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Canon SX10 vs Nikon D60

The Canon PowerShot SX10 IS and the Nikon D60 are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in September 2008 and January 2008. The SX10 is a fixed lens compact, while the D60 is a DSLR. The cameras are based on a 1/2.3-inch (SX10) and an APS-C (D60) sensor. Both cameras offer a resolution of 10 megapixels.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications
Canon SX10
versus
Nikon D60
Canon SX10   Nikon D60
Fixed lens compact camera Digital single lens reflex
28-560mm f/2.8-5.7 Nikon F mount lenses
10 MP – 1/2.3" sensor 10 MP – APS-C sensor
480/30p Video no Video
ISO 100-1,600 (100 - 3,200) ISO 100-1,600 (100 - 3,200)
Electronic viewfinder (202k dots) Optical viewfinder
2.5" LCD – 230k dots 2.5" LCD – 230k dots
Swivel screen (not touch-sensitive) Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
0.7 shutter flaps per second 3 shutter flaps per second
123 x 88 x 87 mm, 600 g 126 x 94 x 64 mm, 522 g
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Canon PowerShot SX10 IS and the Nikon D60? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

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Body comparison

An illustration of the physical size and weight of the Canon SX10 and the Nikon D60 is provided in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three successive views from the front, the top, and the rear are shown. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Size Canon SX10 vs Nikon D60
Compare SX10 versus D60 top
Comparison SX10 or D60 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Nikon D60 is notably larger (9 percent) than the Canon SX10. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the SX10 nor the D60 are weather-sealed.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete and possibly misleading, as the SX10 has a lens built in, whereas the D60 is an interchangeable lens camera that requires a separate lens. Attaching the latter will add extra weight and bulk to the setup. You can compare the optics available for the D60 and their specifications in the Nikon Lens Catalog.

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the two cameras alongside a broader set of comparators. If you want to switch the focus of the display and review another camera pair, you can move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible camera comparisons there.

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Body Specifications
# image Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Canon SX10 123 mm 88 mm 87 mm 600 g .. n Sep 2008 399ebay.com
2.
 
Nikon D60 126 mm 94 mm 64 mm 522 g 500 n Jan 2008 629ebay.com
3.
 
Canon SX740 110 mm 64 mm 40 mm 299 g 265 n Jul 2018 399 amazon.com
4.
 
Canon SX70 127 mm 91 mm 117 mm 608 g 325 n Sep 2018 549 amazon.com
5.
 
Canon SX730 110 mm 64 mm 40 mm 300 g 250 n Apr 2017 399ebay.com
6.
 
Canon SX50 123 mm 87 mm 106 mm 595 g 315 n Sep 2012 429ebay.com
7.
 
Canon SX40 123 mm 92 mm 108 mm 600 g 380 n Sep 2011 429ebay.com
8.
 
Canon SX30 123 mm 92 mm 108 mm 601 g 370 n Sep 2010 429ebay.com
9.
 
Canon SX20 123 mm 88 mm 87 mm 600 g .. n Aug 2009 399ebay.com
10.
 
Canon SX1 128 mm 88 mm 88 mm 615 g .. n Sep 2008 599ebay.com
11.
 
Canon XS 126 mm 98 mm 65 mm 502 g 500 n Jun 2008 449ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon B600 122 mm 82 mm 99 mm 500 g 280 n Jan 2019 349ebay.com
13.
 
Nikon D3000 126 mm 97 mm 64 mm 536 g 500 n Jul 2009 599ebay.com
14.
 
Nikon D5000 127 mm 104 mm 80 mm 590 g 510 n Apr 2009 749ebay.com
15.
 
Nikon D40X 124 mm 94 mm 64 mm 522 g 520 n Mar 2007 729ebay.com
16.
 
Olympus E-420 130 mm 91 mm 53 mm 440 g 500 n Mar 2008 599ebay.com
17.
 
Panasonic L10 135 mm 96 mm 78 mm 556 g 450 n Aug 2007 599ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
padding

Any camera decision will obviously take relative prices into account. The manufacturer’s suggested retail prices give an idea on the placement of the camera in the maker’s lineup and the broader market. The SX10 was launched at a lower price than the D60, despite having a lens built in. Normally, street prices remain initially close to the MSRP, but after a couple of months, the first discounts appear. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down.

