Nikon D3000: will it build on the success of the D60 it replaces?

The D3000 is Nikon’s latest in a long line of entry-level D-SLRS, starting with the D50 in 2005. Since then we’ve had the 6Mp D40, 10.2Mp D40X and 10.2Mp D60 all sharing an inherently identical design. All have been successful models, and are often on the list of camera buyers looking for their first D-SLRS, so any new model has a lot to live up to.

FEATURES AND CONSTRUCTION

Although the D3000 features a different design than the outgoing D60, you’ll have to look hard to notice when viewed from the front. There are some subtle changes though, especially with the grooves around the mode dial, but the most noticeable alteration is to the rear. The screen size has been increased to 3 inches, compared to 2.5 inches, but it doesn’t look cramped like it does on the Canon EOS 450D. Although you can expect it as standard on a D-SLR these days, there’s no Live View feature available on the D3000, though it is on the similarly priced EOS 450D and cheaper Olympus E-450.

As well as being a couple of millimeters thicker than the D60, the D3000 retains its compact size. The grip remains reassuringly positive as it fits comfortably in the hand considering the small dimensions of the camera. And while the finish is predominantly plastic, the overall camera experience is good compared to the competition, with a solid feel.

Instead of opting for the 12.3 MP sensor found in the D5000, D90 and D300S, the D3000 keeps the same 10.2 MP resolution as the D60 and D40X. As such, the ISO range is identical, from ISO 100-1600, and can be expanded to an equivalent ISO of 3200 when using the Hi 1 setting.

One complaint made to the D40/40X/60 was the limited option of only 3 AF points. This has been corrected, with the D3000 featuring an 11-point AF arrangement that is the same as the D5000 and D90. Like the D40/40X/60 and D5000, the D3000 does not have a built-in AF motor, so AF is only possible with Nikon’s AF-S range of lenses (or Sigma’s HSM range, for that matter). example). It’s much less of an issue now than it was when the D40 was released, but it’s worth knowing if you have any existing vintage glass in your bag. The D3000 features Nikon’s Image Sensor Cleaning to shake dust off the sensor, as well as Nikon’s Airflow Control system, first seen on the D60. This feature diverts stray dust away from the mirror housing and directs it into a small set of ducts near the lens mount. It is then collected on an adhesive strip that will last the life of the camera; there is no danger of it filling up.

Regarding an anti-shake system, Nikon’s Vibration Reduction (VR) system is an optical solution rather than a sensor-shift mechanism. The D3000’s 18-55mm kit lens features VR technology, so it will offer up to a 4-stop shutter speed advantage compared to shooting without it active.

One of the new features of the D3000 is the GUIDE mode which is selected via the mode dial. This aims to make life easier for anyone venturing into D-SLR photography for the first time, with a variety of shooting situations clearly explained and a simplified menu.

In addition to a host of in-camera filters and corrections that can be applied later to a shot in the Retouch menu (a separate file will be created and the original will not be overwritten), there is now a Miniature setting that emulates the popular make photos look like reproduction models. You can select the focus point and it produces some nice results.

While the D3000 is a well-specced budget D-SLR, it would have been nice to see Live View included and the spec progressed a bit more than it actually is from the D60. With the exception of improved AF and a few other small additions, there’s little to separate them.

PERFORMANCE AND HANDLING

With minimal buttons so as not to fidget the user, the D3000 is aimed at first-time D-SLR users. As mentioned, there’s the new GUIDE mode to help make that transition from a compact: graphics are clear and concise, with on-screen help offering tips on shooting options and settings. A useful feature for the novice user to learn.

Once out of GUIDE mode, the D3000 is easy to use again. AF is a vast improvement over the 3-point system found on the D60 as it locks onto subjects easily, while AF point selection is a breeze on the 4. AF is a vast improvement with compared to the 3-point system found on the D60, as it locks onto subjects easily, while AF point selection is a breeze on the 4-way D-Pad.

Most shooting settings are selected via the D3000’s rear display, compared to some rivals like the EOS 450D which have dedicated buttons for certain settings. This can be done in the actual menu, which has a large, clean font and easy navigation, or directly on the information screen. Simply select the Magnify/I button on the back of the camera, then use the D-Pad to toggle through a wide range of shooting settings: ISO, WB, Quality, Drive, and AF. This may not be as quick as pressing a single button to change settings, but it’s pretty straightforward and easy to use once you know the score. If there are a couple of gripes, it’s the fact that if you’re using the self-timer it will automatically return to single drive mode after the shot has been taken. If you want to shoot dual RAW and JPEG, it’s only at the smaller quality setting for JPEG – not as flexible – and both of these issues are inherited from the D60. Overall, though, a great entry-level D-SLR to drive.

VALUE AND VERDICT

At less than £500 for the kit with the 18-55mm VR lens, the D3000 is a little more expensive than some of its competitors, but for that little bit more you get solid performance. It’s fair to say that in many ways the D3000 hasn’t moved as dramatically from the D60. It shares a similar design and specs to its predecessor, but there have been some subtle improvements to bring it up to date and make it more up to par with the competition.

The updated AF is welcome, along with the larger screen and GUIDE interface. That’s the beauty of the D3000: it’s so simple and easy to use, and it’s backed by solid performance. If you’re a beginner looking for your first D-SLR to learn and guide you, then the Nikon D3000 should be high on your shortlist.

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