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Nikon D3000 Summary Specs
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Overall
The Nikon D3000 is a great product from the company’s developed technology as it was first announced in July 2009. This camera model intends to satisfy beginners with its user-friendly and lightweight features. It is a great addition to the entry-level lineup.
The Nikon D3000 is the successor of the remarkable D60 and also said to replace the D40 in the market. This latest model offers 10.2 Megapixel DX-format Imaging Sensor that makes it capable of producing high quality photos. Its design is convenient for beginners and the featured Guide Mode will give way to a maximized learning experience.
It is a pleasure to see the advance improvements in the Nikon D3000 with its 11-point Autofocus feature and 3 inches high-resolution LCD monitor. The SRP of $499.95 is set for the budget-conscious consumer. Along with the kit lens of Nikkor 18-55mm VR, the user is ready for an awesome shooting experience.
Display Screen
The Nikon D3000 shows improvement beyond its predecessors with the new 3-inch wide viewing angle LCD monitor that employs 230K resolution. It is a great thing that it has a bigger screen that can display high quality images. This gives an advantage to the new DSLR model. But then scanning images while in bright surroundings may affect viewing quality. This may not be a surprise for an entry-level DSLR unit. Nevertheless, it functions well for the user’s satisfaction. Adjusting the camera settings would not have to be a problem with the help of its user-friendly features.
Auto Focus, Exposures, Bracketing
The D3000 is a major leap for the entry-level DSLR models of Nikon. It offers 11 Auto-Focus points which is the same as the Multi-CAM 1000 AF module found in the D5000 and D90 units. This makes the Nikon D3000 capable of producing excellent photos that the user would be really proud of.
Focusing can be set to Auto, Manual, Continuous-servo (C), and Single-servo AF (S). The Nikon D3000 has Auto-Focus sensitivity that range from -1 to +19 EV. And in order to bring out more focused details to the composition, the user can specify a metering mode among the following options:
- Center-weighted
- Spot
- 3D Color Matrix Metering II (420 Pixel RGB sensor)
A nice treat included in the package is the Nikkor 18-55mm VR lens that delivers awesome image quality and fast enough for the novice shooter to capture the most vibrant moments. The Vibration Reduction can be switched on to provide assistance to the shooter and help lessen the effects of camera shakes on the composition. There are also plenty of lenses available to suit the preferences of the user.
The Nikon D3000 offers the shutter speed range from 30 seconds to 1/4000 plus a Bulb setting. And to enable the user to adjust in different light situations, the exposure compensation is available with a convenient range of +/-5EV in 0.3 steps.
Nikon constantly enthuse beginners with the inclusion of the D3000 among the entry-level lineup. This camera has good Auto-Focus capabilities that can satisfy its user with an outstanding performance in the field. Locking on a subject will be easy and results will show fascinating details.
The Nikon D3000 is an ideal product for a jumpstart in your creative endeavors.
ISO, White Balance
Adjusting to different light situations is necessary to have an impressive composition. The Nikon D3000 is capable of helping the user do adjustments without many technicalities. Its user-friendly mechanism and informative menu functions are available to assist the user while shooting.
The Nikon D3000 offers a standard ISO range from 100 to 1600 and can be expanded up to 3200 (Hi-1). This can be manually adjusted in the main settings menu on the display screen.
In order to accommodate different environments and more light adjustments, the Nikon D3000 offers White Balance function that the user can set to Auto or one among the following presets below:
- Cloudy
- Direct Sunlight
- Flash
- Fine Tune by Kevin color temp. setting (2500K-10000K)
- Fluorescent (7 types)
- Incandescent
- Preset manual (5 values can be saved)
- Shade
In Camera Scenes or Settings
As mentioned earlier, the Nikon D3000 shows much advancement with its capabilities from its predecessors. The entry-level lineup has taken quite a change with the arrival of the D3000. Beginners will be interested to learn new things together with this user-friendly camera buddy.
The Nikon D3000 offer presets to help the shooter make easy choices while shooting. Below is a list of different picture control options:
- Landscape
- Monochrome
- Neutral
- Portrait
- Standard
- Vivid
The Nikon D3000 is capable of capturing images in both RAW (12-bit NEF) and JPEG formats. The user is allowed to adjust the photo sizes in different resolutions available which are indicated below:
- 3872 x 2592 (L)
- 2896 x 1944 (M)
- 1936 x 1296 (S)
The Nikon D3000 enhanced their functionality as the user’s recent settings can be displayed on the menu. This will show the previous adjustments or options being accessed. Now this is very convenient for the user. In case you forgot which last option you just changed, the recent settings displayed will help you remember. Fixing some adjustment errors would be much easier.
