Canon XSi vs Nikon D60

Cameras
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Canon XSi vs Nikon D60

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APS-C 328.6mm²
12.2 megapixels
ISO 100 - 1600

Go in depth with our full Canon XSi Review.
See real-world photos taken with the XSi.

APS-C 372.9mm²
10.2 megapixels
ISO 100 - 1600

Go in depth with our full Nikon D60 Review.
See real-world photos taken with the D60.

Succeeded by the Canon T1i
Compare XSi vs T1i

Succeeded by the Nikon D5000
Compare D60 vs D5000

Compare CANON T1I vs NIKON D5000

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Differences

Canon XSi advantages over Nikon D60

Higher effective ISO

Higher effective ISO

Maximum effective ISO is an estimate of the highest sensitivity at which a camera can capture excellent quality photos.

Cameras with higher effective ISO will be better choices for indoor photography, night shooting, and indoor sports photography, especially if you intend to make large prints.

You can learn more at our glossary entry.

Maximum effective ISO test data courtesy of DxO Mark.
XSi test data on DxO Mark D60 test data on DxO Mark

692 vs 562 iso
Take photos in low light with less noise
Less shutter lag
0.16 vs 0.26 sec
Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
More pixels
12.2 vs 10.2 megapixels
Higher resolution photos
More AF points
9 vs 3
More AF points improve autofocus
Faster JPEG shooting
3.5 fps vs 3.0 fps
Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)

Nikon D60 advantages over Canon XSi

Less expensive
$700 vs $900 (MSRP)
Save money for lenses or accessories
Larger sensor
APS-C vs APS-C
More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
Bigger pixels
~ 6.10 vs 5.20 microns
Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
Bigger JPEG buffer
100 vs 53 shots
Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
Higher extended ISO
3200 vs 1600 ISO
Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

Eye-level viewfinder
Both provide
You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
Internal flash
Both provide
Useful in a pinch for fill flash
Hot shoe
Both provide
Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
Bulb shutter
Both provide
Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

Focus peaking
Neither provide
Your camera will highlight what's in focus
Tilt-swivel screen
Neither provide
Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
In-Camera Image Stabilization
Neither provide
Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
Touchscreen
Neither provide
Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
In-camera panoramas
Neither provide
Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
Tiltable Screen
Neither provide
Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
Built-in Wi-Fi
Neither provide
Share your photos wirelessly
NFC
Neither provide
Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
Built-in Bluetooth
Neither provide
Always-on wireless connectivity
Built-in GPS
Neither provide
Geotag your photos
On-sensor phase detect
Neither provide
Usually improves live view and video AF performance
Top deck display
Neither provide
Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
External Mic Jack
Neither provide
Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
Pentaprism viewfinder
Neither provide
Much better viewfinder picture fidelity
HDMI out
Neither provide
Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
Dual card slots
Neither provide
Gives you more storage flexibility
Headphone jack
Neither provide
Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
Slow-motion videos
Neither provide
Shoot slow-motion videos

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Review Excerpt

Read our Canon XSi Full Review

Read our Nikon D60 Full Review

The Competition

Compared to Sony DSLR-A200

Canon XSi

Sony DSLR-A200

$649
APS-C

Lens selection
Fast startup

$470
APS-C

Less expensive
Larger sensor

Compare Canon XSi vs Sony DSLR-A200

Nikon D60

Sony DSLR-A200

$700
APS-C

Lens selection
Fast startup

$470
APS-C

Less expensive
In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon D60 vs Sony DSLR-A200

Compared to Sony DSLR-A350

Canon XSi

Sony DSLR-A350

$649
APS-C

Lens selection
Fast startup

$900
APS-C

Larger sensor
In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Canon XSi vs Sony DSLR-A350

Nikon D60

Sony DSLR-A350

$700
APS-C

Lens selection
Less expensive

$900
APS-C

In-Camera Image Stabilization
Tiltable Screen

Compare Nikon D60 vs Sony DSLR-A350

Compared to Sony DSLR-A300

Canon XSi

Sony DSLR-A300

$649
APS-C

Lens selection
Higher effective ISO

$563
APS-C

Larger sensor
In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Canon XSi vs Sony DSLR-A300

Nikon D60

Sony DSLR-A300

$700
APS-C

Lens selection
More viewfinder magnification

$563
APS-C

In-Camera Image Stabilization
Tiltable Screen

Compare Nikon D60 vs Sony DSLR-A300

Compared to Pentax K2000

Canon XSi

Pentax K2000

$649
APS-C

More pixels
More AF points

$556
APS-C

Less expensive
Larger sensor

Compare Canon XSi vs Pentax K2000

Nikon D60

Pentax K2000

$700
APS-C

Bigger JPEG buffer

$556
APS-C

In-Camera Image Stabilization
More cross-type AF points

Compare Nikon D60 vs Pentax K2000

Compared to Canon T1i

Canon XSi

Canon T1i

$649
APS-C

Longer stills battery life

$900
APS-C

Fast startup
HDMI out

Compare Canon XSi vs Canon T1i

Nikon D60

Canon T1i

$700
APS-C

Larger sensor
Less expensive

$900
APS-C

Fast startup
Higher effective ISO

Compare Nikon D60 vs Canon T1i

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