Nikon D3000

	Introduction
The $600 D3000 boasts a resolution to 10.2 megapixels, fast burst mode speed and an optically stabilized lens. But we found that the quality of the captured images was dissapointing, with poor sharpness and color.
		Page 1 of 17	Product Tour

Section		The Good	The Bad
	Product Tour	Compact but not too small to handle, with substantial feel in the hands	All-plastic body; no rubberized grip
	Color	Decent long exposure test results thanks to good image noise performance under low light	Poor color accuracy scores
	Noise	Acceptable though not outstanding results	Minimal control over noise reduction settings
	Resolution	Image-stabilized lens effective in most situations, particularly with moderate shake levels	Unimpressive sharpness results
	White Balance	Good results in Auto mode, very accurate with manual WB reading	Incandescent light baffles Auto WB system
	Playback	Extensive selection of playback displays and in-camera editing options	Mediocre slide show capability
	Hardware	Compatibility with most Nikon lenses; extensive flash mode controls	No Live View; no video cable provided
	Controls	Upscale autofocus and metering systems for entry-level camera; innovative Guide shooting mode	No custom picture controls; few scene modes
	Design & Handling	Simple unintimidating camera layout; programmable Fn button; strong user guide and learning materials	Limiited selection of direct-access buttons for frequent settings

[page title="Product Tour"]

	Product Tour Summary
• Solid Nikon-camera construction, doesn't feel like entry-level compromise choice • 3-inch display larger than most cameras in this class, but still 230,000-dot resolution • Uncluttered design
	Introduction	Page 2 of 17	Color

Front

		Autofocus assist/ Self-timer/ Red-eye reduction lamp
	Wireless remote receiver				Lens release button

Back

Viewfinder

Autoexposure/Autofocus lock Image protect button

Command dial

Menu

Playback

Playback zoom in/   information button

3-inch 230,000 dot LCD

Memory card access lamp

Playback zoom out/   Help button

Delete

OK button

Sides

Built-in flash/ Flash mode/ Flash compensation button				Diopter adjustment
	Self-timer/ Function button	Connector cover		SD/SDHC memory card slot cover

Bottom

	Battery compartment
			Tripod socket

Top

Pop-up flash

Shutter

Information button

Hot shoe

Mode dial

Exposure and flash compensation/ Aperture adjust

Power switch

Size Comparisons

Front
Nikon D3000	Nikon D5000	Canon Rebel XS	Olympus E-620	Pentax K2000
Price: $599.95 (w/ 18-55mm lens)	Price: $849.95 (w/ 18-55mm VR lens)	Price: $599.99 (w/ 18-55mm lens)	Price: $799.99  (w/ 14-42mm lens)	Price: $599.95 (w/ 18-55mm lens, flash
Back
Nikon D3000	Nikon D5000	Canon Rebel XS	Olympus E-620	Pentax K2000
Width: 5.0 in/126mm	Width:   5.0 in/127mm	Width: 4.96 in/126.1mm	Width: 5.11 in/129.8mm	Width: 4.8 in/122mm
Top
Nikon D3000	Nikon D5000	Canon Rebel XS	Olympus E-620	Pentax K2000
Depth: 2.5 in/64mm	Depth:   3.1 in/80mm	Depth: 2.4 in/ 61.9mm	Depth: 2.36 in/59.9mm	Depth: 2.7 in/67 mm
Left
Nikon D3000	Nikon D5000	Canon Rebel XS	Olympus E-620	Pentax K2000
Height: 3.8 in/94mm	Height: 4.1 in/104mm	Height:   3.8 in/97.5mm	Height: 3.7 in/94.0mm	Height: 3.6 in/91mm
Right
Nikon D3000	Nikon D5000	Canon Rebel XS	Olympus E-620	Pentax K2000
Weight: 16.1 oz/485g	Weight: 19.8 oz/560g	Weight: 15.9 oz./ 450g	Weight: 16.64 oz./472 g	Weight: 18.5 oz/ 524g
Bottom
Nikon D3000	Nikon D5000	Canon Rebel XS	Olympus E-620	Pentax K2000

In the Box

• Nikon D5000 body with body cap
• 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR lens
• DK-20 rubber eyecup (on camera)
• EN-EL9a rechargeable Li-ion battery
• MH-23 Quick Charger
• Camera strap
• UC-E4 USB cable
• BS-1 hot shoe cover
• DK-5 eyepiece cap
• Software CD
• Quick Start Guide, in English and Spanish
• User's Manual, in English and Spanish
 

[page title="Color"]

	Color Summary
• Disappointing color accuracy results • All color modes oversaturated to a greater or lesser extent, even Neutral and Standard modes • Problems with red, cyan and flesh tones • Accurately  reproduced hues for purple and green • Good overall long exposure results thanks to low image noise
	Product Tour	Page 3 of 17	Noise

Color Accuracy (11.86)

The D3000 scored very poorly in our color accuracy testing, due in part to the apparent decision to oversaturate every color mode in this entry-level consumer camera. The most accurate color mode is Neutral, yet even here colors are oversaturated to 108%, and in the Standard mode most users will probably be inclined to use, the oversaturation climbs to nearly 120%. As for reproducing hues, the camera did well with purple, orange yellow and green, but purplish blue, red and cyan were way off. Even flesh tones, which are handled well by most cameras we test, were noticeably wrong.

We test for color accuracy by shooting an X-Rite Color Checker chart under controlled 3000 lux studio illumination. We shoot in all available color modes, analyze the test photos using Imatest software, and score based on the best color mode results. Click here for more on how we test color

The chart below includes same-size crops taken from our sample photos from several inexpensive SLRs, each in the camera's best color mode.