Creative Filters
An active enthusiast would always want to improve skills and explore more creative techniques in composing images. The Nikon D3000 is capable of in-camera image editing with the following options possible:
- Before and After
- Color Balance
- Color Outline
- D-Lighting
- Filter Effects
- Miniature Effect
- Monochrome
- NEF (Raw) Processing
- Quick Retouch
- Red-eye Correction
- Small Picture
- Stop Motion
- Trim
Drive Modes, Self-Timer & Remote Control
The Nikon D3000 displays easy-to-control functions for the advantage of a beginner. The mode dial include the usual options necessary for accommodating the user’s preference:
- Program
- Shutter-priority
- Aperture-priority
- Manual
- Guide
- Auto
- Flash off (Auto)
- Portrait
- Landscape
- Child
- Sports
- Close-up
- Night Portrait
The Guide Mode is a new addition to the entry-level deal. This will present easy-to-access options for the user to take control of the settings while shooting. The user will be able to learn more about the capabilities of the Nikon D3000. The menus are displayed in a simple format that makes it appropriate for beginners not limited to age differences. It is easy to comprehend which makes learning quick and more enjoyable.
The Nikon D3000 has good low-light capability allowing shooters to continue exploring even during nighttime. A built-in flash is available but Bulb flashes are also available if you want to explore more with flash photography. The D3000 can adjust with the bulb compensation range of -3 to +1 EV in increments of 1/3 EV. The flash sync modes also vary with different options stated below:
- Front-curtain sync (normal)
- Red-eye reduction
- Red-eye reduction with slow sync
- Rear-curtain sync
- Slow sync
The Nikon D3000 shows a good shooting performance with its speed and quality. The user will be given shooting options for a specific shutter release mode. Here is a list of available shutter release modes for varying shooting adjustments:
- Single-frame
- Continuous
- Self-timer
- Delayed remote
- Quick response remote
Continuous shooting for the Nikon D3000 is fast with a rate of 3 frames per second. Just light clicks on your shutter will easily capture important details of the subject quickly. This is quite enough for a novice shooter but obviously not for an advanced user.
Self-timer can also be used for tripod mounted shots and instances when the user prefers to delay the shutter click with a specified duration. The self-timer function can be set to 2, 5, 10 and 20 seconds.
A remote is also available for the Nikon D3000. It can be purchased separately if the user wants a more convenient control on the camera shutter. Nikon’s ML-L3 IR remote control transmitter is compatible with many Nikon DSLR models including the D3000. The user has the option to mount the camera on a tripod and use this remote control to trigger the shutter by just a simple click.
Lenses and Lens Options
The Nikon D3000 is compatible with a variety of Nikkor lenses available. But if you want to explore more to see what other brands have to offer, here is a list of some compatible lenses also available in the market:
- Tokina 35mm f/2.8 AT-X Pro DX Macro Nikon-f
- Tokina 10-17mm f/3.5-4.5 AT-X 107 DX Nikon-f
- Tokina 100mm f/2.8 AT-X Pro D Macro Nikon-f
- Tokina 12-24mm f/4 AT-X 124 Pro DX II Nikon-f
- Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 AT-X 116 Pro DX Nikon-f
- Tokina 12-24mm f/4 AT-X 124 Pro DX Nikon-f
- Tokina 16.5-135mm f/3.5-5.6 AT-X DX Nikon-f
- Tokina AT-X 840 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6 D Nikon-f
- Tokina 16-50mm f/2.8 AT-X 165 PRO DX Nikon-f
- Tokina AT-X 16-28mm f/2.8 Pro FX Nikon-f
- Tokina 17-35mm f/4 Pro FX Nikon-f
- Tokina AT-X 107 DX 10-17mm f/3.5-4.5 Nikon-f
- Tamron 90mm f/2.8 SP Di Macro Nikon-f
- Tamron SP 60mm f/2 DI II LD Macro Nikon-f
- Tamron 75-300mm f/4-5.6 LD Macro Nikon-f
- Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di-II LD [IF] Nikon-f
- Tamron SP 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5 DI II Nikon-f
- Tamron 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 Di-II LD IF Macro Nikon-f
- Tamron 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Di LD Macro Nikon-f
- Tamron 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di-II Macro Nikon-f
- Tamron SP 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Di VC USD Nikon-f
- Tamron 55-200mm f/4-5.6 Di-II LD Nikon-f
- Tamron 180mm f/3.5 Macro Nikon-f
- Tamron 18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD Nikon-f
- Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8 Di LD Macro Nikon-f
- Tamron 28-80mm f/3.5-5.6 Nikon-f
- Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di LD Nikon-f
- Tamron 200-500mm f/5-6.3 Di LD IF Nikon-f
- Tamron 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di LD IF Macro Nikon-f
