Compared to...

As with the majority of our studio image quality comparisons we selected a series of competitors by category, specification, price and feature set.

Lenses used

For direct comparisons we always use sharp prime lenses stopped down to F9 (or F6.3 for the Four Thirds lens). Here we have used the Canon EF 50 mm F1.4, Minolta 50 mm F1.4, Nikon 50 mm F1.8 and Olympus 50 mm F2.0 Macro.

Studio scene comparison (JPEG)

This is our standard studio scene comparison shot taken from exactly the same tripod position. Lighting: daylight simulation, >98% CRI. Crops are 100%. Ambient temperature was approximately 22°C (~72°F).

Canon EOS 1000D (Rebel XS) vs. Nikon D60

The arrival of the slimmed-down Nikon D40 essentially created a tier of cameras below the existing entry-level offerings. But it's the slightly more expensive, better specified D60 appears to be the model Canon is gunning-for with its 1000D (and until the price settles down a little, it's difficult to assess how it will slot into the market in terms of cost).

Camera settings:

• Canon 1000D: Canon 50 mm F1.4 lens, Aperture Priority, ISO 100
  JPEG Large/Fine, Manual WB, Default Parameters (Standard), Self-Timer
  
  
• Nikon D60: Nikon 50 mm F1.4 lens, Aperture Priority, ISO 100
  JPEG Large/Fine, Manual WB, Default Parameters (Normal), Self-Timer
  

Canon EOS 1000D	Nikon D60
3.1 MB JPEG (3888 x 2592 )	3.5 MB JPEG (3872 x 2592)

The Nikon's results are softer than the Canon's, and its colors a little more enthusiastic, both of which are differences we're used to seeing with these two manufacturers at this level. To an extent, these differences can be levelled out (in either direction) with a bit of tweaking of the in-camera image parameters. At this level of camera, it's reasonable to assume that a considerable proportion of users will not want to tinker around with these parameters or indulge in post-processing to a significant degree, so the default output settings are very important. Even so, it comes down to personal preference which result is better.