Nikon D3000 Review

The Nikon D3000 is the company’s attempt to bring a digital single-lens reflex camera (DLSR) into the hands of consumers who, when confronted with a high-end camera of that caliber, might feel out of their depth.

Nobody has exactly figured out how to make digital single-lens reflex cameras (DSLRs) straightforward to use for amateur photographers, even though many great DSLRs are on the market.

Even self-assured and inventive users of small cameras often get intimidated when presented with a digital single-lens reflex camera (DSLR). Something about the intimidating black body and the abundance of knobs and dials turns people off.

Therefore, Nikon should be congratulated on the D3000, as the single-lens reflex camera (SLR) is easiest for novice photographers. This digital single-lens reflex camera has a resolution of 10.2 megapixels and costs 500 pounds. It is a direct competitor to the Canon EOS 1000D, which has received positive reviews, and other entry-level competitors such as the Sony Alpha A330, the Olympus E-450, and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1.

As such, it is in an ideal position to entice the still-considerable number of small camera owners interested in making their first purchase of an SLR. For one very straightforward reason, the consumer market for entry-level SLR cameras continues to generate enormous profits for manufacturers. When you have a customer hooked on your SLR system, you can keep making money from them throughout their photographic career by selling them lenses and other accessories.

The Nikon D3000 has a compact size and a simple but effective 18-55 zoom lens, which is quite close to the specifications of Canon’s entry-level kit lens. At first glance, the Nikon D3000 appears standard due to these characteristics.

When you look at the top shooting dial on the camera, you will first notice its distinctive selling point. In addition to the conventional PASM exposure modes, there is a brand-new mode called GUIDE. When you choose GUIDE as your shooting mode, your DSLR will suddenly resemble a tiny camera. The user is then presented with a large, colorful screen that contains three options: Shoot, View/Delete, and Set-up.

The last two options are simple and explanatory. Still, the third option, “Shoot,” is an innovative feature that allows you to select from various shooting possibilities, including close-ups, action pictures, night shots, and portraits with blurred backgrounds.

Each shooting option explains how to achieve your desired effect rather than being dumbly preset. As a result, it’s a valuable learning tool for getting to grips with the creative exposure controls on a digital single-lens reflex camera (DSLR), even though it’s nearly foolproof. Fisher Price, on the other hand, is a toy.

In addition to that, there is a choice for More Settings that leads you directly to the Flash and AF modes. It is obvious how everything works. What features, then, does the camera not possess? In addition to a top LCD, Live View and the capability to record high-definition video are two of the most notable missing parts.

This is quite a dangerous tactic, but it is clear that Nikon is banking on the fact that first-time users of SLR cameras will be content to forego these useful add-ons in exchange for a stills camera that is simple to operate.

Interface

As was noted earlier, this is not the camera for you if you want a cutting-edge SLR that can capture high-definition video and offer a live-view mode.

Since it is primarily intended to facilitate the move from compact cameras to digital single-lens reflex cameras (DSLR), we will evaluate it from this perspective. Nevertheless, the D3000 is an excellent single-lens reflex camera for those just starting.

It is just the correct size, being small enough to bring along on a trip with the family but not so tiny that it will be difficult for those with larger hands to operate. The build quality is excellent, and the 18-55mm kit lens appears more robustly constructed and of higher quality than the comparable Canon lens.

Guide mode

Let’s take a more in-depth look at the central selling point of the camera, which is the GUIDE option. The first choice, “Shoot,” contains three suboptions: “Easy Operation,” “Advanced Operation,” and “Timers and Remote Control.”

Remember that Nikon is a Japanese company, so it would be a letdown if there weren’t some cloying cuteness somewhere. Easy Operation contains all the most basic “points and clicks” modes before moving on to more challenging tasks such as Distant Subjects, Close-Ups, Portraits, Landscapes, and Sleeping Faces. If nothing else, at least it’s not Sleeping Puppies!

You will first be presented with a screen that concisely explains each option before being allowed to begin shooting. Then, after you have gained some experience with the camera, you may click the second tab labeled “More Settings” to adjust the flash and other characteristics.

Therefore, we believe that Nikon has achieved the appropriate level of harmony here. Of course, you can then fine-tune the settings if necessary. However, impatient beginners can quickly obtain the desired results by going straight to the “Start Shooting” button instead of fiddling with the other locations.

