ionix
quality posts: 3
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I own this camera and use it for what it is, a great first step into the Dslr world. Very easy to use camera, has a "guide" for what u wanna do in the display screen( if u want to shoot kids playing or still photographs) and has easy to change aperture and shutter settings. If u have always owned a point and shoot and want to go the next level, buy this NEW camera and enjoy shooting in manual. Leave any questions I'll be able to help if I can tomorrow afternoon. Also, I bought this camera referb 3 years ago for almost 200 bucks more.
"Only Thing We Have to Fear Is Fear Itself"
ionix
quality posts: 3
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silyn wrote:Extensive review here http://www.dpreview.com/products/nikon/slrs/nikon_d3000 only major downside is the lack of video.
For anyone also wanting to shoot video, look up the D3100 or D5000. Great cameras and shoot video.
"Only Thing We Have to Fear Is Fear Itself"
Shinespark
quality posts: 30
Private Messages
I've used this, so I might be able to glean a bit of insight. For $400 the value is alright, but it's important to put it in context.
This is an entry-level in the vein of the D40. It lacks certain features you see in newer or higher end models, but will still give performance far superior to any compact point-and-shoot.
The sensor is old, and becomes noisy trash in low light. It also lacks the auto-correction for things like fringing the newer models have The viewfinder is not spectacular or super bright, and live view is not an option. Higher-end options like bracketing and tethered shooting are not to be found here. No video either.
Take note: Like other entry Nikons, there is no AF motor in this body. You must purchase AF-S lenses if you want autofocus, and old F-mount lenses will shut off the metering.
The x-sync is better than you'd expect for an entry level 1/200"(!) albeit without support for Nikon's wonky wireless flash system.
But, if you want a relatively inexpensive kit that gives you a bit of growth room and access to an expansive system, it'll do. The "guide" mode holds your hand and tells you the sort of shot it's taking, the idea being you'll eventually be weaned off of it.
It's been 20 years, I am going to copy that floppy.
Dwass
quality posts: 6
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As a professional photographer with 10+ years of experience, I can't recommend this camera enough. In fact, when I recommend a camera for beginners, the D3000 is always my first choice. Between the low cost, high quality output, and small form factor, it's a real winner.
Also, while the 18-55 is a pretty basic lens, it's a great stater lens for learning and still produces great results!
You really can't go wrong!
As a side note, to those complaining about the lack of video (and some may mention the lack of AF motor... I'll get to this in a sec), if you are new to DSLR photography, you don't want to be shooting video. DSLR video photography is more complicated than many might think. You will need external microphones, lighting, stabilizers, etc for good results. This is a fantastic still picture camera.
Finally, to the lack of the AF servo, don't sweat it. The modern lenses are soooo superior to many of the manual focus lenses. Not only that, the AFS lenses focus much faster and are much quieter. For those with older lenses, don't let this worry you, your lenses will work on this Nikon system, you just need to manually focus it. You will even have a handy indicator to tell you when you're locked on!
[size=18][color=red]Я царь woot в России![/color][/size]
radi0j0hn
quality posts: 79
Private Messages
Attn "Gym Photographers" and others trying to stop kids in their tracks indoors: no magic fairy dust here, you need to spend more for the LENS to get those shots!
The specs SHOULD read: 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 VR. That means the lens is a "variable aperture" model that lets the opening get smaller as the lens in zoomed.
This makes it more compact and they have been doing it for years.
SOME TIMES (not often) it will shoot at 3.5 but MOST TIMES at 5.6.
In your typical gym, you will need to crank up the ISO all the way and be sure to shoot at aperture priority (wide open) to TRY to get a fast shutter speed. But chances are, it won't be fast enough.
You either need a lens with a larger lens opening (big $$$) or a camera body with a very high
- and high quality - ISO setting, at least 6400.
So save more money and get the right tool for the job. I know his camera seems like a lot of money to those who up to now have only spent $89 for a point and shoot, but it's not. Right now, cameras and lenses that do what you want cost thousands. (sorry!)
And if all this ISO, shutter speed and aperture stuff is gobbledegook to you, you need to get educated about "how to use the digital camera you just bought."
The magic fairy dust camera that does everything for you perfectly in all situations has not yet arrived. It will someday, but right now brain power and hardware needs to be added to the mix.
acpress.com Not cute, but useful.
