Love it

This is my first Dslr and I am very happy with it, it was a choice between the D40 and the Sony A200K for me. They are similar prices at the time of writing and the Sony is 10MP and has anti-vibrate built into the camera body, so is better spec than the Nikon really. They both get good reviews too.
So why did I pick the Nikon? Because it was a Nikon really, it is also supposed to be better build quality and has less"noise" at higher iso's. The kit lens that comes with it is also well thought of by those that know.
I might have been just as happy with the Sony, who knows? I just know I fell in love with the Nikon once I had used it a few times.

D60 or EOS1000

Had a toss up recently between this and the Canon EOS1000D. Bought the D40 for my daughter and its a cracking little camera out of the box. Felt good, solid, great quality.

So in the end I plumped for the Canon, just to have a change. The second I took it out the box my mistake was evident - the difference in quality feel to even the D40 is unbelievable. Plasticy feel, cheep non tactile buttons, poor layout on the rear. I was gutted. Straight back in the box and straight back. tata.

So just got the D60 and again, out the box the quality just feels right. Solid, great feel, buttons just right. The D60 is also a slight step up in feel from the D40 with more metal parts and a great VR lens. I'm sure, in the end, there will be a gnats whisker between the actually pictures between this and the EOS 1000D, but in the end, this is the camera I'd rather have in my hand, any day.

Now, just need to learn how to use it.....

great camera, perfect for holiday usage

I have a Nikon SLR D80 camera which is regarded by nearly all reviewers as the no1 SlR mid-range camera to own. We also owned a trendy pink canon Ixus camera for compactness eg holiday nights out etc. the canon was terriable, slow, bad battery, several returns to canon for repairs. This nikon is cheap cheerful and great pics, for the price its fantastic and in 18 months or 2 years if i need a new one well for 100 outlay ive got my moneys worth from this 210 ...great buy and soo compact, a real gem

Superb DSLR

I bought my Nikon D80 just over a year ago and I've never looked back since. It's easy to use, easy to handle, very responsive and gives great results. As far as control goes, you can either do everything yourself, or you can let the camera do it all for you or every combination in between. There are several pre-programmed options, all of which you'll find easy to use after the first couple of gos and the menus, whilst they may be a bit daunting at first, are straight forward within a day or two.

The camera feels sturdy, unlike some plasticy equvalents from other manufacturers, but doesn't (to me anyway) feel over heavy, although if you're just switching to SLR, you'll feel the difference. Anyone who's owned a Nikon SLR before, as I have, will find it a seemless transition and your lenses will fit. Anyone switching from another manufacturer will find this a lot more robust than some of its opponents (not mentioning any brand names)

Its diversity is great, it gives beautiful landscape pictures yet, using the continuous shoot feature, it gets amazing action shots too. Everything from macro to portraits, from night landscapes to the fastest action shots, you won't be disappointed.

I bought the body only because I already owned a heap of Nikon fit lenses but, if you don't already own Nikon lenses, my advice is to go for the D80 with the 18-135 lense. The only other thing I think you need to be aware of is that the memory card doesn't come with the pack, you have to buy it separately.

Great entry level DSLR

Recently bought this digital SLR (with the VR lens kit) and I'm very impressed so far. This is my first dSLR purchase but I don't think I was prepared for just how great the jump in quality would be from a compact.

Out of the box it's pretty much ready to go, and I was taking pictures about five minutes after the battery was done charging. The camera does come with the obligatory 300page manual for when you get round to needing to know about f-stop and aperture timings and all that but the quickstart guide is enough to get you up and running.

So far I've been shooting inside and outside and the picture quality thus far has been, to my untrained eye, exemplary. Although the auto-flash seems a little oversensitive it's just a flick of a lever to turn it off.

The camera comes with it's own picture exporting and viewing programmes although the installation to my PC seemed a little buggy so I'm taking them off manually with Windows Explorer and it's fine.

The only two things to bear in mind before you buy is that, firstly, unlike compacts (or even your phone) at this price range you shouldn't expect to be able to arange a shot via the screen, so you'll be using the viewfinder. Secondly, the Nikon D60, like it's predecessor does not have an internal auto-focus motor, so you're dependent upon the lens having one - this is a standard feature on pretty much EVERY compatable lens that the entry-level amateur will be looking at (if indeed you upgrade at all)but bear in mind that if you're looking to dig out an old Nikon or Sigma from your standard SLR you might be on manual focus.

All round a great camera - really happy with it and would definitely buy again knowing what I know now.

Frustrating

I am pleased with the camera itself but didn't appreciate that delivery was from the Netherlands. As such, the instructions, which appear comprehensive, come in 4 languages but none of them are English. In addition, the battery charger power lead comes with a european pin plug. A UK plug was enclosed but you either need to change the plug yourself or use an adaptor. None of this was apparent when I ordered the camera and whilst not a serious problem, it was certainly frustrating.

First big test and it failed

This is my third Nikon digital camera : I started with a 990 and moved to a much smaller 4200. I have been very satisfied with both these cameras. So at time to upgrade, having looked hard at the Canon G9, I stuck with my familiar brand, Nikon. I am now in China, my first major trip with the new Nikon P5100 and the camera has failed me. The optical view finder, a key feature in my choice of camera, has failed and does not operate over the full range of the zoom so I am forcd to use the monitor, which has appalling reflections in any lighting, and I frankly hate using.
The camera is made in Indonesia, while the G9 is made in Japan. This was pointed out to me by sales staff, but I had counted on Nikon's quality control. Sadly I will not forgive this failure : I will only buy Japanese-made cameras in future and have bought my last Nikon. I will replace it with a Canon G9 asap.

