upgrading from a compact to a DSLR camera can be more of a challenge than deciding to buy that first compact. Some beginners are perfectly happy with a compact and have no interest in advancing beyond its use, and that decision is OK because it’s right for them. Another group of beginners start to understand why serious enthusiasts and professionals are so passionate about digital photography, and even experience a small bit of that passion. These are the budding amateurs that are ready to make the transition to their first DSLR, and few cameras make it easier than the Nikon D3000.-
What many photographers new to the world of DSLRs may first notice is that the D3000 is both light in weight, at 16.1 oz. (485g), and built with the quality of higher-priced DSLR. It’s a camera you can carry all day that can also withstand a full day of use, day after day.
-
The key feature that makes the D3000 so easy to use is its guide mode. It doesn’t just display shooting data; it also explains each number or setting, so you can begin to learn the concepts that will advance your skills and improve your photos. It’s a bit like having a how-to photography book built into your camera.
-
Beginner photographers that decide the Nikon D3000 should be their first DSLR are also expecting better image quality than the compact they already own. Nikon has combined its 10.2-megapixel CCD sensor with its EXPEED image processor to produce photos that compacts are unable to match. It’s these components that give every photo rich colors, the more dramatic contrast of professional images, precise exposures, fast performance and much reduced digital noise.
Nikon D3000 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera KIT 
$569.00 
-
New D3000 photographers will never worry about missing the scene or subject matter they see through the viewfinder. The camera has a shutter response system that directs the shutter to operate its open-and-close function in a split second. You won’t be a victim of shutter delay, which can cause the image you thought you captured to be lost forever.
-
The actual act of composing and shooting photos with the Nikon D3000 is easier because of a number of features. First, is a 3-inch color LCD screen, which is a size typically found on high-end, professional-grade DSLRs. (The new Nikon D4, introduced in January 2012, is one of the first pro DSLRs with a 3.2-inch LCD display.) The D3000’s big screen also has a 170-degree angle of view, so it’s easy for family members or friends to gather around and to see the pictures you’ve just shot.
-
Another feature of the D3000 that will allow you to concentrate on taking better pictures and having fun with this camera is an ISO sensitivity range as much as 1,600. You’ll have less need for using a flash in all low-light situations, as higher ISO settings produce very acceptable photos without flashing a bright light in everyone’s face.
-
The Nikon D3000 also helps you expand your creativity easily with its continuous shooting mode that record as many as 3 frames per second. Highly active children and pets can be captured in mid-action to preserve moments that would be otherwise impossible.
-
Being more creative is a major benefit of this camera when you select one of its 6 automatic exposure scene modes: Portrait, Landscape, Child, Sports, Close-up or Night Portrait. The camera determines the correct exposure for you whenever you find yourself photographing these subjects.
-
Moving to a DSLR camera, such as the Nikon D3000, for the first time is enough of a big step without having to learn how to edit your pictures on a computer too. This camera makes that unnecessary with its in-camera image editing capability. Quickly, access the retouch menu to select any of 13 editing tools, such as trim, red-eye correction and soft filter.
-
The easiest way to advance to the Nikon D3000 is to purchase it as a kit, with Nikon’s 3x 18–35mm NIKKOR zoom lens, from B&H Photo Video for only $499.95 at http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=Nikon+D3000&N=0&InitialSearch=yes.
People who read this PhotographyTalk.com article also liked:
11 Totally Bad Photography Habits To Break Before Ringing in the New Year
12 Insurance Tips to Protect Your Equipment and Your Business
Feel free to check out our other photography reviews
Photo from http://nikon.com © 2012 Nikon Corporation