And, of course, beginners can take full advantage of all the benefits of shooting with a digital single-lens reflex camera, including using more advanced lenses and image-processing technology.

So far, we’ve covered Easy Operation; the next level, Advanced Operation, goes further. To soften a portrait’s background while maintaining the subject’s sharpness, for example, you need to select the “Soften backgrounds” option and read the accompanying description.

After that, the camera’s aperture will be opened up for you to adjust so that you may create the desired effect, and then you will be instructed to take the picture. Now, skeptics could say that in the time it took someone to work through all of these panels, they could have just switched the camera to the A (Aperture Priority) mode, dialed in a bigger aperture themselves, and taken the photo – a task that would have taken them no more than five seconds.

Therein lies one of the camera’s inherent inconsistencies and another drawback associated with Nikon’s method of Operation. It’s possible that to an impatient beginner, it won’t be immediately evident that you can alter the width of the aperture (and, consequently, the depth of focus of an image) by selecting the A mode on the top dial.

This will be a problem for anyone upgrading to another single-lens reflex camera that is less user-friendly for beginners. Perhaps a picture of the top dial would be helpful in this situation. To be fair to Nikon, though, trying to explain everything to someone just starting is nearly tricky, and the ‘Guide’ mode is a solution that has been carefully thought through.

Features

We have placed significant emphasis on the user-friendly widgets included with this camera; however, what about the other features?

The camera’s exposure system and autofocusing are both as outstanding as one would expect from a Nikon product, and the metering modes performed admirably even under challenging lighting situations.

This camera is not quick enough or sturdy enough to handle the demands of professional sports photography. Still, it works just fine for capturing beautiful photos of, for example, the kids playing football.

However, image playback has a rather annoying lag, even though AF is rapid and fluid. Moreover, you must adjust the power-saving modes to maintain the camera functioning, which can be a real pain.

How big of a deal is it that there aren’t any other options, like filming in high-definition or using the live view function?

Lack of a Live View

Although it is possible to get by without either of these features, the fact that a camera that costs $500 doesn’t have either of them is a bit of a letdown, and we expect that Nikon will add them to the next version of the product.

The ability to record in high definition (HD) is unquestionably advantageous. In contrast, the Live View feature is helpful when taking candid photographs or still-life compositions, for example.

It is a nuisance not to have these additional features, but it has to be seen how much of a turnoff this omission will be for SLR beginners weighing up their camera options.

Quality of the Image

The high quality of the images produced by the D3000 will immediately quiet anyone who disparages it as a beginner’s camera with simplified controls.

We were surprised by the camera’s capability to calculate the optimum exposure even when shooting in the compressed JPEG mode. The Matrix metering technology is very clever indeed.

When shooting in RAW (NEF) mode, you will get the full benefit of uncompressed images; the amount of clarity and information that can be extracted from an image is astounding for a camera considered to be an entry-level model.

This camera’s ISO capabilities are also outstanding (light sensitivity). We shot at settings as high as ISO 1600 without encountering any significant issues with digital noise, and it was exceptionally well controlled at lower, more practical settings such as ISO 400.

