Why is it that an increasing number of people choose to buy refurbushed digital camera?

Refurbished Digital Camera

Advantages of getting refurbished digital cameras:

For the factors stated above, a refurbished digital camera is also like a brand new camera.

How will you realize which you have purchased an excellent refurbished camera?

Digital SLR Camera, Nikon D3000 10.2MP with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX VR Nikkor Zoom Lens

Nikon D3000

Nikon makes it really simple with a thumb dial for tweaking aperture and shutter speed. Metering, focus modes, and exposure compensation are easily controlled via the menu. The D3000 does not shoot in video mode. This model easily shoots over three frames per second in continuous mode. The 3D tracking sensor operates quite well in low lighting.

The Nikon D3000 camera kit comes packaged with a EN/EL3e Li-ion battery, charger, USB cable, video cable. strap, eye cap, eye cup, software CD-ROM, 18-55mm Nikkor lens, lens cap, instruction booklet and a one year Nikon warranty.

Technical Details

• 10.2-megapixel DX-format imaging sensor for prints up to 20 x 30 inches
• Includes 3x 18-55mm Zoom-Nikkor VR Image Stabilization lens
• Nikon EXPEED image processing; in-camera image editing and Active D-Lighting
• 3.0-inch color LCD screen; 170-degree wide-angle viewing
• Capture images to SD/SDHC memory cards (not included)

See details >>

Nikon D3000 price

Breathtaking digital SLR image quality and easy operation highlight the 10.2-megapixel D3000–Nikon’s friendliest DSLR ever. Compact and capable, the D3000 is compatible with a broad range of world-famous Nikkor lenses and includes the versatile 3x, 18-55mm Zoom-Nikkor with Silent-Wave Motor autofocusing and Nikon VR image stabilization to combat picture blur caused by camera shake for sharper handheld pictures. Special moments are captured faithfully at up to 3 frames-per-second and displayed on a bright, 3-inch LCD monitor.

The D3000′s split-second shutter response eliminates the annoyance of shutter lag. To further simplify picture-taking in special situations such as portraits, sports, landscapes, and more, the D3000 features icon-identified Scene Modes that deliver beautiful results automatically in otherwise complex situations. Additional Nikon technologies elevate picture quality and guard against picture-taking mistakes. Fast, accurate 11-point autofocus delivers razor sharpness. 3D Color Matrix Metering II and Nikon EXPEED image processing work with an exclusive Scene Recognition System for precise automatic exposures and rich, vivid color. Making the D3000 an even smarter choice are its exclusive Re-touch functions for creative fun and the onboard Guide Mode that’s ready to lend a reassuring hand to take the pictures you’ve always wanted.

Nikon D3000 Highlights

D3000 Nikon

10.2-megapixel DX-format Imaging Sensor
Delivers extraordinary image quality for breathtaking prints up to 20 x 30 inches.

Includes 3x 18-55mm Zoom-Nikkor VR Image Stabilization Lens
Legendary Nikkor optical quality and fast, accurate autofocus means vivid color, striking contrast and crisp detail, while VR image stabilization assures your sharpest pictures ever.

Compact Design
Beautifully styled–Ready to go where life takes you.

Easy-To-Use–Featuring Nikon Guide Mode
Intuitive controls and the on-board Guide Mode assist you every step of the way.

Split-second Shutter Response
Eliminates the frustration of shutter delay, capturing moments that other cameras miss.

Continuous Shooting up to 3 Frames-Per-Second
Capture fast action, precious moments and fleeting expressions confidently.

6 Automatic Exposure Scene Modes
Just set the Mode dial to Portrait, Landscape, Child, Sports, Close-up or Night Portrait for stunning results in otherwise challenging conditions.

3-inch Color LCD Monitor
Bright, high-resolution, 170-degree wide-angle viewing for easy picture review and sharing.

In-camera Image Editing
The Retouch Menu provides creative freedom, without the need for a computer, offering 13 easy editing functions, including Trim, Red-eye Correction and Soft Filter.

