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Nikon D3000 Image and ISO Samples

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Posted by Patrick on Jan 8, 2010 in Cameras, Reviews

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We’re nearly done with our review of the Nikon D3000, the 10.2 megapixel follow up to the popular, or rather, wildly popular Nikon D40. The D3000 has a 10.2 megapixel sensor, and ships in kit form with the Nikkor 18-55mm VR, the two together check in for about $550. This entry-level offering skips out on the HD video recording craze, and noticeably does without Live View too, a feature, I should say, that is not well understood by many beginning photographers I’ve spoken with. What it does offer though is:

11 point AF system.
3 frames per second continuous shooting speed.
A “Guide” mode that walks photographers through taking a picture.
Automatic sensor cleaning.
ISO range of 100-3200.
Small compact design.
In camera image editing options.
Super easy camera interface.

It isn’t groundbreaking, but the D3000 is relatively easy to use. I really like the interface, some of which is carried over from the Nikon D5000, which is great since there aren’t a lot of physical controls, so you’ll be using that interface quite a bit. The guide mode is a little strange from a more experience perspective, but it does allow beginners and point and shoot graduates to get their feet wet without getting overwhelmed, which is easy to do on a DSLR. All in all a solid offering, a certainly a well made one…this compact little camera looks like it will hold up well over time.

Availability

The D3000 is widely available and in stock. I strongly recommend B&H Photo for all of your photography related purchases, including the Nikon D3000. They’ve got great prices and service, plus by purchasing your gear through the following links, you also support the site. You can get the Nikon D3000 for the same low price (or lower) as everywhere else, plus get free shipping. You’ve just got to check out B&H Photo!

Nikon D3000 with Nikkor 18-55mm VR lens at B&H Photo: $549

ISO Samples

ISO quality isn’t too bad, but still along the same lines as the D40.Things get pretty grainy by ISO 800, but within reason, one could expect to use ISO 800 captures and depending on the circumstances, the occasional ISO 1600. Use the image below to orient yourself with the location of the 100% crops below. In-camera ISO noise reduction was turned off, as was Active D-Lighting. Click on each crop for an expanded 100% view. The full sized, uncropped ISO captures can be had here.

Crop Source

Crop 1


ISO 100	ISO 200

ISO 400	ISO 800

ISO 1600	ISO 3200

Crop 2


ISO 100	ISO 200

ISO 400	ISO 800

ISO 1600	ISO 3200

Image Samples

The Nikon D3000 is quite capable of taking very good pictures, and though the 10.2 megapixel sensor isn’t up to the same level of performance as the 12.3 megapixel D5000, it still is much better than any point and shoot type camera. The D3000 does a good job of exposing pictures, and output is quite natural and pleasing. To get a sense of what the Nikon D3000 can do, I’ve provided a number of image samples for your examination. Click each thumbnail below for a larger view, or explore the “original size” link for a 100% view of the original file. Feel free to download the originals for your personal use (only).


Camera: Nikon D3000 Exposure: 6 Aperture: f/3.5 Focal Length: 18 mm ISO Speed: 100 Exposure Bias: 0 EV original size	Camera: Nikon D3000 Exposure: 30 Aperture: f/11.0 Focal Length: 18 mm ISO Speed: 100 Exposure Bias: 0 EV original size

Camera: Nikon D3000 Exposure: 0.1 sec (1/10) Aperture: f/5.3 Focal Length: 46 mm ISO Speed: 1600 Exposure Bias: 0 EV original size	Camera: Nikon D3000 Exposure: 1 Aperture: f/18.0 Focal Length: 22 mm ISO Speed: 800 Exposure Bias: 0 EV original size

Camera: Nikon D3000 Exposure: 0.067 sec (1/15) Aperture: f/1.4 Focal Length: 50 mm ISO Speed: 200 Exposure Bias: +1 EV original size	Camera: Nikon D3000 Exposure: 0.005 sec (1/200) Aperture: f/8.0 Focal Length: 52 mm ISO Speed: 100 Exposure Bias: +1 EV original size

Camera: Nikon D3000 Exposure: 0.005 sec (1/200) Aperture: f/9.0 Focal Length: 44 mm ISO Speed: 100 Exposure Bias: +1 EV original size	Camera: Nikon D3000 Exposure: 0.01 sec (1/100) Aperture: f/5.6 Focal Length: 55 mm ISO Speed: 100 Exposure Bias: +1 EV original size

Camera: Nikon D3000 Exposure: 0.02 sec (1/50) Aperture: f/5.6 Focal Length: 55 mm ISO Speed: 200 Exposure Bias: 0 EV original size	Camera: Nikon D3000 Exposure: 0.005 sec (1/200) Aperture: f/9.0 Focal Length: 36 mm ISO Speed: 100 Exposure Bias: +1 EV original size

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