Nikon D3000 Specifications

Body color	Black
Sensor	• 23.6 x 15.8 mm CCD sensor • Nikon DX format (1.5x FOV crop) • 10.2 million effective pixels • 10.75 million total pixels • RGB Color Filter Array • 12-bit A/D converter
Anti-dust measures	• Image sensor cleaning system • Airflow control system • Image dust off from reference frame (using optional Capture NX software)
Image sizes	• 3872 x 2592 (L) • 2896 x 1944 (M) • 1936 x 1296 (S)
Image quality	• NEF (12-bit compressed RAW) • JPEG fine (1:4) • JPEG normal (1:8) • JPEG basic (1:16) • NEF (RAW) + JPEG
Color space	• sRGB • Adobe RGB
Lens mount	Nikon F mount (with AF contacts)
Lens compatibility	• AF-S, AF-I • Other Type G or D AF Nikkor • Other AF Nikkor/AI-P Nikkor• Type D PC Nikkor• Non-CPU• IX Nikkor/AF Nikkor for F3AF • AI-P NIKKOR-All functions supported – All functions supported except autofocus – All functions supported except autofocus and 3D Color Matrix Metering II – All functions supported except some shooting modes – Can be used in mode M, but exposure meter does not function; electronic range finder can be used if maximum aperture is f/5.6 or faster – Cannot be used -All functions supported except 3D color matrix metering II
Autofocus	• 11 area TTL phase detection • Nikon Multi-CAM1000 autofocus module • Detection range: EV -1 to +19 (ISO 100 equivalent, at standard temperature) • Manual focus [M], Electronic range finding supported
Lens servo	• Single-servo AF (AF-S) • Continuous-servo AF (AF-C) • Automatic AF-S/AF-C (AF-A) • Manual focus (MF)
AF Area mode	• Single Area AF • Dynamic Area AF • Auto Area AF • 3D Tracking (11 points) • Closest Subject Priority Dynamic Area AF
Focus tracking	Predictive focus tracking automatically activated according to subject status in continuous-servo AF
Focus area	Can be selected from 11 focus points
Focus lock	Focus can be locked by pressing the shutter-release button halfway (single-servo AF) or by pressing the AE-L/AF-L button
AF Assist	White light lamp
Exposure mode	• Auto     – Auto     – Flash off • Scene Modes Portrait Landscape Child Sports Close up Night portrait • Programmed auto (P) with a flexible program • Shutter-priority auto (S) • Aperture-priority auto (A) • Manual (M) • GUIDE mode     • Easy Operation Auto No flash Distant subjects Close-ups Sleeping faces Moving subjects Landscapes Portraits Night portrait     • Advanced mode Soften backgrounds (aperture priority) Freeze motion (people) (shutter priority) Freeze motion (vehicles) (shutter priority)
Metering	TTL exposure metering using a 420-pixel RGB sensor • Matrix:3D color matrix metering II (type G and D lenses); color matrix metering II (other CPU lenses) • Center-weighted: Weight of 75% given to an 8mm circle in the center of the frame • Spot: Meters 3.5 mm circle (about 2.5% of frame) centered on the active focus area
Metering range	• EV 0 to 20 (3D color matrix or center-weighted metering) • EV 2 to 20 (spot metering)
Meter coupling	CPU coupling
Exposure comp.	• +/- 5.0 EV • 1/3 EV steps
AE Lock	Exposure locked at detected value with AE-L/AF-L button
AE Bracketing	None
Sensitivity	• Auto • ISO 100 • ISO 200 • ISO 400 • ISO 800 • ISO 1600 • ISO 3200 equiv. (Hi 1)
Auto ISO options	• On/Off • Maximum ISO (200, 400, 800, 1600, or Hi1) • Minimum shutter speed (1 to 1/2000 sec)
Shutter	• Electronically-controlled vertical-travel focal-plane shutter • 30 to 1/4000 sec (1/3 EV steps) • Flash X-Sync: up to 1/200 sec • Bulb • Time (requires optional Wireless Remote Control ML-L3)
White balance	Auto (TTL white-balance with 420 pixels RGB sensor) • Twelve manual modes with fine-tuning     • Incandescent     • Fluorescent Sodium-vapor lamps Warm-white fluorescent White fluorescent Cool-white fluorescent Day white fluorescent Daylight fluorescent Daylight fluorescent Mercury-vapor lamps     • Direct sunlight     • Flash     • Cloudy     • Shade • Preset white balance (immediate or from photo)
WB fine-tuning	Yes, (except preset manual)
Image parameters	• Picture controls: Standard, Neutral, Vivid, Monochrome, Portrait, Landscape • Quick Adjust: 5 settings (adjusts Sharpening, Contrast, and Saturation by preset amounts) • Sharpening: Auto, ten levels • Contrast: Auto, seven levels • Saturation: Auto, seven levels • Hue: 7 levels
