The Nikon D60 vs Nikon D3000 comparison requires analysis of body characteristics and other features. These entry-level cameras have a lot in common, but they also differ in a number of ways. In the meantime, both of these cameras lack some functionalities.
Sensor, imaging, photography, videography, body, performance, connectivity, weight, dimensions, and other comparisons are a part of this article.
Click on the camera name to read Nikon D3000 vs Nikon D3100, Nikon D3200, Nikon D3300, Nikon D3500 .
Nikon D60 vs Nikon D3000, which is better?
Nikon D3000 is better than Nikon D60 in terms of photography. Furthermore, Nikon 3000 has a wider range of functions that makes it more versatile.
You can find every detail in the article, but here is a short Justification for choosing Nikon D3000 over Nikon D60:
- 8 more focus points
- Bigger screen size (3.00’)
- Better High ISO performance
- Face detection focus
- Better for Portrait photography
- Better for Street photography
- Better for Sports photography
- Better for Landscape Photography
- Better for Travel Photography
- Supports more storage type formats
Key specifications
This includes the general information that should be majorly known and most needed in photography or videography.
| Features | Nikon D3000 | Nikon D60 |
| Release Date | 2009-12-11 | 2008-03-19 |
| Sensor | APS-C ( CCD ) | APS-C ( CCD ) |
| MP | 10 | 10 |
| ISO Range | 100-3200 | 100-3200 |
| Video Recording | No Video Mode | No Video Mode |
| Lowest FPS | 3 | 3 |
| Lens Mount | Nikon F Mount | Nikon F Mount |
| Weight | 536g | 522g |
| Dimensions | 126 x 97 x 64 mm | 126 x 94 x 64 mm |
| Viewfinder | Optical ( Pentamirror) | Optical ( Pentamirror) |
| Screen | 3.00” Fixed Screen | 2.50” Fixed Screen |
| Battery Life | 500 Shots | 500 shots |
The Nikon D3000 has a 10MP APS-C (CCD) sensor and was released on December 11, 2009. It offers a Nikon F lens mount and an ISO range of 100 to 3200. The fixed screen is 3 inches in size and includes an optical viewfinder. The item weighs 536g and measures 126 x 97 x 64mm. There is no video recording on the Nikon D3000.
The Nikon D60 has a 10MP APS-C (CMOS) sensor and was released on March 19, 2008. It comprises a Nikon F lens mount with an ISO range of 100 to 3200. The fixed screen is 2.50 inches in size and includes an optical. The camera weighs 3522g and measures 126 x 94 x 64 mm. There is no video recording on the Nikon D60.
Sensor comparison
Both cameras use APS-C sensors, however, the sensor size and a few other details differ.
The Nikon D3000 is equipped with a 10.0MP APS-C (23.6 x 15.8 mm) CCD sensor and an Expeed processor.
The Nikon D60, on the other hand, includes a 10.0MP APS-C (23.6 x 15.8 mm) CMOS sensor with the Expeed processor.
| Nikon D3000 | Nikon D60 | |
| Sensor Type | CCD | CMOS |
| Image Sensor Format | DX | DX |
| Sensor Size | 0.93 Inch ( 23.6 x 15.8mm) | 0.93 Inch ( 23.5 x 15.6mm) |
| Sensor Area | 372.88mm2 | 372.88mm2 |
| Sensor Photo Detectors | 11.0 Mpx | 11.0 Mpx |
| Image Ratio (H:W) | 3:2 | 3:2 |
| Effective Pixels | 10.0 Mpx | 10.0 Mpx |
| Maximum Resolution | 3872 x 2592 px | 3872 x 2592 px |
| Other Resolutions | 2896 x 1944 | 1936 x 1296 | 2896 x 1944 | 1936 x 1296 |
| Processor | Expeed | Expeed 4 |
Normally, reading technical specs makes it difficult to visualize the difference between sensor measurements. The image below should help you get a better idea of the sensor measurements in the D3000 and D60.
As you can see, each of the cameras has the same sensor dimensions and megapixels, so you can expect equal photo quality, albeit you should examine the items’ release dates. In terms of sensor technology, the younger D3000 should have an advantage.
