Canon EOS Rebel T6s vs Nikon D60: A Detailed Hands-On DSLR Comparison for Enthusiasts and Pros

Choosing the right DSLR can be a daunting task, especially when sifting through various brands, model generations, and feature sets. Today, I’ll take you through a comprehensive, side-by-side comparison of two entry-level DSLRs from Canon and Nikon - the Canon EOS Rebel T6s (also known as EOS 760D / 8000D) introduced in 2015, and the Nikon D60, an older model launched in 2008. While these cameras aren’t the latest flagships, they’re often considered by enthusiasts, beginners stepping up from point-and-shoots, or hobbyists on budget. I’ll focus on practical, real-world shootings across disciplines like portraiture, landscape, wildlife, and more - along with deep technical analysis based on my hands-on tests with both bodies.

Let’s dive in and see how these cameras stack up after spending days shooting with each in various environments. This isn’t just specs regurgitated – it’s a user-focused, experience-backed evaluation.

Size, Build, and Ergonomics: Handling Matters More Than You’d Expect

One quick glance at these two cameras reveals subtly different physical designs.

The Canon T6s feels chunkier, with a more pronounced grip accommodating my larger hands comfortably. Its dimensions (132x101x78 mm) and weight of around 565 grams strike a good middle ground between portability and solid handling. Notably, Canon employs a fully articulated 3” touchscreen for intuitive live view shooting - a big usability plus when shooting at awkward angles or video.

On the flip side, the Nikon D60 is noticeably more compact (126x94x64 mm) and lighter (522 g), suiting photographers who prioritize compactness over bulk. However, its fixed 2.5” screen with a modest 230k-dot resolution feels dated and limits flexibility. Those familiar with Nikon's F-mount ergonomics might find the D60’s shape a bit more vintage, with smaller buttons and fewer tactile improvements than newer models.

Looking from the top, this layout difference becomes clear:

Canon incorporates a handful of dials and a top status LCD, which is impressive for this class, enabling quick adjustments on the fly. Nikon opts for a simpler control scheme with fewer dedicated buttons and no top LCD panel - meaning more reliance on the rear screen or optical viewfinder info.

Verdict on ergonomics: If you're someone who values control at your fingertips and ergonomic comfort for longer shooting, the Canon T6s is the winner here. Nikon’s D60 feels a bit cramped and is better suited for quick snaps or travel where size matters most.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Resolution and Sensitivity

The heart of any camera is the sensor, and here the two models diverge sharply in specs and performance.

• Canon T6s packs a modern 24.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor (22.3 x 14.9 mm) paired with Canon’s DIGIC 6 processor. This sensor is significantly higher resolution than the Nikon D60. The sensor employs an anti-aliasing filter to reduce moiré artifacts but maintains excellent sharpness and tonal gradation.

• The Nikon D60 uses a 10.2MP APS-C CCD sensor sized 23.6 x 15.8 mm, which, while larger in physical size, offers lower resolution and dated technology compared to Canon’s CMOS sensor. Its dynamic range and low-light performance aren’t nearly as good - more about which in a moment.

DxOMark camera ratings reflect this: Canon scores a 70 overall versus Nikon’s 65 - this difference largely driven by Canon's 12 stops dynamic range and superior high ISO capabilities (up to ISO 12800 natively).

In real shooting terms, Canon’s higher megapixel count means you get more flexibility in cropping and larger print sizes without sacrificing detail. Canon’s sensor also is more responsive in dim light; the ISO 1600-3200 range remains usable with well-controlled noise, while Nikon’s image quality drops quickly once you push past ISO 800.

If photography genres like landscapes, portraits or weddings demand excellent color depth and dynamic range, Canon holds a distinct advantage here.

Autofocus System: Precision and Tracking Capabilities

Autofocus performance is critical - especially for wildlife, sports, or fast-moving subjects.

The Canon's 19 cross-type focus points cover a wider area and deliver markedly better subject tracking accuracy. Its hybrid AF system - combining phase detection with contrast-detection for live view - enables faster, smoother autofocus acquisition whether through the optical viewfinder or via live view.

By contrast, the Nikon D60’s mere 3 focus points, all clustered near the center, limit compositional freedom and tracking ability, and it offers no autofocus in live view. For shooting wildlife, sports, or street photography where quick subject acquisition counts, the D60 struggles.

Canon’s face detection AF adds usability in portraits, helping keep eyes consistently sharp.

LCD Displays and Interfaces: Touchscreens vs Fixed Screens

Let’s talk operator feedback and screen usability - big differences here impact your shooting ergonomics and workflow.

• Canon T6s sports a fully articulating 3.0” touchscreen LCD with 1,040k-dot resolution. This means you can flip or swivel the screen for high, low, or selfie-style shooting. Touch-to-focus and menu navigation make it versatile, especially on the go or for vlogger/video creators.

• Nikon D60 uses a 2.5”, 230k-dot fixed LCD with no touchscreen. It’s perfectly adequate for image playback, menu navigation, and basic live view, but clearly dated in terms of responsiveness and detail compared to the Canon.

From my personal experience, the Canon's touchscreen dramatically accelerates framing and settings adjustments; the Nikon feels clunky. If you enjoy angle versatility or want intuitive touch controls, Canon should be the obvious choice.

Still Image Shooting: Detailed Results From Various Genres

Portrait Photography

Canon’s higher resolution sensor renders skin tones beautifully with smooth gradations in midtones and subtle texture capture. Also, the 19-point AF with face tracking ensures sharply focused eyes, critical in portraits.

Nikon’s D60 renders softer images with less resolution - thus less cropping latitude for tight headshots. AF’s 3 points and lack of face detection demand more manual framing and verification.

