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D3000 Guide

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Started 3 years ago by Gigadafud
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D3000 Guide

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Gigadafud

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Hello all. Long time reader, first time poster here on the forum. I don't know if this has been asked a hundred times already but if it has, I am sorry for wasting your time. But here goes. I am going to make the jump from my point and shoot Canon Powershot SD1000 up to a DSLR.

I have my eye on a couple different options. One of them being the D3000 for a couple reasons. First its a little bit cheaper and since this would be my first DSLR I do not know that I really want to blow a lot of money on it just yet. Secondly, the idea of the guide really intrigues me. Since I would consider myself a newb in the DSLR world.

So some of my questions are:

Is the guide on the D3000 really worth it? I have watched some videos and read a few reviews and they all seem to be pretty positive. Or would it just be better to go buy a good Beginner book and start with that and just go up to a higher end DSLR?

I know I might get flamed a little but one thing that nags me about the D3000 is the lack of video. I know, I know, go buy a video camera if you want real video, but for someone that does not have a video camera and honestly would probably use it pretty sparingly it might be cool. However I do not think video will sink or swim completely whatever direction I go.

So if you have an extra minute and feel like commenting, I would very much appreciate any input you may have to offer. Once again sorry for asking the same question that a lot of new people probably have.

Posted 3 years ago #
mikeo21

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If I were you just starting off (keep in mind I am a photo newbie as well) after owning both the d60 and now the d5k I would recommend ignoring the urge to get a better camera. This is because in the end there will only be small technical differences between the photos you create with these entry level cameras.

I don't think the guide mode is worth shit IF you are really interested in photography. You will quickly learn the effects of white balance, ISO, shutter speed, aperture, etc w/o some silly tutorial. If you are serious about this stuff in no time you will be shooting in some at least semi-manual mode.. I think the guide is for people who dont really care to learn about the photography aspect of taking pictures if you know what I mean.

With that, I wouldn't buy a d3000 right now. It is selling for full MSRP, unlike the d5000 which is going for about 100+ under its msrp. I can imagine the 3000 dropping in price closer to the holidays.

Another option would be to get the d40. You should be able to find a great deal on a used one or perhaps just a discount from a vendor as the camera is now discontinued. The images the d40, d60, and d3000 make are all about the same quality I'd say... so go with whatever you can get the best deal on! The d40 is an excellent camera.

Posted 3 years ago #
NikoDoby

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Welcome to the forum Gigadafud.

I got to use a D3000 and I liked it. The guide is a nice feature but I wouldn't say it's the ONE feature I'd base a purchase decision on. Still, a complete beginner will enjoy having the camera "show" you the steps to taking better pictures. It's a very user friendly camera. The build quality is better than the D40 or D60. It feels a bit more solid in you hands. Nikon uses a better plastic on the D3000.

It would be a perfect camera if it had video (or at least liveview), but I think for the price it is a better alternative to an expensive point & shoot compact camera. Picture quality against a P&S will be much better. The kit lens (18-55VR) feels solid and the image quality is very good.

The D3000 is a good camera but if you really want to use video then save up for the D5000. I don't know what part of the world your from but currently Amazon.com has the D3000 kit listed for $561.00USD but the D40 is also listed for $399.00USD!!!! Which is also, still a great camera.

Is it possible for you to go and try the D3000 in a store Gigadafud? You should test it out for yourself. But the menu system on any of Nikon's entry level cameras is way better than ANY competitor even if you don't choose the D3000.

Posted 3 years ago #
Gigadafud

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Probably a good idea. I think Costco near me has several Nikon and Canon DSLR models that I can check out. If not I suppose that I can make a trip out to Worst Buy and have the kids in blue shirts pester me.

Posted 3 years ago #
Willis

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I've always felt like Costco did a lousy job merchandising DSLRs. You can't turn them on, and they don't attach the lenses. It doesn't make any sense! I used to work there, and it baffled me why Costco would walk away from so many potential sales by not properly stocking the cameras... maybe its different where you are.

Posted 3 years ago #
Gigadafud

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THe last time I was there at Costco they had several DSLR's that were attached via a cable but you could pick them up and use them so I thought that was pretty cool.

Posted 3 years ago #
Gentoo

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"I've always felt like Costco did a lousy job merchandising DSLRs. You can't turn them on, and they don't attach the lenses"

You must live in a sucky part of the world LOL. I've played with Nikon and Canon DSLR's at the Costco near my house in San Diego and they are turn onto demo mode so you can shoot and they have the kit lenses attached.

Anyway, to provide an answer to the original poster:

The D3000 is a nice entry level camera. If video is important to you as it is for many, then the D5000 may be better. However in the US the price between the D5000 and D90 is small. As has been already mentioned, I would suggest not buying because of the guide mode. As moregan17 said, if you're into photography, you will quickly learn without the need for the guide mode. Now I'm not one to recommend obsolete electronics of any kind so my remarks to you are for a choice between a D3000 and D5000. Trust me, if you get into this you will be looking to upgrade to a higher model anyway.