- Tamron 18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 Di-II VC LD Macro Nikon-f
- Tamron 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di VC LD II IF Macro Nikon-f
- Tamron 28-200mm f/3.8-5.6 XR Di Nikon-f
- Sigma 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM Nikon-f
- Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Nikon-f
- Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC HSM Macro Nikon-f
- Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM Nikon-f
- Sigma 30mm f/1.4 EX DC HSM Nikon-f
- Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5 EX DC HSM Nikon-f
- Sigma 50-200mm f/4-5.6 DC OS HSM Nikon-f
- Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM Nikon-f
- Sigma 4.5mm f/2.8 EX DC HSM Nikon-f
- Sigma 150mm f/2.8 EX APO Macro EX DG HSM Nikon-f
- Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM Nikon-f
- Sigma 85mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Nikon-f
- Sigma 10mm f/2.8 EX DC HSM Nikon-f
- Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8-4.5 DC OS HSM Nikon-f
- Sigma 15mm f/2.8 EX DG Nikon-f
- Sigma 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM Nikon-f
- Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6D EX DC HSM Nikon-f
- Sigma 500mm f/4.5 EX DG APO HSM Nikon-f
- Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 EX APO DG IF HSM Nikon-f
- Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 II EX DG APO Macro HSM Nikon-f
- Sigma 300-800mm f/5.6 EX DG APO IF HSM Nikon-f
- Sigma 120-400mm f/4.5-5.6 DG OS HSM APO Nikon-f
- Sigma 50-500mm f/4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM APO Nikon-f
- Sigma 12-24mm f/4.5-5.6 EX DG HSM Nikon-f
- Sigma 8-16mm f/4.5-5.6 DC HSM Nikon-f
- Sigma 150-500mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM APO Nikon-f
- Sigma 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 II DC Nikon-f
- Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 IF EX DG HSM Nikon-f
- Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 APO DG Macro Nikon-f
- Sigma 18-125mm f/3.5-5.6 DC OS HSM Nikon-f
- Sigma 28mm f/1.8 EX DG DF Macro Nikon-f
- Sigma 200-500mm f/2.8 EX DG APO IF Nikon-f
- Sigma 70mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro Nikon-f
- Sigma 20mm f/1.8 EX DG DF RF Nikon-f
- Sigma 8mm f/3.5 EX DG Circular Nikon-f
- Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro Nikon-f
- Sigma 50mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro Nikon-f
- Sigma 24mm f/1.8 EX DG DF Macro Nikon-f
- Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DG OS Nikon-f
How it compares to similar cameras from other brands
The Nikon D3000 is a phenomenal addition to the entry-level DSLR lineup. It has great capabilities and features appropriate for an early enthusiast. If you are ready to take a jumpstart in photography then it this camera is highly recommended for you.
If you are still undecided whether the Nikon D3000 is the appropriate camera for you then you might want to check different camera models offered from different brands. The market is experiencing quite a tight competition considering the budget-conscious consumers.
Here is a list of other DSLR models which have similar features to the Nikon D3000 that you might also want to check out:
Conclusion
The Nikon D3000 is highly appropriate for novice shooter who wants to explore more with a DSLR camera. This is good for a first DSLR as its mechanism is designed for the beginner’s advantage. But then those who want to develop skills in the professional arena should invest in a higher-end camera and not this one. The qualities of the Nikon D3000 are only good for a non-professional shutterbug.
The compact camera body and good grip makes shooting easier to handle for the shooter. This camera is also capable of producing outstanding photos with its ability to highlight important details of a subject.
The competition in the digital photography market is very competitive that companies continue to rival for consumer’s satisfaction. You may be aware of other DSLR models available in the market that offer quite more than the Nikon D3000. This camera model does not have Movie recording capabilities unlike the rest. You may also think twice if you are conscious with regards to the Megapixel competition among the entry-level lineup.
Other DSLR camera models may offer more good stuff but the Nikon D3000 is not left behind with its efficient technology. With the right adjustment of settings, anyone will be amazed by its brilliant character. This is indeed a great product that costs reasonably without the need to compromise its capabilities. The Nikon D3000 is the perfect compact DSLR buddy for the blossoming bud in you.
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Preferred places to buy Nikon D3000
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