When it comes to digital cameras--especially digital single-lens reflex (D-SLR) cameras--Canon and Nikon are often at the top of the list in terms of quality and reputation. In 2008, Nikon released the D60 as one of its mid-range D-SLR cameras. The same year, Canon released the XSi--a mid-range competitor to the D60.
Continuous Shooting
D-SLRs separate themselves from point-and-shoot cameras with their ability to shoot a lot of photos in a short amount of time. The D60 can shoot up to three frames per second, compared to the XSi's ability to shoot up to 3.5 frames per second. The XSi can continue that shooting burst for up to 53 JPG photos, whereas the D60 can continue its shooting burst for up to 100 consecutive JPGs.
LCD
The LCD screen on a D-SLR serves a number of functions: instant review of your photos, setting and reviewing camera settings and--in some instances--a live view function that allows you to use the LCD to shoot your photos rather than the viewfinder. The D60 has a 2.5-inch screen with 230,000 pixels and the XSi has a 3-inch screen also with 230,000 pixels. The XSi, however, has the live function and the D60 does not.
Megapixels
The more megapixels your camera has, the larger the photo you can print without affecting the quality of your photo. In its 2008 how-to guide on buying digital cameras, Target recommends using a camera with at least 6 megapixels for photos 8-by-10 inches or larger or smaller photos with fine details. Both the D60 and the XSi surpass this recommendation with 10.2 and 12.2 megapixels, respectively.
Size
Because of their advanced settings and features, D-SLRs are larger than point-and-shoot cameras. Nikon dubbed the D60 its "smallest Digital SLR ever," measuring in at 5 inches wide, 3.7 inches high, 2.5 inches deep and a weight of 16.1 ounces. The XSi is fairly comparable in size--5.1 inches wide, 3.8 inches high, 2.4 inches deep and a weight of 16.8 ounces.
Rechargeable Battery
D-SLRs are far more powerful than point-and-shoot cameras, and therefore use a lot more battery power. To keep you from having to run to the store all the time in search of new batteries, both the D60 and the XSi come equipped with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack. In mild temperatures, using little or no flash, the XSi's battery (the LP-E5) can take up to 600 photos between charges. Under those same conditions, the D60's battery (the EN-E19) can take up to 500 photos between charges.
Price as of 2009
Both the D60 and the XSi can be purchased with the only the camera or in a kit, which includes accessories and lenses. As of September 2009, a D60 kit--which includes the camera, accessory kit and an AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm lens with vibration reduction--has an estimated price tag of $649.95. The Xsi kit, which includes the camera body, the accessory kit an EF-S 18-55mm lens with optical image stabilization, has an estimated price of $749.99. Both Canon and Nikon note on their websites that those prices are estimates and that the retailer you purchase your camera from determines the final selling price.
Tags: point-and-shoot cameras, 18-55mm lens, 18-55mm lens with, ability shoot, between charges, Canon Nikon
