Controls on the grip include the shutter release with the main power switch mounted around it. Next are the Active D-Lighting and Exposure Compensation buttons. Last we have the Mode dial used for selecting the desired exposure mode.

Novice photographers will love the convenience of the Mode Dial. It has the usual positions for AUTO, P (Program AE), S (Shutter speed priority), A (Aperture priority) and M (Manual) exposure modes as well as the Digital Vari-Program modes for Flash Off, Portrait, Landscape, Child, Sports, Close-up and Night Portrait.

Nikon's Digital Vari-Program modes automatically optimize white balance, sharpening, tone (contrast), color, saturation and hue for optimal results according to the type of picture you're taking. For example, select Portrait mode on the dial and the camera will automatically enhance the image with beautiful skin tones, complimentary edge sharpening and soft background focus that highlights your subject.

On the back is a 2.5-inch, 230,000-dot, low-temperature polysilicon TFT color LCD with a 70-degree wide-angle viewing and brightness adjustment. The graphical menu system uses a larger typeface for easy navigation.

Controls on the Back

LCD

The Info display can also be activated by pressing the Zoom button located on the back of the D60. Pressing the Zoom button a second time calls up the Quick Settings display (seen below) and pressing the button again turns the LCD display off.

Secure Digital Storage

Approx. Storage 1GB SD Card

I/O Interfaces

The I/O ports are on the left side, on the top is the Video-OUT port that is user-selectable (NTSC or PAL) for output to a TV monitor. Next is the USB 2.0 (high-speed) port for transferring image data to the host computer. The small rectangular hole in between is the Reset camera button.

The D60 does not have a dedicated DC IN port for connecting an external power supply. However, you can use the optional EP-5 AC Adapter Connector, and EH-5 AC Adapter if you needed an external power source.

Power Source

The D60 uses the Nikon EN-EL9 7.4V 1000m Ah Li-ion rechargeable battery pack. It is recharged with the supplied MH-23 Quick Charger. Charging time is approx. 90 minutes when the battery is fully discharged. Nikon claims the battery life is sufficient for capturing 520 shots in single-frame mode (using CIPA Standards) or up to 2,000 shots in continuous shooting mode, per charge.