How good is a Nikon D3000?

I want to start taking photo shootes for people and pictures of nature, I was wondering how well this camera would do for what i want?

Read what Ken Rockwell has to say about it. He was not impressed.

For general photography, any camera would do when you're starting out. Other people might point you to something specific or higher priced, but seeing that you don't really know what you want to do, I'll tell you to buy the least expensive one so you'll have room to grow and you'll have a little money saved for getting accessories along the way. When you've acquired enough knowledge and limitations of your camera and discovered what you want to shoot and understand what minimum capabilities you need, then upgrade to the "better" one. You can buy the D3000 now, it's relatively cheap and fine for your unspecific needs. I would even point you to the D5100 or D3100.http://snapsort.com/roundups/cheapest-nikon-entry-level-dslrs
What's great is when you upgrade, you can use the lenses you've bought on upgraded camera. (compatibility in the D-family of course)

Go to www.dpreview.com/

Not good, it's one of Nikon's crippled entry level cameras. Canon and Nikon are the most expensive systems to buy into by far, it's old in terms of sensor using a CCD instead of a back-lit Cmos sensor which are much better in low light. It has no video function and no Live View.

There are no cheap lenses for Nikon, if you want auto focus you have to get a AF-S lens which costs extra, if you want image stabilisation it costs extra.

Pentax cameras offer more for less money, backwards compatible with any of the millions of K mount lenses, lot's available cheaply (less than $100) all will be image stabilised as it's built into the camera, all will work as designed.

But for learning all the important things it will serve. The important things happen outside of the camera (any camera) the camera merely records what you point it at.

It all depends on price. They normally go for around £150 on eBay UK with the kit lens.

Definitely look for a D3100 instead. The sensor is a totally different style and the D3100's CMOS sensor is much better than the CCD in the D3000.

Not so great. I have a friend who has it, and her pictures are fine, but please go for the D3100 instead! I personally own the D3100, and love it. Great for entry level.