Sensor comparison

The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. A large sensor will tend to have larger individual pixels that provide better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixel-units in a sensor of the same technological generation. Moreover, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more control over depth-of-field in the image and, thus, the ability to better isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be more expensive and lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Canon SX10 features a 1/2.3-inch sensor and the Nikon D60 an APS-C sensor. The sensor area in the D60 is 1232 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 5.6 and 1.5. The sensor in the SX10 has a native 4:3 aspect ratio, while the one in the D60 offers a 3:2 aspect.

Canon SX10 and Nikon D60 sensor measures

Even though the D60 has a larger sensor, both cameras offer the same resolution of 10 megapixels. This implies that the D60 has a lower pixel density and larger individual pixels (with a pixel pitch of 6.11μm versus 1.67μm for the SX10), which gives it a potential advantage in terms of light gathering capacity. It should, however, be noted that the SX10 is a somewhat more recent model (by 7 months) than the D60, and its sensor might have benefitted from technological advances during this time that at least partly compensate for the smaller pixel size. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the SX10 has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The Canon PowerShot SX10 IS has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 1600, which can be extended to ISO 100-3200. The Nikon D60 offers exactly the same ISO settings.

Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with CCD (Charged Coupled Device) sensors. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

SX10 versus D60 MP

Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for many cameras. This service determines an overall sensor rating, as well as sub-scores for low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and color depth ("DXO Portrait"). The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.

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Sensor Characteristics
# image Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Canon SX10 1/2.3 10.0 3648 2736480/30p19.010.314435
2.
 
Nikon D60 APS-C 10.0 3872 2592none22.511.456265
3.
 
Canon SX740 1/2.3 20.2 5184 38884K/30p20.612.1105051
4.
 
Canon SX70 1/2.3 20.2 5184 38884K/30p20.612.1106351
5.
 
Canon SX730 1/2.3 20.2 5184 38881080/60p20.511.992450
6.
 
Canon SX50 1/2.3 12.0 4000 30001080/24p20.311.217947
7.
 
Canon SX40 1/2.3 12.0 4000 30001080/24p19.610.940941
8.
 
Canon SX30 1/2.3 14.0 4320 3240720/30p19.410.732039
9.
 
Canon SX20 1/2.3 12.0 4000 3000720/30p19.210.522537
10.
 
Canon SX1 1/2.3 10.0 3648 27361080/30p19.010.314435
11.
 
Canon XS APS-C 10.1 3888 2592none22.010.971962
12.
 
Nikon B600 1/2.3 15.9 4608 34561080/30p20.712.2109552
13.
 
Nikon D3000 APS-C 10.0 3872 2592none22.311.156362
14.
 
Nikon D5000 APS-C 12.2 4288 2848720/24p22.712.586872
15.
 
Nikon D40X APS-C 10.0 3872 2592none22.411.451663
16.
 
Olympus E-420 Four Thirds 10.0 3648 2736none21.510.452756
17.
 
Panasonic L10 Four Thirds 10.0 3648 2736none21.310.842955
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.
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Many modern cameras cannot only take still pictures, but also record videos. The SX10 indeed provides movie recording capabilities, while the D60 does not. The highest resolution format that the SX10 can use is 480/30p.

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Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the SX10 has an electronic viewfinder (202k dots), while the D60 has an optical one. Both systems have their advantages, with the electronic viewfinder making it possible to project supplementary shooting information into the framing view, whereas the optical viewfinder offers lag-free viewing and a very clear framing image. The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Canon SX10 and Nikon D60 in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.

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Core Features
# image Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Canon SX10202 n2.5 / 230 swivel n 1/3200s 0.7/s Y Y
2.
 
Nikon D60optical n2.5 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
3.
 
Canon SX740none n3.0 / 922 tilting n 1/3200s 10.0/s Y Y
4.
 
Canon SX702360 n3.0 / 922 swivel n 1/2000s 10.0/s Y Y
5.
 
Canon SX730none n3.0 / 922 tilting n 1/3200s 5.9/s Y Y
6.
 
Canon SX50202 n3.0 / 461 swivel n 1/2000s 2.2/s Y Y
7.
 
Canon SX40202 n2.7 / 230 swivel n 1/3200s 10.3/s Y Y
8.
 