Viewfinder	• Optically fixed eye-level • Pentamirror type • Built-in dioptre adjustment (-1.7 to +0.5 m-1) • Eye point: 18 mm (at -1.0 m-1) • Frame coverage 95% (approx.) • Viewfinder magnification approx. 0.8x with 50mm lens at infinity; -1.0 m-1 • Focusing screen: Type B BriteView clear matte screen Mark V with superimposed focus brackets
LCD monitor	• 3.0″ TFT LCD • 230,000 pixel
Built-in flash	• Auto, Portrait, Child, Close-up, Night portrait • Auto flash with auto pop-up, • Manual pop-up in P, S, A, or M modes • Guide number approx. 12/39 at ISO 100 (am/ft) • Guide number approx. 13/43 at ISO 100 (m/ft) in manual mode
Sync contact	X-contact only; flash synchronization at shutter speeds of up to 1/200 sec
Flash control	• TTL flash control by 420-segment RGB sensor. I-TTL balanced fill-flash for digital SLR and standard i-TTL fill-flash for digital SLR available when CPU lens is used with built-in flash, SB-400, SB-800, and SB-600 • Auto aperture with SB-800 and CPU lenses • Non-TTL auto with SB-800, 80DX, 28DX, 28, 27 and 22s • Range-priority manual with SB-800
Flash mode	• Auto, Portrait, Child, Close-up: Auto, auto with red-eye reduction; fill-flash and red-eye reduction available with optional Speedlight • Night portrait: Auto, slow auto sync, slow auto sync with red-eye reduction; slow sync and slow sync with a red-eye reduction available with optional Speedlight • Landscape, Sports: Fill-flash and red-eye reduction available with optional Speedlight • P, A modes: Fill flash, rear-curtain with slow sync, slow sync, slow sync with red-eye reduction, red-eye reduction • S, M modes: Fill flash, rear-curtain sync, red-eye reduction
Flash compensation	• -3 to +1 EV • 1/3 steps
Nikon Creative Lighting system	• Advanced Wireless Lighting supported with SB-900, SB-800 or SU-800 as commander • Flash Color Information Communication supported with built-in flash and all CLS-compatible flash units
Shooting modes	• Single frame shooting (S) mode • Continuous shooting (C) mode: approx. 3.0 frames per second • Self-timer • Quick-Response Remote • Delayed Remote
Continuous buffer	• JPEG: 100 frames in a burst but limited only by storage • RAW: Approx. ~ 6 frames (shooting continues at a slower rate)
Self-timer	• 2, 5, 10, or 20 sec
Remote control	• Remote Control ML-L3 (optional, Infrared) • Camera Control Pro software (optional)
Text input	Up to 36 characters of alphanumeric text input are available with LCD monitor and multi-selector, stored in EXIF header
Playback functions	• Full frame • Thumbnail (4, 9, or 72 images or calendar) • Playback with Playback zoom • Playback of stop-motion movies created with D3000 • Slide Show • Histogram Display • Highlights • Auto Image Rotation • Image Comment (up to 36 characters)
Orientation sensor	Yes (Rotates user interface when using the camera in portrait orientation)
Storage	• Secure Digital / Secure Digital HC • FAT / FAT32 • Supports firmware update via SD card
Video output	NTSC or PAL selectable
Connectivity	• USB 2.0 (Hi-Speed) • Mass storage / PTP selectable • Video out • DC-IN (optional AC adapter and adapter connector)
Languages	Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swedish
Power	Lithium-Ion battery pack EN-EL9a (7.2 V, 1080 mAh)
Working environment	• 0 to 40°C (32 to 104°F) • Less than 85% humidity
Dimensions	126 x 97 x 64 mm (5.0 x 3.8 x 2.5 in)
Weight (no batt)	485g (1.1 lb)
Weight (inc. batt)	536 g (1.2 lb)
Supplied accessories	• Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL9a • Quick Charger MH-23 • Eyepiece Cap DK-5 • Rubber Eyecup DK-20 • USB Cable UC-E4 • Video Cable EG-D100 • Camera Strap AN-DC3 • Accessory Shoe Cover BS-1 • Body Cap BF-1A, Software Suite CD-ROM
Optional accessories	Wireless Remote Control ML-L3, Capture NX2, Camera Control Pro, AC Adapter Connector EP-5, AC Adapter EH-5, Video Cable EG-D100, Semi Soft-Case CF-DC1, Speedlight SB-900/600/400/T041/R1C1

Conclusion

The experience of using this single-lens reflex camera (SLR) is quite enjoyable. It is quick and clever, has a kit lens of high quality, and comes with all of the benefits that come with Nikon’s legacy in the optical industry. In addition, the ISO performance is excellent for the price, and the display screen’s clarity makes it simple to make modifications as you use the product.

If only Nikon could include Live View or competent video recording (or both), we would have the ideal first SLR. However, in its current form, it is not far from being perfect.

Nikon D3000 Price

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