Nikon D3000
Announced July 30, 2009
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Strong
Nikon D3000 serves as a capable, beginner-friendly DSLR that prioritizes ease of use and solid handling over advanced features. While the camera lacks modern additions like live view and video recording, it remains a reliable tool for novices transitioning from point-and-shoot photography.
Weighted from 18 reviewer scores
Pros
- Capable 11-point autofocus system
- Intuitive, beginner-focused interface and helpful guide mode
- Solid build quality and ergonomic design
- Good image quality and performance at lower ISOs
Cons
- Absence of live view and video recording capabilities
- Limited external controls requiring menu navigation
- Missing advanced features like exposure bracketing and depth-of-field preview
- Slow processing and small buffer capacity
- Lack of in-body motor for older lens autofocus
- Launch price $599.95 (USD)
- Sensor 10.2MP APS-C CCD
- Stabilization None
- Burst 3 fps electronic 3 fps mechanical
Expert Reviews
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- DPReview 72/100
The D3000 may not have all the latest bells and whistles feature-wise, but what it does it does extremely well. If you can live without live view and movie modes it's the perfect beginner's camera.
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The Nikon D3000 showed only a few small color shifts relative to the correct mathematical translation of colors in its subjects, but had overall pretty good accuracy. [...] Still, color accuracy was quite good.
- Cameralabs 80%
Nikon’s D3000 is the company’s latest budget DSLR, and it’s an ideal choice for beginners or those upgrading from a point-and-shoot.
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[T]he Nikon D3000 is worthy of a coveted Photography Blog "Highly Recommended" award.
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The Nikon D3000 is pretty much the perfect entry-level DSLR. It offers robust build quality, excellent handling, superior performance and good image quality, while leaving out superfluous gimmicks like video and live view.
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This is a great first SLR and a genuine pleasure to use. The ISO performance is great for the money, and the clear LCD makes it easy to make adjustments as you go along.
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I’ve enjoyed using the D3000, as it accomplishes everything it promises with few surprises along the way.
- CNET 7.3/10
Its feature set is basic even by entry-level standards, but the Nikon D3000 delivers the photo quality and performance you expect when stepping up to a dSLR, with an optional interface that’s very beginner friendly.
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Nikon D3000 has proven itself by showing excellent ergonomics and ease of operation. Tips will always help a beginner to navigate the settings, and flexible firmware will allow you to quickly and easily use the camera for any purpose.
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If you want an affordable, simple DSLR as a step up from a point and shoot camera, then the Nikon D3000 deserves your consideration.
- Photo Review 9/10
Nikon’s latest entry-level DSLR adds an intuitive Guide mode to provide hassle-free photography for novice users. [...] Although not the smallest in its class, the D3000 is nonetheless compact as befits its target market.
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More positively, though Nikon, along with its rivals, has long suggested that its consumer DSLR offerings are cameras that can be "grown into", the D3000 is probably the nearest its manufacturer has got to that statement being unequivocally true.
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The D3000 is by no means a bad camera, but the benefit of its beginner-friendly features will be short lived.
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[T]his camera, I highly recommend it [...] it's a great Camera that you can move up from your point and shoot right into an SLR. It's got a built-in guide to help you walk through from where you are to where you want to be.
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The D3000 is a refinement of the D60 which now sits at the low-end of Nikon's entry-level DSLRs. Unfortunately, it did lose the eye-start sensor.
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The Nikon D3000 is inferior both in operational speed and ease of use, as well as inferior in technical image quality.
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The Nikon D3000 isn't a bad little camera really.
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During extensive action, travel and wedding photography, the D3000 proved to be very responsive in most situations. For an affordable DSLR, it was surprisingly fast and reliable.
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