Nikon D3000 entry-level DSLR unveiled
By Nilay Patel 
posted Jul 30th 2009 12:00AM
posted Jul 30th 2009 12:00AM
--
THE NEW NIKON D3000 PROVIDES AN EASY PATH TO FANTASTIC PHOTOS
Combines Proven Technology with Easy-to-Use Interface to Create Affordable, Approachable Entry-Level D-SLR Camera
MELVILLE, N.Y. (JULY 30, 2009) – Today, Nikon Inc. announced the D3000 digital SLR camera, an affordable answer for users looking to experience the superiority of digital SLR photography or enthusiasts seeking a capable, compact D-SLR. The 10.2-megapixel D3000 has features that make it easier than ever to take great pictures, including the new Guide Mode, which lends a smart helping hand to new D-SLR users, and an extensive Retouch Menu, enabling consumers to edit photos, even without a computer. The D3000, which offers an 11-point autofocus system, also leverages proven Nikon D-SLR technologies, including the exclusive EXPEED™ image processing, Active D-Lighting system and 3D Color Matrix Metering II, enabling entry-level D-SLR shooters to take stunning pictures.
"The D3000 combines the best of both worlds, providing picture takers with the ease-of-use currently offered in point-and-shoot cameras alongside the speed, precision and exceptional results that have made Nikon D-SLRs so popular," said Edward Fasano, general manager for Marketing, SLR Systems Products at Nikon Inc. "The D3000 offers everyone the ability to discover the superiority of D-SLR photography at an affordable price point. We look forward to enabling more consumers to explore the possibilities of D-SLR picture taking and, more importantly, capture life's memories faithfully."
Intuitive Assistance On-the-Fly
The D3000 includes the all-new Guide Mode with an easy-to-use interface to help new photographers build confidence in using a D-SLR with step-by-step instruction and inspiration. The Guide Mode, easily accessed by the Mode dial on the top of the camera, displays a variety of shooting situations via the LCD screen, indicating the most appropriate settings for a particular scenario. Users can also see sample photos on the LCD screen, which illustrate the effects of different photo-taking techniques. The Guide Mode also helps users easily review, organize and delete images.
Whether new to D-SLR photography or simply mastering new shooting techniques, the D3000's Guide Mode assists users in exploring effective picture taking solutions at their own pace to make capturing great pictures even easier.
Small in Size, Big on Features
With elegant ergonomics, softly rounded corners, and a comfortable grip, the D3000 packs powerful technology into a compact form factor. Though the D3000 is tiny when compared to professional D-SLR cameras, it boasts a large, bright three-inch 230,000-dot LCD screen, and now features an easier-to-read font size, 20 percent larger than in previous Nikon D-SLRs.
Quick performance and response are at the core of the D3000's design and its 11-point Multi-CAM 1000 autofocus system makes it easy to find and focus on a subject. Also, the D3000 offers split-second shutter response, eliminating the frustration of shutter lag, as well as the ability to capture images up to three frames per second, allowing users capture every moment. Users can enjoy the benefits of Nikon's advanced 3D Subject Tracking, which continuously focuses on a fast moving subject throughout the frame.
The D3000 provides multiple ways for users to engage with their pictures, post capture. It uses Nikon's extensive in-camera Retouch Menu, which allows users to easily apply a variety of fun and dramatic effects to their images even when away from a computer. The D3000 introduces a new Miniature effect, which changes the appearance of distant subjects to look like close-ups of miniature models. The D3000 also inherits the Soft Filter and Color Outline Retouch options from the D5000, allowing users to express their photography in a new and artistic way. As with all Nikon D-SLRs, the camera creates the new retouched image, while preserving the original.
For users who want to take their creativity to the next level, the D3000 also includes the ability to capture images in the NEF (RAW) format, in addition to traditional JPEG. Images captured with D3000 in the NEF (RAW) format include a greater amount of image data, which in turn, affords finer image control and higher uncompressed lossless image quality. With NEF (RAW) images, users can fine-tune the appearance of an image with simple adjustments to things like exposure, color saturation, brightness, and overall tone – especially in the post-production process. Users can use Capture NX 2, Nikon's powerful image editing software, to achieve these desired effects.
Nikon extends the creativity with Stop-Motion Movie Mode. With this mode, users can choose a collection of images within the D3000's Retouch Menu, and the camera then compiles and stitches them into a fun and creative video file.
Renowned Nikon Technology
The D3000 leverages proven Nikon technologies to create the most positive picture taking experience for consumers. The D3000 delivers highly detailed images with vibrant color reproduction and low noise across a broad ISO range, due to its 10.2-megapixel CCD image sensor coupled with Nikon's exclusive EXPEED image processing system. The D3000's normal ISO range extends from ISO 100 to 1600, allowing for low light versatility. Additionally, the D3000's ISO range can expand to a Hi-1 setting of ISO 3200, furthering the opportunities for shots that other cameras miss.
