Oct 07, 2009 03:04 PM
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The D3000 features a large 3 inch LCD screen, picture control system in the menu option for better creativity and retouch menu for in-camera editing. At the heart of the image is the same 10.2 MP CCD sensor coupled with the proprietary Expeed processor.
Body design / Build quality:
All Nikon SLR continue to bear the unique red arrow facing downwards just below the shutter release button on the right hand grip. The polycarbonate black body has a neat finish. The traditional layout of the buttons remain same on the D3000; only the function of some of those changes. As the D3000 replaces the D60, it is inevitable that it will be compared to its predecessor in those respects. The D-active lighting button on the D60 takes the function of the info button on the D3000. When pressed, the information screen lights up on the LCD screen. Gone are the eye sensors below the view finder on the D60 and so the D3000 has auto off timer.
Features:
Nikon attempts to highlight the presence of the Guide dial on the mode dial that conventionally features the creative zone(P, S, A, M) in additional to auto mode and the scene modes. Beginners can take help of this guide to shoot pictures and obtain professional level results for various types of picture situations – portrait, close-up, to freeze motion pictures.
The presence of the quick info settings button is perhaps the biggest advantage on this camera as it happened in the D60. When pressed, it highlights shooting information on the LCD screen and allows changes to be done as desired using the 4 way navigator. The help button also comes handy to provide vital information on the shooting condition.
The menu layout is very extensive- shooting, playback, set up, retouch and reset options.
The picture control system in the shooting option provides very effective creative controls that can further enhance the quality of the images apt for a particular type of situation. The NEF processing in the retouch menu allows the processing of RAW images and converts in to JPEG file. There are several other special effects that can be applied using the options available in retouch.
The prime areas of photography – focusing and metering are extremely well defined on the D3000. Focusing in auto mode can be obtained by auto, dynamic and 3D tracking. Metering options include centre weighted, spot metering and matrix metering.
Ergonomics:
At 485 g(body only), the camera is neither too light nor too heavy for a SLR. In the Nikon stable, it is easily the lightest camera just as the D60. The layout of the buttons remains in true tradition of Nikon SLR and can be conveniently managed. The quick setting info button comes handy to display shooting information on the 3 inch large LCD. Effects like White balance, ISO sensitivity, exposure and flash compensation, focusing and metering options can all be exercised after this through the 4 way navigator button. Alternately, they can also be managed through the command dial and dedicated buttons for flash, exposure compensation and auto focus lock as done conventionally in typically all SLR.
The D3000 being made for beginners is indeed relatively easy to operate although it is recommended to keep the manual handy as beginners may need it often to check settings. The exhaustive 200 page odd manual is comprehensive and well written.
Performance:
Pictures taken from the D3000 speak for themselves. Refer to the photo gallery for sample images.
The 10.2 MP DX format CCD sensor coupled with Nikon’s Expeed processor and the vibration reduction kit lens together produce the best possible pictures for an entry level D SLR. Apart from auto focusing, I also took pictures with manual focusing and it produced some superb results. The ISO sensitivity effects were also checked and it is best to stay up to ISO 400. However, auto ISO settings produced excellent images in low light conditions even at the range of 800 to over 1000 quite well.
RAW images well processed in the retouch menu option in NEF processing and though basic, the converted JPEG files were very impressive. Other special effects like colour outline, miniature filter, picture overlay options were experimented and yielded some interesting results. The picture style options also help produce some stunning results. Overall, an enthusiast new to D SLR can explore plenty of options and enjoy the pleasure of SLR photography.
The software ViewNx is very basic but can show the autofocus points on the pictures. We find the picasa 3 software more useful in organizing and editing functions. It is a freeware and still one of the best for casual users.
The Guide mode is very impressive and the results are sure enough to encourage beginners as it produces excellent pictures.
The lens Nikkor DX AF-S 18-55mm VR is the standard kit lens and its performance is commendable. In future, it is recommended to also buy the telephoto 55-200 mm lens.
Summary:
The Nikon D3000 has all conventional features that one would expect in beginners D SLR. One would miss few vital one though – auto exposure bracketing and depth of field preview.
Some current generation D SLR offer live view mode and HD video recording. However, it is a well known fact that live view shooting can not be extended for long periods and it also slows down the performance in auto focus mode. With regard to video shooting, a dedicated camcorder is still the best friend for motion photography.
At a price point of Rs.36, 500/-, it is fairly good value for money considering that the D3000 is a new product and launched by Nikon, a leader in imaging technology. There are sufficient features to explore and fulfill creative satisfaction of using a D SLR.
Nikon D3000 appears well positioned to become a popular beginner D SLR due to its ability to stick to the basics – a good solid body, excellent vibration reduction kit lens, easy handling and impressive shots in different shooting conditions.
I recommend this product highly and will cherish my practical experience in D SLR photography using the Nikon D3000 that has truly simplified professional photography.
