Nikon D3000 DX DSLR Camera

Trying out several entry level cameras to to replace a point and shoot, I kept coming back to the DSLR Nikon D3000. Now, there's no way the D3000 will blow away the experienced photographer, none the less it covers all the basics and then some.

First time DSLR photographers will get a lot of use from Nikon's Guide Mode. It will literally walk you from beginning to end of distinct shoot situation using the f 3" LCD monitor. An excellent guide, the step by step directions allow you to move away from the guide booklet in a short time. After just a few times through, you'll feel right a home shooting in manual mode. A quick shutter release is a great surprise.

After a few times of taking the Nikon D3000 out for a shoot, you'll come away in awe. Using manual mode, indoor images are balanced with the ideal blend of color and shadow. As expected when shooting in poor lighting conditions, noise will show up. conversely the D3000 system can be adjusted to dispense outstanding indoor photos by using the proper settings.

One primary solution lies within the VR setting on the lens itself. This needs be engaged, especially when indoors. Using a tripod is a definite help. Using auto mode, you can just set the dial on night portrait, then enjoy the balance of your shoot. Outdoor images are vivid, rich in color and sharp without post editing. The internal flash system is quite capable in adding fill flash conditions. There is no doubt about the general performance of this camera, image quality and features and are excellent.

Having 10.2 megapixels at your disposal, it's easy to blow up your personal favorites to 16" x 20". You might not see yourself exchanging your Nikon D300 for the D3000l anytime in the near future, this camera is an overwhelming step up above any of highly tweaked point and shoots available.

It becomes quick to see how the autofocusing system is the crown jewel in this camera . Count them, six auto settings: Sports, ,Landscape, Close ups, Child, Portrait, plus Night Portrait. Now every photo becomes a keeper. For tweakers, there's onboard editing that covers all the basic functions. The D3000 even operates on either SD or SDHC cards.

The D3000 comes with an 18-55mm zoom AF-S lens. The D3000 It will shoot with any Nikon DX or AF-S lens. However, earlier Nikkor editions or comparable AF lens without AF-S will not shoot in auto although they will work just fine using manual mode. Since the D3000 has no on-board optical image stabilizer system, Your best option is to switch the VR on which is located right on the lens. The most positive anti-vibration device is still a tripod mounted camera.

Nikon keeps it real simple by using a thumbwheel dial for tweaking shutter speed and aperture. Focusing modes, exposure compensation and metering, and are easy to control by way of the menus. There is no video mode installed on the D3000, but it easily shoots continuous mode at over fps. There's a 3D tracking sensor which functions quite well in poor lighting conditions.

The Nikon D3000 ships packaged with the 18-55mm NIKKOR  zoom lens and lens cap, an EN/EL3e Li-ion battery, battery charger, video cable, USB cable, camera strap, eye cup, eye cap, software CD-ROM, instruction guide plus a full year Nikon warranty.

Right off the bat, I believe the D3000 carries somewhat of a hefty price for a no-frills DSLR. I'm sure that after the new wears off there will begin to be a noticeable drop in price. Having said that, the D3000 comes as a finely tuned heir to the enormously popular beginner level D40. First time DSLR users will be certain to enjoy this outstanding replacement.

There is no onboard autofocus motor, therefore only allowing the camera to mount Nikkor lenses labeled AF-I or AF-S to be employed in autofocus mode using the beginner level D40, D40X, D60, D3000, D3100 and D5000 cameras. Lenses labeled AF, AF-D, AF-G, or AF-N may only be employed using manual focus. There area a number of newer third-party lens offerings from  Sigma, Tamron and Tokina now support compatible integrated focusing motors.

For Sigma, look for HSM - Hyper Sonic Motor
For Tamron, look for BIM - Built-In Motor for Nikon Cameras
And for Tokina, look for SD-M - Silent Drive-Module  autofocus motor. 

Jan 21, 2011

• 10.2megapixel CCD sensor.
• 11-point autofocus system. Keeps even the fastest moving subjects in focus
• Fast response. The start up time and shutter lag means you can capture the shot almost instantly
• 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

Nikon DX-format CCD sensor; 10.2 effective megapixels - high-resolution images that enable beautiful enlargements without loss of sharpness. 

EXPEED image processing system -  realizes excellent resolution, long tonal scale, and superb color while also making possible fast processing

Scene Recognition System - This feature improves accuracy for exposure, white balance, and autofocus

Active D-Lighting - which can vastly improve shadows and highlights of high-contrast scenes.

11-point AF system with Multi-CAM 1000 autofocus sensor module -  the D3000 delivers fast, precise focus over a wide area of the frame.

3.0-in. LCD monitor - Image playback and viewing menus is now easier than ever

Picture Control System - gives users the ability to customize key digital image capture characteristics to suit personal preferences.

In-camera photo editing - allow for in-camera retouching, reducing the need for a computer to enhance or modify images.

Nikon Integrated Dust Reduction System -  a comprehensive solution that reduces the generation and accumulation of dust as well as measures to remove 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.

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 organizes 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., 20ฐC/68ฐF) 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 Pointฎ technology and powerful tools for quick and easy photo editing, including enhanced NEF (RAW) Editing.

• Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL9a
• Quick Charger MH-23
• Eyepiece Cap DK-5
• Rubber Eye cap DK-20
• USB Cable UC-E4
• Video Cable EG-D100
• Camera Strap AN-DC3
• Accessory Shoe Cover BS-1
• Body Cap BF-1A, Software Suite CD-ROM