The F60 is Nikon's Latest
35mm SLR incorporating the latest technology to include
3D Matrix Metering and Matrix Balanced fill-in Flash
as just some of the desirable features of this camera.
Features
The focussing is what
you would expect from a camera in this league - quick
& quiet. There are a number of focus modes available
-
Single Servo - For still subjects, only takes picture
when in focus.
Continuous Servo - For subjects that move sporadically.
Continues to focus on subject, also implements Focus
Tracking.
Auto Servo - As One Shot mode, but if subject moves
automatically switches to Continuous Servo.
The AF detection
system used on the F60 is a 'TTL Phase detection
system using advanced AM200 AF Module'. An AF assistance
beam is included for use in low light situations. Focus
Lock is also available when the shutter button is pressed
down half way.
The Top Shutter Speed
is a standard 1/2000 sec (but I am sure Nikon could
have quite easily pushed this to 1/4000th), and the
flash sync is a standard 1/125 sec, which, again is
low by today's standards.
The Metering system offers
3 different options:
Evaluative Metering - General Purpose, links with focusing
point.
Six Segment Metering - Mainly for Subjects with Bright
Backgrounds, small percentage of selected area metered.
Centre weighted Metering - The metering is weighted
at the centre and then averaged for the entire scene.
The Metering mode can
be easily selected by moving a dial below the main control
dial.
Auto bracketing is possible
with +/- 3 stops in half stop increments. Exposure Lock
can be achieved by pressing the AEL button.
The F60 incorporates a
built-in flash with an extremely powerful Guide No.
of 15, which is one of the most powerful built-in flashes
to be found on an SLR, this, however, does still not
compare to even the lowest powered External Flashguns.
It recharges in about 4 seconds. An interesting feature
of this camera is it's ability to perform 'Automatic
Balanced Fill In Flash' which is excellent for any outdoor
scene as it makes sure that the lighting is perfect.
This combined with excellent Nikon metering makes some
excellent outdoor photographs. The LED next to
the Viewfinder blinks when flash use is recommended,
which proved useful.
The F60 is capable of
1 frame per second which, for a camera in this league
is extremely low. Around 2.5fps should be the minimum
for a camera at this price. It makes it difficult to
ensure that you will get the shot you 'want' in sports/high
speed photography. It takes about 17 seconds for a 36
exposure film to rewind.
The LCD panel gives details
of Shutter speed, aperture, flash sync mode, film speed,
exposure compensation value, Error warning, film loading,
self timer, battery power & program mode. It has
a backlight to be viewed in the dark which is an excellent
feature.
Many modes are on offer
to cover most photographic situations-
The standard Program,
Aperture/Shutter Priority and Manual
Portrait, Landscape, Macro,
Sport and Night Scene
Other Features of the
camera include 90% Viewfinder Coverage, -1.5 to +1.0
dioptre adjustment, Full Viewfinder Display Information
(exc. Frame no.).
Power Source - Two CR123A
or DL123A Lithium Batteries for approx. 38 films using
50% built in flash.
Handling
& Layout
The camera fits into the
hand comfortably, with the forefinger resting on the
shutter and having access to various exposure controls.
The camera is comfortably
heavy, weighing in at just under 575g w/o lens.
The F60 is exactly the
same size as it's predecessor- the F50 149 x 96 x 70mm.
It is larger than most cameras in this price range but
it feels nice and chunky.
The Camera covers both
tastes as it comes in Black or Retro Silver.
Verdict
It is difficult where
to 'place' this camera in terms of it's audience, I
would guess an 'advanced beginner' if there is such
a person. The F60 does not offer enough for an enthusiast
but is more than sufficient for a beginner to start
out with. I can't help feeling that there is something
'missing' from this camera, mainly because of the low
fps rate, low flash sync speed and low shutter speed.
Nevertheless it offers a comprehensive spec for a camera
in this price range.
The Nikon F60D is also
available, offering a dateback function
Want
to find out More?
www.nikon.com
www.nikon.co.uk
Also
Consider
Nikon
F50
Nikon F70
Canon EOS 50E
Minolta 505si