Nikon EXPEED Image Processing
Assures breathtakingly rich image quality, managing color, contrast, exposure, noise and speed.

Automatic Image Sensor Cleaning
Ultrasonic process and exclusive Airflow Control combats the accumulation of dust in front of the image sensor, safeguarding image quality shot after shot.

11-point Autofocus
Fast and accurate autofocus delivers razor-sharp pictures.

6 Personal Picture Control Settings
Choose from Standard, Neutral, Vivid, Monochrome, Portrait, or Landscape to apply a personal look and feel to your pictures.

Active D-Lighting
Restores picture-enhancing detail in shadows and highlights.

ISO sensitivity from 100-1600
Exceptional results, even in challenging low-light situations.

 

Nikon D3000 Review

Nikon D3000 is Nikon beginner / entry level camera. It replaces Nikon D60. There are three major upgrade of D3000 from D60. There are 11 Auto focus system with dynamic tracking and 3D tracking. This AF system is the same as Nikon mid-range/enthusiast camera, D90. Also, the LCD screen has been enlarged to 3 inches from 2.5 inches. However, the screen resolution remains the same at 230,000 dots. Also new is the Guide mode, this new mode is working as your tutor on basic photography. It helps you set up your camera, in the same time, it tells you about basic photography setting and concepts. Other than that, everything looks the same, buttons, placement, viewfinder and image quality/resolution.

It is an average size for beginner DSLR camera. But if you are coming from compact camera, you might a bit surprise of the size. On the other hand, if you are coming from advanced DSLR cameras, then you will feel this camera is compact and light.

Nikon D3000 has a thumb dial, which you will use most of the time to change shutter speed and aperture. There are mode dial on the top of the camera. Several basic buttons such as playback, delete, menu, magnifiy/zoom, and exposure compensation. There is also a function (Fn) button on the left side, near the flash that you can customize according to your need.

Coming from more advance Nikon camera like Nikon D90, what missing are the ISO button, Image Quality button, Release mode button, AF mode button and White Balance button. If you want to change above settings, you need to go to shooting menu (green camera icon). I recommend you to customize the Fn button so you can change you favorite button faster. I change my D3000 Fn button to ISO setting.

Build quality and Ergonomic
Nikon D3000 body is built by rugged plastic. There is texture in the grip area to ensure comfortable grip. The built quality of outer shell is the same or almost the same as Nikon D90. The difference is there are more textured finish in Nikon D90 body. Ergonomically, it is good to hold, but the space between lens mount and the grip is pretty tight. If you mount bigger lens or if you have big hands, then you might not feel it comfortable. Compare to Nikon D60, I noticed that the pistol grip is more curvy instead of pointy. This is a small improvement that you might appreciate.

LCD Screen
D3000 has 3 inches LCD screen with 230k resolution. This is considered basic, but the screen is clear, sharp. If you like to check on the details or pixel levels, it is best to check the images on your computer. In the bright light condition, this screen is relatively good. There is minimal glare/reflection.

Nikon D3000 has 95% coverage and 0.8x magnification viewfinder. It is considered small for DSLR size, but for people who moves from superzooms or advanced compact, this viewfinder are big and a lot clearer. Manual focusing is more challenging than the other Nikon’s more advanced DSLRs.

Like Nikon D5000, Nikon D3000 does not have top LCD screen like D90 or more advanced camera. Unlike many of competitors entry level DSLR cameras, Nikon D3000 does not have any live view feature.

Lens and Compatibility
Nikon D3000 comes with Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 VR lens. This lens has a plastic mount, but the image quality and the light is recommendable. It never get super sharp like pro grade lens, but pro grade lens might costs more than ten times, so 18-55mm VR is one of the best value lens out in the market.

The lens has image stabilization feature which is called Vibration Reduction (VR). It works well and quietly up to 3 stops. If you hold the camera tight and still, you can shoot up to a quarter second without motion blur.