Frustrating

I am pleased with the camera itself but didn't appreciate that delivery was from the Netherlands. As such, the instructions, which appear comprehensive, come in 4 languages but none of them are English. In addition, the battery charger power lead comes with a european pin plug. A UK plug was enclosed but you either need to change the plug yourself or use an adaptor. None of this was apparent when I ordered the camera and whilst not a serious problem, it was certainly frustrating.

What have i bought?

I would not normally buy anything as being a new product-camera, hi-fi, car etc, i normally wait until any problems have been re-designed and go for a later version. I wish i had stuck to this philosophy with this camera. I bought it on the basis of its new supersensor which Nikon described as giving superlative results and also to take photos of white eagles in Norway using the long zoom. The zoom is fine. What is not acceptable is the amount of noise even at iso 100, it is unacceptable, other much cheaper compacts from Olympus (SP350) produce outstanding results much better than this. The macro facility is a joke, it does not focus at all in some cases. I cant use the flash with aperture priority unless i reset the cameras settings to factory settings. The lens cap is too loose fittting-i have already lost it, there is a cord to tie it onto the camera with but this just gets in the way. There is excessive curvature of the horizon with this lens-something that compacts seem to produce. But most disappointing is the noise levels and for that i would describe this camera as not even being fit for purpose. This camera is (expensive)rubbish not even worth one star, and being my first Nikon camera it will also be my last. Avoid.

Not so cool camera

Without a doubt the worst camera I have ever owned. It's been back to Nikon three times now and every time it is returned with additional faults. Nikon made good 35mm cameras but don't appear to have cracked the digital market.

Nikon S600

I own a Nikon D70x and a D200 along with the usual collection of zoom, wide angle and macro lens.
I needed something which would produce good quality images but that I could carry in my pocket.
I bought the S600 on the day of it's release and found it to be very good
indeed. The lens is superb and once you find your way around the menus and use the correct set up the photos are very good. I am very pleased with the camera it does what it says on the packet.

great camera, perfect for holiday usage

I have a Nikon SLR D80 camera which is regarded by nearly all reviewers as the no1 SlR mid-range camera to own. We also owned a trendy pink canon Ixus camera for compactness eg holiday nights out etc. the canon was terriable, slow, bad battery, several returns to canon for repairs. This nikon is cheap cheerful and great pics, for the price its fantastic and in 18 months or 2 years if i need a new one well for 100 outlay ive got my moneys worth from this 210 ...great buy and soo compact, a real gem

Will knock the socks off you for performance!!!

I have had the benefit of owning a D200 immediately before this. This beauty blows the D200 in to smithereens in terms of quality, function and speed of response. I think the extra 2Mega pixels do make the difference. I was always slightly disappointed with the quality the D200 had to offer. In many situations the focus would be slightly out and on enlargement this was apparent. I don't find that with the D300. I don't know if its because I never found it but the D300 also has the facility to compensate for minor errors in focussing and you can set this for each individual lens. The focussing is perhaps a little slower but there are many great positives this camera has.

I was delighted to upgrade, and this was only after 8 months with a D200. I wish I had never bought the D200 now and plumped for the D300 straight off. I can guarantee you will not be disappointed with this camera. It is stunning, and will give you the ability to take some breathtaking photos.

Nikon S600

I own a Nikon D70x and a D200 along with the usual collection of zoom, wide angle and macro lens.
I needed something which would produce good quality images but that I could carry in my pocket.
I bought the S600 on the day of it's release and found it to be very good
indeed. The lens is superb and once you find your way around the menus and use the correct set up the photos are very good. I am very pleased with the camera it does what it says on the packet.

Great camera

I use cameras to document all kinds of things. I had a D200 and loved the controls, so much easier and faster having two seperate adjusters for the shutter speed and apeture. It fits my hands well and the weight feels good to hold. Well i had my D200 stolen, i considered the 5D but it didn't feel so good. I'm pleased with the D700 and don't regret my choice at all. These digital slr's aren't as great as old analogue ones but this is the best compremise for me.

Frustrating

I am pleased with the camera itself but didn't appreciate that delivery was from the Netherlands. As such, the instructions, which appear comprehensive, come in 4 languages but none of them are English. In addition, the battery charger power lead comes with a european pin plug. A UK plug was enclosed but you either need to change the plug yourself or use an adaptor. None of this was apparent when I ordered the camera and whilst not a serious problem, it was certainly frustrating.

Great Wide-Angled Compact Camera

My mother recently decided to dabble in the digital camera field, and after a bit of deliberation vs the Canon A720IS, she decided to go for this Nikon P50.

I use a Nikon D40 for anything serious and I find in general, the menu system and layout of their cameras is unbeatable. My sister uses a Canon EOS400D and begs to differ. It seems Canon, Sony, Nikon, Olympus etc. take just as good pictures at the same price-bracket; the digital camera market has reached a point where even the cheaper brand name cameras can still capture some great shots for the average eye. As such, when I recommended the Nikon P50/P60, my sister recommended the Canon A720IS.

For my mother's purposes all she required was an easy-to use point-and-shoot, preferably with a viewfinder.

The main appeal of this over the Canon she found was the wide-angle lens and the superior build quality (the Canon having a 'cheap' plastic feel) and the vibration reduction feature. On this model the VR is software-based (as opposed to built into the lens/sensor), but it works surprisingly well; low light shots from a moving car came out surprisingly crisp.

She is very happy with her purchase. Personally I'm waiting to get my hands on the new Nikon P60 for use as a portable compact, or even the P5100. The similarities in specifications between the P60 and the Canon A720IS are almost too close to call; ultimately make your choice on what feels right, both to handle and use and you can't go too far wrong in today's market.