Overview
The Nikon Coolpix P60 is an 8 megapixel digital camera with a 5x optical zoom lens. It looks a little like a mini SLR camera and has a manual exposure setting as well.
Why Buy The Nikon Coolpix P60
The Coolpix P60 is a step up from a more standard point and shoot camera with its manual exposure mode and better build quality. The 5x optical zoom also gets you in closer to your subject than a more standard 3x lens. Nikon have aimed this camera more at someone who sees photography as a hobby rather than someone looking for a more basic point and shoot camera.
Main Features
Megapixels:
Zoom:
LCD Screen:
Dimensions:
Weight:
8
5x
2.5 inches
95.5 x 63.5 x 36mm
160g
HD Movies:
Manual Controls:
Batteries:
Memory Cards:
No
Yes
Lithium ion
SD/SDHC
Image Quality - See Sample Images Below
Outdoor Scenic Shots in Good Light
Straight away I can see the brightness of the test photos is likely to be impressive. The colours look natural and sharpness is above average.
This is another example showing that the Coolpix P60 can take a sharp shot, even when the zoom lens is zoomed all the way out.
I like the colours in this shot, especially the reddy brown tree towards the centre of the page. On the whole this Nikon digital camera has also coped well with the glare from the sun throughout all my outdoor test shots.
When it comes to focusing the Coolpix P60 has proved to be comfortably above average. In this test the brickwork stands out and sharpness levels remain high even as you move out towards the edges.
Portraits
I like the colours and brightness of this photo as well. The colours are subtler with this camera than they are with some of the other brands of digital camera I test.
A surprising amount of noise has found its way into this picture. This reduces the overall quality of the shot and means that you are likely to have to reply on flash once the lighting dips.
This is a better effort than the photo without flash. There is even lighting throughout the picture and the Coolpix P60 has managed to retain plenty of pink in the skin tones.
Macro and Colours
The Coolpix P60 can only focus from 10cm away from the subject. I would have expected to be able to get in a bit closer than that to be honest. This means that my test photo has been heavily cropped. It is a very bright photo, but owing to the distance it does not have the clarity that other cameras manage.
Nikon digital cameras offer some of the most natural colours to my eye. Many other brands offer stronger colours, but they can have a harshness that Nikon manage to avoid with their softer colours.
Summary
This Nikon digital camera has a number of good points and a number of not so good points. Sharpness is some way above average apart from the macro photo and I also like the colours and especially the brightness of my test shots.
Style
This camera is a handy size to use as a second camera if you own a larger SLR camera and you are looking for something smaller to carry around for snapshots. Although it is too large for a pocket it is still a convenient size.
Shutter Lag Times
Single Shot
Five Shots
Single Shot With Flash
Five Shots With Flash
0.33 seconds
11.03 seconds
0.43 seconds
24.82 seconds
Ease of Use
I had no problems finding my way around. There are a few extra features, but the inclusion of a control dial helps to simplify the camera.
Points I Like
Ease of use - build quality - picture sharpness - bright photos
Where it Could Improve
Macro mode - noisy indoor shot
Verdict
I like the Nikon Coolpix P60. It fills a gap in the market between more basic point and shoot cameras and more advanced models. It gives people with an interest in photography the opportunity to buy a good quality camera for a reasonable price.
Product Shots
Front View
Back View
Top View
Sample Menus
Top Rated Cameras in this Category
Related Pages
Nikon Coolpix P60 Review Nikon Coolpix P60 Specification Nikon Coolpix P60 Sample Images Nikon Coolpix P60 Features
Review Date
May 2008