Bokeh quality from Canon’s EF-/EF-S lenses also tends to be creamier due to wider aperture lenses easily mounted compared to older Nikon glass in budget range.

Landscape Photography

Here, sensor dynamic range and resolution shine - Canon’s 24 MP enables finely detailed textures in foliage or architecture. The 12-stop dynamic range lets you recover shadows and highlights with less noise. Unfortunately, neither camera offers weather sealing, so be cautious in hostile environments.

The Nikon’s lower resolution and ~11.4 stop dynamic range struggle to recreate the same depth of field and tonal gradation; images look flatter and grainier in shadows.

Wildlife & Sports Photography

Canon’s faster continuous shooting (5fps) and wider AF coverage translate to better capture of fast wildlife or sports action. Its 19-point cross-type system helps maintain focus on erratically moving subjects with greater ease.

Nikon’s 3fps burst mode and limited AF points make shooting fast-moving subjects challenging. The D60’s older AF system shows hunting and focus misses when subjects are unpredictable.

Street Photography

Although smaller and lighter, the Nikon D60 lacks the modern quick AF and discreet shutter quietness you’ll find on Canon. Canon’s articulating touchscreen also frees you up for candid framing.

However, Nikon’s more compact size means it may attract less attention on the street. If ultimate portability matters more to you than features, Nikon offers an edge in that regard.

Macro Photography

Neither camera has built-in image stabilization, so lens choice here matters more. Canon’s bigger lens ecosystem means more available dedicated macro lenses with IS and autofocus.

Canon’s reliable AF in live view is a boon for precise focusing at close distances. Nikon’s lack of live view AF complicates macro work unless you manually focus.

Night/Astro Photography

Canon’s superior high ISO range, low noise, and dynamic range make it more capable for night shooting. The 24MP sensor also lets you crop tighter without losing stars or details.

Nikon’s older CCD sensor raises noise quickly past ISO 800, limiting utility in low light. Lack of live view and exposure modes also restrict shooting ease for astro.

Video Performance: Does Canon or Nikon Take The Lead?

Video is not Nikon D60’s strong suit as it lacks any video recording features at all.

The Canon T6s offers 1080p HD video up to 30fps, and 720p up to 60fps - both recording in MPEG-4 / H.264 formats. Its articulating touchscreen eases framing while shooting handheld video, and an external microphone port improves audio.

Despite lacking 4K or advanced video features, the T6s’s video functionality is competent for casual creators or vloggers.

Travel and Everyday Use: Versatility and Battery Life

Battery life is surprisingly similar: Nikon claims 500 shots per charge, Canon 440. Real-world, I found Canon’s battery drains faster when using live view or video but is manageable with spares.

Both accept SD cards, but Canon supports faster UHS-I cards improving buffering during burst shooting.

Canon is slightly larger but manageable for travel photography, offering the flexibility of touchscreen menus, articulated screen, and wireless connectivity built-in (Wi-Fi + NFC). Nikon’s older model lacks wireless or GPS options.

Reliability, Workflow, and Lens Ecosystem

Canon’s EF and EF-S mount lens ecosystem is larger (over 320 lenses) and more widely supported today than Nikon’s older F-mount versions compatible with the D60, which is limited to about 309 lenses, many now discontinued.

File formats from both cameras include full RAW support, but Canon’s modern DIGIC 6 processor yields faster write, preview speeds, and smoother in-camera processing.

Performance Scores and Objective Metrics

Here’s a summary of overall performance scores and more detailed per-genre scoring from DxOMark and my own hands-on tests.

Canon’s T6s leads in image quality, autofocus, and features across almost all photography disciplines. Nikon D60 holds minimal advantages in battery life and size, but that’s about it.

Sample Image Gallery: Real-World JPEG and RAW Samples

I encourage you to closely inspect these images captured side by side under identical conditions in my field tests.

Canon T6s front Canon T6s screen back Nikon D60 front Nikon D60 screen back

Observe sharper detail, finer gradation, and better low light clarity from Canon samples; Nikon’s images look softer and noisier when pushed.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Who Should Buy the Canon T6s?

• Enthusiasts desiring advanced autofocus and better image quality on a budget
• Portrait, landscape, and event photographers needing reliable face detection and dynamic range
• Video hobbyists requiring full HD recording with good audio options
• Photographers valuing touchscreen flexibility and modern connectivity features

Who Might Still Consider the Nikon D60?

• Absolute budget seekers needing a DSLR with basic features and still looking for manual control
• Those who prioritize a lighter, smaller body for simple travel or snapshots
• Beginners comfortable with a more minimal interface and limited autofocus demands

Closing Summary: Hands-On Over Hype

Both cameras are entry-level DSLRs but fundamentally different in capability and modern relevance. The Canon EOS Rebel T6s is clearly the more versatile and powerful tool, with features only seen in newer cameras: touchscreen, 19-point AF, robust sensor, and video.

The Nikon D60 is better suited as a historical curiosity or ultra-budget body, given its limited specs and dated features despite solid construction.

If you want future-proofing, higher image quality, and hunting AF, go Canon. If you want simple, affordable, and lightweight with acceptable daytime shooting – Nikon will do in a pinch.

Dear Canon, please keep making cameras like the T6s that blend enthusiast features into beginner bodies - you’ve set a practical benchmark here. Nikon, your D60 was a solid start, but technology has leapt forward since.

Thanks for reading! I hope this detailed comparison helps you find the right DSLR for your photographic journey. Feel free to reach out with questions or share your experiences with these cameras below. Happy shooting!