Unfortunately, D3000 does not have built in focus motor in the camera, therefore, it can’t auto focus older lenses such as the venerable Nikon 50mm f/1.8 or the legendary Nikon 85mm f/1.4D. Lenses that compatible with this camera are lenses that has built in motor (usually has AF-S code on it) and for third party lenses, look for HSM (Sigma lens).

Image Quality and ISO
Nikon D3000 employs 10 megapixel image sensor. This sensor is a bit inferior than sensors in the D90 and D300. But still this is more adequate for large print.

Image quality is excellent up to ISO 800. At 1600, a lot of noises start to creep in especially in shadow area. At 3200 (or Hi setting), the image is unacceptable only for very small print of web.

If you turn on Noise Reduction or NR (unfortunately no low-medium-strong option), the camera with smooth out the noises, but the image become softer and lose some details. If you concern about the lost of details, I suggest you to shoot with NR off, and then take care the images with image editing software to treat the noise.

Like other Nikon DSLR cameras, D3000 also has Auto ISO limiter. You can effectively limit the ISO and minimum shutter speed. The Auto ISO works very well and accurate most of the time. My favorite way to use this is to set the camera to Auto ISO, and then use Aperture mode and let the camera adjust the rest for me.

D3000 does not have 1/3 stops ISO increments, so you only can set ISO to the regular base level or 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600 and 3200 (HI). But to be fair, most of the entry level DSLR cameras does not have that too.

Auto Focus and Continuous burst
The new 11 AF points are miles better than old 3 points AF system. It helps a lot in composition and fortunately, it also comes with dynamic tracking and 3D tracking which is great for moving objects and sports. The auto focus is very fast and responsive. However, D3000 has only 3 frame per second, so you might miss some shots when shooting sports or fast moving objects.

Guide Mode
Nikon’s Guide mode is a tutor for absolute beginner. It does a good job on helping you to set up the camera and also help you to get the best setting for particular kind of photography. For example, when you choose sports mode, it suggest you to set high shutter speed to eliminate motion blur.

Guide mode is basically a super duper friendly menu that consists of three major options: Shooting, playback and camera setup. Shooting menu (the most important of all), divided into two, easy operation and advanced operation.

Easy operation consists of Auto, no flash, distant subjects, sleeping faces (children), moving subjects, landscapes, portrait, and night portrait.

Advanced operation consists of soften background, freeze motion (people) and freeze motion (vehicle). Unlike the usual mode, Guide mode explains to you what kind of setting is important for particular kind of photography, so you can gain insight and knowledge of basic photography concept.

However, keep in mind that although his guide menu is very helpful, but it does not replace basic photography course or seminar.

Photo Retouch
D3000 offers some basic camera processing such as quick retouch (camera automatically enhance or optimize the image). Miniature effect which is fun to play with. Basically you will need to choose a point in the image, and then the rest of the image will be blurred, giving a depth of field illusion.

Other basic retouches are also available such as crop/trim, filter effects, color balance, BW, sepia, etc. The downside is the processing time of one image could take up to 10 seconds.

Conclusion
I applaud Nikon for D3000 because the design is very user friendly through Guide Mode. With the help of this mode, beginners will able to learn basic photography faster. Various photo retouches ignite creativity and fun. I also love the the installment of 11 AF system which is usually reserved for higher end cameras. D3000′s competitors does not have this sophisticated AF system.

On the other hand, Nikon D3000 have two main weaknesses, first it does not have built-in AF motor for older but great lenses. D3000 also does not have live view mode which actually can help tremendously in focusing those old lenses.

If you have Nikon D60 you might want to look for more advanced camera such as Nikon D90 or D300. However, if you have Nikon D40 or compact cameras, this camera is a very good upgrade choice.

In short, Nikon D3000 is a solid camera for beginner that is simple, fun, and has great image quality. It is definitely worth your money.