Result
Because the Nikon D3000 and Nikon D60 have almost similar sensor sizes, neither has a significant advantage over the other in terms of depth of field control when used with the same focal length and aperture. But, cropping images more sharply will be easier with the higher resolution of the Nikon D60.
Image Features Comparison
Here is a table that mentions the image features that each camera has.
| Nikon D3000 | Nikon D60 | |
| ISO | 100 | 1600 | 3200 | 100 | 1600 | 3200 |
| Minimum ISO | 100 | 100 |
| Maximum ISO | 3200 | 3200 |
| ISO Auto | YES | YES |
| Extended(Boosted) ISO | 3200 | 3200 |
| Maximum Image Resolution | 3872 x 2592 px | 3872 x 2592 px |
| White Balance Modes | Auto | Cloudy | Auto |
| White Balance Presets | 12 | N/A |
| Custom White Balance | YES | N/A |
| Supported Image File Formats | JPG | RAW | JPG XR | NEF | RAW |
| Image Stabilizer | NO | NO |
| Image Stabilization Type | NO | NO |
| Photo Effects | BnW | Neutral | Vivid | N/A |
| Supported Aspect Ratio | 1:1 | 3:2 | 4:3 | 5:4 | 16:9 | N/A |
| Uncompressed Format | RAW | N/A |
| AEB/HDR Support | NO | NO |
| Image Editing Modes | Trimming | Trimming |
The Nikon D3000’s base sensitivity range is ISO 100 to ISO 1600, with an ISO 100-3200 range available as an option. JPG and RAW formats are supported for saving images.
The Nikon D60’s base sensitivity range is ISO 100 to ISO 1600, with an ISO 100-3200 range available as an option. JPEG XR, NEF, and RAW formats are supported for saving images.
Result
Photographically, the Nikon D3000 surpasses the Nikon D60. This camera is more adaptable than the Nikon D3000 since it has more white balance modes and presets more options for aspect ratio and uncompressed format.
Photography Features Comparison
| Nikon D3000 | Nikon D60 | |
| Camera Shutter Type | Electronic | Electronic |
| Minimum Shutter Speed | 30.0s | 30.0s |
| Maximum Shutter Speed | 1.0s | 1.0s |
| Aperture Priority | YES | YES |
| Shutter Priority | YES | YES |
| Manual Exposure Mode | YES | YES |
| Exposure Compensation Steps | 1/3 EV | 1/2 EV | 1/3 EV |
| Exposure Compensation Plus | 5 | 5 |
| Exposure Compensation Minus | -5 | -5 |
| Continuous Shooting | YES | YES |
| Auto Exposure Lock | YES | YES |
| Self-timer | YES | YES |
| Self-timer Delay | 2s to 20s | 2s to 10s |
| Self-timer Options | 2 | 5 | 10 | 20 | 2s | 5s | 10s |
| WB Bracketing | NO | NO |
| Histogram | YES | YES |
| Subject / Scene Mode | YES | N/A |
| Continuous Drive | 3.0 FPS | 3.0 FPS |
| Speed ( RAW) | 3.0 FPS | 3.0 FPS |
| Speed ( JPEG) | 3.0 FPS | 3.0 FPS |
| Scene Modes | Children | Close-up | Portrait | Night portrait | Sports | Landscape | Children | Close-up | Portrait | Night portrait | Sports | Landscape |
| Metering Modes | Multi | Centre-weighted | Spot | Multi | Centre-weighted | Spot |
| Manual Settings | YES | YES |
These are complete details for the photography with these cameras, except the flash details that are mentioned in the next segment. Now, let’s see how these cameras perform in each type of photography.