Canon SX30202 n2.7 / 230 swivel n 1/3200s 0.6/s Y Y
9.
 
Canon SX20202 n2.5 / 230 swivel n 1/3200s 0.7/s Y Y
10.
 
Canon SX1202 n2.8 / 230 swivel n 1/3200s 4.0/s Y Y
11.
 
Canon XSoptical n2.5 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
12.
 
Nikon B600none n3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 7.4/s Y Y
13.
 
Nikon D3000optical n3.0 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
14.
 
Nikon D5000optical n2.7 / 230 full-flex n 1/4000s 4.0/s Y n
15.
 
Nikon D40Xoptical n2.5 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
16.
 
Olympus E-420optical n2.7 / 215 fixed n 1/4000s 3.5/s Y n
17.
 
Panasonic L10optical n2.5 / 207 swivel n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
padding

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the SX10 and the D60 write their files to SDHC cards.

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Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Canon PowerShot SX10 IS and Nikon D60 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
# image Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Canon SX10Ystereo / mono---2.0---
2.
 
Nikon D60Y- / ----2.0---
3.
 
Canon SX740-stereo / mono--micro2.0Y-Y
4.
 
Canon SX70-stereo / monoY-micro2.0Y-Y
5.
 
Canon SX730-stereo / mono--micro2.0YYY
6.
 
Canon SX50Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
7.
 
Canon SX40Ystereo / mono--YES2.0---
8.
 
Canon SX30Ystereo / mono--YES2.0---
9.
 
Canon SX20Ystereo / mono--YES2.0---
10.
 
Canon SX1Ystereo / mono--YES2.0---
11.
 
Canon XSY- / ----2.0---
12.
 
Nikon B600-stereo / mono--micro2.0Y-Y
13.
 
Nikon D3000Y- / ----2.0---
14.
 
Nikon D5000Ymono / mono--mini2.0---
15.
 
Nikon D40XY- / ----2.0---
16.
 
Olympus E-420Y- / ----2.0---
17.
 
Panasonic L10Y- / ----2.0---
padding

Both the SX10 and the D60 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The D60 was replaced by the Nikon D5000, while the SX10 was followed by the Canon SX20. Further information on the features and operation of the SX10 and D60 can be found, respectively, in the Canon SX10 Manual (free pdf) or the online Nikon D60 Manual.

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Review summary

So what is the bottom line? Is there a clear favorite between the Canon SX10 and the Nikon D60? Which camera is better? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.

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Advantages of the Canon PowerShot SX10 IS:

  • Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
  • Broader imaging potential: Can record not only still images but also 480/30p movies.
  • More framing info: Has an electronic viewfinder that displays shooting data.
  • More flexible LCD: Has a swivel screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.
  • Ready to shoot: Comes with a built-in lens, while the D60 requires a separate lens.
  • Sharper images: Has hand-shake reducing image stabilization built-in.
  • More affordable: Was introduced at a lower price, despite coming with a built-in lens.
  • More modern: Is somewhat more recent (announced 7 months after the D60).

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Reasons to prefer the Nikon D60:

  • Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
  • Better image quality: Features bigger pixels on a larger sensor for higher quality imaging.
  • Richer colors: The pixel size advantage translates into images with better, more accurate colors.
  • More dynamic range: Larger pixels capture a wider spectrum of light and dark details.
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Larger pixels means good image quality even under poor lighting.
  • Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
  • Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/4000s vs 1/3200s) to freeze action.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (3 vs 0.7 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • More flexible: Makes it possible to change lenses and thus to use specialty optics.
  • More heavily discounted: Has been on the market for longer (launched in January 2008).

If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the D60 emerges as the winner of the match-up (10 : 8 points). However, the pertinence of the various camera strengths will differ across photographers, so that you might want to weigh individual camera traits according to their importance for your own imaging needs before making a camera decision. A professional wildlife photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a family photog, and a person interested in architecture has distinct needs from a sports shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

SX10 08:10 D60

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Canon SX10 and the Nikon D60 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Superzoom Camera and Best DSLR Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the SX10 or the D60 perform in practice. User reviews that are available, for instance, at amazon can sometimes shed light on these issues, but such feedback is all too often partial, inconsistent, and inaccurate.