The D3000 also makes use of Nikon's Active D-Lighting system, which automatically compensates to reveal veiled details in shadows and highlights in high-contrast situations. For instance, when selected, Nikon's Active D-Lighting can improve the appearance of fine detail in a person's face that was previously hidden in dark shadows or bring out the highlights in a beautifully backlit landscape.
Nikon's exclusive 3D Color Matrix Metering II, in conjunction with the EXPEED image processing system, contributes to the D3000's ability to capture breathtaking images by instantly evaluating the exposure elements of each scene and comparing it to an onboard database of information from more than 30,000 images. These split-second calculations allow the D3000 to ensure beautiful exposures-even when conditions are extreme.
The D3000 also incorporates Nikon's Integrated Dust Reduction System, which offers a comprehensive solution that combats the accumulation of image-degrading dust from the camera's image sensor. The system not only utilizes an active sensor cleaning function that activates whenever the camera is turned on or off, but also the Airflow Control System to redirect dust particles, limiting their ability to reach the sensor.
System Expandability
Photographers and enthusiasts alike can also appreciate the D3000's system expandability, as the camera can work in conjunction with a variety of Nikon accessories, including a broad assortment of legendary NIKKOR AF-S interchangeable lenses. While the D3000 offers a versatile built-in flash, the camera is also compatible with Nikon's Creative Lighting System and capable of Advanced Wireless Lighting when using the SB-900 Speedlight or the SU-800 Wireless Commander.
The D3000's design also supports Eye-Fi memory card functionality, enabling the convenient wireless transfer of images from the D3000 to a computer, when using Eye-Fi memory cards.* Additionally, photos can be securely written to readily available SD cards, high-capacity SDHC cards and Eye-Fi memory cards, offering users a range of data storage options.
Price and Availability
The D3000 outfit, including the versatile AF-S NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR image stabilization lens, is scheduled to be available at Nikon Authorized dealers beginning in late August 2009 at an estimated selling price of $599.95.** For more information, please visit www.nikonusa.com.
No video at all? Hm.
Go away.
@synn
I second that motion
Well I like the inclusion of an 11 point autofocus system. I always hated how the D60 only had 3 AF points.
Multiple auto-focus points are not all that important IMO. Much of the time, if you let the camera pick your focus point, it is going to make a bad choice. I prefer to use a single focus point at the center, and then re-frame the picture. 11 focus points is ridiculous.
I agree, I never let the camera decide. I don't think 11 AF points is that ridiculous. Compare that to the 51 AF points on the D300s.
Yes, the 11-point AF system is a very nice addition - it's something that I really appreciate having upgraded from my old D40X to a D90 a few months ago. Putting that on an entry-level camera is very nice and I love the idea of the Guide Mode, if it works well.
Who said anything about letting the camera pick where to focus? I select the focus point myself and use the autofocus from there.
The addition of eight more is useful to me, that just means I don't have to hold the button down half-way and then move the camera to get the shot I want with the area I desired in focus.
That's why the 3000 is an entry level camara. The many auto-focus points are great for "would be" and amateur people that want something that resembles the high-end stuff but has so much auotmation they wouldn't know the difference between the entry level dSLR and a Point-N-Shoot otherwise.
ugh.. Why did I have to buy that D60 only a few months ago. FML
i'm with you. i got a D60 for my graduation present...sigh.
Your D60 is a fine entry level dSLR (so is mine :) . The D3000 may have some new bells and whistles, but it is essentially the same camera. The D60 will produce pictures just as well as the D3000, depending on the photographer of course.. So will the D40. You are better off not worrying about it. If you really make good use of your D60, then you are better off spending money on a better lens than the kit lens than you are cross-grading to a new entry level body.
I think the older D40 is still the best bang for the buck.
I wish Nikon had included video. This is an entry level D-SLR, people coming up from point and shoots are used to having video. I have a D-40 and if I would recommend it over this camera. You can get a new D-40 for ~$400 with the kits lens these days.
@vr1000 -
spend an extra $130 and you get video with the D5000.
Your complaint is mis-guided bellowing about the lack of video in the 3000. Comparing the D3000 to any point and shoot - you might as well be comparing it to the cameras in cell-phones. All 3 categories take pictures. But if you think a 10mega-pixel point and shoot image compares to a 10 mega-pixel SLR photo - you should go back and study photography and rework your line of reasoning.
I'll bet "the 'i'" is a shill.
I sure hope Canon paid you for that spiel, because otherwise you need to get a life.
