Nikon has just introduced the new D60 digital SLR camera. It joins Nikon’s award-winning line of D-series digital SLR cameras and has a form factor similar to the D40 – Nikon’s smallest D-SLR camera ever. With 10.2 effective megapixels and a wealth of innovative and user-friendly features, the D60 enables both photo enthusiasts and those new to digital SLR photography to capture incredible images like never before.

“The Nikon D60 makes stepping up to digital SLR photography easy for anyone, but is also a wonderful choice for photo enthusiasts looking for remarkable performance in a compact package,” said Edward Fasano, general manager for marketing, SLR System Products at Nikon, Inc. “This model, like the wildly popular Nikon D40, greatly simplifies use and builds confidence in the user. With a host of innovative features, such as a visually intuitive LCD information display, Nikon’s highly regarded EXPEED image processing concept, new dual dust reduction countermeasures, and in-camera editing tools, the D60 enhances the picture-taking experience for people of all skill levels.”

Users will appreciate the D60’s fast 0.18-second startup time and split-second shutter response, which combine to eliminate shooting lag – a common issue with many point-and-shoot digital cameras. With a fast and accurate autofocus and the ability to shoot continuously at up to three pictures per second, the D60 delivers extraordinarily vivid and detailed pictures, ensuring that fleeting expressions, special moments and memorable events are captured beautifully.

Packaged with Nikon’s new AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR image stabilization lens, the D60 camera-lens outfit delivers great image sharpness. What’s more, Nikon’s proprietary VR (Vibration Reduction) image stabilization technology dramatically reduces blur caused when shooting handheld pictures, especially in low light.

The D60’s Stop-Motion Movie mode is a D-SLR first that enables users to create stop-animation movie clips from a series of as many as 100 consecutive JPEG picture files. More experienced photographers will enjoy shooting in the lossless NEF (RAW) format, and then adjusting image parameters, such as size, format, and white balance, all within the camera.

While many cameras now feature a dust cleaning function, the D60 takes this idea one step further. In addition to offering Image Sensor Cleaning that shakes off specks of image-degrading dust, the camera also minimizes the dust that can come into contact with the sensor through a unique Airflow Control System that channels particles away from the sensor with every click of the shutter.

The D60 will be packaged with the 3x zoom AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR lens and will be available throughout the US beginning February 2008. Pricing information is not available as yet.

Update: The price has just been announced as $750 USD.