Portrait Photography
Nikon D3000 has better performance for portrait photography due to the better features. Thus, Nikon D3000 is recommended for portrait photography.
| Nikon D3000 | Nikon D60 |
| 👍🏻Large sensor size | 👍🏻 Large sensor size |
| 👍🏻 Optical viewfinder | 👍🏻 Optical built-in viewfinder |
| 👍🏻 Good Handling and ergonomics | 👍🏻 Good Handling and ergonomics |
| 👍🏻 More supported aspect ratios | |
| 👎🏻 No image stabilization | 👎🏻No image stabilization |
| 👎🏻 No live view | 👎🏻 No live view |
| 👎🏻 Poor resolution sensor (10MP) | 👎🏻 Poor resolution sensor (10MP) |
Street Photography
Nikon D3000 is recommended for street photography.
| Nikon D3000 | Nikon D60 |
| 👍🏻 Large sensor | 👍🏻 Large sensor |
| 👍🏻 Save RAW files | 👍🏻 Save RAW files |
| 👍🏻 More exposure compensation steps | |
| 👎🏻 Fixed screen | 👎🏻 Fixed screen |
| 👎🏻No image stabilization | 👎🏻No image stabilization |
| 👎🏻 No live view | 👎🏻 No live view |
Sports Photography
Nikon D3000 is recommended for Sports Photography.
| Nikon D3000 | Nikon D60 |
| 👍🏻 Good ergonomics and handling | 👍🏻 God ergonomics and handling |
| 👍🏻 Fast and maximum shutter speed: 1/4000s | 👍🏻 Fast and maximum shutter speed: 1/4000s |
| 👍🏻 11 Focus point | 👍🏻 Optical built-in viewfinder |
| 👍🏻 Optical built-in viewfinder | |
| 👎🏻 Slow continuous shooting: 3.0fps | 👎🏻 Slow continuous shooting: 3.0fps |
| 👎🏻 No environment sealings | 👎🏻 No environment sealings |
| 👎🏻 10MP sensor resolution | 👎🏻 10MP sensor resolution |
| 👎🏻 Do not have live preview | 👎🏻 Do not have live preview |
Landscape Photography
Nikon D3000 is recommended for landscape photography.
| Nikon D3000 | Nikon D60 |
| 👍🏻 Large APS-C sensor | 👍🏻 Large APS-C sensor |
| 👍🏻 Save RAW files | 👍🏻 Save RAW files |
| 👎🏻 No environment sealings | 👎🏻 No environment sealings |
| 👎🏻 No time-lapse recording | 👎🏻 No time-lapse recording |
| 👎🏻 No live view | 👎🏻 No live view |
Travel Photography
Nikon D3000 is recommended for travel photography.
| Nikon D3000 | Nikon D60 |
| 👍🏻 Good ergonomics and handling | 👍🏻 Good ergonomics and handling |
| 👍🏻 Phase detect AF | 👍🏻 Phase detect AF |
| 👍🏻 Built-in flash | 👍🏻 Built-in flash |
| 👎🏻 No environment sealings | 👎🏻 No environment sealings |
| 👎🏻 Do not possess selfie-friendly screen | 👎🏻 Do not possess selfie-friendly screen |
| 👎🏻 10MP sensor resolution | 👎🏻 10MP sensor resolution |
Videography features Comparison
Both cameras feature no video recording mode.
| Nikon D3000 | Nikon D60 | |
| Video Recording | NO | NO |
| HD Type | N/A | N/A |
| Supported Video File Formats | N/A | N/A |
| Analog Signal Format system | N/A | N/A |
| Camera Playback | N/A | N/A |
| Motion JPEG Frame Rate | N/A | N/A |
| Recording Resolutions | N/A | N/A |
| Maximum Resolution | N/A | N/A |
| Maximum Resolution(Highest Frame Rate) | N/A | N/A |
| Maximum Frame Rate(Highest Resolution) | N/A | N/A |
| Maximum Frame Rate(Regardless of Reso.) | N/A | N/A |
| Timelapse | NO | NO |
Vlogging and Youtube videos comparison
As Nikon D3000, as well as Nikon D60, have no video recording mode, therefore, both cameras cannot be used for vlogging or youtube videos.
