Nikon D3000 Review: Field Test Report

Peter Burian tests Nikon’s latest affordable 10.2 MP camera which has great ease of use and surprising speed and versatility as well



Nikon’s D40 and D40x were very popular entry-level DSLRs but the replacement model is even more desirable. While it’s also very budget-friendly, the equally small D3000 offers some valuable benefits in spite of the pleasantly low price (about $600 with 18-55mm VR lens.) The primary improvements include a more effective AF system with 11 points plus 3D tracking focus, a larger 3-inch (7.62cm) LCD screen, a faster 3fps continuous framing rate and far more image retouching options in playback mode. The D3000 is also equipped with a new automatic sensor cleaner, employs a more powerful battery and provides even more convenient operation.


product-d3000-front1

product-d3000-guide-advanced


Nikon did not install their live view or D-Movie mode technology into the D3000, but in other aspects, this is a really versatile 10.2 megapixel camera. The D3000 provides plenty of automatic options, all the essential overrides and some great extras. It’s also very intuitive in operation, providing a helpful graphic interface (in additional to the “classic” interface) as well as Easy and Advanced Operation options. More experienced photographers can simply use the D3000 like any other DSLR, with the mode selector dial, the few buttons and the sub-menu of frequently used features.

Nikon's most affordable current DSLR--the D3000--offers great ease of use in many aspects but it's also a fast, very effective camera with many of the features that photo enthusiasts want. This camera would be a fine choice for families, and for shooters ranging from novice to experienced. (Tracking Autofocus; Continuous Drive mode.)  © 2009 Peter K. Burian
Nikons most affordable current DSLR the D3000 offers great ease of use in many aspects but its also a fast very effective camera with many of the features that photo enthusiasts want This camera would be a fine choice for families and for shooters ranging from novice to experienced Tracking Autofocus Continuous Drive mode © 2009 Peter K Burian


Operation and Features

This camera is quite compact but provides an oversized LCD screen, an adequately large grip to fit most hands and large, well-marked controls. It’s light in weight but feels solid. Since live view is not available, the optical viewfinder must be used for composing photos. This viewfinder is adequately large and provides 95 percent coverage of the scene, at 0.80x magnification. Anyone who wears eyeglasses should be able to see the entire screen without difficulty.

The D3000 offers two screen options, Classic and Graphic. If you use the guide menu, the camera can be set for Easy Operation for snap shooting or to Advanced Operation if you plan to use the Aperture or Shutter Priority mode; in the latter, the screens provide guidance on how to achieve the desired effect.
The D3000 offers two screen options Classic and Graphic If you use the guide menu the camera can be set for Easy Operation for snap shooting or to Advanced Operation if you plan to use the Aperture or Shutter Priority mode in the latter the screens provide guidance on how to achieve the desired effect



Set the mode selector dial to [GUIDE], press the [Menu] button, select Shoot and then select Easy mode. The camera then provides useful information in large text making it easy to achieve a desired effect with various types of subjects. Select the Advanced mode and the camera provides tips on the right settings to soften backgrounds and freeze motion. For more conventional operation, press the [i] button twice to access a single Quick Settings screen that provides access to the 12 most-frequently used functions. This is quick method of camera control will become second nature after a couple of days. The full menu provides additional features; be sure to find the full menu and not merely the few items available in the Easy menu.

The D3000 employs scene recognition technology that combines data from the Matrix metering and AF systems for superior exposures, white balance and autofocus performance. (P mode; ISO 400; Vivid Style; AF-S 70-300mm ED lens.)  © 2009 Peter K. Burian
The D3000 employs scene recognition technology that combines data from the Matrix metering and AF systems for superior exposures white balance and autofocus performance P mode ISO 400 Vivid Style AF S 70 300mm ED lens © 2009 Peter K Burian


Like the D40, D40x and D60, the D3000 is not equipped with a focus drive motor. Hence, this camera can autofocus only with lenses which include the necessary motor (the AF-S series, the older AF-I lenses, and some suitably-equipped aftermarket brand zooms). The wide-area (11-point) autofocus system is very versatile and even includes a 3D Tracking AF mode; that enables the camera to aggressively track the motion of an action subject. For the best success ratio in sports photography, it’s worth using a lens with an ultrasonic AF motor, such as the Nikon AF-S series with Silent Wave AF technology.

While this can be a simple camera, Nikon has provided advanced amenities too, including Active D-Lighting. When turned on, this feature is useful in harsh, high-contrast lighting since it provides images with slightly more shadow detail. Six picture control items are available in the recording menu-such as Standard, Portrait and Vibrant-and each provides an entirely different “look” to the images. Scrolling to the right from any of those items allows for modifying aspects such as sharpness, contrast and colour rendition to achieve exactly the desired effect.