	Camera Color Comparisons
	Ideal	Nikon D3000	Nikon D5000	Canon Rebel XS	Olympus E-620	Pentax K2000
Dark Skin
Light Skin
Blue Sky
	Ideal	Nikon D3000	Nikon D5000	Canon Rebel XS	Olympus E-620	Pentax K2000
Foliage
Blue Flower
Bluish Green
	Ideal	Nikon D3000	Nikon D5000	Canon Rebel XS	Olympus E-620	Pentax K2000
Orange
Purplish Blue
Moderate Red
	Ideal	Nikon D3000	Nikon D5000	Canon Rebel XS	Olympus E-620	Pentax K2000
Purple
Yellow Green
Orange Yellow
	Ideal	Nikon D3000	Nikon D5000	Canon Rebel XS	Olympus E-620	Pentax K2000
Blue
Green
Red
	Ideal	Nikon D3000	Nikon D5000	Canon Rebel XS	Olympus E-620	Pentax K2000
Yellow
Magenta
Cyan

NOTE: Because of the way computer monitors reproduce colors, the images above do not exactly match the originals found on the chart or in the captured images. The chart should be used to judge the relative color shift, not the absolute captured colors.

Color Score Comparisons

As seen in the graph above, the Nikon D3000 delivered the least accurate color in our comparison group. We chalk this up in part to a conscious decision by someone at Nikon to oversaturate colors in an effort to please the presumably unsophisticated entry-level SLR buyer.

NOTE: We updated our testing and scoring procedures in January 2009. For comparison purposes, we re-tested several cameras we'd reviewed in 2008, producing the scores shown in the chart above for the Canon Rebel XS. However, the scores in the original reviews for the re-tested cameras remain unchanged, for consistency's sake.

Color Modes (4.00)

The Nikon D3000 supports the company's standard  Picture Control system, with settings that adjust saturation and hue along with sharpening, contrast and brightness. The six presets provided are Standard, Neutral, Vivid, Monochrome, Portrait and Landscape. These Picture Controls and their customization options are discussed in the Picture Effects section.

The following table shows actual-size samples from photos of the X-Rite ColorChecker chart taken with the D3000 using each color Picture Control setting, except for Monochrome. The left column shows the original chart colors; the color names are the ones used by X-Rite.

	Color Mode Comparisons
	Ideal	Standard	Neutral	Vivid	Portrait	Landscape
Dark Skin
Light Skin
Blue Sky
	Ideal	Standard	Neutral	Vivid	Portrait	Landscape
Foliage
Blue Flower
Bluish Green
	Ideal	Standard	Neutral	Vivid	Portrait	Landscape
Orange
Purplish Blue
Moderate Red
	Ideal	Standard	Neutral	Vivid	Portrait	Landscape
Purple
Yellow Green
Orange Yellow
	Ideal	Standard	Neutral	Vivid	Portrait	Landscape
Blue
Green
Red
	Ideal	Standard	Neutral	Vivid	Portrait	Landscape
Yellow
Magenta
Cyan

NOTE: Because of the way computer monitors reproduce colors, the images above do not exactly match the originals found on the chart or in the captured images. The chart should be used to judge the relative color shift, not the absolute captured colors.

Long Exposure (10.52)

The D30000 performed reasonably well in our long exposure testing, which combines marks for color accuracy and image noise when shooting in low light, for exposures between 1 second and 30 seconds. Color accuracy still wasn't great, and even under low light colors were oversaturated, but noise was quite low, with and without noise reduction processing. Click here for more on how we test long exposure.

In the following chart the bars represent color error, so shorter bars indicate better performance. The color error shown here is substantial; by way of comparison, the Nikon D5000 color error measured roughly 25% lower. However, there isn't much variation in color reproduction as the shutter speed increases, which is a desirable result. 

Nikon D3000 Long Exposure Color Error

At an illumination level of just 20 lux, the D3000 noise performance is solid at under 0.8% across the board. Noise reduction didn't have much effect one way or the other (on some cameras, the digital processing actually makes the situation worse). Here again, a shorter bar indicates a better result. 

Nikon D3000 Long Exposure Noise

The Nikon D3000 trails the Canon Rebel XS and Nikon D5000 in our long exposure testing, but not by a wide margin, and entirely due to mediocre color accuracy. By contrast, the Olympus E-620 received the lowest score despite decent color accuracy due to very high image noise.

Long Exposure Score Comparison

NOTE: We updated our testing and scoring procedures in January 2009. For comparison purposes, we re-tested several cameras we'd reviewed in 2008, producing the scores shown in the chart above for the Canon Rebel XS. However, the scores in the original reviews for the re-tested cameras remain unchanged, for consistency's sake.

[page title="Noise"]

	Noise Summary
• Image noise results just slightly lower than three out of four comparison cameras • Limited control over noise reduction settings • ISO range from 100 to Hi 1 (ISO 3200 equivalent)
	Color	Page 4 of 17	Resolution

Noise (6.21)

Our image noise tests show that the D3000 isn't overly prone to annoying speckles and imperfections, though our test images were marginally noisier than three out of four comparison cameras (the Olympus E-620, with its smaller Four Thirds format sensor, had particular problems with this test). To measure noise performance we shoot the X-Rite Color Checker chart under bright studio illumination (we turn the lights down for our separate Long Exposure testing), at each available ISO and with noise reduction processing at each available level (in this case, that's on and off). Digital noise reduction will supress visible imperfections, but at the expense of image detail.  Click here for more on how we test noise.

The noise reduction system on the D3000 is unsual for an SLR. A single On/Off setting controls both high ISO noise reduction (over ISO 400) and long exposure noise reduction (longer than 8 seconds), and there are no noise reduction level settings. When shooting at settings above ISO 800 some noise reduction processing is used, even if you've turned it off.

This chart shows that noise reduction has no effect below ISO 800, and makes a significant difference at the two highest ISO settings. When shooting at ISO 100 and 200, image noise is about 0.6%, a decent performance.