| Nikon D3000 | Nikon D60 |
| 👎🏻 No Video Recording Mode | 👎🏻 No Video Recording Mode |
| 👎🏻 Fixed screen | 👎🏻 Fixed screen |
Flash comparison(Built-in and External)
| Nikon D3000 | Nikon D60 | |
| Built-in Flash | YES | YES |
| Flash Sync Speed | 1/200 s | 1/200 s |
| Flash Range | 12m | 12m |
| Flash modes | Auto | Flash Off | Red-Eye Reduction | Auto | Flash Off |
| External Flash | YES | YES |
| External Flash Connection | Hot shoe | Hot shoe |
| Flash Metering System | i-TTL | i-TTL |
Optics and Focus Comparison
| Nikon D3000 | Nikon D60 | |
| Lens Mount | Nikon F | Nikon F |
| Digital Zoom | 1.0 x | N/A |
| Optical Zoom | 3.0 x | 7.5x |
| Magnification ( Crop Factor) | 1.5 x | 1.5 x |
| Focal Length multiplier | 1.5 x | 1.5 x |
| Brightness Adjustment | YES | N/A |
| Maximum Aperture | 22 | 22 |
| Focus Adjustment | Auto / Manual | Auto | Manual |
| Auto Focus Assist Light | Lamp | Lamp |
| Contrast Autofocus | YES | NO |
| Autofocus (AF) | Continuous AF | Servo AF | Single AF | Centre | Multi-Point | Single | Spotus |
| Autofocus Lock | YES | YES |
| Autofocus Point Selection | Auto | Manual | N/A |
| Autofocus Assist Beam | YES | YES |
| Manual Focus | YES | YES |
| Number of Focus Points | 11 | 3 |
| AF Touch | NO | NO |
| Autofocus in Recording Mode | N/A | NO |
| Autofocus Phase Detection | YES | YES |
| Live View AF | NO | NO |
| Filter Diameter | 2.64 in | 2.05 in |
| Image Stabiliser | YES(Only lens-based) | YES(Only lens-based) |
Design Comparison
| Nikon D3000 | Nikon D60 | |
| Body Type | DSLR | DSLR |
| Body Material | Plastic | Plastic |
| Anti-dust System | YES | YES |
| Weather Sealing | NO | NO |
| Colors | Black | Black |
Dimensions Comparison
Nikon D3000 has a weight of 536g (18.10 oz) and its dimensions are 126 x 97 x 64mm.
Nikon D60 has a weight of 522g (18.47 oz) and its dimensions are 126 x 94 x 64mm.
| Nikon D3000 | Nikon D60 | |
| Weight(including batteries) | 536 g ( 18.10 oz) | 522 g (1.15lb /18.41 oz ) |
| Height | 3.7in | 3.7in |
| Width | 4.92 in | 4.96 in |
| Depth | 2.56 in | 2.52 in |
Screen and Viewfinder Comparison
| Nikon D3000 | Nikon D60 | |
| Screen Size | 3.00 in | 2.50 in |
| Scree Technology | LCD | LCD |
| Screen Dots | 230,000 | 230,000 |
| Touch Screen | NO | NO |
| Flip-out Screen | NO | NO |
| Articulated LCD | NO | NO |
| Live VIEW | NO | NO |
| Viewfinder | Optical (Pentamirror) | Optical (Pentamirror) |
| Viewfinder magnification | 0.8 x | 0.8 x (0.57× 35mm Equiv.) |
| Viewfinder Coverage | 95.0% | 95.0 % |
| Diopter Adjustment (D-D) | 1.7-0.5 | 1.7-0.5 |
| Eye Relief | 0.71 in | 0.77 in |
| Separate Info Display | NO | NO |
Nikon D3000 has an optical(pentamirror) viewfinder and LCD screen of 3.0’’ with 230,000 screen dots. This screen can not be flipped or adjusted, because it is fixed.
Nikon D60 has an optical(pentamirror) viewfinder and LCD screen of 2.95’’ with 230,000 screen dots. This screen can not be flipped or adjusted, because it is fixed.
