Verdict
I’ve enjoyed using the D3000, as it accomplishes everything it promises with few surprises along the way.
While it’s not the cheapest DSLR on the market it’s slowly falling in price to meet its peers, though you can already find a body-only option for around £370, should you already own any Nikkor lenses.
I do have some reservations, though: the processing times when using Active D-lighting, for example, or lack of a depth-of-field preview facility.
I also don’t think it would be unreasonable to expect live view, given how useful it can be with regards to composition.
Even so, the new Guide function scores points for its simplicity, and the graphic user interface is arguably the nicest to use out of any current entry-level DSLR.
Add to this reliable and consistent image quality, and as a whole package the camera does well to solidify Nikon’s commitment to the entry-level user.
Score
Score in detail
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Features 80
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Image Quality 85
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Design 90
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Performance 90
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Value 85