Noise Reduction Level Comparison

The following graph breaks out the individual components of image noise: red, green, blue, and chroma (grey). The blue noise is somewhat elevated above the rest, which could make it more visible even when the overall noise level is relatively low, depending on the colors in your photo.

Color & Luma Noise

The Olympus E-620, with its smaller Four Thirds format sensor, was by far the noisiest camera in our test group with the noise reduction system is turned off (to retain as much image detail as possible). The closeness of the other lines indicates the marginal visible differences between the other four cameras.

Noise Reduction Off Comparison

While the Olympus was the noisiest model with noise reduction turned off, its maximum noise reduction setting is highly effective. The Nikon D3000 noise reduction doesn't kick in until ISO 800, leaving noise a bit high at the ISO 400 mark.

Noise Reduction Maximum Comparison

Overall the results here don't represent a major quality difference, with the exception of the Olympus E-620. Still, there is an unfortunate dip between the Nikon D5000 and its younger sibling.

Noise Score Comparison

NOTE: We updated our testing and scoring procedures in January 2009. For comparison purposes, we re-tested several cameras we'd reviewed in 2008, producing the scores shown in the chart above for the Canon Rebel XS. However, the scores in the original reviews for the re-tested cameras remain unchanged, for consistency's sake.

ISO (5.00)

Available standard ISOs range from 100 to 1600, plus an extended range Hi 1 setting equivalent to ISO 3200. This represents an increase on both ends of the range compared to the Nikon D40.

There's an Auto ISO mode available for situations where the user-defined setting won't allow a workable exposure. Maximum and minimum acceptable values can be set.

The following chart shows same-size crops taken from shots of our standard still life with each comparison camera, at all available ISOs.

	ISO Examples
	Nikon D3000	Nikon D5000	Canon Rebel XS	Olympus E-620	Pentax K2000
ISO 100
	Nikon D3000	Nikon D5000	Canon Rebel XS	Olympus E-620	Pentax K2000
ISO 200
	Nikon D3000	Nikon D5000	Canon Rebel XS	Olympus E-620	Pentax K2000
ISO 400
	Nikon D3000	Nikon D5000	Canon Rebel XS	Olympus E-620	Pentax K2000
ISO 800
	Nikon D3000	Nikon D5000	Canon Rebel XS	Olympus E-620	Pentax K2000
ISO 1600
	Nikon D3000	Nikon D5000	Canon Rebel XS	Olympus E-620	Pentax K2000
ISO 3200
	Nikon D3000	Nikon D5000	Canon Rebel XS	Olympus E-620	Pentax K2000
ISO 6400

NOTE: The images above are not used in our testing or scoring, but are included here to show real-world examples of the differences between cameras at the various ISO settings.

[page title="Resolution"]

	Resolution Summary
• Barrel distortion problem with kit lens at wide angle, acceptable results at other focal lengths • Generally unimpressive sharpness results, particularly at full zoom • Offers RAW shooting with in-camera processing • Middle-of-the-pack dynamic range results • In-lens image stabilization system effectively reduces blur
	Noise	Page 5 of 17	White Balance

Resolution (7.36)

There are three components to our resolution testing: distortion, chromatic aberration and sharpness. For SLRs we don't include the distortion result in our scoring, but we do report on the result using the kit lens. In this case, the 18-55mm VR lens produced easily noticeable barrel distortion at wide angles. Even without that negative factor, the D3000 didn't score very well in our resolution testing. The sharpness score was only marginally higher than the disappointing results we saw with the Nikon D5000, and the chromatic aberration results were essentially the same. We test resolution by shooting a slant-line chart under bright 3000 lux illumination and analyzing the resulting images using Imatest software, producing a result that's independent of raw megapixel count.  Click here for more on how we test resolution.

Distortion
The kit lens showed significant flaws at the widest setting, measuring 3.17% barrel distortion. At the midrange and full telephoto, though, distortion was negligible.

Chromatic Aberration
The worst chromatic aberration occurs at the widest lens setting, with horizontal fringing that escalates as you move outward from the center of the lens. When not shooting at the widest angle, though, chromatic aberration falls within an acceptable range.

Sharpness
The top sharpness results were found in the center of shots taken at the widest-angle setting, with 1388 lw/ph horizontally and 1375 vertically. Performance was very similar when shooting at the midrange, but images became much softer when shooting at full zoom.

The tables below include actual-size crops taken from our test images at three focal lengths, with three aperture settings at each distance.

	Image Sharpness and Chromatic Aberration
	f/3.5			f/9			f/22
18mm

At the 18mm setting we find good sharpness in the center, falling off somewhat with the lens fully stopped down. There is noticeable color fringing along the outer edges at all of the aperture settings.

	Image Sharpness and Chromatic Aberration
	f/5			f/13			f/32
35mm

At 35mm chromatic aberration becomes less of a problem, but the slanted edges are quite soft, even in the center except when the lens is wide open.

	Image Sharpness and Chromatic Aberration
	f/5.6			f/14			f/36
55mm

The chromatic aberration is effectively gone but the softness is at its peek when shooting at full zoom.

While the overall resolution score for the Nikon D3000 is slightly better than we found for the D5000, it still lags behind the other comparison cameras by a significant margin.

Resolution Score Comparison

NOTE: We updated our testing and scoring procedures in January 2009. For comparison purposes, we re-tested several cameras we'd reviewed in 2008, producing the scores shown in the chart above for the Canon Rebel XS. However, the scores in the original reviews for the re-tested cameras remain unchanged, for consistency's sake.

Picture Quality & Size Options (8.15)

The D3000 offers three image size settings:

There are three JPEG compression settings: fine (approximately 1:4), normal (approximately 1:8) and basic (approximately 1:16).

