots don’t disappoint.
Winner: Canon’s XSi has plenty of features that will last you for years to come, and are easy to access and use. Don’t get me wrong- The D60 is an excellent camera, it’s just it doesn’t bring enough punch to compete with the XSi. The D60 gets a 7 this round, and the XSi gets a perfect 10.
The XSi features a 12.2 megapixel sensor, and a DIGIC III image processor allowing for excellent images. The Nikon, on the otherhand, features a 10.2 megapixel sensor. Both cameras offer great image quality, that will last you for years to come. However, the Canon XSi seems to add a bit better color quality, and sharpness to each photo. The Nikon D60 gets a 8, while the XSi gets yet another 10.
Round 3: Performance
Both the Nikon and the Canon start up immediately after you flip the power switch, allowing for you to capture the shot you want, when you want. The autofocus is wonderful on both cameras, as well. The XSi is quick to autofocus on the subject, while on the D60, it seems you wait just a tad more for the camera to focus completely. The Nikon gets a 4, while the Canon gets a 5.
Round 4: Value
Boy - these cameras have value. They are both stuffed to the brim with features, compared to their predecessor, and will have enough power to supply you for years and years to come. The Canon XSi retails for $899 with a 18-55mm lens whereas the Nikon D60 retails $150 cheaper at a mere $750 with a 18-55mm lens. In my eyes, if you have the money, spend the extra money and get the XSi, which features a larger LCD, LiveView, greater megapixel count, and frames per second (FPS), just to name a few.
Winner:
The Canon XSi scored a 34, and the Nikon D60 came in with a 28.
Obviously, the Canon is a better built camera all around, and I’d recommend spending the extra $150 on a camera that packs a bunch more features. Don’t get me wrong- the D60 is an excellent step up from the D40, but it just seems Canon brought more to the table this time. XSi Wins!
#1
Aidan GirardI knew the Canon would win.
#2
Jim → dpreview.com
For an actual review with specs & measurements, see:
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canoneos450d/
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond60/
Go back to surfing… dude.
#3
BobHow desperate are you for something to post? Do you actually own both these cameras (that would be weird as you open the 40d) or have you just based this comparison on holding one in-store or even just using Canon’s and Nikon’s website. Anyone could do this.
You’ve even managed to confuse us by stretching the facts out in blocks of text - and why’s Round 3 at the top - ever heard of checking your work?
Then there’s the unexplained scores you’ve given - WTF!
‘In my eyes, if you have the money, spend the extra money’ - Well duh…
Come on you ‘Dedicated team’ who ‘work their very best’ - put a little bit of effort in.
#4
Aidan GirardDude shut up. It was a good comparison that certainly showed me the differences and which one is better for what reasons. If you dont like it shove off.
#5
Dan Mirkof@Aidan: Spoken like a teen.
There are some good 9rules blogs… this just isn’t one of them.
#6
Chris Gilbert → www.desktopvibes.com
“For those who are not enjoying this and have something bad to say… why not just leave the page? It’s that simple. Evidently, something happened to where it made you take 30 seconds to 1 minute to type an entry that’s pretty much a waste reading. If you don’t like it, LEAVE… plain and simple.”
@Dan, Bob: With that said, what would you like to see? If you want to leave constructive criticism that’s fine, and would be much appreciated over your current bashing. Thank you.
#7
Jonathan → www.jonathandavies.org.uk
A good comparison, though I think both cameras are aimed at a slightly different market. I think the 450D would be better compared with the D80 (though it is an aging body).
One thing that sets the two bodies apart for me is that the D60 only has an automatic zoom on AFS lenses. While the 450D works with both EF and EFS lenses.
Jonathan
#8
AnthonyActually, the Canon 450D can’t be truly compared to anything from Nikon as the companies traditionally slot in around each other.
Eg: Nikon D60<Canon 4xxD<Nikon D80≤Canon 40D and so on.
Having said that, I think the 450D is better compared to D80 in some ways, although from a marketing point of view, it should be compared to the D60. Neither is 100% correct or accurate.
However the Nikon bodies are both older than the 450D, especially the D80 which 2 years old I think.
The Canon brings more to the table because it is newer, and that’s fair. I think that this article should have some kind of disclaimer about actually trying the camera and the system that comes with it - not just reading internet reviews.
This review is not gospel and will not always be right - for example, some people (myself not included) find Canon’s usability atrocious and prefer Nikon’s. In the end, usability is far more important that tech specs and things that only ‘camera measurebators’ care about. (That’s not to say that specs don’t matter or that Canon cameras have bad usability or anything, just an observational comment).
The Nikon D60 is best compared to Canon’s new 1000D (Rebel XS) as they are both true entry-level, budget consumer DSLRs.
@Jonathan: I believe you mean autofocus, not automatic zoom.
This is not truly an issue for the D40/D60, as they are targeted at the beginning DSLR user who is likely upgrading from a point and shoot camera and won’t have lots of non AF-S Nikkor lenses.
These people are also likely to buy just the kit lens (18-55) and maybe one other (like the 55-200, which has AF-S). Although, in a point scoring comparison like this, it would demerit the D60 somewhat.
Of course this is not nearly as bad as Canon’s change from the FD to EF mount in the 70s or 80s…
@Chris: Because we reserve the right to make comment - the customer is always right. Plus, as a ‘journalist’/blogger I think you need to be able to handle people making negative comment, even if it is just a bunch of whingers and moaners.
Of course I agree that the comments should be constructive, not just bashing.
@Aidan: He shouldn’t have to shove off just because he doesn’t agree with what was written, although his comments were maybe a bit negative.
#9
BobSorry about the nasty comment - I was having a bad day and I’m glad that Chris Gilbert decided to shut me up. I deserved it. I apologise.
I reckon Anthony hit the nail on the head saying that they can’t really be compared - now his comment was constructive.
Sorry again for the useless and harsh comment earlier (No. 3)
(BTW - Recent Post Use-2-airports-with-1-network was a return to form for Desktop Vibes - nice job)
#10
Chris Gilbert → www.desktopvibes.com
@ Bob: Thanks, plenty more articles on the way :)