Last update 31 October’09 – Review and Sample Photos @ ImagingResource
Nikon D3000 announced on July 30, 2009 is a 10.2 megapixel DX format DSLR and is considered and entry level camera and according to Nikon is their smallest DSLR. It features 3fps continuous shooting, 3 inch LCD, automatic image sensor cleaning, 11 point auto focus, ISO sensitivity from 100 – 1600, camera dimensions are Width 5.0 in. (126mm) Height 3.8 in. (94mm) Depth 2.5 in. (64mm) and it weighs 16.1 oz. (485g).
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Review Index – (updated 31 October’09)
ImagingResource
“At the end of the day, the Nikon D3000 did a nice enough job that it would satisfy anyone who limits their print size to 8 x 10, because of the cameras really saturated color and occasional higher noise levels at higher ISOs. Keep an eye on the focus, and make sure you don’t move the AF point accidentally, it’s easy to do. It’s a good camera, don’t get me wrong, but it just does not rise to the level where we can give it our full endorsement.”
RegHardware
“We had more fun testing this camera than we expected. It’s loaded with features entry level shooters will appreciate, yet with enough horse power to feel and act like a pro camera. It’s light and compact with straight forward handling and a quality build. Too bad Nikon did not to add movie capture or Live View mode. Bottom line, this Nikons most beginner DSLR so far, thanks to its spot on performance, brilliant new features, it qualifies as one of the best deals out there.”
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Camera Labs
“This camera is an ideal choice for DSLR beginners or first-time owners who do not need Live View. The Guide mode and help system have no competition for friendliness and ease of use, while under the hood the powerful metering and AF systems make sure the user has a high success rate.”
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TrustedReviews
“In our opinion the Nikon D3000 is just about the perfect entry-level DSLR. It offers excellent build quality, super easy handling, outstanding performance and good image quality, while leaving out non-useful gimmicks like video and live view. The Guide mode will help newcomers discover the basics of SLR photography, while a good range of manual options, as well as the excellent metering and AF systems, will provide plenty of scope for more experienced users.”
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LetsGoDigital
“In terms of settings, the Nikon D3000 provides plenty of application possibilities for the amateur or novice photographer. If you have outgrown your compact camera and just want more image quality, and really want to delve into your creativity, the Nikon D3000 will be a great camera for you!”
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Photocrati
“The D3000 deserves to be even more popular because of its greater speed, more effective autofocus system and the extra features mentioned earlier. Unless you definitely want live view, movie mode and the extras available with the more expensive D5000, this smaller/lighter camera would be an ideal choice.”
DigitalCameraInfo
“In two of our key performance tests, resolution and color accuracy, the D3000 was unimpressive. Resolution was marginally better than the disappointing NIkon D5000, but nowhere near as good as the Pentax K2000, an equally inexpensive camera. As for color accuracy, the D3000 trailed all of our comparison cameras.”
Ken Rockwell
“The Nikon D3000 is inferior both in operational speed and ease of use, as well as inferior in technical image quality. Specifically, the D3000 is about one stop noisier at any given ISO than the D40; the D3000 is as noisy at ISO 800 as the D40 is at ISO 1,600. While the D40 looks great at ISO 1,600, the D3000 is too grainy at ISO 1,600 for normal use. You have to keep the D3000 at ISO 800 or below for the best results.”
CNET
“If you’re looking for a dSLR that piles on the features for a pittance, the D3000 probably isn’t it. But if you want to make the step up from a point-and-shoot, the Nikon D3000 provides the right combination of newbie-friendly operation coupled with the performance and image quality that made you want to upgrade in the first place.”
Rating: 
PCMag
“Given its attractive price and newbie-friendly features, the Nikon D3000 isn’t a bad choice for a first-D-SLR purchase, since you also get solid low-ISO images and plenty of lens options in the bargain. But the $549.99 (with 18-55mm kit lens) Sony Alpha DSLR-A230 is also worth a look: It’s not only user-friendly, but offers better low-light performance, and an HDMI port—for $50 less.”
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ePhotozine
“I’m disappointed to see the lack of live view and video mode simply because these are features that the intended market are used to having on their cameras. Still, Nikon have shown some spirit as this will force newcomers into using a DSLR as it was originally intended.”