The D3000 also supports RAW files in the Nikon NEF format, either on their own or in RAW+JPEG mode. Only basic JPEG images can be recorded in RAW+JPEG mode, though.

Dynamic Range (6.55)

The Nikon D300 dynamic range performance isn't a train wreck by any means -- those usually occur with smaller-sensor cameras such as the Olympus E-620 -- but it's nothing to brag about either. When shooting high-contrast subjects, the camera will do a fair job of maintaining detail in both the highlights and the shadows.

We test dynamic range by shooting a 20-patch Kodak Stepchart at each standard ISO setting, then use Imatest to analyze how many individual patches were distinguished in each test shot, and calculate an aggregate score. Click here for more on how we test dynamic range.

Dynamic Range

Dynamic range inevitably decreases as ISOs rise. The progression here is very similar to what we found when testing the Nikon D5000, except that the D5000 started with a significantly higher range at ISO 200 (7.46 stops versus 6.22 for the D3000 at the same setting), and maintained this advantage throughout the ISO settings.

Dynamic Range Comparison

The D3000 is less able to deal with high-contrast situations than most of the other tested cameras, though the difference is nowhere near as significant as the gap between he rest of the pack and the Olympus E-620, where image noise overwhelmed the ability to pick out clear distinctions on the dynamic range stepchart.

Dynamic Range Score Comparison

NOTE: We updated our testing and scoring procedures in January 2009. For comparison purposes, we re-tested several cameras we'd reviewed in 2008, producing the scores shown in the chart above for the Canon Rebel XS. However, the scores in the original reviews for the re-tested cameras remain unchanged, for consistency's sake.

Image Stabilization (7.54)

Unlike the Nikon D40, the D3000 ships with an image-stabilized lens, the 18-55mm Nikkor VR, and in our testing we found that the vibration reduction system produced significantly sharper images when used under relatively low-shake conditions, and was somewhat helpful with more intense camera movement.

To test image stabilization we mount the camera on a custom computer-controlled rig, which produces repeatable movement patterns. We've programmed it for a low-level shake (about what you'd get when the average person shooting handheld) and high-shake (which might occur if you were moving and shooting at the same time). For each shake pattern, we take a series of test photos at a range of shutter speeds, with and without the image stabilization system engaged, and compare the blur levels in each batch, using Imatest software to analyze the images. In addition to testing two levels of shake, we perform separate tests for horizontal and vertical camera movements. Click here for more on how we test image stabilization.

Nikon D3000 Image Stabilization: Low Shake
Horizontal: Sharpness Vs Shutter Speed	Vertical: Sharpness Vs Shutter Speed

Under low shake conditions, the image stabilization system produced a worthwhile improvement at most shutter speeds for both horizontal and vertical movement.

Nikon D3000 Image Stabilization: High Shake
Horizontal: Sharpness Vs Shutter Speed	Vertical: Sharpness Vs Shutter Speed

When we cranked up the camera movement the VR lens was less effective, though there is still a definite gain when combating vertical movement at relatively high shutter speeds. It's also worth noting that, unlike some cameras we've tested, there's essentially no harm done leaving the image stabilization system engaged at any shutter speed.

The D3000 received an exceptionally high score in this test. The Canon Rebel XS was tested before our image stabilization testing procedures were finalized, so it is not included in the score comparison graph below.

Image Stabilization Score Comparison

The chart below includes representative same-size crops taken from our image stabilization testing, to help visualize the actual differences involved.

	Image Stabilization Comparison Table
	Low Shake IS Off	Low Shake IS On	High Shake IS Off	High Shake IS On
1/500
1/250
1/125
1/60
1/30
1/15
1/8

[page title="White Balance"]

	White Balance Summary
• Good auto white balance performance except under incandescent light • Exceptional white balance accuracy after taking manual reading • Extensive selection of white balance presets • Fine tuning available for white balance presets
	Resolution	Page 6 of 17	Sample Photos

White Balance (10.65)

The D3000 compensates well for the color differences between varied sources of illumination, with good results using the automatic system and exceptional accuracy when using a custom setting. We test white balance using the X-Rite Judge II light box, which produces illumination with consistent, repeatable color temperatures. We shoot the X-Rite ColorChecker chart under three types of lighting: incandescent (similar to traditional household bulbs), compact white fluorescent and daylight, first with the white balance set to Auto, then after taking a manual reading. Click here for more on how we test white balance.

Automatic White Balance (9.56)
Incandescent lighting is the greatest challenge to auto white balance systems, and like most cameras we've tested, the D3000 produced images that were noticeably warm, with a distinct orange tint under these conditions. Shooting in daylight, though, the white balance adjustment was effective, and compact white fluorescent results were nearly as good. The lines in the charts below indicate color error, so shorter is better.

Auto White Balance

The Pentax K2000 and Canon Rebel XS auto white balance systems handled daylight illumination exceptionally well, while the D3000 performance is respectable.

Auto Daylight White Balance Performance Comparison

None of these cameras compensated for the color of incandescent lighting very well, but the Nikon D3000 is actually the best of the bunch.

Auto Incandescent White Balance Performance Comparison

With fluorescent lighting the Olympus E-620 and Canon Rebel XS again demonstrate their superior accuracy, though the Nikon D3000 does improve on the results for the Nikon D5000.

Auto Fluorescent White Balance Performance Comparison

Custom White Balance (11.75)
Taking a custom white balance reading banished the incandescent orange hue from our test images, and improved on the already good results we'd seen using the auto WB setting under fluorescent lighting. Of course, we expect to get good results from an SLR using manual white balance, so our scoring standards here are quite high. That said, the D3000 outperformed all of the other cameras in our comparison group on this part of the test.

Nikon D3000 Custom White Balance

The poor performance of the automatic white balance system under incandescent lighting dragged down the D3000's overall score, but investing a few moments in taking a custom reading produced excellent results. 

