Nikon D3000

    55
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    Highlights

    • 10.2 MP APS-C CCD Sensor
    • 100 - 1,600 Native ISO
    • 11 Focus Points
    • 3.0" 230k dot Fixed Screen
    • Optical (pentamirror) Viewfinder
    • 3.0 fps Continuous Shooting
    • Built-in Flash
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    Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

    Overview

    Nikon D3000 was announced in 2009 and is an APS-C (23.6 x 15.8 mm) DSLR camera with 10.2 Megapixel CCD sensor. Its native ISO ranges from 100 to 1,600 and expands to 100 - 3,200 in boosted mode. The camera has a Fixed 3.0" screen with 230k dot resolution and built-in Optical (pentamirror) viewfinder.

    Table of Contents
    1. Overview
    2. Pros and Cons
    3. Predecessor
    4. Successor
    5. Screen and Viewfinder
    6. Sensor
    7. Photography Features
    8. Connectivity, Battery and Storage
    9. Other Features
    10. Physical Parameters
    11. For Different Types of Photography
    12. Evaluation
    13. Specifications  

    Here is the Nikon D3xxx series lineup, where you can view and compare the main specifications of the cameras within the same series.

    Nikon D3xxx series lineup
    Model Date Sensor Native ISO Screen Price
    Image cannot be found Nikon D3500
    Compare
    		August
    2018    		 24.2 MP
    APS-C    		 100 - 25,600 Fixed 3.0"
    921k dot
    Image cannot be found Nikon D3400
    Compare
    		August
    2016    		 24.2 MP
    APS-C    		 100 - 25,600 Fixed 3.0"
    921k dot
    Image cannot be found Nikon D3300
    Compare
    		April
    2014    		 24.2 MP
    APS-C    		 100 - 12,800 Fixed 3.0"
    921k dot
    Image cannot be found Nikon D3200
    Compare
    		July
    2012    		 24.2 MP
    APS-C    		 100 - 6,400 Fixed 3.0"
    921k dot
    Image cannot be found Nikon D3100
    Compare
    		December
    2010    		 14 MP
    APS-C    		 100 - 3,200 Fixed 3.0"
    230k dot
    Image cannot be found Nikon D3000 December
    2009    		 10.2 MP
    APS-C    		 100 - 1,600 Fixed 3.0"
    230k dot

    You can view their side-by-side comparison here: Nikon D3500 vs D3400 vs D3300 vs D3200 vs D3100 vs D3000.

    Pros and Cons

    In this section we present pros and cons of Nikon D3000.

    PROS

    •   Built-in Flash
    •   Orientation Sensor

    CONS

    •   No Video Capture
    •   Low Resolution Sensor - 10.2 Megapixel
    •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
    •   Timelapse Recording
    •   11 Focus Points
    •   No Face Detection
    •   No Image Stabilization
    •   Fixed Screen
    •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
    •   No Live View
    •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.0 fps
    •   No HDMI Output
    •   No Built-in Microphone
    •   No Microphone Input
    •   No Headphone Output
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
    •   No Built-In Bluetooth
    •   No Environmental Sealing
    •   Short Battery Life - 500 shots

    And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

    AVERAGE

    •   100 Lowest Native ISO
    •   Screen Size - 3.0"
    •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
    •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/200 sec
    •   DxO Overall Score - 62
    •   Weight - 536 g (1.18 lb / 18.91 oz)

    Predecessor

    Here we are comparing Nikon D3000 to its predecessor D40 and displaying the major changes.

    UPGRADES Nikon D3000 vs Nikon D40
    Higher Sensor Resolution 10.2 Megapixel vs 6.1 Megapixel
    Lower Native ISO 100 vs 200
    Max Image Resolution 3872 x 2592 vs 3008 x 2000
    Contrast Detection for Autofocus vs
    Larger Screen 3.0" vs 2.5"
    Higher Max Continuous Shooting 3.0 fps vs 2.5 fps
    Multi-Segment Metering vs
    Center Weighted Metering vs
    Spot Metering vs
    Higher DxO Low Light ISO 563 vs 561
    Higher DxO Color Depth 22.3 vs 21.0
    Higher DxO Dynamic Range 11.1 vs 11.0
    Higher DxO Overall Score 62 vs 56
    DOWNGRADES Nikon D3000 vs Nikon D40
    Center Autofocus vs
    Lower Flash Sync Speed 1/200 sec vs 1/500 sec
    Heavier 536 g (1.18 lb / 18.91 oz) vs 522 g (1.15 lb / 18.41 oz)

    For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Nikon D3000 vs D40.