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PhotographyBay
“If you want an affordable, simple DSLR as a step up from a point and shoot camera, then the Nikon D3000 deserves your consideration. Sure, you could step up to the D5000, which offers a couple more megapixels and can shoot 720p HD video; however, I suspect that few D5000 buyers will find satisfaction in the camera as a dual purpose machine. The megapixel disparity is inconsequential.”
CNET.uk
“The Nikon D3000 is very middle-of-the-road, but its pictures are great, its technology is perfectly adequate and it’s as simple to use as Nikon says it is. Even the price is alright — it’s much more than you might have paid for a starter dSLR a couple of years ago, but rivals have gone up in price too.”
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Neocamera
“In the end, the D3000 is great because it delivers what novice DSLR users expect from a DSLR: image quality and speed above all. A simple and durable body round off its place as an excellent choice among entry-level DSLR cameras.”
DCResource
“Despite a few image quality issues. feature omissions, and bundle frustrations, the Nikon D3000 is a very nice entry-level digital SLR. For under $600 you get a compact and capable camera that’s remarkably easy to use, and when you’re ready for manual controls and nicer lenses, the D3000 will be waiting. The D3000 earns my recommendation, though be sure to use that comparison table at the top of the review to see if it’s worth spending a bit more for the D5000’s feature set.”
DigitalCameraReview
“The D3000 gives you a great camera body and a great lens with image stabilization along with many other features to help you along the way like exceptional light sensitivity and great image reproduction. Other benefits for the beginner include full automatic control for those uncomfortable with manual settings to help the transition into DSLR photography, a 10.2 megapixel image sensor, and the Nikon Guide Mode.”
TechRadar
“This is a great first SLR and a genuine pleasure to use. It’s fast and intelligent, with a good quality kit lens, and comes with all the advantages of Nikon’s optical heritage. The ISO performance is great for the money, and the clear LCD makes it easy to make adjustments as you go along.”
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British Journal of Photography
“The D3000 has no depth-of-field preview and no exposure bracketing, just manual plus/minus compensation. This covers a huge five stops range either way, and can be set in Guide mode on the rear screen without using the quick compensation button located behind the shutter release. It also lacks HDMI output even for stills (many competing models offer an HDMI socket now) and has no GPS interface – for these, the D5000 is needed.”
PhotographyBlog
“Overall then, the Nikon D3000 is worthy of a coveted Photography Blog “Highly Recommended” award. A few more features next time though Nikon, and you might truly have something to shout about.”
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DigitalReview (As compared to the Nikon D60 and Canon Rebel XS)
“The Nikon D3000 also incorporates the same 11 point AF system with 3D Focus Tracking found in the Nikon D5000 and D90, while retaining many of the features and overall design that made the Nikon D40 and the current Nikon D60 so popular, including an easy to use menu system and comfortable buttons and controls.”
PCAdvisor
“The Nikon D3000 isn’t designed to ‘wow’ people, but instead to teach people. It’s a digital SLR camera with in-built guides that can help novices select the appropriate shooting mode and settings depending on the style of photo they want to take. It’s image quality is good overall, but it’s no match for a mid-range D-SLR.”
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Pocket-lint
“In terms of light sensitivity, noise begins to intrude into shadow detail from ISO 400, but up to and including ISO 800 it’s kept sufficiently at bay to avoid overall softening and loss of detail. Stray above this however and you risk an image looking more painterly rather than photographic.”
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Photoxels
“The Nikon D3000 has the right size and weight, the right features and price that will appeal to many P&S photographers thinking of upgrading to a DSLR. Its excellent performance and image quality makes it an attractive Family DSLR.”
CNET Australia
“As long as you don’t expect too many fancy bells and whistles, you won’t be disappointed with the quality and performance of the D3000. For beginners or prosumers who want a compact digital SLR to complement their existing set up, Nikon has made a very nice camera for a good price.”