White Balance Score Comparison

NOTE: We updated our testing and scoring procedures in January 2009. For comparison purposes, we re-tested several cameras we'd reviewed in 2008, producing the scores shown in the chart above for the Canon Rebel XS. However, the scores in the original reviews for the re-tested cameras remain unchanged, for consistency's sake.

White Balance Settings (10.00)

Nikon didn't hobble the D3000 when it comes to white balance presets, which include a wide variety of fluorescent light sources.

White Balance Types
Display	Mode	Color Temperature
	Shade	8000K
	Mercury-Vapor Lamp	7200K
	Daylight Fluorescent	6500K
	Cloudy	6000K
	Flash	5400K
	Direct sunlight	5200K
	Day-White Fluorescent	5000K
	Cool-White Fluorescent	4200K
	White Fluorescent	3700K
	Warm-White Fluorescent	3000K
	Incandescent	3000K
	Sodium-Vapor Lamps	2700K

White balance settings can be precisely fine-tuned along the green-magenta and blue-amber axes, with thirteen available settings for each. What's missing here, compared to more sophisticated models, is the ability to enter a white balance setting in directly in degrees Kelvin, not much of a consideration given the target audience for the D3000.

Taking a custom white balance reading is a simple procedure.  Only a single reading can be stored at a time, but it is possible to apply the same white balance setting used in a photo already stored on your memory card.

[page title="Sample Photos"]

	Sample Photos Summary
• Images show considerable softness as you move away from the center of the lens_ • Colors are more intense than in real life_ • Manual white balance all but required under incandescent light • Picture Control selection has a dramatic effect on color reproduction
	White Balance	Page 7 of 17	Playback

Sample Photos

Landscape Sample
				Focal length: 18mm Aperture: f/3.5 Shutter: 1/500 ISO: 100 This morning photo was taken in program mode, with the Landscape Picture Control, matrix metering and auto white balance. Click the large image to open a full-size version in a separate window.
				There is adequate detail  toward the center of the photo, though chromatic aberration and softness are present closer to the edges

Close-up Sample
				Focal length: 38mm Aperture: f/5 Shutter: 1/40 ISO: 200 Like our ancestors, we shot our own food before lunch, in program mode, using a tripod, with Standard Picture Control, auto white balance and center-weighted metering.Click the large image to open a full-size version in a separate window.
				The kit lens allows for  frame-filling close-ups.

Low-Light Sample
				Focal length: 36mm Aperture: f/5 Shutter: 1/13 ISO: 1600 This photo was taken using incandescent light and a manual white balance, with center-weighted metering, Noise reduction was set to "off", but the camera applied some processing anyway due to the high ISO and slow shutter speed. Click the large image to open a full-size version in a separate window.
				The image noise doesn't obliterate a good level of detail. The rightmost shot was taken with automatic white balance, causing a significant orange cast.

Signage Sample
				Focal length: 32mm Aperture: f/7.1 Shutter: 1/250 ISO: 100 This local eatery was shot in shutter priority mode using the Vivid Picture Control. Click the large image to open a full-size version in a separate window. _
				The Vivid setting produces particularly rich blues and hot reds, with a high level of oversaturation.

Waterfront Sample
				Focal length: 55mm Aperture: f/20 Shutter: 1/250 ISO: 400 We shot in aperture priority mode, turning this setting up as far as possible to maximize depth of field. Spot metering was centered on the seagull. Click the large image to open a full-size version in a separate window.
				The seagull and wooden post have nice detail, which doesn't carry through the entire frame.

Picture Controls Samples
	Focal length: 22mm Aperture: f/20 Shutter: 1/15 ISO: 100 We shot this sign and floral arrangement six way to explore the effects of the provided Nikon Picture Control settings, The top image was taken in Standard mode.The changes in color intensity are most readily noticeable in the red foreground bush and the green sign.
	Neutral Picture Control
	Monochrome Picture Control
	Portrait Picture Control
	Landscape Picture Control

Still Life Examples

The following images were taken with each comparison camera at all available ISO settings. Clicking on a thumbnail image will download the full-size original in a separate window.

	Still Life Comparisons
ISO 100
ISO 200
ISO 400
ISO 800
ISO 1600
ISO 3200
ISO 6400

NOTE: The images above are not used in our testing or scoring, but are included here to show real-world examples of the differences between cameras at the various ISO settings.

Noise Examples

In the chart below are same-size crops of sample images taken with each of our comparison cameras, at all available ISO levels.

	Noise Comparison Table
	Nikon D3000	Nikon D5000	Canon Rebel XS	Olympus E-620	Pentax K2000
ISO 100
	Nikon D3000	Nikon D5000	Canon Rebel XS	Olympus E-620	Pentax K2000
ISO 200
	Nikon D3000	Nikon D5000	Canon Rebel XS	Olympus E-620	Pentax K2000
ISO 400
	Nikon D3000	Nikon D5000	Canon Rebel XS	Olympus E-620	Pentax K2000
ISO 800
	Nikon D3000	Nikon D5000	Canon Rebel XS	Olympus E-620	Pentax K2000
ISO 1600
	Nikon D3000	Nikon D5000	Canon Rebel XS	Olympus E-620	Pentax K2000
ISO 3200
	Nikon D3000	Nikon D5000	Canon Rebel XS	Olympus E-620	Pentax K2000
ISO 6400

NOTE: The images above are not used in our testing or scoring, but are included here to show real-world examples of the differences between cameras at the various ISO settings.

[page title="Playback"]

	Playback Summary
• Nice selection of playback displays, with option to customize views • Easy image-to-image comparison of magnified photos • Helpful calendar view • Extensive in-camera editing opportunities
	Sample Photos	Page 8 of 17	Hardware

Playback Mode (9.50)

There are eight available playback information displays which you toggle through by pressing up or down on the four-way controller. All of these displays don't have to be included in the sequence, though. The Highlights, RGB histogram and three Data screens can all be turned on or off through the playback menu if you don't want to use them.

