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Nikon D3000

 
Nikon D3000 front
 
Portability
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.

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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.

ModelVisualizeResolutionSensor SizeMax fpsReleased
Nikon-D3500 front thumbnailNikon D3500
D3000 vs D3500
24MPAPS-C5.0 fps2018
Nikon-D5600 front thumbnailNikon D5600
D3000 vs D5600
24MPAPS-C5.0 fps2016
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Nikon-D3400 front thumbnailNikon D3400
D3000 vs D3400
24MPAPS-C5.0 fps2016
Nikon-D5500 front thumbnailNikon D5500
D3000 vs D5500
24MPAPS-C5.0 fps2015
Nikon-D3300 front thumbnailNikon D3300
D3000 vs D3300
24MPAPS-C5.0 fps2014
Nikon-D5300 front thumbnailNikon D5300
D3000 vs D5300
24MPAPS-C5.0 fps2014
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Nikon-D5200 front thumbnailNikon D5200
D3000 vs D5200
24MPAPS-C5.0 fps2013
Nikon-D3200 front thumbnailNikon D3200
D3000 vs D3200
24MPAPS-C4.0 fps2012
Nikon-D5100 front thumbnailNikon D5100
D3000 vs D5100
16MPAPS-C4.0 fps2011
Nikon-D3100 front thumbnailNikon D3100
D3000 vs D3100
14MPAPS-C3.0 fps2010
Nikon-D3000 front thumbnailNikon D300010MPAPS-C3.0 fps2009
Samsung Releases Faster Versions of EVO MicroSD Cards
Nikon-D5000 front thumbnailNikon D5000
D3000 vs D5000
12MPAPS-C4.0 fps2009
Nikon-D60 front thumbnailNikon D60
D3000 vs D60
10MPAPS-C3.0 fps2008
Nikon-D40X front thumbnailNikon D40X
D3000 vs D40X
10MPAPS-C3.0 fps2007
Nikon-D40 front thumbnailNikon D40
D3000 vs D40
6MPAPS-C3.0 fps2006

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.

change lenses (Nikon F mount)
has built in flash
has manual focus
saves RAW files
screen size is decent (3 inch)
sensor size is good (APS-C)
supports phase detect autofocus
very good min ISO (100)
doesn't have HDMI port
doesn't have headphone port
doesn't have mic port
doesn't have Time Lapse recording
low battery (500 per charge)
low frames per second (3.0 frames/s)
low megapixels (10MP)
no image stabilization
no liveview feature
no moving screen
no video shooting
screen has low resolution (230 thousand dot)
screen isn't selfie friendly
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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.

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The 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.

Nikon D3000 sensor size Pentax 17 Pre-Orders Outperform Expectations by a Landslide

To get an idea of various aspect ratios, you should refer to the graphic below.

Camera sensor aspect ratios

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.

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Underneath is a picture of the Nikon D3000 besides a softdrink to help you to have a feel for its size.

Nikon D3000 dimensions scale

The top view under will highlight the button arrangement on the D3000.

Nikon D3000 topview buttons dials

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.

ModelVisualizeFocal LengthApertureStabilizedWeight
Sigma-150-600mm-F5-6.3-DG-OS-HSM-S-Nikon-F-FX lensSigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM S150-600mmf/5-6.3 2860g
Sigma-500mm-F4-DG-OS-HSM-Sport-Nikon-F-FX lensSigma 500mm F4 DG OS HSM Sport500mmf/4 3310g
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Voigtlander-90mm-F3.5-APO-Lanthar-SL-II-Nikon-F-FX lensVoigtlander 90mm F3.5 APO-Lanthar SL II90mmf/3.5 320g
Sigma-70mm-F2.8-DG-Macro-Art-Nikon-F-FX lensSigma 70mm F2.8 DG Macro Art70mmf/2.8515g
Tamron-SP-85mm-F1.8-Di-VC-USD-Nikon-F-FX lensTamron SP 85mm F1.8 Di VC USD85mmf/1.8 700g
Tamron-SP-70-200mm-2.8-Di-VC-USD-G2-Nikon-F-FX lensTamron SP 70-200mm 2.8 Di VC USD G270-200mmf/2.8-22 1500g
Photography Glossary
Nikon-AF-S-Nikkor-200mm-f2G-ED-IF-VR lensNikon AF-S Nikkor 200mm f2G ED-IF VR200mmf/2.0 2900g
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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.