Subjective Rating – Relative to entry level DSLR cameras
Image Quality : 4/5
Features : 4/5
Performance : 5/5
Body and Handling : 4/5
Value for Money : 4/5

I wanted to start with photography, so i bought this camera. Its awesome camera for begginers, it has everyrhing you need to get you started on the world of photography, pictures ae really nice and in a very good quality, has good ISO options. It comes with a lens kit, a Nikkor 18-55 F/3.5 – 5.6 AF-S VR zoom lens that gives you a nice zoom.

For macros, it manages really nice the colors, and i have taken really nice macro pictures, its hard to get insects with this lens, but you ca get really jice close ups of flowers and another objects.

It has many modes where you can shoot, i personally like to shoot on manua mode, but you can choose from 8 shooting modes, that will try to fit for what you need them.

I highly recommend this camera to all thouse new photographers as i am, it has everything you need to be a photographer, the only bad thing about it is the it dosent capture video, but its perfect if you are just interested on taking pictures.

I am a D700 shooter and will have the D800 before it hits the shelf (or on the way to it) but love to test and trial cameras. I am a professional photographer/semi and have been shooting for 24 years now.

The reviews have this model nailed down, the 4 and 5 star. I used this yesterday (I bought it for my daughter) and have great results. The image quality was fab and when opening images in Photoshop to check levels/sat/et cetera the quality was really really good.

If you are a pro – this is not for you, but you know that. This is for the individual whom wants a good camera at a price point. Durability could be an issues for the folks with rough tendancies – the plastick body will not last for ever I feel, but again – its a price point digital slr. It is a good one as well and if you have your camera in a bag 6 mo a year it will probably last a long long time.

If errors happen, and they do, I think it is just something to expect this day in age. The iPod, a Cannon, just as well as a New D 3000 will probably not last as long as an old F1 or tough F5 (the good old cameras made of metal). So, this is what we face – it is a darn good value, this day in age, considering what you get and compared to other products.

Be happy, shoot well.

Of the economic SLR cameras, this one is the best followed by the Nikon D3100. The diference between this one and the D3100 is that the other one includes HD video.

I have always loved taking pictures and overnight I just wanted to start taking landscape photography, I didn’t knew to much about cameras so I went to the store and they recommended to me the Nikon coolpix P500 just because I was not a pro. I bought it for 450 and I found the camera to be complicated not to mention that when I did my research I could get a Professional SLR camera for only a 100 buck more. I returned it an bought the Nikon D3000 and boy it was easier to use than the coolpix P500 plus the quality of pictures of course are way better.

I find this camera very easy to use and the pictures are amazing especially if you take pictures in valleys and mountains, is like the color green is this camera’s best friend!!! With that being said I also took pictures on the beach on a cloudy morning and the pictures came out very grainy to the point were they look like a picture taken with a cheap cellphone. Seems like the camera does not work to good in low light. Other than that I have no complains.

Overall this is a very good camera and if you have kids or pets that are constantly moving you must have this camera!! I also took pictures of dogs running and they came crisp and clear no blurry at all. the rain looks AMAZING it just frizzes the drops and they look like sparkly diamonds falling just pretty!!

If you have have a few bucks more I would suggest you buying the D3100 because you get the video too!!

Nikon D3000 Accessories

CMOS Digital SLR Camera Nikon D5100 16.2MP with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-S DX VR Nikkor Zoom Lens

Nikon D5100

The Nikon D5100 offers a host of new photographic and video tools that deliver superior performance and exceptional image quality with surprising versatility. With 16.2 megapixels, a swivel Vari-Angle LCD monitor, full HD movie capabilities, new EFFECTS Mode and new HDR setting, you hold the power and performance to capture beautiful moments and the freedom to get creative.

