Nikon D3000 – Will it Build on the Success of the D60 it Replaces?

Nikon D3000 – Will it Build on the Success of the D60 it Replaces?
By Marcus Graham

The D3000 Is Nikon’s latest in a long line of entry-level D-SLRS, beginning with the D50 back in 2005. Since then we’ve had the 6Mp D40, 10.2Mp D40X and 10.2Mp D60, all sharing an inherently identical design. They’ve all been successful models, often finding themselves on the shortlist of cameras buyers looking for their first D-SLRS, so any new model has a lot to live up to.

FEATURES & BUILD

Though the D3000 features a different design to the outgoing D60, you’ll have to look very hard to notice when viewed from the front. There are some subtle changes however, especially with the grooves rond the Mode dial, but the most notable alteration is at the rear. The screen size has been upped to 3in, compared to 2.5in, but doesn’t look squeezed in like it does on the Canon EOS 450D. Though you may 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.

Apart from being a couple of millimetres fatter than the D60, the D3000 retains its compact size. The handgrip remains reassuringly positive, fitting comfortably in the hand considering the camera’s small dimensions. And while the finish is predominately plastic, the overall experience of the camera fares well when compared to the competition, with a solid feel.

Rather than opt for the 12.3Mp sensor that’s found in the D5000, D90and D300S, the D3000 maintains the same 10.2Mp resolution as the D60 and D40X. As such, the ISO range is identical, running from ISO 100-1600, and this can be expanded to an ISO equivalent of 3200 when the Hi 1 setting is used.

One complaint levelled at the D40/40X/60 was the limited option of only 3 AF points. This has been rectified, with the D3000 featuring an 11-point AF arrangement that’s the same as the one on the D5000 and D90. Like the D40/40X/60 and D5000, the D3000 doesn’t feature an in-built AF motor, so AF is only possible with Nikon’s range of AF-S(or Sigma’s HSM range for instance)lenses. It’s much less of a issue now than when the D40 was launched, but it’s worth knowing if you have some existing, older glass in your bag. The D3000 features Nikon’s Image Sensor Cleaning to shake dust from the sensor, as well as Nikon’s Airflow Control System, first seen on the D60. This feature diverts stray dust away from the mirror box and towards a small set of ducts near the lens mount. It’s then collected on an adhesive strip that will last the lifetime of the camera – there’s no danger of it becoming full up.

With regards to 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 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 that’s selected via the mode dial. This aims to make life easier for anyone venturing into D-SLR photography for the first time, with an array of shooting situations clearly explained and simplified menu.

As well as a host of in-camera filters and corrections that can be applied afterwards to a shot in the Retouch menu(it will create a separate file and not write over the original), there’s now a Miniature setting that emulates the popular effect of making photos look like reproduction models. You can select the point of focus and it does produce some pleasing results.

Although the D3000 is a well-specified budget D-SLR, it would have been nice to see the inclusion of Live View and for the specification to have progressed a bit more from the D60 than it actually does. With the exception of the improved AF and a few other little additions, there’s little to separate the two.

PERFORMANCE & HANDLING

With minimal buttons so as not to unsettle the user, the D3000 is geared towards those using a D-SLR for the first time. As mentioned, there’s the new GUIDE mode to help make that transition from a compact – the graphics are clear and concise, with the on-screen help offering advice on shooting options and settings. A handy feature for the novice user to learn with.

Once out the GUIDE mode, the D3000 is again easy to use. The AF is a big improvement over the 3-point system found on the D60, locking on to subjects easily, while AF point selection is a breeze on the 4The AF is a big improvement over the 3-point system found on the D60, locking on to subjects easily, while AF point selection is a breeze on the 4-way D-Pad.

Most shooting setting s are selected via the D3000’s rear screen, compared to some rivals like the EOS 450D that have dedicated buttons for certain settings. This can either be done in the actual menu – which has a large, clean typeface and easy navigation – or directly on the info screen. Simply select the Mangnify/I button on the rear of the camera and then use the D-Pad to toggle through a broad range of shooting settings – ISO, WB, Quality, Drive and AF. This may not be quite as quick as pressing a single button for a setting change, but it’s pretty painless and easy to use once you know the score. It there are a couple of complaints, it’s the fact that if you’re using the self-timer, it will automatically revert back to the single drive mode after the shot has been taken. If you want to shoot in dual RAW & JPEG, it’s only on the smallest quality setting for the JPEG – not that flexible – and both problems have been carried over from the D60. On the whole though, a great handling D-SLR for the beginner.

VALUE & VERDICT

At under £500 for the kit with the 18-55mm VR lens, the D3000 is slightly more expensive than some of its competitors, but for that bit extra, you’re getting a solid performer. It’s fair to say that in many ways, the D3000 hasn’t moved on that dramatically from the D60. It shares a similar design and specification to its predecessor, but there have been some subtle improvements to bring it up to date and make it more of a match for 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 up by a solid performance. If you ‘re a beginner looking for your first D-SLR to learn the ropes with and guide you, then the D3000 from Nikon should be high on your shortlist.

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