    Successor

    In 2010 Nikon D3000 was replaced by Nikon D3100. Let us now have a look at some important differences between Nikon D3000 and its successor.

    UPGRADES Nikon D3100 vs Nikon D3000
    Video Capture vs
    Higher Sensor Resolution 14 Megapixel vs 10.2 Megapixel
    Higher Native ISO 3,200 vs 1,600
    Higher Boosted ISO 12,800 vs 3,200
    More Powerful Processor EXPEED 2 vs EXPEED
    Max Image Resolution 4608 x 3072 vs 3872 x 2592
    Tracking Autofocus vs
    Face Detection vs
    Live View Autofocus vs
    Live View vs
    Average Metering vs
    Higher DxO Low Light ISO 919 vs 563
    Higher DxO Color Depth 22.5 vs 22.3
    Higher DxO Dynamic Range 11.3 vs 11.1
    Higher DxO Overall Score 67 vs 62
    HDMI Output Mini Type C vs
    Built-in Microphone Mono vs
    Lighter 505 g (1.11 lb / 17.81 oz) vs 536 g (1.18 lb / 18.91 oz)
    Longer Battery Life 550 shots vs 500 shots
    DOWNGRADES Nikon D3100 vs Nikon D3000
    Spot Metering vs

    For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Nikon D3000 vs D3100.

    Screen and Viewfinder

    Fixed screen

    Nikon D3000 has a 3.0" Fixed screen with 230k dot resolution which is quite low by today's standards.


    Optical (pentamirror) Viewfinder

    Camera has a built-in Optical (pentamirror) viewfinder. It has a 95% coverage and 0.80x (0.53x 35mm equivalent) magnification.

    Sensor

    Nikon D3000 features a 10.2 megapixel APS-C CCD sensor with dimensions of 23.6 x 15.8 mm and a total area of 372.9 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 1,600 and expands to 100 - 3,200 in boosted mode.


    Here is a sensor size comparison chart where you can see how Nikon D3000's APS-C sensor compares with other types of sensors:

    Sensor size chart
    Sensor Dimensions Area Aspect Ratio Crop Factor
    Image cannot be displayedMedium Format44 x 33 mm1452 mm24:30.79x
    Image cannot be displayedFull Frame36 x 24 mm864 mm23:21x
    Image cannot be displayedAPS-H27 x 18 mm486 mm23:21.3x
    Image cannot be displayedAPS-C23.6 x 15.8 mm372.9 mm23:21.5x
    Image cannot be displayedAPS-C (Canon)22.3 x 14.9 mm332.3 mm23:21.6x
    Image cannot be displayedMicro Four Thirds17.4 x 13 mm226.2 mm24:32x
    Image cannot be displayed1-inch13.2 x 8.8 mm116.2 mm23:22.7x
    Image cannot be displayed1/1.7-inch7.44 x 5.58 mm41.5 mm24:34.7x
    Image cannot be displayed1/2.3-inch6.17 x 4.55 mm28.1 mm24:35.6x

    Photography Features

    Camera is equipped with EXPEED processor and can take pictures up to 3872 x 2592 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolutions like 2896 x 1944, 1936 x 1296 with 3:2 aspect ratios.


    Lens Mount

    Nikon D3000 has Nikon F lens mount. Due to APS-C sensor its crop factor (also called lens multiplier) is 1.5x. This means that a 35mm equivalent focal length of the mounted lens will be equal to its actual focal length times 1.5.


    No In-Body Image Stabilization

    The camera does not have in-body image stabilization (IBIS) so it needs lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction.

    Check out the cameras which are frequently compared to Nikon D3000.

    Nikon D40
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    6.1 MP

    Nikon D3200
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    24.2 MP

    Nikon D3100
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    14 MP

    Nikon D3500
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    24.2 MP

    Nikon D3400
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    24.2 MP

    Nikon D3300
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    24.2 MP

    Olympus E-500
    Image cannot be found

    Micro Four Thirds

    8 MP

    Nikon Z6 II
    Image cannot be found

    Full Frame

    24.5 MP

    Nikon D300S
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    12.3 MP

    Olympus PEN E-PL1s
    Image cannot be found

    Micro Four Thirds

    12 MP

    Sony a7S
    Image cannot be found

    Full Frame

    12.2 MP

    Nikon Z6
    Image cannot be found

    Full Frame

    24.5 MP

    Connectivity, Battery and Storage

    USB Input

    Nikon D3000 has a USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) input for data transfer.


    Battery

    Nikon D3000 comes with EN-EL9a battery pack with battery life of 500 shots.


    External Storage Slots

    The camera has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot.