Posted 3 years ago #
Gigadafud

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So basically from what most of you are saying is that its probably worth spending the extra couple hundred and going up to the D5000. Which I am okay with since it seems to be pretty reasonable priced from what I have seen lately. Amazon has it and the kit lens for 712 bucks right now.

Posted 3 years ago #
mikeo21

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i recommend the d40 for 400. theres several stops difference, and the 12MP instead of 6.. but the d5000 is also nearly double the price. if cost matters to you snag a d40! it is a classic.

Posted 3 years ago #
NSXType-R

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moregan17, I'm not exactly sure which camera to pick, honestly. I own a D40 myself, and the 3 autofocus points really isn't enough. I personally would go for the D3000 if I had no DSLR right now, but what Gigadafud needs to do is to pick up the cameras, try them all out and then see what you'll be using them for.

Obviously, now that I'm experienced with the D40, I wouldn't be looking at the D3000, so I would be looking at the D90 instead.

But yeah, you really need to check them all out to see how they are to you. Besides, the D90 has automatic modes as well, I think.

Posted 3 years ago #
Gentoo

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Gigadafud, I guess everyone has decided to ignore the fact that you said you wanted video. Therefore the D40 is out of the question even if it wasn't obsolete.

Let me tell you something, if you have the money, get what you want now. If you don't, you're gonna end up selling whatever you buy at a loss (even if its just a small one), then spending more money again just to get what you wish you had gotten in the first place. D5000 or D90 are your best bets at this point.

Posted 3 years ago #
Gigadafud

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Gentoo, yah that is what I am coming to realize. Whatever I get I will more than likely have it for a while, so spending the little extra would probably be worth it. The D5000 is pretty tempting at the moment. Not sure if I really want to spend over 1000 though for the D90.

Posted 3 years ago #
Gentoo

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Sounds like you've made up your mind :)

Posted 3 years ago #
mikeo21

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I bought my d60 for a great price and then sold it for a little more. Its totally possible.

Let me elaborate a little:
I recommended the d40 because it is a great bang for your buck. If you never end up loving photography and getting really into it, then its the only camera youll need. If you really get serious, then the d90 is probably a better bet than the d5000. I just see the d90 as a little "too much camera" to start with.

If you like the d40 and get into it, then you can spend some money on flashes and lenses. Once you start to reach the limits of the camera in say a couple years, the d90 replacement will be out and you can get that!(and still use all the accessories/lenses you bought)

I have a d5000 mainly because I like to travel and want something smaller and cheaper. Your needs/preferences as a photographer will get fleshed out AFTER you start using a camera frequently. With that, I recommend waiting a while before going off the deep end w/ an expensive model.

I love my d5000, but keep in mind you could buy that camera, start taking pictures all the time, and before you know it want a d90. Believe me the "little things" it has makes it worth the extra to many photographers. For instance more controls, optional battery grip, flash control and lens compatibility.

In short, start small! you may think you know what you want, but your opinion may change. Hope that helps.

Posted 3 years ago #
Gentoo

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Posted by Gigadafud:

"that nags me about the D3000 is the lack of video. I know, I know, go buy a video camera if you want real video, but for someone that does not have a video camera and honestly would probably use it pretty sparingly it might be cool."

posted by me:

"Gigadafud, I guess everyone has decided to ignore the fact that you said you wanted video"

Posted by moregan17:

"I recommended the d40 because it is a great bang for your buck. If you never end up loving photography and getting really into it, then its the only camera youll need."

Great advice but where's the video Gigadafud said he/she wanted?

Posted 3 years ago #
alphanikonrex

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Here's the video:

Get 8 D3000s/D40s, rig them up at 3fps, each one starting 1/24th of a second behind the other.

Then put all the photographs together and you've got your movie.

Hopefully the buffer will hold out for a few seconds! :-D

Posted 3 years ago #
Gentoo

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Well, can't argue with that LOL

Posted 3 years ago #
mikeo21

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".. might be cool.."

Posted 3 years ago #
alphanikonrex

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It'll be especially cool walking around with 8 D3000s/D40s to make a 5 second movie!

Posted 3 years ago #
NSXType-R

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Wow, imagine that, faster FPS than a D3 in DX mode!

Posted 3 years ago #
Willis

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What's that Alpha? There's going to be a D3000s! So soon :)

Posted 3 years ago #
Gigadafud

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Well just got back from Best Buy where I got to play around with the D5000 a bit. Felt nice and solid I thought. I did also compare it to the T1i since I was there. They both seemed pretty nice.

Posted 3 years ago #
NikoDoby

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NOOOOooooooo not a canon !!!

Actually the T1i is up for getting a replacement soon

Posted 3 years ago #
Gigadafud

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Well I did not say I was going to get one. I was more or less feeling them both out so I could get some perspective. I honestly did feel like the D5000 just felt nicer in my hands.

Posted 3 years ago #
Gentoo

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Gigadafud, I did the same thing with these two camera and came to the same conclusion as you did.

Posted 3 years ago #

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