Technical Details

Nikon D5100 Price

The D5100 incorporates an amazing array of special effects for use when taking still pictures or recording D-Movie Full HD movies. Selective Color isolates any color within the scene, capture details in places too dark for your own eyes using Night Vision, create bright, glowing images filled with atmosphere with High Key, emphasize the mood of a scene using Low Key, Miniature Effect makes a scene look like a miniature scale model and Color Sketch creates color outlines of the subject that are played back as a series of stills in a slide show. Accessories: * EN-EL14 Rechargeable Li-ion Battery * MH-24 Quick Charger * DK-20 Rubber Eyecup; * UC-E6 USB Cable * EG-CP14 Audio Video Cable * AN-DC3 Camera Strap * DK-5 Eyepiece Cap * BF-1B Body Cap * BS-1 Accessory Shoe Cover * Nikon ViewNX 2 CD-ROM

Vari-angle LCD Monitor 

D5100 Nikon

Creativity from any point of view

Take pictures or record movies from a unique viewpoint, the D5100’s 3.0 inch, super sharp, 921,000-dot Vari-angle LCD monitor allows for versatile high quality viewing and playback. Explore every angle, with overhead shots, waist level candids, ground level and fun self portraits; you will never miss a shot. This Vari-angle monitor allows you to be creative from any point of view.

Effects Mode

More fun and artistic pictures and movies

D5100

The D5100 incorporates an amazing array of special effects for use when taking still pictures or recording D-Movie Full HD movies. Selective Color isolates any color within the scene, capture details in places too dark for your own eyes using Night Vision, create bright, glowing images filled with atmosphere with High Key, emphasize the mood of a scene using Low Key, Miniature Effect makes a scene look like a miniature scale model and Color Sketch creates color outlines of the subject that are played back as a series of stills in a slide show.

HDR (High Dynamic Range)

Exquisite detail in highlight and shadow

In scenes with extreme contrasts, such as bright, sunlit clouds and a foreground deep in shadow, it was once quite difficult to render the textures of both equally. Not any more. D5100 combines two exposures to create an image revealing an extremely wide dynamic range, but with less noise and richer color gradation than ever before.

EXPEED 2 image processing

Stunning image quality

Image quality in a class of its own

Incorporating the latest Nikon D-SLR technologies such as the 16.2MP DX-format CMOS sensor and EXPEED 2 image processing engine, the D5100 delivers outstanding image quality. Its CMOS sensor offers a remarkably wide ISO range (ISO 100 to 6400) with reduced noise which enables you to shoot at faster shutter speeds and capture scenes and subjects with less blur. Handheld shooting and full HD movies come out looking great even in low light.

Nikon D5100 Review

D5100 is Nikon D7000 Sensor for $400 cheaper, May 23, 2011

This is a fantastic new offering from Nikon. You get most of the best parts of the D7000 for 1/3 cheaper. If you are looking for a starter camera or a back up body to the D7000 this is it.

Here are the major differences between the D5100 and D7000.

D5100
Exact same sensor and processing abilities as the D7000. Some of the best Image Quality available in any DSLR. ISO 3200 is very usable with low noise.

- Swivel screen while the D7000 is fixed — Since the contrast autofocus (ie Live View) is not very good on either of these cameras this is not really a player unless you are using a tripod. Then the swivel screen is very useful.

- 4 fps vs 6 fps for D7000 – No big deal 4 fps is plenty fast to fill your card with similar looking pictures. Also, in RAW D7000 buffers out pretty fast and then slows down anyway.
- 11 focus points vs 39 for D7000 – Most of the time not really a big deal. Sometimes all those extra points get in the way and slow you down.

No internal auto focus motor while the D7000 has one — If you don’t have any D series or older lenses this is not an issue. If you do, they will not autofocus on this camera.

- Only one SD slot vs 2 for the D7000 — A big difference when getting paid to shoot. Otherwise, always format your cards in your camera and not on the computer. Doing that I have never had a failure. (Jinxed myself now)

Not weather sealed vs D7000 partially weather sealed – Don’t drop either one in the water and keep both out of dust.

