To summarise my opinion of the camera: it’s the perfect DSLR for a beginner. That’s not just because this is priced at ‘entry’ level, it’s because Nikon have developed this camera with the novice in mind. So often people buy SLRs and never move on from the automatic Program mode. This camera teaches you how to take control of the camera.
Switch the camera dial to Guide and three options appear on the 3″ LCD screen. Shoot, View/Delete and Set up. The shoot guide includes three options – “Easy Operation”, “Advanced Operation” and “Timers and Remote Control”. Choosing one of the options then takes you to a further set of options with choices where the camera not only guides you through making the right settings but it also explains why. For example, in advanced operation you can choose to “Soften Backgrounds”. The guide tells you about the Aperture-priority mode and then visually demonstrates what happens when you change the F number with a guidance note telling you to “Choose lower f-numbers to blur the background”.
Other modes range from the point-and-shoot modes (Auto where the camera controls everything or the no-flash mode where the camera controls everything but the use of flash), Program (you control things like ISO, flash etc., and the camera controls exposure), Shutter-priority, Aperture-priority, Manual and then a range of preset modes (portrait, landscape, child, sports, close-up and night portrait).
The camera also helps when you haven’t got things set up correctly. A “?” flashes in the corner of the LCD screen – press the ? button and a message will pop-up telling you what the problem is i.e. “The subject is too dark, cannot adjust exposure. Use the flash.” The information available on the LCD while you take a photograph is excellent and very helpful for getting the settings right.
So in short for novices at SLR photography, this is a great choice and the perfect place to start learning how to take advantage of all the options and settings that an SLR offers you…
The Nikon D3000