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.
Image Quality Nikon Coolpix P60 test shots
Outdoor 1 (Medium Zoom)
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.
Outdoor 2 (No Zoom)
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.
Outdoor 3 (Maximum Zoom)
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.
Outdoor 4 (Building)
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.
Outdoor Portrait
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.
Indoor Portrait without Flash
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.
Indoor Portrait with Flash
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.
Colours
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.
Macro
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.
Overall
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.
Shutter Lag
A single photo took 0.33 seconds and five took 11.03. These times are typical for a compact digital camera, although it is a shame that a camera with a few more advanced features cannot manage slightly faster times. With flash on a single photo was captured in a quick 0.43 seconds. The camera did take quite a time to recycle the flash and this lead to a time of 24.82 seconds for five shots.
You can compare this camera to other models by taking a look at the Shutter Lag Comparison Table.
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.
Dimensions: 63.5 x 95.5 x 36mm
Weight: 160g
Batteries: Two AA batteries. Nikon estimate you should be able to take around 190 shots with a standard set of batteries.
Memory cards: Nikon have built 12mb of memory into the Coolpix P60. This is enough for around 7 photos. The camera is also compatible with SD and SDHC memory cards.
Click here to save money on SD memory cards.
Ease of use rating:Very Good. 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
Alternatives
There are not that many alternatives to this camera, especially when you take into account the build quality it has. The next camera up in the Nikon range is the Nikon Coolpix P5100.
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.
Front View
Back View
Top View
Sample Menus
| Nikon Coolpix P60 Summary |
| Description: | 8 megapixels and a 5x optical zoom lens |
| Ease of Use: | 8 |
| Features: | 8 |
| Colour: | 8 |
| Macro: | 6 |
| Indoors: | 7 |
| Value for Money: | 8 |
| Style: | 8 |
| Movie Mode: | 8 |
| Image Quality: | 8 |
| Build Quality: | 8 |
| Total: | 77 |
| Verdict: | This camera is a step up from a basic point and shoot camera. It takes a good scenic shot and also has an impressive build quality. Nikon have also found room to squeeze in a viewfinder. |
| Review Date: | May 2008 |
| Click for: | Specification Sample Images Features |
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