Playback Displays
File Information Lists folder and file name, data and time taken, image size and format.	RGB Histogram Displays a small view of the photo, luminance and RGB histograms, and white balance setting information.	Highlights Overexposed areas blink.
Shooting Data 1 Displays Information on metering, shutter speed, aperture, exposure mode, ISO, exposure compensation, focal length, lens, focus mode, image stabilization and flash mode.	Shooting Data 2 White balance, color space and Picture Control setting.	Shooting Data 3 Noise reduction, Active D-Lighting and in-camera retouch information.
Overview Data Same as the File Information screen at the bottom, with added information  on metering,  exposure mode, shutter speed, aperture, ISO, focal length, exposure compensation, white balance, color space, Picture Control and Active D-Lighting.	Magnified Pressing the magnifying glass button enlarges the image up to a high 25x, in eight steps. Turning the control dial browses the other photos on the memory card, at the same position and magnification, very useful for comparing similar shots..	Thumbnail Repeatedly zooming out from a full-screen display produces 4-, 9- and 72-thumbnail displays in turn. Individual images can be deleted directly from the thumbnail display, a real convenience.
	Calendar View One more zoom-out press after the 72-thumbnail display brings up a calendar view, sorting the photos on your memory card by the date each shot was taken. Individual images can be deleted, or all shots taken on a specified day can be erased.

The system for erasing images is worth a mention, since it's more streamlined than the procedures used by many other manufacturers. Instead of requiring you to move a cursor or hunt for a different button to confirm an image deletion, you simply hit the same Delete key a second time. Another handy feature is the ability to delete all photos taken on a particular date, either through the Calendar view or the playback menu.

The slide show utility is very basic. You can set the length of time each image will be displayed, but there's no control over which photos will be included, and no between-image transition effects.

In-Camera Editing (10.00)

Nikon offers an extraordinarily broad range of in-camera editing effects, which are particularly valuable for entry-level users who may be less inclined to fiddle with image editing software on the computer, and more inclined to output directly to an attached PictBridge printer or to order prints from a service bureau.

In-camera RAW processing is also available, Image size and quality, white balance, exposure compensation, Picture Control setting, color space and noise reduction can all be adjusted and a JPEG copy saved.

While shooting, you can store a comment of up to 36 characters in a photo's EXIF data. This could be useful if you wanted to flag where an image was taken, for example, though the time-consuming text input procedure and inability to sort by comments makes this a marginally useful feature at best. And unfortunately, there's no in-camera way to add or edit a comment for a photo that's already stored on your memory card.

Software (5.00)

The camera comes with two programs, Nikon Transfer and ViewNX, both in versions for Windows and Macintosh.

Software
	Nikon Transfer Nikon Transfer has a few features that give it an edge over good old drag-and-drop. The thumbnail display lets you organize the collection by shooting date, file extension or folder. You can rename files during transfer, embed copyright or other text, automatically save a backup copy and transfer photos to Nikon’s My Picturetown online service.
	ViewNX As with most manufacturers' image viewers, the primary benefit of ViewNX is reading the Nikon-specific embedded photo info that doesn't appear when using standard photo browers. You can also display the focal point used when taking a photo. Quick adjustments include sharpness, contrast, brightness, highlight and shadow control, chromatic aberration correction and saturation adjustment, plus exposure compensation, white balance, tint and picture control for RAW files. Files can be tagged with labels (0-9) or star ratings for image sorting. And the slide show utility is far more impressive than the in-camera capability.

Direct Print Options (3.50)

As expected, the D3000 offers direct printing to a USB-connected PicBridge-compatible printer and the option to create a DPOF file for ordering prints from a service bureau.

[page title="Hardware"]

	Hardware Summary
• 10.2-megapixel sensor a big step-up from former low-end offering, 6-megapixel Nikon D40 • Viewfinder relatively comfortable, with useful grid line display option • LCD larger than earlier entry-level models at 3 inches, resolution still 230,000 dots
	Playback	Page 9 of 17	Controls

Sensor (2.50)

The D3000 delivers 10.2-megapixel effective resolution (gross resolution is 10.75 megapixels), a huge jump from the 6.1-megapixel D40. This camera also incorporates Nikon's advanced dust reduction technology, which both shakes the low pass filter in front of the sensor and manages airflow to remove dust from the area -- no dust removal system was built into the D40. In addition, it's possible to take a dust off reference photo for use with the optional Capture NX2 software.

Viewfinder (7.75)

The pentamirror viewfinder offers approximately 95% coverage,with magnification at approximately 0.8x. The diopter adjustment ranges from -1.7 to +0.5m^-1.

A grid pattern can be overlaid on the viewfinder display. The lines are light and unobtrusive, and very useful when trying to line up a shot precisely, particularly when shooting a scene with buildings or other visible reference points. We turned the grid on and left it on.

Here's what you'll see when peering through the viewfinder:

				Grid line display (optional)
								Focus points
	Center-weighted metering area
		Battery level
					No memory card indicator

Over 1000 shots remaining indicator

Battery level

Focus indicator

Shots remaining

Warning indicator

Bracketing indicator

Program shift indicator

Aperture

Auto ISO

AE lock status

Flash comp indicator

Shutter speed

Exposure/ Exposure comp indicator

Flash ready indicator

Exposure comp indicator

LCD (4.90)

The LCD measures 3 inches diagonally, a nice step up from the 2.5-inch D40 and D60, though resolution is still limited to 230,000 dots. The brightness level is adjustable, with seven available settings.