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GoodGearGuide
“Despite the D3000 being an entry-level digital SLR, its performance is still quite good. It will shoot at just over two frames per second in continuous mode (and slightly faster for the first 10 or so shots it takes), and its focusing engine is swift and accurate. It features 3D tracking, which works very well — even in relatively dim lighting — to track your subject throughout a frame, as long as the subject stays within the 11 focus points of the sensor. It’s very useful when taking photos of pets, for example, but it also works a treat for candid portraits of people. “
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]Sample Photos
[Image Quality Samples @Imaging Resource]
[Sample ISO Performance Sample Photos @ Camera Labs]
[Sample ISO Performance Sample Photos @ RegHardware]
[Sample ISO Performance Sample Photos @ Camera Labs]
[Sample ISO Performance Sample Photos @ TrustedReviews]
[Sample Photos @ LetsGoDigital]
[Sample Photos @ DigitalCameraInfo]
[ISO Performance Photos @ Ken Rockwell]
[Sample ISO Performance Photos @ CNET]
[Sample Test Shot @ CNET.uk]
[Photo Gallery @ Neocamera]
[Photo Gallery @ DCResource]
[Sample Photos @ DigitalCameraReview]
[Sample Photos @ TechRadar]
[Image Quality Samples @ PhotographyBlog]
[Image Quality Samples @ Photoxels]
[Sample Photos @ CNET Australia]
[Sample Photos @ LetsGoDigital]
[Sample Photos @ Nikon 1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
Nikon D3000 Press Release
Amsterdam, the Netherlands, 30th July 2009 – Nikon announces the simplest, most accessible DSLR to date, the D3000.
Jordi Brinkman, Product Manager for Nikon Europe says: “The D3000 dispels the view that DSLR cameras are complicated and makes taking great pictures simpler than ever before. You can really concentrate on having fun with photography and the Guide mode helps you to get the best results with the minimum of fuss.”
DSLR, pure and simple
The D3000 is designed for anyone who wants to take pictures without worrying about settings. You can select from a choice of subject parameters and the camera will do the rest, and the instant response time means you never miss a moment. The 11-point autofocus system ensures everyone is in focus, and the bright viewfinder means you get what you want, when you want it.
Great pictures, automatically
The 10.2 megapixel sensor, powerful EXPEED processing system and brilliant NIKKOR lenses ensure excellent pictures wherever you are, whatever you or your subject is doing. The comprehensive exposure metering system, ISO 1600 sensitivity and built-in pop up flash make light work of dark places.
Guide the way
For the DSLR first timer, the intelligent Guide mode helps you get the most from the potential DSLR photography offers. It simplifies the camera set up and shows you how to get better pictures. If you want to develop your picture taking, you can. If you want to concentrate on the subject, you can do that too. Either way, the D3000 does it effortlessly and automatically.
3-inch LCD screen
The 3-inch LCD screen means you can share your efforts with family and friends and makes retouching your pictures in camera great fun. Beyond the Guide mode, the GUI menus are larger and simpler to use thanks to extensive use of visuals instead of text. The wide variety of exciting in-camera processing effects means you can get really creative with your pictures and share them with friends and family.
Anytime and anywhere
Whatever you do, wherever you go, the D3000 is a must have for any family event or day out. The camera’s comprehensive technologies and tough exterior are ready to handle whatever your free time can throw at it. The exclusive dust reduction system with Airflow control minimises the impact of dust on the image sensor and its compact size and weight – and tough housing – on both body and lens make the D3000 impossible to leave behind.
Key features:
- 10.2megapixel CCD sensor. Even in low light the image resolution makes easy work of big prints and sharp enlargements.
- 11-point autofocus system. Keeps even the fastest moving subjects in focus, often the biggest challenge for compact cameras
- Fast response. The start up time and shutter lag means you can capture the shot almost instantly, without the delayed response time common of compact cameras
- Guide mode. Simply the easiest way to get great pictures, without having to read the manual
- 3-inch TFT. With pictures this good, you will need a great screen to share them with friends and family
- EXPEED image processing. Exclusive system to deliver rich, bright results close to what you saw with your own eyes
- Picture Controls. Lets you set the look and mood of your images before you shoot
- 3 fps continuous shooting allows you to capture fast-moving action at 3 frames per second
- Intuitive ergonomics. We challenge anyone to pick up a D3000 and it not to feel part of your hand
- Stylish discrete appearance. The D3000 does not become a barrier between you and your subject, resulting in natural looking expressions
- Compact, light and durable. It won’t fit in your pocket, but with pictures this good you will find a shoulder to hang it on
New Guide mode
In-camera guidance is provided by the new Guide mode, which employs an easy-to-use interface that makes it easy for first-time users to select shooting modes. Additionally, after selecting an item in Guide mode, camera settings can be further adjusted in order to obtain optimal results.
Nikon DX-format CCD sensor; 10.2 effective megapixels
At 10.2 effective megapixels, the D3000 produces high-resolution images that enable beautiful enlargements without loss of sharpness. Normal ISO sensitivity is ISO 100 to 1600 but for added shooting versatility, a Hi 1 setting increases sensitivity to ISO 3200.
