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Introduction
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01.Sample Photos
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02.Design
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03.Product Tour
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04.Hardware
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05.Durability
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06.Photo Gallery
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07.Image Quality
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08.Sharpness
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09.Color
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10.Noise Reduction
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11.Dynamic Range
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12.Low Light
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13.Distortion
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14.Video
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15.Usability
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16.Ease of Use
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17.Handling
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18.Controls
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19.Speed
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20.Features
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21.Extras
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22.Specs & Ratings
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23.Conclusion
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24.Comments
Nikon D3000
Previous:
IntroductionNext: Page 2
DesignSample Photos
Sample Photos
In the following sample images, clicking on the larger image will download the full resolution original. Each photo is accompanied by four actual-size crops.
| Landscape Sample | ||||
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Focal length: 18mm 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. |
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There is adequate detail toward the center of the photo, though chromatic aberration and softness are present closer to the edges |
| Close-up Sample | ||||
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Focal length: 38mm 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. |
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The kit lens allows for frame-filling close-ups. |
| Low-Light Sample | ||||
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Focal length: 36mm
Aperture: f/5 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. |
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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 | ||||
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Focal length: 32mm 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. |
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The Vivid setting produces particularly rich blues and hot reds, with a high level of oversaturation. |
| Waterfront Sample | ||||
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Focal length: 55mm 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. |
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The seagull and wooden post have nice detail, which doesn't carry through the entire frame. |
| Picture Controls Samples | |
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Focal length: 22mm We shot this sign and floral arrangement five ways to explore the effects of the Nikon Picture Control settings, The top image was taken in Standard mode. Changes in color intensity are most readily noticeable in the red flowers and the green sign. |
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Neutral Picture Control |
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Monochrome Picture Control |
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Portrait Picture Control |
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Landscape Picture Control |
Still Life Examples
In the following sample images, clicking on the larger image will download the full resolution original.
| Still Life Comparisons | ||||
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| Nikon D3000 | Nikon D5000 | Canon XS | Olympus E-620 | Pentax K2000 |
| ISO Low | ||||
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ISO 100
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ISO 200
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ISO 100
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ISO 100
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ISO 100
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| Nikon D3000 | Nikon D5000 | Canon XS | Olympus E-620 | Pentax K2000 |
| ISO 200 | ||||
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| Nikon D3000 | Nikon D5000 | Canon XS | Olympus E-620 | Pentax K2000 |
| ISO 400 | ||||
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| Nikon D3000 | Nikon D5000 | Canon XS | Olympus E-620 | Pentax K2000 |
| ISO 800 | ||||
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| Nikon D3000 | Nikon D5000 | Canon XS | Olympus E-620 | Pentax K2000 |
| ISO 1600 | ||||
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| Nikon D3000 | Nikon D5000 | Canon XS | Olympus E-620 | Pentax K2000 |
| ISO 3200 | ||||
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| Nikon D3000 | Nikon D5000 | Canon XS | Olympus E-620 | Pentax K2000 |
| ISO 6400 | ||||
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| Nikon D3000 | Nikon D5000 | Canon XS | Olympus E-620 | Pentax K2000 |
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
The following are 100% crops taken from the still life photos above. You can click on the thumbnails above to view a full-size version of the entire photo.
| Noise Comparisons | ||||
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| Nikon D3000 | Nikon D5000 | Canon EOS Rebel XS | Olympus E-620 | Pentax K2000 |
| ISO Low | ||||
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ISO 100
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ISO 200
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ISO 100
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ISO 100
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ISO 100
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ISO 100
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ISO 200
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ISO 100
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ISO 100
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ISO 100
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| Nikon D3000 | Nikon D5000 | Canon EOS Rebel XS | Olympus E-620 | Pentax K2000 |
| ISO 200 | ||||
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| Nikon D3000 | Nikon D5000 | Canon EOS Rebel XS | Olympus E-620 | Pentax K2000 |
| ISO 400 | ||||
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| Nikon D3000 | Nikon D5000 | Canon EOS Rebel XS | Olympus E-620 | Pentax K2000 |
| ISO 800 | ||||
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| Nikon D3000 | Nikon D5000 | Canon EOS Rebel XS | Olympus E-620 | Pentax K2000 |
| ISO 1600 | ||||
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| Nikon D3000 | Nikon D5000 | Canon EOS Rebel XS | Olympus E-620 | Pentax K2000 |
| ISO 3200 | ||||
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| Nikon D3000 | Nikon D5000 | Canon EOS Rebel XS | Olympus E-620 | Pentax K2000 |
| ISO 6400 | ||||
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| Nikon D3000 | Nikon D5000 | Canon EOS Rebel XS | Olympus E-620 | Pentax K2000 |
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.
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