Average Camera Review Rating [14 reviews]
Currently selling at $469 (dropped from $581 about 3 weeks ago), the new entry-level D3000 from Nikon offers a number of improvements over its predecessor, the D40, including 10.2-megapixels of resolution, a 3-inch LCD, faster 11-point auto-focus, continuous shooting at 3 fps (frames per second) with full resolution, and an automatic dust-reduction system. The camera also comes with an expanded ISO range from 100 to 1600, with an additional Hi-1 setting that extends the ISO to 3200.
The D3000 offers several new features that target the DSLR beginners switching from a point-and-shoot camera. There is a function called Guide mode, which is accessed from the mode dial on top of the camera, offers step-by-step instructions for choosing the right settings, including example shots. Nikon also included several new creative filters, including a Miniature effect which blurs parts of the image to mimic the look of miniature-model photography. Here is the review conclusion from CNET, giving the camera a rating of 7.5/10:
"The picture quality is first-rate, although we saw some overexposure on our test shot (oddly the D300S that we reviewed at the same time did the same thing). Much of the credit for this quality has to go to Nikon's 18-55mm VR kit lens, which is much sharper at the edges of the frame than most of its rivals. It's good at its maximum zoom setting, too. Those who've upgraded from a compact may have to look hard to see any significant improvement in detail at low ISOs (it's mostly in subtle textures), but the improvement at high ISOs is huge. The D3000 is better at ISO 1,600 than most compacts are at ISO 400.
Currently selling at $469 (dropped from $581 about 3 weeks ago), the new entry-level D3000 from Nikon offers a number of improvements over its predecessor, the D40, including 10.2-megapixels of resolution, a 3-inch LCD, faster 11-point auto-focus, continuous shooting at 3 fps (frames per second) with full resolution, and an automatic dust-reduction system. The camera also comes with an expanded ISO range from 100 to 1600, with an additional Hi-1 setting that extends the ISO to 3200.The D3000 offers several new features that target the DSLR beginners switching from a point-and-shoot camera. There is a function called Guide mode, which is accessed from the mode dial on top of the camera, offers step-by-step instructions for choosing the right settings, including example shots. Nikon also included several new creative filters, including a Miniature effect which blurs parts of the image to mimic the look of miniature-model photography. Here is the review conclusion from CNET, giving the camera a rating of 7.5/10:
"The picture quality is first-rate, although we saw some overexposure on our test shot (oddly the D300S that we reviewed at the same time did the same thing). Much of the credit for this quality has to go to Nikon's 18-55mm VR kit lens, which is much sharper at the edges of the frame than most of its rivals. It's good at its maximum zoom setting, too. Those who've upgraded from a compact may have to look hard to see any significant improvement in detail at low ISOs (it's mostly in subtle textures), but the improvement at high ISOs is huge. The D3000 is better at ISO 1,600 than most compacts are at ISO 400.
Other APS-C format dSLRs may have 2 to 5 megapixels extra, but they don't necessarily offer a substantial gain in sharpness over the 10.2-megapixel D3000 (click image to enlarge). What this means is that, although the D3000 is good, you could very quickly outgrow it. There's no problem at all with the picture quality, even if the D3000 does have a comparatively low-tech sensor. But, if you want your camera to be a learning tool rather than just something to grab snaps with, the D3000's control system could soon start getting on your nerves. The Nikon D3000 is very middle-of-the-road, but its pictures are great, its technology is perfectly adequate and it's as simple to use as Nikon says it is. Even the price is alright -- it's much more than you might have paid for a starter dSLR a couple of years ago, but rivals have gone up in price too."
Photo Album: Nikon D3000 10.2 Megapixel Digital SLR
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Nikon D3000 Sample Photos on Flickr
Nikon D3000 Camera Reviews Roundup
| byThom: "Battery performance is good, about right for the intended user of the camera. I was able to get more than 1000 images to a charge. Nikon suggests that the camera gets 550 image for the CIPA standard test, and 2000 for their continuous release test. Actual use seems to fall in between those two test patterns. I never approached 2000 images in normal use, though I could duplicate Nikon's numbers with exactly their tes..." - Aug 17 2010 More » | |
| Adorama: "As with other lower-end Nikon DSLRs, the D3000 lacks an internal autofocus engine, and must rely on the less powerful ones built into its G-series lenses. Besides the fact that this limits how many AF lenses will actually focus automatically on this camera, the result (when using lenses with built-in AF engines) is sluggish autofocus performance. Using the included 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR lens, I found focus to be slo..." - Jun 03 2010 More » | |
| DPInterface: "The Nikon D3000 is a great camera for new users to test the waters of the digital SLR world - it offers the core experience of using an SLR: good image quality, full manual controls and quick operation. The camera is fairly small, but at the same time comfortable to hold and simple to use. The D3000's number of controls are well-thought out (not too few, but not too many either) and well placed. There's a big 3 inch..." - Feb 11 2010 More » | |
| NeutralDay: "Clearly intended for the beginner DSLR user, the D3000 delivers both in quality and ease of use. With a price tag of well under $600, there isn't much question of the relative value of the D3000. The D3000 provides a fun and simple photographic experience while possibly enabling the user to learn a thing or two about photography via its "Guide Mode"ProsLightweight and sturdy.Comfortable.Easy user interface..." - Jan 26 2010 More » |
Nikon D3000 Reviews Roundup [Total 19 Reviews] »
Nikon D3000 Camera Recent User Reviews
Great camera!, Jeane G. - Jun 10 2013
I'm so happy with this camera! Excellent pictures! Easy to use. The condition is excellent! We are so pleased. And recommend this camera...
I really do love it!!!, Juan P. - May 31 2013
I am still getting used to it!!! The DVD about using the camera doesn't help to get started just gives a run-down of the functions....
D3000, Mary Ellen Lotkowski - May 27 2013
Love love love this camera but wish I had waited a few more months for the D3100. I have no regrets and love using this camera in the mountains, at the beach, and during holiday parties. I've taken some really great pictures....
Easy to use, great pictures, A. Osmon - May 27 2013
I really like this camera. It's easy to use, right from the start, and takes great pictures. I still plan on learning lots more about SLR cameras so I can use it to its full potential, but I can definitely see the quality of my pictures has already improved. I would suggest buying a few high quality lenses to add to your pack. The ones it comes with are just alright....
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