This is actually a review of both the Nikon D3000 AND the matching 18-55mm lens which results in a cheap DSLR kit that’s great for amateurs or pros alike. In fact, the Nikon D3000 should be considered if you’re buying a small point and shoot as this Nikon is the replacement for the best selling Nikon D40, but adds a few more bells and whistles while still priced at well under $500 for both lens and body combined. The Nikon D300 is not priced much higher than some point and shoots, such as the Canon G11 which costs about the same amount at just under$500 street price.
The first improvement over the D40 I should mention is the megapixel count. Personally, I could care less about megapixels, as most of my prints end up no bigger than 500 pixels side (about 4-6 inches) and are viewed online, but for those that are making poster sized prints from your digital shooting, then maybe more megapixels is worth something to you. So. The older Nikon D40 only had six megapixels, and the new D3000, which is Nikon’s entry level into the DSLR game offers 10.2 megapixels which can easily handle 16×20 print sizes.
The Nikon D3000 has the same 3inch lcd display and fast response time we’re used to with a DSLR. If you’re shooting action with the Nikon D3000 you can now shoot up to 3 frames per second. While not as fast a professional Nikon’s, it’s fast enough to catch the action of your kids at a soccer game.
One of the things that shouldn’t be overlooked is both the size and simplicity of the Nikon D3000 there’s few buttons to intimidate first time shooters and it’s a small compact size. Also, the 18-55 lens is lightweight and although it looks cheezy with it’s plastic construction and lens mount, it works well and focus fast and sharp. Its’ also priced at about $100, so it’s a great first lens to pair with the D3000 in a camera body and lens kit. Nikon has paired these two up well.
ISO sensitivity up to ISO 1600 won’t win any low light awards, but for everyday shooting ISO 1600 is fine enough, but if you find that you do a lo of shooting in the dark, you might want to look elsewhere or futher up the the Nikon lineup.
11 point autofocus is a big improvement over the 3 point on the D40′s yet doesn’t overwhelm the user with autofocus points and other dookickeys in the viewfinder either.
The theme with the Nikon D3000 is small, simple and light with just a few buttons on the exterior for navigating menus. The DSLR format allows you to grow with more or different lenses and flash systems as your photography also grows.
Suggested list price on the Nikon D3000 kit with 18-55mm lens is well over $500, but you can do much better on price by shopping online at Amazon, Ritz, B+H or Adorama. All of these recommended camera shops price the Nikon D3000 with lens for the $450 price range.
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