Nikon D3000 10 2MP Digital SLR Camera with 18 55mm f 3 5 5 6G AF S DX VR Nikkor Zoom Lens
10.2-megapixel effective recording * APS-C-size CCD image sensor (23.6 x 15.8 mm) * AF-S DX Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR (vibration reduction) lens (35mm equivalent focal length: 27-82.5mm) * 3X optical zoom (approximate) * 3″ color LCD screen with brightness adjustment * optical SLR viewfinder (with diopter adjustment) * Integrated Dust Reduction System to keep image sensor clean for spotless photos * Nikon EXPEED image processor for responsive shooting and high-accuracy photos * 11-point autofocus system for rapid, precise autofocusing * 3D Color Matrix Metering II for accurate automatic exposure control, plus center-weighted and spot metering modes * Active D-Lighting mode for better shadow and highlight detail in high-contrast shooting conditions * intelligent pop-up flash and flash exposure compensation * Guide mode makes selecting camera settings easy for beginning SLR photographers * in-camera image editing functions, including: D-Lighting, red-eye correction, cropping, image overlay, monochrome settings, filter effects, NEF (RAW) processing, miniture effect, color outline, and stop motion movie *
User Ratings and Reviews
4 Stars D3K great value
After using the Nikon D3000 for about a month, and over 500 pictures, I can only report that it is worth every nickel of it’s price ($500 on 12/4/09).
1. Easy to use.
2. controls well laid out
3. Kit lens AF quick and silent.
4. Size reasonable for small hands (mine).
5. Ability to take Nikon ‘F’ mount lenses (AF or not).
While there is the occasional ‘oops’ moment, errors are easily corrected, and, of course, being digital, errors deleted with no expense incurred. Can’t say that about film cameras.
In addition to the kit lens, I have bought from a friend his Sigma 70-300 lens. While it is designated as an AF lens, as it does not have it’s own motor, it isn’t on the D3K. Manual focusing is a bit of a pain, as is having to learn how to do it all over again. But when I get it right WOW! Nice crisp image.
The only real criticism is not about the camera itself, a star performer. It is that lack of a REAL manual. The 60 page ‘manual’ merely highlights the cameras’ many controls and menus and does not go into detail about them. The Main manual is a 216 page PDF file loaded onto a PC and called a Reference manual. I call it the Users Manual, and the little 60 page thing a Quick Reference. The ‘Dummys’ book I bought on the D3K has a lot of useful information but having a PRINTED manual would have been better than having to buy my own hard copy.
3 Stars Solid DSLR but the Canon Rebel won me over
This is a solid DSLR and was my first foray into that camera category. In the end, I returned it as I found the Canon Rebel XSi (EOS) to be a better camera. What was better? Image quality was #1, the difference isn’t night and day between them but definitely noticeable. The EOS also offers the Pint and Shoot style function of letting the user utilize the LCD screen as a live view finder. Lastly, Amazon had a great special on the purchase of the zoom lens (55-250) as a package with the camera, and this made the Canon a better deal.
4 Stars Impressed!
I knew I wanted a DSLR and after a few months of debate, I decided to go for the D3000. I was tempted to buy a used D40 but the improvements made to the D3000 were hard to ignore. I ended up buying the D3000 in a bundle on Black Friday which saved me about 150 dollars! As a college students, I was beyond happy to save the money.
The features include almost anything I need (there’s only one feature missing: a color selection tool that my dad’s Canon has but the D3000 doesn’t) and the portability is incredible. I am still in shock about how light the camera is.
For a beginner like me, having the D3000 with an extra telephoto lens is perfect for learning the ropes and hopefully taking a photography class with. I highly recommend this for beginners and perhaps intermediate photographers. Advanced and professionals photographers probably would require more heavy duty equipment.
4 Stars Nikon D3000 A Beginners First Step Towards the Photography World
I am a Beginner Photography with not alot of money and not alot of experience, i chose Nikon of Canon because of a few things.
1. User FRIENDLY, GUIDE MODE IS A MUST! The whole camera is FILLED with tips and EXAMPLES and settings of what to do and how to achieve such and such. Guide mode holds your hand for newbies to give you an idea of whats what, i love how the Nikon D3000 is Half a book and All camera! Thanks Nikon for making such a great quality camera.
2. Takes Great pictures, as an entry level dslr it takes great pictures but i think its the same sensor as the d60 just with 11 points of focus , the 11 point focus is definitely useful, theres more areas for your subject to be in, and Depth of field pictures are definitely easier to do with more focus points.
The Nikon d3000 with the 18-55mm lens is perfect for everyday use but not enough, i suggest it should be complimented with a 55-200mm, because sometimes you cannot get close enough to the subject without getting in the way of the people around you!
The Screen is big and wide and perfect for reviewing images and looking at settings, you dont have to look hard. The settings do get washed out in direct sunlight so try to keep it in your shadow
Also post processing of pictures comes out AWESOME!!! i could not believe the level of detail i saw on my computer, it wasnt blurry and zooming in is really pixel squares.
Nice camera for beginners, if your novice or pro this camera isnt for you, while a newbie like me appreciate the tips it does take a while to get around the settings but you get used to it, there is no quick access to any 1 setting but soon your fingers will be faster than any other photographer, once you get used to all the navigating.
ALSO this is a camera where you can customize the background of your screen! you can have a wallpaper of a picture or change the color.
I hope this is a comprehensive review that will satisfy you into buying the camera 
5 Stars A++
We are new to photography and love this camera! Thank you for all of the other very informative reviews, we took your word for it and are grateful!
Oh well.