The LCD information display offers two different styles. The Graphic layout has some fancy typefaces and a diagram visually representing the current aperture and shutter speed settings. The Classic layout looks more like a traditional monochrome LCD readout, abandoning the left-hand diagram in favor of larger, more legible readouts for aperture, shutter speed and number of photos remaining. You can even choose to have one style for shooting in auto or scene modes, the other for PASM modes. Whichever view you prefer, pressing the Information button turns the display into an interactive menu system for quickly changing shooting settings.

The D3000 offers the choice of a Graphic (left) and Classic (right) info display.

One feature we particularly savor when shooting with the D3000 is the way the information display pivots to a vertical format to match the camera orientation when shooting in portrait mode. It's correct no matter which end of the camera points up or down, and makes settings changes much faster and easier. It would be nice if the playback display did the same, but we're grateful for the current implementation.

 

 
Pivoting the screen readout when you hold the
camera vertically is a welcome feature.

LCD Panel
As with most low-cost SLRs, there is no monochrome LCD on top of the camera to make settings visible from above.

Flash (7.25)

Nikon gives the guide number for the pop-up flash as approximately 12/39 in automatic mode, or 13/43 with manual flash, at ISO 100. We found the flash pumps out a lot of light, but it's very concentrated in the center, providing a bright hotspot and rapid fade toward the edges of the frame. It took quite a while to recharge between shots; we timed it at roughly four and a half seconds.

There is a hot shoe for an external flash, and compatiblity with the Nikon Creative Lighting System. Maximum flash sync speed is 1/200 second.

The built-in flash is bright but highly targeted toward the center of your image.

Flash Modes
	Auto The flash fires automatically based on low light level. Available in Auto and most scene modes.
	Auto + Red-Eye Reduction Auto flash plus a series of quick flash pulses to make the subject's iris contract and minimize red-eye. Available in Auto and most scene modes.
	Fill Flash The flash fires whenever the pop-up flash has been raised, useful for filling in shadows even in bright light. Available in program, aperture-priority, shutter-priority and manual modes and the Food scene mode.
	Fill Flash + Red-Eye Reduction Available in program aperture-priority, shutter-priority and manual modes.
	Slow Sync Flash fires with slow shutter speed, for night shots with foreground subject and background visible. Available in program and aperture-priority modes.
	Slow Sync + Red-Eye Reduction Available in program and aperture-priority modes.
	Rear Curtain Sync Flash fires just before shutter closes, creating trailing light effect behind moving subjects. Available in shutter-priority and manual modes.
	Auto + Slow Sync Available in Night Portrait scene mode.
	Auto + Slow Sync + Red-eye Reduction Available in Night Portrait scene mode.
	Rear Curtain + Slow Sync Available in program and aperture-priority modes.
	Flash off Keeps flash from firing even if it's popped up.

The flash exposure can be adjusted in a range from -3EV to +1 EV. Flash output can also be manually set in six steps, ranging from full power to 1/32.

Lens Mount (9.50)

The Nikon F bayonet mount is fully compatible with AF-S and AF-I Nikkor lenses. The D3000 doesn't have an internal autofocus motor, so type G or D lenses without their own internal autofocus motors will have to be focused manually. Other AF Nikkor lenses can be used, but without autofocus or 3D color matrix metering. Type D PC Nikkor lenses support all functions except some shooting modes. AI-P Nikkor lenses support all functions except 3D color matrix metering II. IX Nikkor lenses and lenses for F3AF are not supported, As for non-CPU lenses, autofocus won't work and, while they can be used in manual exposure mode, the on-screen exposure meter doesn't function.

The ability to accept Nikon lenses is a key part of the D3000's appeal.

The kit lens is an 18-55mm Zoom-Nikkor VR, with maximum aperture of f/3.5 at the widest setting and f/5.6 at full zoom; about what we expect to find bundled with an inexpensive SLR. The photos below show the relative framing when shooting at the widest, longest zoom and midrange positions.

Zoom Ratio Examples
18mm	36mm	55mm

Battery (7.00)

The D3000 uses the same EN-EL9a Lithium-ion rechargeable battery as the D40, D60 and  on several other Nikons, including the recently introduced D5000. The company says you should expect about 550 shots per charge based on CIPA standard testing.

A raised ridge along the battery edge makes getting the battery ride-side up simpler.

Memory (3.00)

The D3000 accepts both SD and SDHC format cards, meaning a maximum 32 gigabytes of storage per cards (versus the SD-only D40, which maxed out at 4 gigabytes).

The D3000 takes high-capacity SDHC cards, unlike the D40 it replaces.

Jacks, Ports & Plugs (2.50)

An AV out jack and industry-standard mini USB port for data are both found under a tight-fitting cover on the left side of the camera. What's missing in the box, though, is the cable required for video output, which Nikon sells for $12, and Amazon for $10. There's no video recording mode on the D3000, so leaving the cable out isn't a mortal sin, but it does feel a bit chintzy for a $600 purchase.

[page title="Controls"]

	Controls Summary
• Offers standard PASM exposure modes plus auto with and without flash • Only six scene modes • Unique Guide mode provides step-by-step procedure for determining settings • Suppports standard Nikon Picture Controls • Sophisticated autofocus system, but sluggish with kit lens • No exposure bracketing • 3 shot per second burst mode
	Hardware	Page 10 of 17	Design & Handling

Shooting Modes (11.00)

The D3000 can be used successfully by the SLR newcomer as a point-and-shoot camera in Auto mode; we found the camera usually delivered a well-exposed image, due in large part to the same sophisticated metering system used in pricier Nikon models. The Guide mode is a new addition to the Nikon lineup, a text-based system for determining camera settings that has its strengths and weaknesses, as shown below.

