Nikon D3000 teaches you new tricks

by Volker Weber

nikond3000

Interesting concept. I'd still prefer the D700. Have D70. Where can I get a zero? :-)

Comments

I think out of the 2 new models recently announced by Nikon, I'd much prefer the D300s to the D3000. However, I also wouldn't say no to a D700, or a D3, or a D3X.

But, I'm a Sony alpha user, what do I know :-)

Frank Docherty, 2009-07-30

Here you go: 0

Oswald Prucker, 2009-07-30

Oh, that's really nice for DSLR beginners, who only used automatic p&s cameras in the past.

I'm a Canon user myself, so far also just with a p&s camera, albeit with a chdk firmware which unlocks some interesting settings.

In the near future, I'd like to buy the SX200 or the G10.
But I must say, this D3000 looks quite nice...

Daniel Haferkorn, 2009-07-30

Both sound interessting (700 plus full size lenses is way over my budget), but I miss the built in AF motor in the 3000, so it's gotta be 300s. I'm waiting for reviews and the street prices.

Stefan Opitz, 2009-07-30

Still using the D70 as well. I am waiting for built-in GPS in a D90/300 successor.

Ole Saalmann, 2009-07-30

I'm still on the D70 too - waiting for a compelling reason to upgrade...

Stuart McIntyre, 2009-07-30

I upgraded last year from a D70 to a D300, and i'm quite happy with it. So no upgrade in the near future for me.

Dirk Steins, 2009-07-30

I just got a D90, this is a wonderful camera. I am very happy with it. I was thinking about a D300, D3 or D3X but found them way overpriced. Check www.kenrockwell.com for info and comments.

Thomas Hans-Jürgen Vogler, 2009-07-30

When switching from D70 to D700 you will have to by new lenses caused by the bigger cmos sensor. So maybe a D300 is the better alternative for now.

Richard Kaufmann, 2009-07-30

Richard, you are underestimating my foresight. I did not buy a single DX lens, since I expected all along that sensors would go back to 24x36mm. And I don't have any on my wish list.

Volker Weber, 2009-07-30

Glad your fores are tight.

Have you never wanted the absolutely wonderful and flexible 18-200 VR DX lens?

Went from D70s to D80 a couple of years ago, found D80 colour gamut much better.

Still waiting for the ideal next camera under ¢1K, preferably with Autofocus HD video.

Andy Mell, 2009-07-30

I have used the 18-200 DX on the D70, and it is indeed very flexible. But it's not the answer to everything. When I lug around the big gun, I don't mind carrying a few lenses.

Currently I fail to see why I would want a D300s instead of a D90, or even a D70 for that matter. But I do see why I would want a D700. A large sensor will render much better results, especially in low light.

Volker Weber, 2009-07-30

I used to be a fan of the 18-200, but at the rate that I gained more experience as a photographer I grew dissatisfied with it. It doesn't open up wide, it's not wide enough and it's not sharp either.

But don't get me wrong. It's a great lens if you you are willing to compromise output for convenience. Wonderful for traveling and at the end of the day, it's better to have a 18-200 on the body instead of having the appropriate lens at home.

And with the stabilization you can take great panning shots.

Mariano Kamp, 2009-07-30

I got a D90 a few months ago. I got a Tamron 18-270mm lens, it is really nice. A good compromize for now, but of course I am planning to get more lenses later.

Karl-Henry Martinsson, 2009-07-30

Andy, Mariano - agree that the 18-200mm isn't a professional lens in terms of output particularly at the extremes of the range, but for travel and everyday use, it is the best photographic purchase I've ever made. Well recommended.

When there is a Nikon body that does HD video and takes DX lenses for

Stuart McIntyre, 2009-07-30

(Ah Volker - less than symbols aren't liked by your blog engine...)

When there is a Nikon body that does HD video and takes DX lenses for less than ¢700, that's probably when I'll make the jump...

Stuart McIntyre, 2009-07-30

Well, these brackets are used as leadin to HTML tags, and since you are allowed to use those ...

And you guys really want to shoot video with a DSLR? How about an embedded MP3 player, a satnav with turn by turn instructions and an FM radio? :-)

Volker Weber, 2009-07-30

In terms of image quality, the D90 is about as good as it gets with small sensors. This body is not only a bargain, is even offers a better dynamic range than most other models including the D300, D700 and D3. For most casual users, there is no need for more.

