Cameras-n- Stuff » compare nikon and canon http://digital-photographic-resources.com/blog A Photographer's Take on Great Photo Gear Thu, 29 Jul 2010 14:24:36 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.2 en hourly 1 Nikon D3000 Review is in at DPReview http://digital-photographic-resources.com/blog/nikon-d3000-review-is-in-at-dpreview/ http://digital-photographic-resources.com/blog/nikon-d3000-review-is-in-at-dpreview/#comments Sun, 13 Dec 2009 12:32:15 +0000 gearnut http://digital-photographic-resources.com/blog/?p=264
Nikon D3000

Nikon D3000

As I expected, the Nikon D3000 has received a “Highly Recommended” rating.

There is no doubt that the D3000 is an evolutionary, rather than revolutionary update, but the few features that have been added to the D3000 compared to the D60 are of real value, and the 11-point AF system alone makes the D3000 a bargain at its current asking price. It’s a shame that the bundled 18-55mm kit lens doesn’t show off the AF capabilities of the camera to a better extent, but the same is true of most kit lenses. A greater frustration – at least to anyone with a collection of older Nikon lenses – is that AF is unavailable with non AF-S optics. Fortunately, the D3000 does offer an effective (and very accurate) manual focusing rangefinder indicator in the viewfinder, but it’s of little help when you’re faced with a moving subject.

    Conclusion – Pros

  • Excellent detail and resolution at low ISO settings (especially in raw mode)
  • Very capable AF system, including 3D AF tracking, on a par with much more expensive DSLRs
  • Versatile and fun retouch options including in-camera raw processing
  • Effectively unlimited shooting in JPEG mode (with ADL turned off)
  • User-friendly ergonomics, without sacrificing control
  • Good build quality for the price – no creaks
  • Active D-Lighting helps recover the maximum tonal detail from tricky scenes
  • Reliable exposures, with and without flash (albeit a little bright)
  • Excellent exposure compensation range of -+5EV
  • Good battery life for its class
  • Refreshingly conservative approach to high ISO noise reduction (at default settings)
  • View NX software hugely improved over Picture Project (Not as good as Capture NX2 though)
  • Built-in AF assist lamp
  • Competitive pricing

Conclusion – Cons

  • Unreliable white balance under artificial lighting
  • Slight tendency to overexpose in contrasty conditions
  • No Live View
  • Screen resolution slightly too low for checking accurate focus
  • Very little control over high ISO noise reduction
  • No front control dial
  • No depth-of-field preview button
  • No exposure bracketing
  • No in-body stabilization (although VR is included in many of Nikon’s current entry-level lenses)
  • Luminance noise becomes a problem above ISO 800
  • Slightly soft JPEG output at default settings (but this is far from unusual)
  • Screen-centric interface won’t appeal to everyone
  • No AF support for non AF-S (or third-party equivalent) lenses
  • No GPS (via Nikon’s GP-1 accessory) support

You can see the full review at http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond3000/
What about you? Are you convinced that the Nikon D3000 is the right entry level DSLR for you? You can see a comparison between the Canon XSi and D3000 here. This is really a great time to be buying a camera in this category. They have never been more affordable.
Happy Shooting!

]]> http://digital-photographic-resources.com/blog/nikon-d3000-review-is-in-at-dpreview/feed/ 0 Nikon D3000 Takes Center Stage – How Does It Stack Up Against the Canon Rebel XSi http://digital-photographic-resources.com/blog/nikon-d3000-takes-center-stage-how-does-it-stack-up-against-the-canon-rebel-xsi/ http://digital-photographic-resources.com/blog/nikon-d3000-takes-center-stage-how-does-it-stack-up-against-the-canon-rebel-xsi/#comments Wed, 02 Sep 2009 02:23:39 +0000 gearnut http://digital-photographic-resources.com/blog/?p=97
Nikon D3000 Entry Level DSLR Camera

Nikon D3000 Entry Level DSLR Camera

Nikon has come out with their newest challenger in the “cheap DSLR” market. The new Nikon D3000 is now on the scene.
This is really a great time to purchase your first DSLR, because the prices of new cameras are at an all time low.
You can get the new Nikon D3000 for about $599, or if you are a Canon fan, the Canon Rebel XSi can be had for about $629. Both of these would include the manufacturer’s kit lens, which in both cases is a 18-55mm IS or VR lens (IS is Canon’s terminology for “image stabilization” and VR is Nikon’s term for “vibration reduction”).
I have watched with amusement over the past few years as one camera buyer after the other asks the same question, “Which camera should I buy, the Canon or the Nikon?”
My response… DOESN’T MATTER!
Why? ‘Cause they are both excellent. I personally came down on the Canon side, but I am seriously thinking about getting the Nikon D3000 because I know it will be a fantastic camera.
Baby Black Swallowtail Caterpillar (taken with a Canon 30D)

Baby Black Swallowtail Caterpillar (taken with a Canon 30D)

I started with the first Canon Rebel – the 300D. I was pleased as punch with it. But at the time I spent months deciding whether the Nikon D40 was better. My friend has the D40 and loves it. I tried it out, and I loved it, too. Both were terrific for the type of camera that they are. They produced excellent prints of the photos (and still do).
By the way, you can still get a Nikon D40 even though Nikon has quit making them. There are still some new models on the warehouse shelves at great prices. You can also still purchase the Nikon D60 (also very cheap) which has many of the same specifications as the new Nikon D3000.
Make sure you check my comparison of the Canon Rebel XSi and the Nikon D3000 at www.digital-photographic-resources.com.

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