The Nikon D3000 is Nikon’s newest digital SLR camera positioned to replace the D40 in the competitive entry–level segment. With its list of welcome improvements, the D3000 appears to continue the D40’s place as the favorite digital SLR for first–time buyers.
Here’s some of the nice things on the D3000:
- 10 megapixel self–cleaning CCD sensor
- EXPEED image processing with Picture Control menu
- CAM 1000 11-area AF system, similar to the D90
- ISO sensitivity: 100-1600 + Hi 1
- Active D-Lighting system
- 3D Color Matrix Metering II
- 95% coverage viewfinder
- 3fps continuous shooting
- 3-inch (diagonal), 230,000-dot rear LCD
Unfortunately, the D3000 does not get the HD video capabilities of its sibling. This would likely make potential buyers think twice as most new digital SLRs these days can record HD video. Pegged at USD $600 for the kit that comes with the 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR lens, the D3000 will surely be a good value. If other manufacturers decide to skip HD video for its next entry–level offerings, the D3000 might sell just as well as the D40. But it might not be that way.