Expert reviews

This is where reviews by experts come in. The adjacent summary-table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

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Expert Camera Reviews
# image  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Canon SX10..+ +......4/5 Sep 2008 399ebay.com
2.
 
Nikon D60..80/100..+ +4/54.5/5 Jan 2008 629ebay.com
3.
 
Canon SX740..+3.5/5..4/54/5 Jul 2018 399 amazon.com
4.
 
Canon SX70..+ +3.5/5..3.5/53.5/5 Sep 2018 549 amazon.com
5.
 
Canon SX730..+....4/54/5 Apr 2017 399ebay.com
6.
 
Canon SX503/5+ +..72/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2012 429ebay.com
7.
 
Canon SX40..+....4.5/54/5 Sep 2011 429ebay.com
8.
 
Canon SX303/5+ +....3.5/54/5 Sep 2010 429ebay.com
9.
 
Canon SX20..+ +..73/100..4/5 Aug 2009 399ebay.com
10.
 
Canon SX1..+ +..+..3.5/5 Sep 2008 599ebay.com
11.
 
Canon XS..82/100..+ +3.5/54.5/5 Jun 2008 449ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon B600..+....3.5/53/5 Jan 2019 349ebay.com
13.
 
Nikon D3000..+..72/1004/54.5/5 Jul 2009 599ebay.com
14.
 
Nikon D5000..+ +..75/1004/54.5/5 Apr 2009 749ebay.com
15.
 
Nikon D40X..79/100..+ +4/54/5 Mar 2007 729ebay.com
16.
 
Olympus E-420..85/100..+ +4/54.5/5 Mar 2008 599ebay.com
17.
 
Panasonic L10..85/100..+3.5/54/5 Aug 2007 599ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
padding

Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and comparisons of ratings among very different cameras or across long time periods have little meaning. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.

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Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you are interested in seeing how other cameras pair up, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.

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    Specifications: Canon SX10 vs Nikon D60

    Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

    Camera Specifications
    Camera Model Canon SX10 Nikon D60
    Camera Type Fixed lens compact camera Digital single lens reflex
    Camera Lens 28-560mm f/2.8-5.7 Nikon F mount lenses
    Launch Date September 2008 January 2008
    Launch Price USD 399 USD 629
    Sensor Specs Canon SX10 Nikon D60
    Sensor Technology CCD CCD
    Sensor Format 1/2.3" Sensor APS-C Sensor
    Sensor Size 6.17 x 4.55 mm 23.6 x 15.8 mm
    Sensor Area 28.0735 mm2 372.88 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 7.7 mm 28.4 mm
    Crop Factor 5.6x 1.5x
    Sensor Resolution 10 Megapixels 10 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 3648 x 2736 pixels 3872 x 2592 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 1.67 μm 6.11 μm
    Pixel Density 35.55 MP/cm2 2.69 MP/cm2
    Moiré control no AA filter Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability 480/30p Video no Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 1,600 ISO 100 - 1,600 ISO
    ISO Boost 100 - 3,200 ISO 100 - 3,200 ISO
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) .. 65
    DXO Color Depth (bits) .. 22.5
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) .. 11.4
    DXO Low Light (ISO) .. 562
    Screen Specs Canon SX10 Nikon D60
    Viewfinder Type Electronic viewfinder Optical viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100% 95%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.53x
    Viewfinder Resolution 202k dots
    LCD Framing Live View
    Rear LCD Size 2.5inch 2.5inch
    LCD Resolution 230k dots 230k dots
    LCD Attachment Swivel screen Fixed screen
    Shooting Specs Canon SX10 Nikon D60
    Focus System Contrast-detect AF Phase-detect AF
    Continuous Shooting 0.7 shutter flaps/s 3 shutter flaps/s
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium SDHC cards SDHC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot Single card slot
    UHS card support no no
    Connectivity Specs Canon SX10 Nikon D60
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port no HDMI no HDMI
    Wifi Support no Wifi no Wifi
    Body Specs Canon SX10 Nikon D60
    Battery Type Canon 4xAA Nikon EN-EL9
    Body Dimensions 123 x 88 x 87 mm
    (4.8 x 3.5 x 3.4 in)
    126 x 94 x 64 mm
    (5.0 x 3.7 x 2.5 in)
    Camera Weight 600 g (21.2 oz) 522 g (18.4 oz)
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    Check D60 offers at
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