Nikon Unveils D3000 Entry-Level DSLR

July 30, 2009: Nikon will replace its current D40 and D60 DSLR models with a new entry-level camera, the D3000, which combines ease of use with an in-camera Guide mode and Nikon’s latest technology.
Designed for photographers who want hassle-free photography, the D3000 is ideal for photographers who want to upgrade from their point-and-shoot camera to a digital SLR. It boasts a new Guide mode that helps users to choose appropriate shooting modes for different situations, at the same time enabling them to explore advanced photographic techniques via a friendly user interface. It also helps users to learn how to fine-tune camera settings to achieve the best possible photos.

Front view of the D3000 with the 18-55mm kit lens. (Source: Nikon.)

Top view of the D3000 showing the mode dial with the new Guide setting. (Source: Nikon.)
Other user-friendly features include Nikon’s Scene Recognition System, which improves the accuracy of exposure, white balance and focusing measurements by analysing colour and illumination over the entire scene just before the shot is taken and adjusts the camera to ensure optimal image quality. Nikon’s Active D-Lighting is also included to help the camera capture highlight and shadow details in subjects with a wide dynamic range. The D3000 also boasts advanced 3D Colour Matrix Metering II and an 11-point selectable autofocus, along with continuous shooting at up to three frames/second.

Left side view with the 18-55mm lens, showng the location of the Fn and flash control buttons. (Source: Nikon.)

Right side view, showing the location of the SD.SDHC card compartment. (Source: Nikon.)
Additional in-camera image control is available via Nikon’s Picture Control System, which allows users to customise image characteristics to suit personal preferences. Extensive in-camera editing functions in the Retouch Menu allow users to enhance photos with a variety of effects without requiring a computer. The D3000 introduces a new Miniature effect that modifies images to look like pictures of miniature models. Each editing function is applied to a copy of the image, with the original left unmodified.
The D3000 has a 10.2-megapixel (effective) DX-format CCD sensor plus Nikon’s EXPEED image processing system and is compatible with an extensive range of Nikkor lenses. Its shutter unit is rated for 100,000 cycles and the supplied EN-EL9a battery supports up to 550 shots/charge. A bright 3-inch LCD monitor with 230,000 pixels displays improved menus that are easier to read, thanks to a font size that is 20% larger than that of the D60.
Like its predecessors, the D3000 supports neither live view shooting nor video recording but it does include the latest Nikon dust removal system, which was introduced with the D5000. The new camera is expected to go on sale early in September for $999 with AF-S DX Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR lens. A twin-lens kit, which adds the 55-200mm VR lens, will also be offered for $1299. For full details, visit www.nikon.com.au.

SPECIFICATIONS:
Image sensor: 23.6 x 15.8 mm CCD with 10.75 million photosites (10.2 megapixels effective)
A/D processing: 12-bit
Lens mount: Nikon F mount (with AF contacts)
Focal length crop factor: 1.5x
Image formats: JPEG (Baseline compliant with fine [approx. 1:4], normal [approx. 1:8], or basic [approx. 1:16] compression), NEF.RAW, RAW+JPEG
Image Sizes: 3,872 x 2,592 [L], 2,896 x 1,944 [M], 1,936 x 1,296 [S]
Image Stabilisation: Lens-based only
Dust removal: Image Sensor Cleaning, Airflow Control System, Image Dust Off reference data (optional Capture NX 2 software required)
Shutter speed range: 1/4000 to 30 seconds; X-synch at 1/200 sec. in steps of 1/3 EV, Bulb, Time (requires optional Wireless Remote Control ML-L3)
Exposure Compensation: -5 to +5 EV in increments of 1/3 EV
Self-timer: 2, 5, 10, and 20 seconds duration
Focus system: Nikon Multi-CAM 1000 autofocus sensor module with TTL phase detection, 11 focus points (including one cross-type sensor), and AF-assist illuminator (range approx. 0.5 to 3 metres)
Focus modes: Single-point AF, dynamic-area AF, auto-area AF, 3D-tracking (11 points) AF; Manual focus
Exposure metering: TTL exposure metering using 420-pixel RGB sensor; Matrix: 3D colour matrix metering II (type G and D lenses); colour matrix metering II (other CPU lenses); Centre-weighted ( 75% in central 8-mm circle); Spot (3.5-mm circle centred on selected focus point)
Shooting modes: Auto modes (auto, auto [flash off ]), Scene Modes (Portrait, Landscape, Child, Sports, Close up, Night portrait), programmed auto with flexible program (P), shutter-priority auto (S), aperture-priority auto (A) manual (M)
Picture Style/Control settings: Standard, Neutral, Vivid, Monochrome, Portrait, and Landscape
ISO range: Auto; ISO 100 to 1600 in steps of 1 EV. Can also be set to approx. 1 EV above ISO 1600 (ISO 3200 equivalent)
White balance: Auto, incandescent, fluorescent (7 types), direct sunlight, flash, cloudy, shade, preset manual, all except preset manual with fine turning.
Flash: Pop-up auto flash; GN Approx. 12, 13 with manual flash (m, ISO 100); flash modes: Auto, auto with red-eye reduction, fill-flash, auto slow sync, auto slow sync with red-eye correction, and rear curtain with slow sync
Flash exposure adjustment: -3 to +1 EV in increments of 1/3 EV
Sequence shooting: Up to 3 frames/second
Storage Media: SD/SDHC memory cards
Viewfinder: Eye-level pentamirror with approx. 95% coverage (horizontal and vertical), 0.8x magnification (50 mm f/1.4 lens at infinity, -1.0 m-1); 18 mm eyepoint, dioptre adjustment -1.7 to +0.5 dpt
LCD monitor: 3-inch, approx. 230,000-dot TFT LCD with brightness adjustment
Live View modes: n.a.
Video Capture: n.a.
Data LCD: n.a.
Playback functions: Full-frame and thumbnail (4, 9, or 72 images or calendar) playback with playback zoom, playback of stop-motion movies created with D3000, slide show, histogram display, highlights, auto image rotation, and image comment (up to 36 characters)
Interface terminals: Hi-Speed USB, A/V Out: PAL/NTSC
Power supply: EN-EL9a Rechargeable Li-ion Battery
Dimensions (wxhxd): Approx. 126 x 97 x 64 mm
Weight: Approx. 485 g without battery, memory card, or body cap

RRP: $999 with AF-S DX Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR lensDistributor: Nikon Australia; Ph: 1300 366 499; www.nikon.com.au