Cameras-n- Stuff » Nikon D3000 DSLR

Nikon D3000 Review is in at DPReview

gearnut — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 12:32:15 +0000

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!

Entry Level DSLRs – Canon or Nikon

gearnut — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 03:33:36 +0000

This is always an interesting discussion. I have mentioned it before in my blog here. I have also written a few articles about either the Canon Digital Rebels or the comparison between the Nikon D3000 and D5000. They are getting quite a few views at Ezine Articles.

There are also articles that compare the cheapest DSLRs from Canon and Nikon.

The bottom line is not really well defined. Nikon has the newest entry level DSLR in the Nikon D3000, but for just a bit more money, you can get a Canon T1i or a Nikon D5000. Both these cameras have HD Video, and the D5000 has that articulating LCD panel which is pretty cool for taking pictures at weird angles.

As I have mentioned before, I am using a Canon 30D, but if I was entering the DSLR market today, the decision would probably come down on the Nikon side for just one reason… make that one name – Moose Peterson. He uses Nikon products and he takes the very best nature shots in the world (my humble opinion, of course).

Nikon D3000 Takes Center Stage – How Does It Stack Up Against the Canon Rebel XSi

gearnut — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 02:23:39 +0000

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)

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.