Nikon D3000 review

The Nikon D3000 is a new entry-level DSLR aimed at both the complete novice and those looking to trade up from a digital compact.

The D3000 and the more expensive, video-enabled D5000 replace the popular 10.2-megapixel D60 and ageing 6-megapixel D40, making the D3000 Nikon's most affordable DSLR in its line-up.

Rather than tempt potential upgraders with more pixels, the D3000 maintains the 10.2-megapixel APS-C-size CCD of the D60 and adds a new intelligent Guide mode, with the intention of making the transition from compact to DSLR as simple as possible. Set using the large shooting mode dial, this new approach uses explanative text and visual demonstrations displayed on the rear LCD to guide users through the complexities of using a DSLR. The idea is that once you've mastered those skills, you can move on to exploring the D3000's more creative modes and features.

As an entry-level camera, the D3000 is well specified. It has the same large, 3in TFT, scene recognition and sensor-cleaning system, including the Airflow feature, as the D60. The latter uniquely draws air and dust away from the mirror box directly in front of the sensor.

Our review sample came with the VR (vibration reduction) kit lens, an 18-55mm (28-85mm equivalent) zoom with an optical image stabiliser to reduce the shakes. However, if you bought it without that, the D3000 has sensitivities up to ISO1600 with expansion to a lofty ISO3200 equivalent. Thanks to the Expeed processor, the D3000 has a slightly higher-than-average 3fps burst option, but the most impressive new feature is the inclusion of an 11-point autofocus system complete with 3D subject-tracking.

In the hands, the D3000 feels much like the D60; it's diminutive dimensions not impinging too much on the overall handling and operation. We liked the well-sized handgrip, for instance, something Nikon usually does very well, and the re-positioning of the shooting mode back to its traditional location. One slight shortcoming that hasn't yet been addressed is the position of the viewfinder ocular. It sits too far forward, meaning either your nose or cheek rests on the LCD screen, usually leaving some greasy smeary mess. The image is worth the trouble though: the viewfinder is big and bright and the user is kept well informed. The 11 focus-detection points are displayed as small square dots, rather than the large, crescent-shaped targets of old, but they cover a larger proportion of the focusing screen than the previous model. If we were to have a whinge, it's that the detection point above and below the centre cross-type sensor isn't quite as widely spaced as we would like.

We had no issues with the camera's responsiveness: autofocus was swift and there was no appreciable shutter lag as a result. Build quality and finish are up to Nikon's usual high standards - you'll be hard pushed to find a creaking body panel, for instance - but the 3in TFT is a rather lowly 230,000 dot resolution. All the same, the generous real estate is welcome for the D3000's elaborate GUI, extensive menu options and Guide mode.

In terms of picture quality, the D3000 performs very much like D60. Colour accuracy was generally very good, although the default picture mode settings are probably too restrained for digital compact users. Noise levels are well controlled. The gritty luminance noise is only an issue at ISO1600, although it's still usable, as is the maximum on occasion. Some noise in the shadows at lower sensitivities is inevitable with the in-camera dynamic range expansion (D-lighting) option enabled, but the improvement in exposure of heavily backlit scenes outweigh the slight disadvantage.