The 35mm sensor bodies are a whole different story. They do not only deliver results that even medium and large format film shooters might find pleasing, but also open up whole new shooting opportunities and practices due to their outstanding lowlight capabilities.

Then again, it all boils down to what kind of photos you want to take and what your use cases are. There is more equipment choice than ever, so there is no need to rush. For example, I'd have a look at what medium format film cameras have to offer before forking out such a considerable amount of money as required for buying a D700 or D3 plus suitable glass.

Haiko Hebig, 2009-07-30

Huh, well that's rather nifty. Canon shooter here but heck, it's still cool. : )

I am sure it's a bit too GWC+ for some photogs but it's cool for folks just learning how to use one.

Kevin Mort, 2009-07-30

I love my D70. The only thing I don't like about it is how easily dust gets on the sensor. I wonder how effective these automatic cleaning systems are and whether I should make the jump at the some point?

Colin Williams, 2009-07-30

Instead of the 20mm and 35mm on your wish list you might want to opt for the 17-35mm/2.8S. It's quite heavy (feels heavier than my F90 body), but is nice to handle and might save one lens change or two, and seems to have good picture quality, eg comparably to the non-zoom 20mm (see also Ken Rockwells comparison - I haven't compared results between the 17-35 and 20mm myself so far).

Kai Scharwacht, 2009-07-30

Very expensive though ... And I don't trust Ken much. 35mm is next on my list because it would be a good "50" on the D70. I already use the 50mm and the 85mm a lot.

Volker Weber, 2009-07-30

As for lens recommendations: I recently got a Tokina 11-16 and have had a lot of fun with it so far.

It is a DX lens, but IMHO a good, (and affordable) option to add ultra-wide angle to your DX DSLR.

Ole Saalmann, 2009-07-30

Ok, I take the boat. ;-)

Volker Weber, 2009-07-30

I see you have the 80-400 VR on your wish list. I had one of these for 3-4 years, and sold it again on ebay. It is not AF-S, it is slow to wind focus, if it misses it takes an age to find focus again and it does not give particularly sharp results. Unimpressive.

I am sure it works better with the camera bodies that have a powerful, fast AF motor such as the D200. The D70 and D80 are not in that group.

Andy Mell, 2009-07-30

Which telezoom would you recommend?

Volker Weber, 2009-07-31

I'm hoping to try the 70-300 VR some time. Much more reasonably priced than the 80-400 and most importantly, its AF-S.

Over 300? Pass.

Andy Mell, 2009-07-31

I never used the 80-400 myself, so these are just general remarks.

It's much tougher than I expected to use a long lens to shoot something that is moving. If you look through the lens and lose your subject for a moment it is close to impossible to find it again quickly, without zooming out or taking your eye off the lens.
Add to that the missing AFS and I think you would need a serious amount of training to be able to handle the long end of that 80-400. Probably not worth the effort.

If you want to use it to take close ups at a conference it might be ok, but as it doesn't open all that wide (400mm is a good excuse for that) you'll need a more light sensitive body to use it. Also you will likely be able to get in close enough to your subject and be ok with 200 mm.

Mariano Kamp, 2009-07-31

Nikon D300 user here. Have used Nikon for as long as I shoot, they got me hooked up on a summer camp WAYYYY back when I still was a kid. in fact i just found my F801 lying around, so many memories. then after some years and not doing to many pics, got me an F65 (in silver, imagine ;-) )
But now after the birth of our 3rd child, got back on the train and got a D-SLR: of course a Nikon and the choice was a D300. never regrettd it, only quickly when the D3000 came out because of the screen.
but then again the D3000 is consumer and I am happy with my now OLD D300.
The only problem was my array of old lenses. due to the fact that I always (at the time for budget reasons, now for tradition) bought SIGMA i had to buy all lenses again in big size. Hefty, but luckily today I can afford it. no need the shelf food in supermarkets during summer holidays anymore...
So my five cents for the lens questions is: the SIGMA 18-250. very versatile, good for most daylight pics, quick focus. if You work as a amateur, I would say this covers 95% of all needs. IMHO.

and in answer to ur question, Volker, where to get the zero: im Mediamarkt!

Chris Frei, 2009-07-31

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