Nikon D3000

Entry-level DSLR for aspiring photographers

Nikon D3000
79/100
CAMERA SCORE
Features 16
Performance 16
Durability 16
Price 14
Usability 17
Brand Nikon
Model D3000

Key Features

SENSOR 10.2 megapixel DX-format CCD sensor
PROCESSOR EXPEED image processing system
AUTOFOCUS Multi-CAM 1000 11-point AF system
PHASE DETECTION Dedicated phase-detection module, no on-sensor PDAF
VIDEO No video recording capability
STABILIZATION Lens-based VR support only
BURST RATE 3 frames per second continuous shooting
VIEWFINDER Eye-level pentamirror, 95% coverage, 0.8x magnification
DISPLAY 3.0-inch TFT LCD, 230k dots, fixed
CONNECTIVITY USB 2.0, Video Out, no Wi-Fi/Bluetooth
MEMORY CARD Single SD/SDHC card slot
WEATHER SEALING Basic plastic construction, no weather sealing
BATTERY LIFE Approximately 550 shots per charge (EN-EL9a)

The Most Important Buttons & Dials — Nikon D3000

Control / Button / Dial Status Note
Shutter-release Button ✓ Present
Mode Dial ✓ Present
+/- EV (Exposure Compensation) Button ✓ Present
Dedicated ISO Button ~ Limited Accessed via Fn button or menu
Dedicated Aperture Dial / Ring ✓ Present Main command dial
Dedicated Shutter Speed Dial ~ Limited Main command dial
AF-ON Button ✗ Not Present
Main Command Dial ✓ Present
Sub-Command Dial ✗ Not Present
Function (Fn) Buttons ✓ Present
Joystick / Multi-selector ✓ Present
AF-assist / Self-timer Lamp ✓ Present
Monitor Mode Button ✗ Not Present
Video Record Button ✗ Not Present
Drive Mode Control ✓ Present

How-to Use Nikon D3000

Welcome to the How-to section of the camera. In this Light & Composition University website, each page for a camera has a how-to section and a section for learning. Simply because the buttons and the controls of each camera is located in different places that not only varies for brands but in each model. How-to section help you operate your camera, however, if you are interested to learn photography, not only you need to know how your camera works, but also you must know what you can change and why you do that to get better photo. Click the “Learn” or scroll down.

Nikon D3000 Exposure Indicators

Optimal exposure Underexposed by 1/3 EV Overexposed by over 2 EV
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The key to the photography is light, and it’s the exposure indicators, where you see how much light your camera sensor sees. These indicators both in monitor and viewfinder show whether the photograph would be under or over-exposed at the current setting. The amount of under or overexposure is shown in increments of 1/3 EV.

Learn & Master Photography with Nikon D3000

For over a decade, we have been teaching photography following a university standard. No one does it better than us. We have a selection of courses, diplomas, graduate and post-graduate programs, as well as some of our best-selling university press publications, to guide you in the best possible way for your camera. Enroll in the fundamentals and then move to the genres you want to master.

Technical Specification

Sensor DX-format CCD
Resolution 10.2 Megapixels
ISO Range 100-1600 (expandable to 3200)
Autofocus 11-point AF system
Shutter Speed 1/4000 to 30 sec
Burst Rate 3 fps
Video None
Stabilization Lens-based
Viewfinder Pentamirror
LCD 3.0-inch fixed
Memory Card SD/SDHC
Connectivity USB 2.0
Battery Life 550 shots
Weight 485g
Dimensions 126 x 97 x 64 mm