Tech Blog

[#1]

Continued from part 2.

Glass

The D5000 ships with the Nikkor 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 VR lens. For a kit lens, it definitely exceeds expectations. The lens is sharp wide open and produces nice colours and crisp images. The VR (Vibration Reduction) is also an added benefit allowing for slower, handheld photography.

↓ Nikkor 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 VR.

↑ Imgages snapped wide open with the 18-55mm lens.

As a second lens I would suggest either something longer (like the 55-200mm or 70-300mm) if you enjoy wildlife or action photography; or a 50mm f1.4 G lens for great portraits and indoor photography. When buying lenses, remember to get the ones with built-in motor, as the D3000 does not have a focus motor.

Come, let me guide you

A new GUIDE mode winks at you from the mode dial on the D3000: "c'mon, use me".

Basically the mode is an extension of the different scene modes you typically find, such as close-up, night time, distant subjects, blurry background, etc, on your DSLR and pocket cameras. After you select a setting, the camera briefly explains what it will do, and then you start taking pictures. You also have the option to click <more settings> to tweak flash settings, etc.

↑ GUIDE mode in action.

GUIDE mode is a very linear experience, but at the same time also a very informative. For DSLR beginners' I can see some benefit, but longer term I suggest you switch over to aperture or shutter speed mode to grow your photography.

As an additional help, and something I find more helpful, is the <?> button, you can press when changing shooting settings in case you forgot the difference between spot and centre weighted metering and the like. Very helpful.

All in all

The D3000 really is the Little Camera that Could. Being Nikon's least expensive DSLR, it has an impressive amount of (essential) features trickled down from more pricey models such as the D300s. Very nice. I don't think I can get any closer than stating it "just feels like a like a photographer's camera". I know, that's pretty vague. Let me qualify it by saying that even though the camera is a beginner's DSLR on paper, experienced photographers (as in having shot with DSLRs for a long time) can easily shoot with the D3000 and still be satisfied for long time.

Personally, I shoot with a Nikon D700 and have for a long time dismissed the notion of getting a smaller, entry-level DSLR as back-up because of it traditional limitations. Shooting with and testing the D3000 certainly changed my mind.

Honey, here's what I would like for Christmas.

For the technically interested: All test shots are with the Nikon D3000 either with the 18-55mm kit lens or the Nikkor 105mm f2.8 VR Micro lens. The smaller bodied D3000 began feeling a tad too small when paired with the larger (and it is by far not Nikon's largest lens) 105mm f2.8. A battery grip would have balanced the combo better, but unfortunately Nikon does not produce one for the D3000. The product shots are grabbed with the Nikon D700 and 105mm f2.8 VR lens in a mix of natural light and added flash.

Message Edited by klausboedker on 09-24-2009 11:33 PM

[#2]

It is an average size for beginner DSLR camera. But if you are coming from compact camera, you might a bit surprise of the size. On the other hand, if you are coming from advanced DSLR cameras, then you will feel this camera is compact and light.