subject: Nikon D3000 Review | Outstanding Starter Camera [print this page] Nikon D3000 Review | Outstanding Starter Camera
Nikon D3000 Review
Looking over several cameras & selecting one for anyone who has outgrown point & shoots, I came back to the Nikon D3000. By no means will this model blow away the seasoned photographer, however it does cover the basics & more. They picked it up & tried it out over the weekend. First time DSLR users will enjoy the Guide Mode. It literally walked us through different shoot scenarios by the fixed 3" LCD screen. An excellent tool, its step by step instructions allowed my niece to move from the operating booklet in no time.
After a few more runs, I am positive that they will feel comfortable shooting in the manual mode. The fast shutter release was a pleasant surprise. On finishing three days of shooting with the Nikon D3000, I walked away impressed. In manual mode, indoor shots were a balanced & ideal mix of shadow & color. As usual with shooting in low light, noise will make an appearance. However this technique can be tweaked to deliver some outstanding indoor photographs. The bottom line is proper settings. A basic fix is the VR (Vibration Reduction) feature located on the lens. This ought to be activated, inside. A tripod will certainly help. In auto mode, set the camera to night portrait & sit back & enjoy the remainder of your flight. Outdoor shots were vibrant, sharp & rich in color without editing.
The onboard flash technique was over capable in meeting fill flash requirements. Without a doubt the general performance of the camera, features & picture quality is excellent. With 10.2 megapixels to work with, I basically blew up a personal favourite my niece had taken to 16" x 20". Although I don't see myself trading in my Nikon D3000 for this model anytime soon, this camera is by far an upgrade over any of the souped up point & shoots out there. Its simple to see that the actual jewel in this model is the auto focus technique. With three auto mode settings (Landscape, Sports, Kid, Closeups, Portrait, & Night Portrait) each & every photograph can be a keeper. Onboard editing tweakers won't be disappointed with this model. It covers the basics. The D3000 operates with both SD & SDHC cards. The Nikon D3000 is paired with a Nikkor 18-55mm AF-S DX lens. It will operate with any Nikkor DX & AF-S lens. Older Nikkor or similar AF lens is a no go when shooting in auto but will function in manual mode. Since this model is not fitted with the built in optical picture stabilizer, I recommend switching on the Vibration Reduction (VR) feature located on the lens. Still the best anti vibration tool is a tripod.
Nikon makes it simple with a thumb dial for tweaking aperture & shutter speed. Metering, focus modes, & exposure compensation are basically controlled by the menu. The D3000 does not shoot in video mode. This model basically shoots over three frames per second in continuous mode. The 3D tracking sensor operates well in low lighting. The Nikon D3000 camera kit comes packaged with a EN/EL3e Li-ion battery, charger, USB cable, video cable. strap, eye cap, eye cup, application CD-ROM, 18-55mm Nikkor lens, lens cap, instruction booklet & a one year Nikon warranty. Coming out of the gate, I still find this model a tiny costly for a basic DSLR. I am positive heading in to the fall & holidays buyers will start to see a noticeable cost drop. Even so, the D3000 is a fine tuned replacement for the immensely popular entry level Nikon D40. Newcomers to the DSLR community will certainly enjoy this outstanding alternative.