EXPEED image processing system
The D3000 is equipped with Nikon’s EXPEED image processing system. EXPEED realises excellent resolution, long tonal scale, and superb colour while also making possible fast processing of the D3000’s advanced imaging functions such as Scene Recognition and Active D-Lighting.
Scene Recognition System
This feature improves accuracy for exposure, white balance, and autofocus by analysing colour and illumination over the entire scene milliseconds prior to shooting. It then adjusts the camera settings accordingly for optimal picture quality.
Active D-Lighting
The D3000 incorporates Nikon’s Active D-Lighting function which can vastly improve shadows and highlights of high-contrast scenes. Like the Scene Recognition System, Active D-Lighting utilises the 420-pixel RGB sensor to analyse a scene then adjust exposure to achieve images that closely resemble what the human eye sees. During processing, this function also restores details in the highlight and shadow areas of the image that may have been lost.
11-point AF system with Multi-CAM 1000 autofocus sensor module
Employing 11-point autofocus, driven by Nikon’s Multi-CAM 1000 autofocus sensor module, the D3000 delivers fast, precise focus over a wide area of the frame. Four versatile AF modes are available: single-point AF for stationary subjects, especially ones that are off-centre; dynamic-area AF for moving subjects; auto-area AF when you want the D3000 to automatically determine the proper focus method; and 3D-tracking (11 points) AF for maintaining focus on subjects even if the composition changes.
3.0-in. LCD monitor
Image playback and viewing menus is now easier than ever thanks to the 3.0-in., 230k-dot TFT LCD monitor. Text size is also 20% larger than on previous Nikon digital SLR cameras.
Picture Control System
The Picture Control System gives users the ability to customise key digital image capture characteristics to suit personal preferences.Six settings are available: Standard, Neutral, Vivid, Monochrome, Portrait, and Landscape.
In-camera photo editing
After shooting, the D3000’s photo editing functions allow for in-camera retouching, reducing the need for a computer to enhance or modify images. The D3000 introduces a new Miniature effect under its Retouch Menu that modifies images to look like pictures of miniature models. Each editing function is applied to a copy of the image, with the original left unmodified.
Nikon Integrated Dust Reduction System
Dust reduction is handled by the Nikon Integrated Dust Reduction System. This is a comprehensive solution that reduces the generation and accumulation of dust as well as measures to remove dust. A key element of the solution is the Airflow Control System, which directs dust away from the image sensor. The system also includes an image sensor cleaning function that activates automatically when the D3000 is powered on or off. This vibrates the low-pass filter (located in front of the sensor) to free it from dust.
Superb NIKKOR lenses
The D3000 opens up a wide range of possibilities for creative shooting thanks to full compatibility with the extensive lineup of NIKKOR AF-S and AF-I lenses. From ultra wide-angle and micro to super telephoto, NIKKOR lenses give users the means to explore their creativity to the fullest.
Nikon D3000 Other Features
- Extensive playback options that allow viewing of images one at a time or in batches of 4, 9, and 72 as well as Calendar view that organises images by shooting date and time. A histogram display is also available that shows exposure data for a magnified area of the image.
- Highly durable shutter unit tested to 100,000 cycles.
- Long-lasting Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL9a that provides up to 550 shots per charge. (CIPA standard, with AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR and flash fired at full power once every other shot.)
- Built-in flash with a guide number of approx. 12/39 (ISO 100, m/ft., 20°C/68°F) and support for Nikon’s i-TTL flash control.
- Support for the Nikon Creative Lighting System when using SB-900, SB-600, or SB-400 Speedlights, or the SU-800 Wireless Speedlight Commander.
- Compatible with all NIKKOR AF-S and AF-I lenses that have an autofocus motor.
- Compatible with the optional Wireless Remote Control ML-L3. There are two shutter release modes available when using the control: Quick Response mode for immediate triggering of the shutter release and Delayed Remote mode, which delays triggering for two seconds.
- Viewfinder grid lines that aid in picture composition.
- Compatible with SD and SDHC memory cards
- Includes Nikon ViewNX image browsing and editing software, which lets you organize, label, and select images as well as perform NEF (RAW) image editing adjustments and conversions.
- Photos captured with the D3000 can be used with optional Nikon Capture NX 2 photo-editing software, which features patented U Point® technology and powerful tools for quick and easy photo editing, including enhanced NEF (RAW) Editing.
