Nikon D3000, new entry-level SLR

(Credit: Nikon USA)

It's had a loooong run, but now it's over; the Nikon D40, which the company unveiled in November 2006, is finally being put out to pasture. That's a pretty good lifespan for a consumer dSLR, and I'm sure Nikon is hoping that its replacement, the D3000--announced today along with the D300's replacement, the D300s and a pair of lens updates--can match or surpass its popularity.

Nikon D3000 photos

The body remains mostly unchanged from the D40, but as you'd expect, Nikon beefs up some of the performance and features aspects of the camera, including a much-needed update of the AF system, which includes behind-the-scenes face detection. Other improvements inherited from across the line include enhanced air flow for improved dust reduction and better midtone correction in the Active D-Lighting.

Here's how the D3000's specs compare with its predecessor and its up-the-line sibling, the D5000:

	Nikon D40	Nikon D3000	Nikon D5000
Sensor (effective resolution)	6.1-megapixel CCD	10.2-megapixel CCD	12.3-megapixel CMOS
	23.7mm x 15.6mm	23.6 mm x 15.8mm	23.6mm x 15.8mm
Sensitivity range	ISO 200 - ISO 1600	ISO 100 - ISO 1600/3200 (expanded)	ISO 100 (expanded)/200 - ISO 1600/3200 (expanded)
Continuous shooting	2.5 fps n/a	3 fps n/a raw/100+ JPEG (medium/fine)	4 fps 9 raw/100 JPEG (medium/fine)
Viewfinder magnification/effective magnification	95% coverage 0.80x/0.53x	95% coverage 0.80x/0.53x	95% coverage 0.78x/0.52x
Autofocus	3-pt AF n/a	11-pt AF center cross-type to f5.6	11-pt AF center cross-type to f5.6
Live View	No	No	Yes
Video	No	No	720p at 24fps
LCD size	2.5 inches fixed 230,000 dots	3 inches fixed 230,000 dots	2.7 inches articulated 230,000 dots
Shutter durability	n/a	100,000 cycles	100,000 cycles
Battery life (CIPA rating)	470 shots	n/a	510 shots
Dimensions (inches, WHD)	5.0 x 3.7 x 2.5	5.0 x 3.8 x 2.5	5.0 x 4.1 x 3.1
Body operating weight (ounces)	18.5	18.3 (estimated)	21.6
Mfr. Price	$499.95 (with 18-55mm non-VR lens)	$599.95 (with 18-55mm VR lens)	$729.95 (body only)

As has become common among the various entry-level lines, Nikon distinguishes between the D5000 and D3000 via video capture and the flip-down LCD. The D3000 retains the older viewfinder, which may possibly be better than that in the D5000. However, as we've seen a lot lately, it's also following the trend of incorporating the larger, but same-resolution, LCDs, for a resulting coarser display.

Compared to its competition:

	Pentax K2000	Sony Alpha DSLR-A230	Nikon D3000	Canon EOS Rebel XS
Sensor (effective resolution)	10.2-megapixel CCD	10.2-megapixel CCD	10.2-megapixel CCD	10.1-megapixel CMOS
	23.5mm x 15.7mm	23.5mm x 15.7mm	23.6x15.8mm	22.2mm x 14.8mm
Magnification factor	1.5x	1.5x	1.5x	1.6x
Sensitivity range	ISO 100 - ISO 3200	ISO 100 - ISO 3200	ISO 100 - ISO 1600/3200 (expanded)	ISO 100 - ISO 1,600
Continuous shooting	3.5fps 4 raw/5 JPEG	2.5fps n/a	3 fps n/a raw/100+ JPEG (medium/fine)	3fps 5 raw/unlimited JPEG
Viewfinder magnification/effective magnification	96% coverage 0.85x/0.57x	95% coverage 0.83x/0.55x	95% coverage 0.80x/0.53x	95% coverage 0.81x/0.51x
Autofocus	5-pt AF n/a	9-pt AF n/a	11-pt AF center cross-type to f5.6	7-pt AF n/a
Live View	No	No	No	Yes
Video	No	No	No	No
Built-in wireless flash controller	Yes	Yes	No	No
LCD size	2.7 inches fixed 230,000 dots	2.7 inches fixed 230,400 dots	3 inches fixed 230,000 dots	2.5 inches fixed 230,000 dots
Battery life (CIPA rating)	n/a	510 shots	n/a	500 shots
Dimensions (inches, WHD)	4.8 x 3.6 x 2.7	5.0 x 3.8 x 2.7	5.0 x 3.8 x 2.5	5.0 x 3.8 x 2.4
Body operating weight (ounces)	20.7	18.3	18.3 (estimated)	17.6
Mfr. Price	$499.95 (with 18-55mm lens)	$549.99 (with 18-55mm lens)	$599.95 (with 18-55mm lens)	$599.99 (with 18-55mm lens)

The AF system, which has trickled down from the D90, should be a real strength for the D3000. Otherwise, there's nothing here which screams "I'm the must-have model" it its price segment, especially since Canon's overdue with its Rebel XS replacement, making it a bit of a wild card. Like Sony, Nikon has put some work into redefining the interface for the entry-level market, including a new Guide Mode, which holds your hand and walks you through the settings for different photographic challenges. it also adds some in-camera-playtime features like stop-motion settings and a Miniature effect (which simulates tilt/shift). Plus Nikon added a date stamp, though--I beg of you--please don't add a permanent stamp to your photos unless you're in insurance or crime scene investigation. Learn to read EXIF data, people.

