Learn from the master
So, you've been thinking about upgrading from your point-and-shoot digital camera to a digital SLR. In other words, you're looking both for better performance and to increase your level of creative control. A few minutes' time browsing dSLR cameras more than suffices, however, to add a little intimidation factor. It's true, the advanced performance and control offered by dSLRs translates into a greater number and variety of settings and modes. Understandably, you feel like you could use a guide into this new world of dSLR photography . . . and what better teacher than the camera itself?! Sporting integrated Guide Mode, the Nikon D3000 dSLR camera is available to assist you with every shot, helping you master the dSLR ropes.
The white-glove test
Hopefully you weren't raised by an evil great aunt who made you ceaselessly clean every corner of her enormous mansion, subjecting each and every surface to a white-gloved inspection. Well, just as dust was the bane of your (fictitious) great aunt's existence, so too is dust the sworn enemy of photography. All it takes is a single fleck of dust on a lens or mirror to ruin an otherwise perfect shot. Impeding the accumulation of dust on its image-sensor device, the Nikon D3000 sports a two-part Integrated Dust Reduction System. First, a special Airflow Control System redirects dust away from the low-pass filter located on the image sensor's front, limiting the accumulation of dust. Second, when powering the camera on or off, the low-pass filter automatically vibrates, using precise ultrasonic frequencies to release any image-degrading dust that may adhere to it.
The right equipment
Many dSLR cameras are sold as "body only" units, meaning that you have to make a second purchase to get a lens that lets you experience your new investment's full potential. Nikon's D3000, on the other hand, offers you an 18mm - 55mm NIKKOR lens, delivering wide-angle to mid-range telephoto performance. Further, the D3000's zoom lens includes integrated VR image stabilization. Factors ranging from the excitement of the shot to unstable shooting conditions can result in minor camera shake that can produce blurry photos. VR image stabilization counteracts vibration both inside the lens and in the camera's viewfinder, ensuring that you compose and capture flawless photos. Finally, the D3000 is compatible with a variety of interchangeable lenses, allowing you to diversify your photographic toolbox.
The detail, speed, and performance of Nikon
Realism and detail are synonymous. And when it comes to detail, Nikon's D3000 digital SLR camera body delivers. The EXPEED image-processing system combines with a 10.2-megapixel CCD image sensor, producing finely detailed images, superb color reproduction, and rich tonal gradation, all with minimal visual noise. The advanced processing speed offered by the EXPEED system makes it possible for the D3000 to offer a three-frame-per-second continuous-shooting capability. You can capture multiple frames of a fast-action subject, ensuring that you catch the ideal shot. Further, Nikon's 420-pixel RGB 3D Color Matrix Metering II system teams up with an exclusive Scene Recognition System to evaluate each scene for unmatched exposure accuracy. Active D-Lighting restores lost shadow and highlight detail in high-contrast exposures, while extended ISO sensitivity further improves performance when shooting under low-light conditions or using fast-shutter speeds to freeze action.
Scene Modes make excellence automatic
The diverse manual controls offered by the Nikon D3000 are a powerful tool to have in your photo bag . . . when you have the time to properly expose a shot. There are instances, however — and plenty of them, too — when the fast-paced, in-the-moment demands of the shot or situation require super-human speed and attention to the moment. In those moments, turn to the D3000's 6 Scene Modes. Select any of the 6 modes based on your shooting conditions, and the D3000 automatically adjusts exposure, image processing, Active-D Lighting, and other settings for optimum results. Further, an 11-point Multi-CAM 1000 autofocus system delivers fast, precise autofocus performance.
A dark room in the field
There's no need to wait to get home before editing your new set of photos. Thanks to a long list of in-camera image-editing functions, the Nikon D3000 lets you fine-tune your shots in the field. Trim, correct red eye, or adjust color balance. You can even adjust D-Lighting and filter effects, or apply monochrome or miniaturization effects. Further, the D3000 lets you view before and after versions of your shots. And, while great for composing and sharing your latest shots, the D3000's 3.0" LCD viewscreen is also the ideal platform for applying in-camera edits.
Included with purchase
The following items are included with the purchase of the Nikon D3000: Rechargeable Li-ion battery (EN-EL9a), Quick charger (MH-23), USB cable (UC-E4), Rubber eye cup (DK-20), Camera strap (AN-CD1, AN-DC3), Body cap (BF-1A), Eyepiece cap (DK-5), Accessory shoe cover (BS-1), Software Suite CD-ROM.