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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.

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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.

Nikon D3000 screen and viewfinder Snapchat Adds Watermarks to AI-Created Images

The 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.

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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.

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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.

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you can focus manually
sensor size is nice (APS-C)
supports RAW files
doesn't have liveview
resolution not great (10MP)

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.

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sensor size is nice (APS-C)
delivers RAW formats
no moving screen
lack of image stabilization

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.

Photography Glossary
decent sensor size (APS-C)
supports phase detect auto focus
no liveview feature
slow frames per second (3.0 frames per second)
no image stabilization
resolution not great (10MP)
bad battery pack (500 shots)

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.

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flash built-in
no Timelapse function
terrible battery life (500 shots)
resolution not great (10 megapixels)
display isn't selfie friendly

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.

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has manual focus
switch lenses (Nikon F mount)
nice screen size (3 inch)
sensor size is decent (APS-C)
delivers RAW formats
no liveview
does not have image stabilization
low MP (10 megapixels)
bad battery life (500 shots)
does not have Time Lapse function

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.

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can't shoot video

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.

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Specifications

General Information
Brand Name
Nikon
Model
Nikon D3000
Category
Entry-Level DSLR
Released
2009-12-11
Body design
Compact SLR
Sensor Information
Sensor type
CCD
Processor
Expeed
Sensor size
APS-C
Sensor dimensions
23.6 x 15.8mm
Sensor area
372.9mm²
Sensor resolution
10MP
Anti aliasing filter
Aspect ratio
3:2
Highest resolution
3872 x 2592
RAW images
Highest native ISO
1600
Highest boosted ISO
3200
Min native ISO
100
Autofocusing
Manual focus
Autofocus touch
Continuous autofocus
Autofocus single
Autofocus tracking
Autofocus selectice
Autofocus center weighted
Autofocus multi area
Live view autofocus
Face detection focus
Contract detection focus
Phase detection focus
Number of focus points
11
Lens
Lens mount
Nikon F
Available lenses
309
Focal length multiplier
1.5
Screen
Screen type
Fixed Type
Screen diagonal
3 inch
Screen resolution
230 thousand dot
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch screen
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder
Optical (pentamirror)
Viewfinder coverage
95%
Viewfinder magnification
0.53x
DXO scores
DXO All around score
62
DXO Color Depth score
22.3
DXO Dynamic range score
11.1
DXO Low light score
563
Features
Slowest shutter speed
30s
Maximum shutter speed
1/4000s
Continuous shooting speed
3.0 frames/s
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Expose Manually
Exposure compensation
Yes
Change white balance
Image stabilization
Inbuilt flash
Flash range
12.00 m (at ISO 100)
Flash settings
Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow sync, Rear curtain
Hot shoe
AEB
WB bracketing
Maximum flash sync
1/200s
Exposure
Multisegment metering
Average metering
Spot metering
Partial metering
AF area metering
Center weighted metering
Video features
Highest video resolution
None
Mic jack
Headphone jack
Connectivity
Wireless
Eye-Fi Connected
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB
USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS
None
Physical
Environmental seal
Water proof
Dust proof
Shock proof
Crush proof
Freeze proof
Weight
536g (1.18 lbs)
Physical dimensions
126 x 97 x 64mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 2.5")
Other
Battery life
500 photos
Style of battery
Battery Pack
Battery model
EN-EL9a
Self timer
Yes (2, 5, 10 or 20 sec)
Time lapse shooting
Type of storage
SD/SDHC card
Storage slots
One
Pricing at launch
$0