The D3000 will be available in late August, just in time for your back-to-school purchasing pleasure.

[Sryche22]

I currently have the D40, with which I'm pretty happy with....however I have been thinking about upgrading to either the 3000 or the 5000 later this fall. I really have limited funds, so I'm trying to stay under $800 (body-only)...the D5000 seems to only have major changes to the video and LCD screen...so I think I'm now leaning towards the 3000...any suggestions?

[DJ_Lae]

I have a D40 as well and have been trying to figure out what's the most cost-effective upgrade for me. I haven't figured it out yet, though, which seems to work out alright as I'm still very happy with the D40. All these new models are just making my decision more difficult.

I'm still most tempted by the D90, which has the better viewfinder, autofocus, and has the neat touches of the D80 like exposure bracketing and the like...I don't think the D5000 has those, and there's just something about the appearance of the D5000 that's ungainly.

That D5000 is a much better upgrade from a D40 than the D3000, though.

[Yoerusho]

I was in the same situation as you, and really wanted some features found in the D80 (higher price), or maybe just get a D40 (lower price) to go with my D40x. I eventually found it more cost effective in the long run to get a display model D300 body only, for $1375.00. I won't outgrow the D300 soon! But in your case, unless you really want it for video, I would go for the D3000.

[DJ_Lae]

So the only real improvements over the D40 are an increase in the number of autofocus points and a bump in megapixels? I guess it has the D60 style VR kit lens, but then that raises the question of where the D60 belongs in their stable of cameras. It's getting confusing.

[GalUK1]

For a first time shopper for an SLR camera, any tips from you guys would be great. What should i be looking for?? Ofcourse cost matters upto $600. I am going on a vacation in 5 days, so please post your feedback soon. Thanks.

[ticarre]

Based on your budget, i would go D40 with a VR lens preferably. Make sure you pick up the excellent 50mm 1:8 Nikon lens

[jtoepfer]

Ticarre is right. These specs on the upgraded cameras are not worth the money. You can get a D40 or d40X and put any extra money you have into an additional lens. The 40s are terrific cameras. I keep looking for any real reason to upgrade and never find a good one. Also, nobody needs more than 6 or 8 mega pix! It's a complete waste for 99% of consumer shutter bugs. It's just a numbers competition for the manufacturese and the press cheers them on.

[craig.knapp1]

I first bought a D40, I like the fast flash sync of 1/250 sec, great for outdoor fill lighting for portraits and have made excellent 13x19 inch prints from it. I kept it and bought a D300 when it came out, mostly for the auto-bracketing and faster frame rate which makes a great combination for HDRI shots, especially of scenery with sunsets.

I would like to upgrade the D40, but the fast flash sync is still desirable, just want another 10-12MP camera as a back-up for weddings and other important work.

I think I am going to skip a generation or two of the current upgrade path and wait a year or two to see if someone can get rid of the Bayer Interpolated system, which would raise effective sharpness and dynamic range dramatically, it is a system that has been in use for years and is due for an upgrade.

I recently started shooting film again, Bronica ETRS and Franka Rolfix 6x9 cameras are very inexpensive on Evilb@y right now, and being back in the darkroom making "real prints" is a blast.

Craig Knapp
[e-mail]

[craig.knapp1]

I forgot to mention that having a DSLR with video mode would make me nervous about how much it shortens the sensor life, all that heat and exposure to light must have a degrading effect as the cameras are only rated for so many cycles. Therefore, I will continue to use my HD based video cameras for what they are designed to do and DLSRs for what they are designed to do.

[Trigger_Happy_Ind]

Live view on this would have made it almost perfect for the price.

[AshHaq]

How does it compare with the D60? I don't know why you're comparing it to the D40, when the D60 is the latest model.

[talmy]

The D3000 replaces the D40 as Nikon's "entry-level" DSLR. The D5000 seems to replace the D60 as a slight step up. Anyone with a D40/D40x/D60 or older D50/D70 cameras shouldn't be looking at a D3000 or even a D5000 as a move up. As long as the camera works, keep using it. If you want a true upgrade, go to the higher end consumer camera, the D90.

If you currently use a Point&Shoot and are considering a low cost DSLR, then look at the D3000.

[kimmy707]

Thanks for the advice! I'm new to DSLRs and was wondering whether I should get the d40 or d3000.

[drmjg]

I just purchased a D3000. And so far so good for what it wants to be. I was looking for a low to mid-range camera to lug around when I wanted to have a basic camera that is still capable of taking photos in raw. So far so good with the results. Even got some solid shots using some of my older Nikkor lenses. I had to use manual mode. With these lenses I also used a tripod and/or monopod. And, yes some of the features, such as the guide, would be perfect for my inexperienced Aunt taking pictures but a bit unnecessary for a veteran photog. Compared to the D60, it IS a step up on many fronts. It was also my choice because I did not need the video capabilities nor GPS so I did not need nor desire the extras of the D5000.

Very solid for the price and it will be the choice as the primary market runs out of D40x and D60.

[revid64]

hey guys I have a d50 and was wondering whats the difference or is it an upgrade to go to the d3000?