KEY FEATURES
Key features include a 10 megapixel sensor and a 3 inch LCD screen. Image sensor cleaning is built into the D3000 to help reduce any problems caused by dust. In continuous shooting mode you can capture shots at a rate of 3 frames per second. There is an 11 point focusing system. This is a clear step up on the previous entry level model.
PICTURE QUALITY
From a technical viewpoint I thought the photos I took with the D3000 where very impressive. If you are stepping up from a compact digital camera you should notice extra depth to colours and much greater definition in your photos. Noise levels seemed to be controlled very well in areas of lighter shade and there is plenty of detail showing in these areas. I thought the camera coped well with the glare from the sun too. Just how sharp your photos are will depend to a large degree on the quality of the lenses you use, but I thought the quality of the supplied kit lenses produced shots that were plenty sharp enough to keep most first time Digital SLR owners happy.
BUYING OPTIONS
The most common way to buy the Nikon D3000 is in kit form. In other words it tends to come with one or two lenses to get you started. In fact it is harder to get hold of just the camera body. The standard lens offered in a kit is an 18 - 55mm lens. This is ideal for wide shots. To add flexibility it is also worth considering a package including a zoom lens with a focal length of 55 - 200mm, although this can be a lot harder to track down.
As you would expect at this price point the lenses on offer in the kit are not top quality, but in my opinion are certainly good enough to get the serious amateur photographer up and running. There is plenty of time later on to purchase more expensive lenses.