The many picture control style options make it easy and quick to achieve the desired effect. For travel photography, I often used the Vivid style for rich colors and very snappy contrast. Each style mode sets a different level of contrast, colour rendition and sharpness, but each of those parameters can also be modified as desired. (ISO 400; Vivid mode; 70-300mm ED VR lens.)  © 2009 Peter K. Burian
The many picture control style options make it easy and quick to achieve the desired effect For travel photography I often used the Vivid style for rich colors and very snappy contrast Each style mode sets a different level of contrast colour rendition and sharpness but each of those parameters can also be modified as desired ISO 400 Vivid mode 70 300mm ED VR lens © 2009 Peter K Burian



Nikon has also provided an unusually large number of items for image modification in playback mode. While viewing an image, pressing the [OK] button activates a screen with numerous options that can be applied to photos on the memory card. While reviewing JPEGs in playback mode, you can apply in-camera retouching as required to solve a specific problem or create a special effect. Most of the “post processing” options are quite intuitive. The most useful include quick retouch (for improving several aspects automatically), D-lighting (with several intensity levels) for greater shadow/highlight detail, red-eye reduction and colour balance adjustment.

You can find many in-camera retouching functions in playback mode, including some that correct technical aspects and others that provide special effects. The differences may not be obvious in this small reproduction but they certainly are in the full size JPEGs.  © 2009 Peter K. Burian
You can find many in camera retouching functions in playback mode including some that correct technical aspects and others that provide special effects The differences may not be obvious in the small reproduction below but they certainly are in the full size JPEGs © 2009 Peter K Burian

p-retouch-series



Evaluation: Because the D3000 is an entry-level DSLR, it does not include as many capabilities as the D5000 ($850 with 18-55mm VR lens). Still, it is equipped with the most important features including the essential overrides that photo enthusiasts expect. As well, no other camera in its price class offers as many retouching options in playback mode for optimizing JPEGs. Creative shooters can achieve many special effects without the need to spend time at a computer. For example, it’s worth trying the Stop Motion option. This function is great for creating AVI format “movies” from a long series of JPEGs. While it’s necessary to review the instructions, this feature is fully automatic and works very well.

Speed and Image Quality

This digital SLR starts up in a half second and responds almost instantly to a touch of the shutter release button; that makes it easy to capture just the right instant in candid picture-taking. The D3000 can fire dozens of large/fine JPEGs- or six RAW captures-at 3 shots per second when using a fast SDHC card, with a rating of Class 6 or Class 10 or 133x. It does take a few seconds to record an entire series of images but it’s very quick to begin displaying the photos on the LCD screen. Autofocus with an AF-S lens is very fast too. When I used the 70-300mm ED zoom during a bicycle race, the AF system had no difficulty in tracking the motion of the competitors.

The combination of a very effective 3D Tracking Focus system, fast autofocus with AF-S lenses plus the 3 frame per second drive mode make the D3000 a fine choice for amateur sports photography. (Sports mode; ISO 400; JPEG capture; AF-S 70-300mm ED lens at 300mm.)  © 2009 Peter K. Burian
The combination of a very effective 3D Tracking Focus system fast autofocus with AF S lenses plus the 3 frame per second drive mode make the D3000 a fine choice for amateur sports photography Sports mode ISO 400 JPEG capture AF S 70 300mm ED lens at 300mm © 2009 Peter K Burian



For preliminary testing, I used the default settings: standard picture style, auto WB and no exposure compensation or Active D-Lighting. The resulting JPEGs were somewhat soft but the colours were quite punchy. For a better effect, I simply set in-camera sharpening to +1. Contrast seemed very high on sunny days so the brightest highlight areas were too light to retain texture. In such conditions, better results were possible with a -1 setting for contrast, -0.3 exposure compensation, plus Active D-Lighting to minimize the loss of shadow detail.

At its default setting for sharpness, the D3000 produces slightly soft images. It's easy to boost this aspect with image-editing software in a computer, or by setting the in-camera sharpness level to +1. That's the ideal setting because higher levels tend to produce artificial-looking effects in my estimation. (JPEG; ISO 400; Smart Sharpen applied in Photoshop.)  © 2009 Peter K. Burian
At its default setting for sharpness the D3000 produces slightly soft images Its easy to boost this aspect with image editing software in a computer or by setting the in camera sharpness level to +1 Thats the ideal setting because higher levels tend to produce artificial looking effects in my estimation JPEG ISO 400 Smart Sharpen applied in Photoshop © 2009 Peter K Burian



Evaluation: For an entry-level model, the D3000 is surprisingly fast and useful for sports photography. As with any DSLR, the inexpensive kit lens is fine but better lenses do provide greater edge-to-edge sharpness. Image quality was excellent at ISO 100 or 200: very clean, smooth, with high resolution of fine detail in 12×18″ prints. By ISO 400 some coloured speckles or graininess was visible; unless the JPEGs were underexposed, that was not a problem in 10×16″ prints.

