With a Guide Mode, megapixel boost and enlarged LCD, the entry-level Nikon D3000 is even more attractive to the novice photography pool.
Nikon has stepped up its game in the DSLR minor leagues, and it looks like the new 10-megapixel Nikon D3000 is promising to one-up the best-selling Nikon D40 with a whole new brand of beginner-friendly goodness. Not only does the Nikon D3000 receive four more megapixels than the D40, but the camera also features an entirely overhauled interface, including a Guide Mode that takes the shooter by the hand and teaches them how to shoot with a digital camera. We also get a three-inch LCD in back to round out the triple play of main features. We predict that the Nikon D3000 will be an even bigger seller than the Nikon D40, thanks to the inclusion of these consumer-friendly features.
We're not sure what to expect from the revamped interface and Guide Mode, but we can surmise that the Nikon D3000 will basically conduct a Photography 101 class from within the confines of the built-in three-inch LCD. Subjects like balancing shutter speed and aperture, selecting the correct focal distance, and choosing an ISO that's right for the immediate luminance levels will most likely surface within the camera's curriculum, and the camera should attract those who debated the purchase of a DSLR but weren't looking forward to the steep learning curve. We do know that the Guide Mode will feature sample images for shooters to study and attempt to emulate, based on their particular shooting abilities.
In addition to the Guide Mode, the Nikon D3000 will feature an extensive Retouch menu, allowing shooters to surpass the basic operations of Photoshop from completely within the camera. We get a new Miniature effect, which changes the appearance of distant subjects to look like close-ups of miniature models, a feature we can't wait to toil with. The Nikon D3000 is stocked with a palette of Scene modes and presets to enable shooters with the ability to work their way up to the advanced realm of Manual control. Like the Nikon D40, the Nikon D3000 appears to be compact and light on the external controls so as not to overwhelm shooters and send them running for the hills. There's a full Auto mode, of course, for when all else fails, and the camera has a traditional four-way directional pad with Main Command dial for navigation.
Since the Nikon D3000 is the company's entry-level offering, we don't get an HD video mode, so shooters will have to rely on the Nikon D5000 as the next step up if they want the recording versatility. The camera will record solely to SD/SDHC cards and captures 10-megapixel images in the RAW and JPEG format. We get a broad ISO range with a 3200 ISO max, Active D-Lighting and 3D Color Matrix Metering II. The D3000 has an APS-C size CCD and captures in Nikon's DX format, so DX lenses are its compatible optics. Continuous mode yields an average of 3 frames-per-second, and it'll have an 11-point Auto Focus sensor with 3D Subject Tracking. Weighing in at just over a pound, the Nikon D3000 will be just as portable as the D40, and the camera will feature textured, rubberized grip panels and a popup flash.
The D3000 outfit, including the versatile AF-S NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR image stabilization lens, is set to be available at Nikon Authorized dealers in late August 2009, for $600.
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