The D3000 is a refinement of the D60 which now sits at the low-end of Nikon's entry-level DSLRs. It improves on the D60 with 11 autofocus points, up from 3 and a larger LCD. Unfortunately, it did lose the eye-start sensor. It is a relatively compact DSLR with the most basic feature set. The D3000 is directly aimed at new DLSR owners.

 

Among entry-level DSLRs, the Nikon D3000 is one of the most basic but also one of the most consistent in terms of performance. Image quality is mostly good with low image noise, realistic colors and above average white-balance. The downsides are slightly lower retention of details than usual and more times when focus gave up than average, although this may have to do with the kit lens included with the review unit.

 

Competition is very intense in the high-growth area of entry-level DSLRs, now that such models cost less than some high-end fixed-lens digital cameras. The Nikon D3000, Canon Rebel XSi, Olympus Evolt E-620, Pentax K200D and Sony Alpha A330, all cost roughly the same. Among these, the Nikon D3000 unfortunately finds itself with the smallest feature set. The Canon XSi is next with a top-notch Live-View mode that appeals to users who are upgrading from a fixed-lens camera. It also adds a number of photographic features such as bracketing. At the other end, the K200D has built-in stabilization and is weather-proof. It also takes up to 1100 shots on a single charge of standard-sized AA batteries.

 

This leaves the D3000 with the advantage of accessing the second largest in-production lens lineup and its very consistent and capable performance. For a simple SLR that works with the least involvement, the Nikon D3000 is worth a serious look.

 

Read the full Nikon D3000 review here.