Please note I'm not arguing for or against the Canon or Nikon.
Argh, reply system broke. Meant to respond to 'The "i"' a few posts up.
Expensive Overhyped Shit?
Engadget, this idiotic comment system pisses me off !!! Would you please be so kind to fix it?
the D3000 isn't made to compete with the Rebel t1i, dumbass. that's what the D5000 is for.
UGHHHH
i was supposed to reply to "the 'i'" too.
realllllllllllly need to fix the comment system...
@ the "i"
Dude, the Toyota Camry sucks. Everyone should TOTALLY buy a Rolls Royce Phantom, which is more luxurious, has a better engine, more sex appeal, the works!!!
Seriously, "i".... GTFO troll.
@ "i"
Fess up. You work for Canon. Or you own stock or something. Those are really the only excuses for your obvious fan-boy posts.
he also works for apple. he's a dickhead. and for some reason, NOBODY can ever reply to his comments.
think he's secretly an engadget editor?
The "i" is using some script of something to stop replies from sticking to his post. So please don't give him the pleasure of watching 20 people falling over themselves to apologize for the "broken engadget comment system", just downmod and ignore.
If that's the case, hit the [!] and report him for it.
I wonder if the sensor is improved over the D60? Otherwise the only significant new feature is the 11 point AF.
There is a whiff of nVidia here with Nikon renaming what is essentially the same camera four times: D40, D40x, D60 and D3000. I guess marketing wouldn't allow it's proper name: the D40x Mk. III.
The sensor looks like the same.
Also the D40 has a 6 megapix sensor so its technically not the same camera.
Should I pick up a D60 (since it has a replacement it'll probably get cheaper) or should I get the d3000?
Decisions, decisions.
now that i read through the D3000's feature "improvement" list, i'd suggest getting the D60 and just spending the extra benjamin or two you'd save on a good piece of glass. there REALLY isn't much difference, save the number of AF points.
Save $300 and get a D40
lol troll much?
Wrong Topic.
There's no Canon here my friend.
death to entry level cameras!
Leaving out Liveview seems odd for an entry-level camera. I guess they don't want to compete with D5000, but compact camera users coming to the D3000 are going to be a bit confused. Other than that, I'm sure it's a good piece of gear.
Another new Nikon? Oh my gosh, did this month pass again already? *g*
THE BEST THE BEST THE BEST THE BEST
If this shot 720p it would be worth it, but the nikon d5000 is where ill be heading too.
so its a d60 with .5inches more of LCD and 8 more AF points.
way to not compel current D60 owners to upgrade, which is part of your target market.
Stupid photographers upgrade bodies, smart photographers upgrade lenses.
I think you are wrong there. Nikon *doesn't* want people to upgrade to this camera, they want people to upgrade to more expensive cameras. The D3000 is to replace the D60 as the entry point for people buying their first dSLR. It's design goal is to be the lowest-priced dSLR on the shelf, with just enough features (ie. pixel count, AF points, guide mode) to keep it moving off the shelf in significant numbers.
It's a very cynical game being played here, make no mistake: features that could be added at little or no extra cost have been deliberately cut out to force as many people as possible to buy the more expensive products.
The D40 worked because, while stripped down, it was actually on par in image quality with the bigger, older bodies at the time of its release. This time it's different, the D3000 is not getting the technology trickle down from the D300-D90-D5000, Nikon choosing instead to let it tread water to a) lower costs and b) protect its product line.
The only thing this needs, that the d5000 has, is bracketing. At least according to DPReview's handson preview, it doesn't have that, so that means I'll be going for the d5000. :(
The D40 series never had bracketing, but I found it's really not that hard to quickly take several shots with different exposures when it is needed... its not a feature I miss. I do miss not having horizon lines and a mirror lock up though...
but you're missing the point of the d3000 being an entry level dslr. the t1i is a step up from it. you can't compare the two based on features. the t1i costs alot more, so will logically have more features.
Already up for preorder, along with the 300s:
http://bountii.com/product-4175-nikon-d3000-10mp-digital-slr.html
I am so confused. I hear and read all the hype of getting an SLR so if anyone can give me an opinion, that would be great. I am looking at either a bridge camera (the Sony Cybershot DSC-HX1) or the Nikon D3000. I really only take photos of special events and I rarely print the out. Is there really a benefit to getting an entry-level lower DSLR versus getting a high-end SLR-like camera?
I'm in the same boat as you... did you ever make a decision? This camera is appealing to me because of the guide mode, but it's a little pricey, especially taking in the fact I need memory cards, a case, extra battery, etc. I'm considering this, but I have a feeling I'll probably end up with either the HX1 or the Canon SX20. Let me know what you decide!