Nikon D3000 troubleshooting?

Just bought this camera and I can't get the display to preview the picture before I click. It only shows a black screen.

The D3000 is a DSLR, not a point and shoot camera. You use a DSLR by looking through the viewfinder, not by looking at the image on the rear LCD screen before you shoot.

Try reading the instructions that came with your camera.

This model does not have a live view mode so it won't show the preview on the screen. You will have to see everything from the viewfinder. Theoretically this is the preferred method to shot better images.

Before troubleshooting, you needed to do more research.

The D3000 has no live view, so you can't use it like a P&S camera, holding a nearly 2 pound camera at arm's length. Trying to use a dSLR in this manner is only asking for camera movement and the resulting blur associated with such

Just use your fine camera as it should be used with your eye pressed firmly against the viewfinders eye piece, holding the camera in your right hand with your finger on the shutter release and your left hand cradling the lens and cameras base. This will assure steady shots.

Look on page 27 of your user manual to see how to hold your camera correctly.

Had live view been important because you were going to use your camera mounted on a telescope or microscope, or using is to shoot products in a studio with it mounted on a tripod, then the Nikon D3100 or D5000 would have been a better choice.

Your D3000 does not have Live View. The rear screen is for checking your picture after you've taken it, not before.