Nikon D3000
- 10MP - APS-C Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 100 - 1600 (Raise to 3200)
- No Video
- Nikon F Mount
- 536g - 126 x 97 x 64mm
- Released December 2009
- Previous Model is Nikon D40
- Newer Model is Nikon D3100
- Read full specs
- Alternatives
- Lenses
- Size Comparison
- FAQ
69 Imaging
50 Features
36 Overall
44
Nikon D3000 overview
Nikon D3000 is Nikon's Entry-Level DSLR digital camera initially launched on December of 2009. The camera has got a 10MP, CCD APS-C size sensor with a maximum resolution of 3872 x 2592.
Nikon released this model in order to improve the earlier Nikon D40 (Read Full Comparison) and subsequently launched the newer Nikon D3100 (Read Full Comparison) to improve this model.
The D3000 is ranked #64 out of 80 in Entry-Level DSLR cameras and all around #564 out of 1465 for cameras in our collection. Remember to check out our Smart camera filter to see camera rankings based on your personal criteria.
Below is a graph of different criteria used in the scoring system.
Nikon D3000 history
The Nikon D3000 comes with a history of related cameras. Underneath, you can view all past and current models as well as key features.
Nikon D3000 Gallery
You can look at the D3000 from various angles in the gallery underneath.
Nikon D3000 Pros and Cons
Here is a collection of upsides and downsides of the Nikon D3000 based on factors which are oftentimes viewed as essential in a digital camera.
Nikon D3000 Sensor specs
The Nikon D3000 is run by the Expeed chip. The spec of the sensor in the Nikon D3000 is 23.6mm x 15.8mm (APS-C). The 373 mm² sensor can resolve 3872 x 2592 pixels using aspect ratios of 3:2.
Meta to Introduce 'AI-Generated' Labels for Media starting next monthThe CCD sensor boasts 10MP and provides a standard ISO range of 100 - 1600. The ISO can also be widened electronically to a maximum of 3200. RAW files are saved which means that you have more margin for error.
The graphic underneath shows the D3000's sensor size compared to other popular sizes. The D3000 sensor comes with a crop factor of 1.5 and is displayed in green.
Pentax 17 Pre-Orders Outperform Expectations by a LandslideTo get an idea of various aspect ratios, you should refer to the graphic below.
Nikon D3000 dimensions
Nikon D3000 has a weight of 1.18 pounds (536g / 18.91 ounces) and the physical size of the camera is 126mm x 97mm x 64mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 2.5"). The weight of normal Entry-Level DSLR camera is 540g so the Nikon D3000 is on par as compared to other competitors.
Apple Innovates by Creating Next-Level Optical Stabilization for iPhoneUnderneath is a picture of the Nikon D3000 besides a softdrink to help you to have a feel for its size.
The top view under will highlight the button arrangement on the D3000.
Nikon D3000 Lens details
The D3000 fits the Nikon F mount and has 315 lenses available to buy. Here is a small number of the lenses we have in our database that will fit the D3000.
Nikon D3000 Connectivity
The D3000 has the following connectivity:
- USB Yes
- Wireless Yes
Cameras that have NFC or Bluetooth connectivity are able to be controlled wirelessly through smartphones. You are able to copy images and usually adjust settings without the hassle of connecting directly with the camera.
Certain apps also allow a Liveview and click the shutter whenever you aren't close to the camera. If the camera has a HDMI out, it can easily be hooked up to an external display. Many cameras enable you to charge the battery through the USB port.
Nikon D3000 Video details
Nikon D3000 doesn't record video. In case you are looking for a digital camera to shoot just photos, it might not be a problem.
Nikon D3000 Weather Sealing
There is no weather proofing in the Nikon D3000 so you have to be cautious in wet or dusty conditions.
Nikon D3000 Screen and Viewfinder
The Nikon D3000 has got a 3 inch fixed display screen having a resolution of 230 thousand dots.
Please be aware that the display offers no touch support.
Snapchat Adds Watermarks to AI-Created ImagesThe ViewFinder details regarding Nikon D3000 are below:
- ViewFinder Optical (pentamirror)
- Coverage 95%
- Magnification 0.53x
In those sunny outdoor conditions that make the camera screens washed out and challenging to view, viewfinders will be very useful.
Nikon D3000 Shutter details
Nikon D3000 can shoot continuously at 3.0 frames/s. The maximum shutter speed is 1/4000 seconds.
Nikon D3000 Flash and Hot shoe details
Nikon D3000 boasts both in-built flash and also external flash ability. The max flash sync is 1/200 seconds.
Nikon D3000 Autofocus details
Nikon D3000 boasts both Phase Detect Autofocus along with Contrast Detect Autofocus. Phase Detection autofocusing is a lot more quicker & precise as compared with Contrast Detect autofocusing.
The AF system has got 11 focus points to select from. Nikon D3000 has the ability to use manual focus in case it is needed during low light or you need to have more precise control on focus.
Nikon D3000 Battery life
The battery (EN-EL9a) in the Nikon D3000 is designed to last for 500 photographs based on the CIPA benchmarks which is less when compared with its competition. The general Entry-Level DSLR camera battery life is 589. Pentax K-x has got the highest possible (1900) battery life within this group of cameras.
Here is a list of Entry-Level DSLR cameras with the strongest battery life:
Nikon D3000 for different forms of photography
The following bar chart presents a summation of the Nikon D3000 for different forms of photography. To view more, have a look at the specific section underneath.
Portrait photography with Nikon D3000
The Nikon D3000 gets a points total of 54 which is modest, and means the camera is fairly suited for portrait photography. Shooting portraits leans greatly towards sensor resolution, support for RAW photos along with the flexibility to use external flash.
Nikon D3000 Street photography information
Having a modest rating of 58, the Nikon D3000 is fairly acceptable for street photography. A very good street photography camera comes with a fine balance of picture quality and portability.
Nikon D3000 Sports photography advice
A bad sports photography score of 39 indicates the Nikon D3000 is not really good for photographing sports. A camera needs to have good autofocus and fast continuous shooting for sports photography.
Nikon D3000 as a Travel photography camera
Size is very critical in selecting a camera for travel. In general, the Nikon D3000 gets a bad 45 for a travelling camera which makes it not really good to take with you on your journeys.
Nikon D3000 Landscape photography info
For anyone looking to buy a camera for landscape pictures, the most significant aspect will be image quality. The Nikon D3000 and it's reasonable grade of 51 for a landscape camera is somewhat appropriate within the current market.
Nikon D3000 Vlogging advice
A vlogging camera should have a articulating display screen, microphone port and if possible image stabilization. Taking everything into account, the Nikon D3000 is not really good as a vlog camera as it receives a bad score of 9.
Nikon D3000 Alternatives
If you are trying to find replacements to the D3000, here is a list of the top scored cameras which fall into the family of Entry-Level DSLR.
The line graph listed below offers you an overview of the D3000 compared to it's top scored competitors mentioned above.
There are more cameras you might consider as alternative options. To go through a full comparison, go to the "compare" link.