Nikon D3000 Review

Handling & ease of use
Nikon, more than any other manufacturer, has managed to deliver entry-level models that  avoid feeling 'plasticky'. Their budget DSLRs have a solid feel that provides reassurance of build quality. The D3000 handles wonderfully and is sure to find favour with those looking for a very lightweight model that offers good balance and comfort. A large handgrip provides a secure hold and all the buttons and controls are well sized to make them very easy to use. First time DSLR users will also appreciate the small number of control buttons on the body, which can be intimidating for many novices. This, along with the neat arrangement and clear markings of theses buttons, make the D3000 a very tempting proposition. And that's not all. While all entry-level models are generally designed to be as easy to use as possible, Nikon has looked beyond how it lays out controls for further ways of making the D3000 a simple camera to use. Its solution is the GUIDE function, accessed via the mode dial on the top-plate, which provides a step-by-step guide to a number of popular effects and techniques. The GUIDE interface is explained in more detail in the panel below, but as we discover during our test, it works extremely well.
Those with a little more experience will find that the D3000 is nicely set up to access many of the key functions via the Info button on the left of the LCD monitor. Press it once to bring up the info screen and again to highlight a function such as ISO, focus mode and so on. You can then use the four-way control and OK button to set adjustments or press the '?' button for an explanation of that function. You'll soon find that the D3000 is geared towards making the picture-taking experience as easy and enjoyable as possible.
I have few complaints with the viewfinder, which follows the basic requirements of all entry-level models: sharp, reasonably bright and a little on the small side. However, there can be no complaints with the LCD monitor, which at 3in, is slightly larger than most of its rivals, which offer 2.5in and 2.7in screens. Sure, it would also have been great to have the benefit of a 921,000-dot screen rather than the 230,000-dot monitor, but that's asking a little too much of a budget model, even of this calibre, especially when you take into account its well-equipped user interface.
Overall, the Nikon D3000 represents one of the best examples of a camera designed to meet the core needs of its user – in this case a beginner looking for a DSLR that is small, well-made, lightweight and very easy to use. 
Score 23/25

Features
As with the Nikon D60 it replaces, the D3000 boasts a 10.2-megapixel resolution, which is on a par with its main rivals and high enough to deliver very good quality A4 prints.
Much of the camera's specification is identical to the D5000, which sits above it in the range, although there are some notable differences (the D5000 has a 2.7in swivel LCD, Live View and HD video). So with the D3000, Nikon have improved on the size of the LCD, lost two features that newcomers probably won't use very often, and centred on delivering ease of use and features that will really help the beginner 
take better pictures more easily. There is no shortage of shooting modes, with a wide selection of programs to suit beginners, such as Portrait and Close-up, as well as Full Auto, along with the core four creative modes (program, aperture-priority, shutter-priority and manual) for more advanced users.  The autofocus system is based around an 11-point array that covers a wide area of the image frame, meaning off-centre subjects are more likely to be captured in sharp focus if all sensors are left active. Dynamic AF is also present, so that if the composition is changed after focusing, the D3000 automatically adjusts the AF point to stay sharp on the subject. Of course, the user can switch to individual point selection and, whatever system is used, the AF can be set to AF-S (Single-shot) focus, AF-C (Continuous focus) or Auto-AF 
(a combination of both systems).
A 420-pixel Matrix pattern heads up the metering system, with the option to also select centre-weighted average or spot. Exposure compensation has a range of +/-5EV, flash exposure compensation can be set at +/-3EV, while AE-Lock is also available.
The D3000 offers a good range of photo-related options. There is a wide number of flash modes to choose from and the ISO range of 100 to 1600 is good (and can be boosted further to ISO 3200 if required). It also offers a large number of digital options that allow photographers with minimal post-processing skills to try image manipulation for themselves. The Nikon's Retouch Menu offers various techniques to try, from the more common Monochrome and filter effects, to unusual options such as Colour outline and the Miniature effect (see panel below).
For those thinking of upgrading from an older Nikon digital or film SLR, it's worth noting that the D3000's lens mount system, as with a number of other Nikon budget models, lacks a built-in focus drive motor, which means autofocus is only possible with AF-S and AF-I lenses. Overall, the range of features is pitched very well at its prospective user. 
Score 22/25

Performance
It's sometimes easy to forget that photography is meant to be fun, especially for beginners. The Nikon D3000 is the camera that provides a constant reminder of this fact, allowing you to enjoy your picture-taking experience while also trying some in-camera manipulation that, while not matching Photoshop standards, do allow for non-destructive and creative experimentation with images on your SD card.
The D3000 uses the same AF module (Multi-CAM 1000) as the D5000, so it's no surprise to find that the autofocus zips quickly and quietly into focus. The Matrix metering system on the D3000 proves as consistent and accurate as on previous Nikon DSLRs, so apart from the trickiest of shooting conditions, you should find you'll rarely need to switch patterns or use overrides. The integral flash system works well too, producing good exposures and offering enough options to allow for some creative flash photography.
Image quality is very good with the Nikon 18-55mm VR lens delivering a good performance, although switching to the 17-55mm f/2.8 brings a notable increase in detail. Colour reproduction is natural and noise isn't a problem until ISO 800 when it's evident, but not obstructive. Enthusiasts may rue the lack of depth-of-field preview, Live View and the relatively slow frame rate, but for the beginner, the Nikon D3000 offers the vast majority of functions that are needed, and several fun modes to try out too, all of which work very well.  
Score 22/25

Supplied accessories
The Nikon D3000 18-55 VR kit is supplied with the following: 
Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR lens, Li-ion battery (EN-EL9a), Quick Charger (MH-23), strap, USB cable, body cap, eyepiece cap, software CD, Quick Start guide and instruction manual.

Guide Mode
Help menus have become increasingly common on entry-level models and are also found on the D3000. The GUIDE setting, located on the main dial, takes things even further by literally providing step-by-step instructions for various popular techniques. For instance, if you want to shoot a portrait with a blurred backdrop you can use the GUIDE to access a Soften Background option that leads you through the stages required, 
i.e. choosing aperture-priority mode and selecting a wide aperture. It's a great facility for novices needing help, but not having the manual on hand.

Vibration Reduction
Nikon's image stabilisation system isn't located inside the camera body but is built into its lenses – look for those featuring a VR insignia. The D3000 is supplied with the 18-55mm VR zoom

Help options
As well as the GUIDE function, you can also gain additional info on how key functions work by selecting the mode in question and pressing the '?' button –an explanation then appears on the Nikon D3000's LCD monitor.

Retouch menu
The availability of digital filters and in-camera manipulation has seen new, entertaining and unusual options appear. The Nikon D3000 has plenty of choice and a couple that are well worth trying out are the Miniature effect and Color Outline functions.

Overall Verdict
Hopefully, Nikon's factories are working overtime, as I can see the D3000 being a major success. It ticks all the boxes when it comes to size, weight and handling, while the range of features is pitched just right. As well as everything you need to take great pictures, there are a host of options that allow users to really enjoy their photography. Its general performance is very good too, but most importantly, it has that certain X-factor that makes it an absolute joy to use. There are a number of excellent entry-level models as rivals, including the Canon EOS 1000D and Sony's Alpha 380, but the Nikon D3000 feels like the best all-round package, and I wouldn't be surprised if it tops the sales in the next few months. Highly recommended.

Handling & ease of use 23/25
Features 22/25 
Performance 22/25
Value For Money 23/25
Overall 90/100