With shutter speeds from 1/4000 to 30sec, its ISO range is 100 to 1600. Like most Nikon models, the D3000 gives good results for high ISO levels up to about 800 and, in decent lighting conditions, even ISO 1600 delivers an acceptable level of noise. Also, using a +1EV increment ‘boost’, an equivalent ISO 3200 shot is possible too.
Don't let the lack of movie mode put you off checking out the D3000
The built-in flash is quite mild and subtle, working really well as a fill in light, especially for portraits. Anyone wanting more powerful flash effects can use the hotshoe to attach an external flashgun. Images are stored on SDHC memory cards and the D3000 uses the same EN-EL9a lithium-ion battery as the D5000, with a life of 550 shots and a surprisingly short recharging time.
Verdict
Testing the D3000 was more fun than expected. It’s packed with features a novice will appreciate, while performing like a much more professional model. The feel of the camera is just what you want from a small DSLR: light and compact with intuitive handling and a solid build. That said, it’s a shame Nikon decided not to include a movie facility or Live View mode, as this might adversely influence the popularity of this otherwise great little camera. Nevertheless, Nikon has released its most beginner-friendly and accessible DSLR to date and, thanks to its terrific performance, intelligent new features and affordable price, it’s certainly one of the best deals on the market. ®
Catherine Monfils is a professional photographer specialising in portraiture, lifestyle and fashion.
More DSLR Reviews...
Canon EOS 5D Mark II |
Pentax K200D |
Canon EOS 500D |
Olympus E-420 |
Nikon D3000 digital SLR
COMMENTS
Point, zoom and shoot
OK, I point, zoom and shoot on auto, prefer the viewfinder rather than screen, not as steady as I used to be (prefer available light photography - great stuff recently from a big church wedding where flash was banned), and some of my pics are great. Rarely print them 'cos we all look on the PC these days.This with a Minolta Dimage Z1 bought for £120 (factory refurb), autofocus getting a bit erratic now. Very occasionally on a Pentax P30 with zoom (bought for £30 to replace a top of the range late model zoom Praktica that was nicked), but the cost of running that! A mate and I (he with his £700 camera, which he uses for pics of flowers - I can't match him with that subject) were photographing preserved railways recently, and he was impressed.
Anyone know where I can get a lens cap for the Z1? The grip mechanism on the original broke.
@sig...
ebay is your pal...
I got a electronic infrared remote shutter release for my D40 on fleabay.... all the way from china for a grand sum of £0.99 (plus £1.99 p&p) it will work fine on the d3000 too
I use it quite a lot when taking photos of objects in a light tent,,, its never failed me.... except when the battery (included) ran out !!!
Shutter Release (@ Sig)
So, with this IR remote, can you hold the shutter open as long as you want? At the moment I have the Fuji S9500, but it can't do that and I was wondering about getting a DSLR like this. One of the things I would like to be able to do is shoot stars (and space stations) moving across the sky - I've seen the results of other people doing this, and I'd like to do it myself, so the question is, would this camera be able to do that?
Thanks!
Paul
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Re: Feature suggestion
To Giles Jones: While more expensive lenses are generally more versatile, it's foolish (and that's being charitable) to claim that you can't take a good photograph with the kit lens.
All I need is a cheap full frame
I wish they come out with a cheaper full frame camera without any bells and whistles.
