Nikon D3000 Digital SLR Camera In Depth Review

Review of the Nikon D3000 by Patrick Dean and Mike Huemmer

Introduction

Moving up to the realm of DSLR cameras from the world of compacts can be a confusing, complicated, and frustrating journey. DSLR cameras are quite a bit different from their compact cousins, and learning to use a DSLR camera can frequently send users back to their compacts. Thankfully, the major camera makers have responded with paired down offerings of their prosumer type offerings, frequently with paired down external controls and simplified interfaces. One of the most popular of these entry level cameras was Nikon’s D60, and after a long successful run it has now been replaced by the Nikon D3000. Keeping the same 10.2 megapixel sensor, but acquiring the 11 point AF system from the D5000 and D90, the D3000 makes things even easier for “noobs” by adding a “Guide” shooting mode which offers a great deal of hand holding for the learning photographer. With a feature set similar to its competitors, the D3000 is a compelling offering, but it does omit such popular features as Live View and movie recording. To find out if the D3000 is right for you, please continue reading our review of the Nikon D3000.

Competitors

The D3000 faces a number of challengers including the Canon EOS Rebel XS, the Olympus E-520, the Sony A230. All center around 10 megapixel sensors and feature similar feature sets, though you’ll note some do include Live View. Also of note is the Pentax K-x, which is a bit more expensive but offers an impressive feature set. Below is a look at some of the key specifications of the D3000 and its main challengers.

Camera	Nikon D3000	Canon EOS Rebel XS	Olympus E-520	Sony A230
Price (street est.)	$450	$499	$420	$430
Sensor Resolution	10.2 megapixels	10.1 megapixels	10 megapixels	10.2 megapixels
ISO Range	100-3200	100-1600	100-1600	100-3200
AF	11pt AF	7pt AF	3-point Phase, 11-point Contrast Detect	9pt AF
LCD	3 inch 230k	2.5 inch 230k	2.7 inch 230k	2.7 230.4k
Continuous Shooting	3 fps	3fps	3.5fps	2.5 fps
Live view/HD Movie	no/no	yes/no	yes/no	no/no
Viewfinder	95% coverage, 0.8x magnification	95% coverage, 0.81x magnification	95% coverage, 0.92x magnification	95% coverage, 0.83x magnification
Dimensions	5 x 3.8 x 2.5 in (126 x 97 x 64 mm)	5 x 3.9 x 2.6 in (126 x 98 x 65 mm)	5.4 x 3.6 x 2.7 in (136 x 92 x 68 mm	5 x 3.8 x 2.7 (128 x 97 x 67.5mm)
Weight	18.9 oz (536 g)	17.7 oz (502 g)	19.5 oz (552 g)	15.9 oz (452g)

Availability

The Nikon D3000 is available at your favorite camera retailers including B&H Photo. Making your purchases through the following links helps to support this site.

• D3000 SLR Digital Camera with 18-55mm VR Lens at B&H with Free Shipping
• D3000 SLR Digital Camera with 18-55mm VR Lens at Amazon

Continue Reading This Review:

1. Introduction
2. Specifications
3. Design and Interface
4. Performance
5. IQ and Playback
6. Verdict
7. Image Samples

Continue the Discussion

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1. 

   Kylie Couric says:

   January 25, 2010 at 3:09 am

   Nikon is really cool… i really have to save up for a DSLR. I would love to take my photography to a higher level and really practice on it. right now my photography is mainly self-portraiture. I think i will not go wrong choosing Nikon in the future.

   reply
   • 

     shine says:

     April 18, 2010 at 2:18 pm

     try d5000 its better than d3000.

     reply
2. 

   ARtem says:

   April 17, 2010 at 6:19 am

   Nikon is really cool!!!

   reply