Shooting Modes
	Auto Exposure is set by the camera, and most settings are locked out. Users can adjust image quality, ISO, drive mode, autofocus mode (AF-A or manual) and autofocus area, Active D-Light,color space, and noise reduction setting. Unlike auto mode on many cameras, exposure compensation is unavailable. Flash pops up if required for lighting conditions.
	Auto (flash off) Same as standard Auto mode, but flash is unavailable. This is useful as a way to make sure your flash won't fire in inappropriate settings.
	Program The camera sets aperture and shutter speed. Turning the command dial shifts the two parameters in sync, maintaining the same overall exposure but allowing control over depth of field and action photography.
	Shutter-priority The user sets the shutter speed by turning the command dial, the camera sets the aperture.
	Aperture-priority The user sets the aperture by turning the command dial with the exposure compensation/aperture button held down, the camera sets the shutter speed.
	Manual The user sets both aperture and shutter speed. Turning the control dial alone changes shutter speed. Holding down the exposure compensation button while turning the control dial changes the aperture setting. An exposure meter is displayed on the LCD and in the viewfinder in manual mode.
	Guide Menu-based system for adjusting shooting parameters, viewing options and camera settings.

The Guide mode is one of the key differences between this Nikon and its predecessors. It's basically a step-by-step system for changing settings, a kind of menu system overlay, as opposed to a new camera capability. When you choose Guide on the mode dial you're presented with three sub-menus: Shoot, View/delete and Set up.

The three Guide sections

Select the Shoot section and you have three choices: Easy operation, Advanced operation and Timers & remote control.

The three Shooting options

The "Easy operation" selection provides plain-English choices that lead to different scene mode selections.

You step through the menu choices using
the four-way controller and OK button.

Once you've selected a mode, you can make further settings adjustments by selecting More Settings. The settings available within the selected mode will then be displayed. In the sequence below, we choose Auto as our mode selection, then More Settings, which allows us to set the flash mode, drive mode and autofocus area.

Settings are listed depending on
the shooting mode chosen.

If you choose Advanced operation rather than Easy operation from the Shoot menu section, you're basically presented with a menu-based way to choose from aperture-priority or shutter-priority shooting, based on whether you're more concerned about controlling background focus or stopping fast action. The on-screen menus are meant to serve as a tutorial, so that the user will ultimately understand why and how a particular choice was made, and be able to go directly to aperture-priority or shutter-priority mode in the future. As with the Easy guide path, additional settings options are available after making the basic mode selection.

The relationship between aperture and shutter
speed is explained in Guide mode.

The Timers & remote control section of the Shoot guide simply provides a text front end for the standard menu options. The advantage lies in the fact that the potentially cryptic icons used to designate the timer and remote control functions on the camera are spelled out in plain English.

On-screen captions eliminate confusion.

Similarly, the View guide section offers a subset of the playback mode capabilities. It does bring some hidden choices to the top for all to see, though. For example, without reading the manual, you'd never figure out how to find the calendar mode display (by zooming out past the various thumbnails displays). Here you can simply select "Choose a date" and you're taken directly to this hard-to-find option.

Some hard-to-find options become
visible in Guide mode.

The Set up menu in Guide mode is less helpful than the other choices, and potentially confusing. It brings together selected options that would ordinarily be located in the Record menu (such as image size and Active D-Lighting setting) the Playback menu (playback folder) and the standard Setup menu (LCD brightness, formatting memory card). It's a hodgepodge that doesn't help the user learn to make better choices faster.

The Set up menu awkwardly balances
convenience and confusion.

In fact, this last point is where our enthusiasm and our concerns about the Guide mode meet. Using these menus is a fairly time-consuming way to change a camera setting; we don't believe anyone is going to rely on this mode long-term and feel very good about the D3000 experience. However, particularly in the Shoot section, the available choices are well organized and well explained, and could serve as a nice training-wheels system helping a newbie along the path to greater photographic control and satisfaction. On balance, we give Nikon credit for trying a new approach and largely getting it right.

Live View (0.00)

Sorry, Live View fans -- Nikon had to hold back on some key features to encourage you to dig deeper for a more upscale SLR, and this is the most notable example.

Scene Modes (4.00)

It's disappointing that, for a camera targeted to users who are probably stepping up from a point-and-shoot, Nikon has pared down the preset Scene Modes to a bare minimum here. The D5000 has 19 scene modes, including potentially useful choices for high-contrast scenes, silhouettes and sunsets. The D3000 has only the six shown below.

Scene Modes
	Portrait Favors soft, natural skin tone reproduction, with background focus softened.
	Landscape For vivid landscape shots; flash and AF-assist lamp turned off.
	Child Clothing and background details heightened, skin tones natural.
	Sports Fast shutter speeds; flash and AF-assist lamp turned off.
	Close Up For close-up photos of small objects; tripod recommended.
	Night portrait Balances foreground subject and background setting in low-light situations. Tripod recommended.

Picture Effects (4.50)

The D3000 uses the same Nikon Picture Control system found on the company's higher-end cameras, which makes it easy to transfer custom settings between models. The Picture Controls incorporate settings for color reproduction and other image tweaks as shown in the Picture Control Adjustments chart below.

Six preset Picture Controls are built into the camera. The images below show the effects of each selection on the same scene; the Picture Control descriptions are Nikon's own explanations.

Picture Controls
Standard Standard processing for balanced results. Recommended for most situations.	Neutral Minimal processing for natural results. Choose for photographs that will later be extensively processed or retouched.	Vivid Pictures are enhanced for a vivid, photoprint effect. Choose for photographs that emphasize primary colors.
Monochrome Take monochrome photographs	Portrait Process portraits for skin with natural texture and a rounded feel.	Landscape Produces vibrant landscapes and cityscapes.

Several parameters of the Picture Controls can be adjusted by the user. The changes to a Picture Control remain in effect until you change them again but, unlike other Nikon models, the results can't be stored as new custom settings: