Well, the D60 is a fine camera, but there will be some compatibility issues with your lenses. First off, the D60 is a camera that is inexpensive because it lacks an AF motor, which means that your lenses have to have those motors built-in. You can tell those lenses becaue they will have an "AF-S" designation. Moreover, older lenses will not have certan coatings that eliminate digial moire or a purplish haze around some edges, so upgrading will be necessary after all. You may be able to still mount your lenses, but they won't work. Also, the D60 has an APS-C sensor which effectively crops your focal length. For instance, if you have a 20mm wide angle, it will act as a 30mm equivalent. But, if you have a 300mm telephoto, it will become the equal 0f 450mm. A D80 or D90 body will allow you to use the AF on your older lenses.

A D70s would allow you to use your older lenses and you should be able to find a good used one pretty cheap.

All depends on your definition of 'seriously limited funds.'

For the lowest pricing, I'd look around for a D70 or D70s. As far as I know, the 's' is the same as the D70 with a firmware upgrade, and you upgrade the firmware with a download.

For a higher resolution but also more $$, the D80. A few more $$ and you have a D200. And finally for even more money, a D90. You're not likely to find any D90 camera bodies used yet. They were just released about 6 weeks ago.

For some retailers I'd suggest doing a search on this tribe as well. There are some very good and reputable dealers and a whole lot of shams, shills and scams.

Best of luck,

Marc, UCPhotog

You might try checking up on Craigslist. Right now I see quite a few people upgrading tto better cameras and selling their older models, for quite reasonable prices. Ypou might also try checking on KEH .com, I think they're in LA. They are superb at rating gear, and at least online, their return policy is excellent. If you can swing it, try to get a D200 or D300. If you already have a autofocus lens, that can help you save money, you can look for just a body as opposed to the whole rig. Good luck, and happy shooting!

FWIW...

Are you familiar with digital "crop factor"? Nikon calls 'em DX & FX format sensors... Most of the rest of the industry calls it "APS" (or aps-c) and full-frame. All Nikon digitals 'til recently are cropped, not full-frame. Lenses capture less width with the crop, so a 35mm lens covers closer to 50mm, and a 50mm lens covers what a 75mm used to. If you're into telephoto work, this is a blessing. If wide's your bag, it's a curse.

Also be aware that some lenses are built so they don't cover a whole 35mm frame, only the cropped size of the sensor. These may be frustrating on your 6006.

D## (two-digit) = the "entry" level cameras.
D# (three-digit) = "semi-pro" or "advanced amateur" or however you like to call it.
D# (one-digit) = "pro" models. Tougher build, more shutter-actuations, top-end specs (for their era).

D40 & D60 = no in-body motor to AF the lens. All lenses must have their own motor, or you can only MF the lens.

D50 & D70 are prior-generation, 6MP cameras (FWIW -- same Sony sensor as the old Maxxum/Dynax/Alpha 5 & 7 series). Still pretty darned good -- a real bargin, if you don't need more, and in many ways an "ideal" price/value for someone who's into "trying" digital before plunking down serious cash -- but a bit lacking if large prints and/or tight crops are your thing.

D80 & D90 are pretty bloody sophisticated for "entry" models; in many ways, they're "two-and-a-half-digit" models. ;-)

===

D### series -- D100, D200, D300, D700
Mostly, much more straightforward than the two-digit series above. Each a later generation -- and "better" in most regards -- than the next-lowest number. The D700's a kicker, though -- it's full-frame, instead of cropped-sensor.

D# series -- D1, D2, D3
I'm guessing you want to go lower-end, for the $$$ factor, so I won't cover these; but by and large, the same descriptions apply as to the D### series.

I just picked up a used D200 for around $500 on eBay... works great and would be compatible with your lenses.

Hi, I don't know if you have made your purchase yet so I will let you in on my 2 cents worth. I shoot with the D 80 and find it to be a great camera. I'm all for saving a few bucks when I can, however you can buy a brand new D 80 body from places like KITZ Camera online for $549.00 Thats brand new, not used, not demo, not refurb. And the D 80 is compatible with most of your older film lenses. If your interested, when I can afford to upgrade, it will be to the D 300 and I'll use the D 80 for a backup body.

Good luck and let us know what you end up getting.