Nikon D3000 DSLR Camera

Nikon's latest DSLR has broken out of the mold that were restraining some of the previous entry level models, which is about time considering that the competition is getting stiffer. How well does the D3000 fare in a (now) crowded market of consumer DSLR cameras? And is it worth an upgrade if you already own a Nikon D40 or a D60? Those are the primary questions I have in mind as I write this review.

The size and weight of the Nikon D3000 is almost exactly the same as the D60, and frankly, there isn't much difference physically as well. The grip feels exactly the same and the button placement is similar as well. The LCD display this time is slightly bigger than usual at 3-inches, but the LCD resolution stays the same at 230,000 dots. The problem here is that while in most consumer cameras, the LCD display enhanced the reviewed images with brighter colors and crisper details, the reviewed images on this one actually look a bit discolored and rougher than they actually are.

The D3000's 10.2 megapixel sensor resolution doesn't give you much reason to complain, as that's pretty much the standard going at its price range. However the D3000 does have a few new tricks up its sleeve that make it an upgrade over the previous models in this category.

Firstly is the absolutely newbie-friendly guide mode, which not only helps you select the right shooting mode for your scenario, but also gives you a step by step guide about the settings you should be using. This can be changed between Easy mode and Advanced, where you have better control over your shot settings. I think this feature is a long-time coming in Nikon DSLR cameras. If you want entry-level consumers picking up your advanced cameras, you do need to make it as friendly as you can for them.

The second immediately noticeable upgrade is the autofocus, which has jumped from the measly 3-point AF (on Nikon D40 and D60), to a great 11-point AF, as in the D5000. Frankly I'd love to be happy about this, but again this is a feature that should have been implemented a long time back, especially considering that a majority of their competitors have been boasting 9-point AF and above since quite a while.