How good is the Nikon D3000?

How good is the Nikon D3000?

As an entry level SLR camera it's very good. It's cheap which is what most beginners seem to only care about.

It has more potential than 90% of its users.

It's true that most of its users don't exhaust its capabilities, BUT there are better deals for the money out there. It has been superceded by the D3100.

Exactly as good as the person using it.

The Nikon D3000 is a good but very basic DSLR with few features. It uses the older CCD sensor which performs poorly at higher ISO settings (above 400).

In my opinion, a much better choice in this price range would be the Pentax K-x. The K-x was chosen by the Technical Image Press Association as its 2010 "Best DSLR Entry Level". Here is what it offers you:

1) A CMOS sensor for better performance at higher ISO settings.

2) Live View.

3) HD Video.

4) Double/multiple exposure capability of from 2 to 9 images on a single frame with Auto Ev Compensation. This opens up a whole new world of creativity to you.

5) A focusing motor in the camera body so even a Pentax AF lens made back in 1988 can be used on the K-x and will auto focus as it should.

6) Image Stabilization in the camera body so any lens used becomes an IS lens - even a vintage manual focus Pentax lens from 1975.

7) A large choice of camera body colors so you don't have to settle for a black camera unless you want to.http://www.pentaximaging.com/slr

Here is a hands-on review of the Pentax K-x:
http://www.shutterbug.net/equipmentreviews/amateur_digital_slrs/0510pentax/index.html

Here are the current prices with 18-55mm zoom lens from B&H ( http://www.bhphotovideo.com/...ovideo.com ) with FREE USA Shipping:

Pentax K-x, $489.95

Nikon D3000, $499.95

So for $10.00 LESS you gain all the features of the Pentax K-x or for $10.00 MORE you lose all those features with the Nikon D3000. I'd rather save $10.00 and get all the features of the Pentax K-x.