    Other Features

    Shutter

    Nikon D3000 has Electronically controlled vertical-travel focal-plane shutter. Shutter speed can go up to 1/4000 sec. Camera can shoot continuously up to 3.0 fps.


    Flash

    Nikon D3000 has a built-in flash with maximum range of 12.00 m at ISO 100 and also accepts external flash. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/200 sec. Flash compensation can be set from -3 to +1 EV with 1/3 EV step increments.

    Physical Parameters

    Nikon D3000 has dimensions of 126 x 97 x 64 mm (4.96 x 3.82 x 2.52"). It weighs 536 g (1.18 lb / 18.91 oz) which is neither heavy nor lightweight.

    126 mm (4.96")

    97 mm (3.82")

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    97 mm (3.82")

    Image cannot be displayed


    64 mm (2.52")

    Image cannot be displayed

    Nikon D3000 dimensions

    Nikon D3000 for Different Types of Photography

    We give scores to the camera for different type of photography based on its features and specifications. Let us see how Nikon D3000 is suitable for six different types of photography.


    Landscape Photography

    AVERAGE
    63

    Nikon D3000 gets a score of 63 and is AVERAGE choice for Landscape photography.

    •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
    •   No Live View
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   No Environmental Sealing

    Sports Photography

    POOR
    53

    Nikon D3000 gets a score of 53 and is POOR choice for Sports photography.

    •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
    •   11 Focus Points
    •   No Face Detection
    •   No Image Stabilization
    •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
    •   No Live View
    •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.0 fps
    •   Short Battery Life - 500 shots
    •   Orientation Sensor

    Wildlife Photography

    POOR
    52

    Nikon D3000 gets a score of 52 and is POOR choice for Wildlife photography.

    •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
    •   11 Focus Points
    •   No Image Stabilization
    •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
    •   No Live View
    •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.0 fps
    •   No Environmental Sealing
    •   Short Battery Life - 500 shots
    •   Orientation Sensor

    Portrait Photography

    GOOD
    71

    Nikon D3000 gets a score of 71 and is GOOD choice for Portrait photography.

    •   11 Focus Points
    •   No Face Detection
    •   No Image Stabilization
    •   Screen Size - 3.0"
    •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
    •   No Live View
    •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/200 sec
    •   Orientation Sensor

    Street Photography

    GOOD
    77

    Nikon D3000 gets a score of 77 and is GOOD choice for Street photography.

    •   11 Focus Points
    •   No Image Stabilization
    •   Fixed Screen
    •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
    •   No Live View
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   No Environmental Sealing
    •   Weight - 536 g (1.18 lb / 18.91 oz)

    Travel Photography

    GOOD
    79

    Nikon D3000 gets a score of 79 and is GOOD choice for Travel photography.

    •   No Image Stabilization
    •   Fixed Screen
    •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   No Environmental Sealing
    •   Weight - 536 g (1.18 lb / 18.91 oz)
    •   Short Battery Life - 500 shots

    Nikon D3000 Evaluation

    We evaluate Nikon D3000 and give score of 55 out of 100. We also give separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new camera is added to the database.


    OVERALL
    55

    Sensor

    AVERAGE
    67

    We give Nikon D3000 a score of 67 for Sensor parameters.

    •   Low Resolution Sensor - 10.2 Megapixel
    •   100 Lowest Native ISO
    •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
    •   DxO Overall Score - 62

    Photo

    POOR
    53

    We give Nikon D3000 a score of 53 for Photo parameters.

    •   Timelapse Recording
    •   No Image Stabilization
    •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
    •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.0 fps
    •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/200 sec

    Video

    BAD
    0

    We give Nikon D3000 a score of 0 for Video parameters.

    •   No Image Stabilization

    Focusing

    GOOD
    76

    We give Nikon D3000 a score of 76 for Focusing parameters.

    •   11 Focus Points
    •   No Face Detection

    Screen and Viewfinder

    AVERAGE
    66

    We give Nikon D3000 a score of 66 for Screen and Viewfinder parameters.

    •   Fixed Screen
    •   Screen Size - 3.0"
    •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot

    Connectivity

    POOR
    40

    We give Nikon D3000 a score of 40 for Connectivity parameters.

    •   No HDMI Output
    •   No Built-in Microphone
    •   No Microphone Input
    •   No Headphone Output
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
    •   No Built-In Bluetooth

    Battery, Storage and Physical

    POOR
    42

    We give Nikon D3000 a score of 42 for Battery, Storage and Physical parameters.

    •   No Environmental Sealing
    •   Weight - 536 g (1.18 lb / 18.91 oz)
    •   Short Battery Life - 500 shots


    For a full specification list please go to the specifications page:

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