The D3000 produced gorgeous images at low ISO levels, great for making large prints. This aspect, plus the camera's speed and versatility, make it suitable for DSLR buyers who demand maximum value for the money. (ISO 200; 70-300mm ED VR lens; f/8.)  © 2009 Peter K. Burian
The D3000 produced gorgeous images at low ISO levels great for making large prints This aspect plus the cameras speed and versatility make it suitable for DSLR buyers who demand maximum value for the money ISO 200 70 300mm ED VR lens f8 © 2009 Peter K Burian



Photos taken at ISO 800 outdoors-for action stopping shutter speeds-look fine; they’re suitable for nice letter size prints. Switching to ISO 1600 while shooting in a church during a friend’s wedding produced a more grainy effect; as well, some fine details seem smudged. Even so, the bride and groom were happy with the 5×7″ prints.

While the D3000 provides the best image quality at lower sensitivities, ISO 1600 can be useful in low light photography when fast shutter speeds are required. For the "cleanest" images (with the least digital noise) avoid underexposure.  © 2009 Peter K. Burian
While the D3000 provides the best image quality at lower sensitivities ISO 1600 can be useful in low light photography when fast shutter speeds are required For the cleanest images with the least digital noise avoid underexposure © 2009 Peter K Burian


The Bottom Line

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. In terms of image quality, it was competitive with more expensive 10 megapixel models. My daughters also tried this camera in Easy mode. Although they missed live view, they appreciated the point-and-shoot guides and help screens. Most of their photos-made without any overrides-look great.

Aside from the omission of live view, and the need for some overrides in harsh lighting, the Nikon D3000 is a perfect choice in the entry-level category. This easy-to-use camera-with the 18-55mm zoom, with a VR stabilizer-would be fine for anyone upgrading from a digicam. In my estimation, it would also satisfy the family’s more experienced shooter, especially with a second lens. There’s no depth of field preview control, but otherwise, the available modes, overrides and extra functions provide adequate versatility.

During this wedding, the pro shooters were using a D300 or D700 and their photos are excellent. But I was also able to get photos of high quality with the D3000 in RAW capture mode and using an accessory flash unit. Later, I used the Nikon View NX software (included) to tweak the photos and convert them to TIFF before making very nice letter size prints. (ISO 400)  © 2009 Peter K. Burian
During this wedding the pro shooters were using a D300 or D700 and their photos are excellent But I was also able to get photos of high quality with the D3000 in RAW capture mode and using an accessory flash unit Later I used the Nikon View NX software included to tweak the photos and convert them to TIFF before making very nice letter size prints ISO 400 © 2009 Peter K Burian



Nikon has a well-earned reputation as a manufacturer of high performance equipment in the pro and semi-pro categories. That cachet extends to their more affordable DSLRs too; in fact, Nikon has sold over a million of the D40/D40x models. The D3000 deserves to be even more popular because of its greater speed, more effective autofocus system and the extra features mentioned earlier. Unless you definitely want live view, movie mode and the extras available with the more expensive D5000, this smaller/lighter camera would be an ideal choice.


For technical specifications: Visit Nikon
For prices and user reviews visit: Amazon (Nikon D3000 10MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX VR Nikkor Zoom Lens) (about $560)   and B&H Photo (about $600)







This Post Has 13 Comments

  1. If you like the D3000, wait till you read my review of the enthusiast-level D5000. I am writing that now; should be posted next week. Peter

  2. Excellent review. You have touched upon a lot of fine points.
    I just bought the D3000. I was a bit confused between the Canon 1000D and Nikon D3000. But I guess I was happier off with Nikon. Somehow the built quality of buttons and body of the canon 1000D did not appeal to me at all. Bearing a lower price tag, yet I found the results on the Nikon to be better.
    Keep us posted on more…will follow you posts surely. Thanks a lot.

    Nikon seems to be offering an excellent deal in India at the moment.
    I bought the D3000 with Lense Kit for $539 and got a Nikon Carry Bag along with a 4 GB Card and the standard Nikon 2 yr Warranty.

    Canon 1000D retails @ $510 with 2GB card and Carry Case which they claim Canon will ship separately to your doorsteps once you register online…kinda weird!

  3. I was searching for information on lenses for my nikon d5000 when I found your site. Great post. Thank You.

  4. Hi Joe: Was it me that posted the link at dpreview? I really cannot remember. Which Forum is it in?

    The link you provided is for their test report.

    Thanks

    Peter

  5. Murtuza.Patanwala,

    Thanks for the review Peter,I was’nt very sure upon my decision of buying the Nikon D3000 instead of the CanonEOS1000D.

  6. Up 1 vote from me Peter. I actually already bought my D3000 before reading your article. Reading your article gave me firmer grip that I chose the right one.

    Prior to reading this, I red from Ken Rockwell: http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d3000.htm which stated that D3000 is the worst Nikon dslr ever. Well, I am still a neophyte but it still punches a hole for new D3000 owners with his sharp comments of the camera capturing a lot of noise. But it all made sense when this model just provides a hands-off approach into capturing their image instead of doing any automatic noise cleaning during capture. Wonder why Ken is so against this model?

  7. i have some manual setting not a auto setting please tell me some setting

Leave a Reply

Close Menu