Nikon D3000
The basics
The Nikon D3000 is an entry-level digital SLR with 10.2MP CCD, 11-point autofocus system, 3-inch monitor and 3fps burst shooting. It comes in kit with 3x image stabilised zoom lens. Weighs 485g body only.
The good
You couldn’t ask for a smoother transition from compact to SLR photography than the D3000. A Guide Mode walks you through settings with the patience of a digital David Bailey, and auto scene mode selection will have you shooting superb quality snaps in seconds. The combination of a healthy 10MP chip, a sharp rock-solid zoom lens and a new, precise AF system gives clear, crisp and colourful photos. Miniature mode gives a fun ‘toy train set’ effect and high ISO photography (for low light scenes) is refreshingly free of noise.
The bad
You won’t find the latest high features like Live View or video capture on this budget beauty, and ambitious snappers could soon find the D3000 a bit frustrating, as accessing manual features takes a few more button presses than you’d like. Apart from the cool Miniature mode mentioned above, the in-camera Retouch menu feels more of a Photoshop Ultra-Lite than a useful editing suite.
The bottom line
The D3000 is a bit like the new Miss Marple: a comfortable, non-threatening Sunday evening experience with just a splash of modern colour to keep you interested. It’s not a multimedia powerhouse or an optical explosion – it’s just a very nice camera.
User comments (12)
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r4 ds kaart03 October 2009
Really fantastic product, Camera result is superb.with an optional interface that's very newbie friendly. < a href="http://www.dsr4.nl">r4 ds kaart</a>
Report as inappropriatesgtcharge05 November 2009
Not a bad camera, sounds good. But there is a missing price range slightly above the midrange at around £500-600 (working on amazon prices these include, but i am open to new suggestions, the Canon 500d, Sony A380 and Nikon) which would you say is the best camera? Thanks
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Katie17 November 2009
i have this camera and i love it to pieces, its my baby. its dead easy to use too.. my first slr :) x
Report as inappropriateeastcoastgirl01 February 2010
I've been looking at these lately, and all things considered, I think the D5000 is worth the extra £'s
Report as inappropriateBazzamech01 February 2010
Been a Nikon owner for years. Brought the D3000 recently to use mainly for microphotography and its doing a brilliant job. Can also use most of my old lenes albeit on the manual setting, so have a good stock of accessories already. My real gripe is the manual comes on CD, so not convenient when out in the field.
Report as inappropriateFivish20 February 2010
I have the D40 which is the previous model to the D3000. I have used Nikon slr's since 1974 ! The D40/D3000 are all the slr you will ever need. You realy dont need all the bells and whistles that just push the price up without delivering any better pictures. The D40 takes superb pictures. Buy the D3000 without hesitation, unless you want a flip screen and video, then get the D5000. Only buy Nikon.
Report as inappropriateGeorge22 February 2010
yeah, might be getting one today. I need a dslr and this looked the best, I think the price is a bit bulky but that is what these things cost so I will pay it.
Report as inappropriateHiten21 March 2010
After losing my nikon d40 on holiday i purchased a nikon d3000. The camera is the best you can buy unless your a professional. It does have its disadvantages but they don't really matter. For daily use its perfect and the pictures are so clear and vibrant.
Report as inappropriateTechGadgetSteve27 April 2010
i recently got the d3000, its my first dslr, i have wanted one for a while but i did all my research and theis was the best i could find, it my be a little pricier than some other entry level slr's but it has more features and has a better kit lens. for me this is all i could ask for in a camera plus if i do need to know how to do something while out in the field i can just change to guide mode. i have been looking around for another lens and the one i think i am going to get is the 55-200mm just to cary on where the kit lens left off.
Report as inappropriatejimgallaher16 August 2010
Its not bad for the money, plasticky, and low light shots are pretty poor. I thought I didnt need video or live view, but after owning the camera for only 6 months, I now regret not spending a bit more money abd getting video capability
Report as inappropriateFinnsdad28 December 2010
A great "entry level" SLR with all you will ever need to take a good photo. The extra expense of the D5000 & now the D3100 is not worth it in my opinion. I have added the 70-200mm VR lens ( £95 second- hand on Ebay) and don't see how the total package could be improved for the price. Who really needs video capability on an SLR ? Just buy a proper video camera ! The only thing I can fault is the lack of the flipscreen live view as that would make tripod work much easier.
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