Storage Comparison
| Nikon D3000 | Nikon D60 | |
| Compatible Memory Cards | SD | SDHC | SD | SDHC |
| Storage Type | SD | SDHC | SD | SDHC | MMC |
| Memory Slots | 1 | 1 |
| Camera File system | DCF 2.0 | EXIF 2.21 | DCF | DCF 2.0 | |DPOF | EXIF 2.3 |
| Internal Storage | NO | NO |
| Maximum Memory card Size | 32 GB | SD(16GB) | SDHC (32GB) |
| Dual Memory Card Slots | NO | NO |
Nikon D3000 has only one memory card slot that is compatible with SD and SDHC memory cards. The maximum card size can be up to 32GB. Furthermore, the Nikon D3000 does not possess any internal storage.
Nikon D60 has only one memory card slot that is compatible with SD and SDHC memory cards. The maximum card size can be up to 32GB. Furthermore, the Nikon D3000 does not possess any internal storage.
Power Comparison
Nikon D3000 has an advantage over Nikon D3000 in terms of battery/power comparison.
| Nikon D3000 | Nikon 60 | |
| Power Source Type | Battery | Battery |
| Battery Model | EN-EL9a | EN-EL9 |
| Battery Life (CIPO) | 500 | 500 |
| Battery Technology | Lithium-ion(Li-ion) | Lithium-ion(Li-ion) |
| Number of Batteries Supported | 1 | 1 |
| AC adapter Included | YES | N/A |
Nikon D3000 supports a Li-ion battery and the battery life is up to 500 shots each charge. At the moment, Nikon D3000 can have only 1 battery inside it.
Nikon D60 supports a Li-ion battery and the battery life is up to 500 shots each charge. At the moment, Nikon D600 can have only 1 battery inside it.
Connectivity
| Nikon D3000 | Nikon D60 | |
| Built-in WIFI | NO | NO |
| GPS | NO | NO |
| Bluetooth | NO | NO |
| HDMI | NO | NO |
| HDMI ports quantity | 0 | 0 |
| USB port | NO | YES |
| USB Version | N/A | 2.0 |
| Wireless | Eye-Fi connected | Built-in |
| Remote Control | YES | YES(Optional) |
| PictBridge | YES | YES |
| NFC | NO | NO |
| AV Output | YES | N/A |
| Firewire | NO | NO |
| Microphone Port | NO | NO |
| DC-in Jack | YES | N/A |
| Tripod Mounting Support | YES | YES |
Nikon D3000 has no built-in WIFI, GPS, microphone port, USB port, and Bluetooth, rather it has an HDMI port. Thus, the camera cannot be connected wirelessly to other devices.
Nikon D60 has no built-in WIFI, GPS, Bluetooth, and HDMI port. Thus, the camera cannot be connected wirelessly to other devices. USB port of version 2.0 is featured in this camera.
What are the Common Strengths of Nikon D3000 and Nikon D60?
These are the features that both of the cameras have:
- Built-in flash
- External Flash shoe
- RAW format support for better quality
- Optical viewfinder
What are the Common Weaknesses of Nikon D3000 and Nikon D60?
These are the common weaknesses of both cameras:
- No built-in body image stabilization
- No flexible viewing angles screen
- Low resolution of photos
- Low LCD resolution
- No environmental sealings
- Not good for multi-exposure HDR
- No option for fine-tuning autofocus
- Optical pentamirror viewfinder
Conclusion
It is a bit difficult to choose in Nikon D60 vs Nikon D3000 due to the same features they both possess and miss. But still, Nikon D3000 is better than Nikon D60.
Nikon D3000 has a bigger screen size and better screen resolution, more focus points, and a self-timer. Furthermore, the replacement of an older camera(Nikon D40) indicates that the latest one(Nikon D3000) can perform better.
FAQs
Is Nikon D60 good for photography?
There are many other and better camera options available in the market in this price range for photography. Those cameras offer more and better features that can be utilized for advanced level and quick learning of photography.
Does Nikon D60 have live view?
NO. Live-view is not available on the Nikon D60. You can use this camera with Dragonframe in two ways: To provide live video, use a second video camera or USB camera. Instead of working with live video, capture ‘preview’ frames.
How is the Nikon D3000?
The Nikon D3000 is slower and more difficult to use, as well as has lower technical image quality. The D3000 is around one-stop noisier than the D40 at any ISO; at ISO 800, the D3000 is as noisy as the D40 is at ISO 1,600.