- Has less external switches than the D7000 – This means you need to go to the menus more often which slows things down. This can be severely annoying or not depending on your shooting style. The D7000 handles better but this is not a deal breaker on the D5100.

Built in flash is not a commander for Nikon Creative Light System while D7000 is — If you don’t use off camera flash or you use radio triggers this is not a big deal.

1.2 lbs vs 1.7 lbs for D7000.

Overall the D5100 is a great camera. The D7000 have some extra features that make it worth the extra money but if you don’t need them you get all the fantastic D7000 IQ for 2/3rd the price.

D5100, Great Nikon Camera!, March 7, 2012

Previous Nikon Coolpix cameras such as their 8800 & 8400,8 meg cameras (5 years ago) really gave me such options and picture quality I never thought I would need to invest into a DSLR. However, recent “ProCam” purchases including the Nikon P100 and Sony DXC-HX9 or the earlier HX5 while having some rather cool options, really no longer had as good quality images. Their backgrounds were watercolor washy and well…just weren’t as professional as they should have been with the growth in digital imagery. In addition, features have been eliminated on the “ProCam’s” such as hot-shoe flash, ability to use filters, RAW or Extra-high JPEG file saving to name a few .

Purchased the D5100 with 18mm -55mm and the 55mm to 300mm. Wow, just what I was looking for. Sharp and explicit detail and low, low noise infraction at higher ISO. Shooting at 1600 and totally amazed at the quality. I’m not going to pick it apart for there are many other long reviews to read here and else where.

Just to mention a few of the items I’m so glad to have back by going to a DSLR at this time. BIG LIKE is the fully swivel LCD screen in all directions, hot shoe, filters, RAW and TTL flash (Nikon SB-800) a rather light & small footprint in my camera bag. Extremely high useable ISO settings, the ability to use a wireless remote or wired remote shutter release. Manual focus, just for those time when the low light and it just searches constantly for something to focus on. HD video is great also..

Get one and adapt to loving it.

Nikon D5100, Incredible value in DSLR system photography, February 25, 2012

I won’t go into details about the merits of the Nikon D5100. Others have described the camera’s capabilities in depth and with thought and passion. Simply put, it is an outstanding camera capable of serving the needs of every amateur photographer. Yes, it is that good. The biggest practical difference between the D5100 and the less expensive D3100 is video capability. If you are not interested in HDvideo, the D3100 is a better value. For normal use, it is impossible to tell the difference between an image made with either camera. The D5100 does offer a bit better low light performance. However it will not benefit most amateur users that much, if at all. That said, either Nikon is superior to any Canon DSLR for flash photography. Nikon’s iTTL flash system is better at metering and producing properly exposed images than anything Canon offers, regardless of price. In fact, Nikon’s TTL system from 20 years ago is better than anything Canon offers today. If you NEVER use flash, Canon is a wonderful choice. Canon cameras offer rich, saturated colors. All my compact digital cameras are made by Canon, including the wonderful S95. I am not a anti-Canon Nikon fan. I do use Nikon SLR film and digital SLR cameras. Many choose to minimize the benefits of the Nikon flash system. Don’t choose a camera system without considering it. Nikon makes the best flash system. Period.

For those that want to compare the D5100 to the D7000. Don’t. The D7000 exceeds the needs of nearly every amateur. Its biggest practical difference for most users is compatibility with Nikon Ais and AF lenses made since 1977. Unless you already own older Nikkor lenses or plan on buying them now, the AFS lenses made today will more than meet your needs. Too many people buy DSLRs for ego. Don’t be one of them. Buy a Nikon DSLR that works with your budget and immediately buy a separate flash, such as the capable and inexpensive Nikon SB-400, and learn and enjoy photography. Only you can make good photographs. The camera has very little to do with it. Don’t believe anyone that tells you otherwise. Professionals have far different needs than you and me. I have a Nikon D200, a Nikon 8008, and a Nikkormat FTn. I have been using an slr for 37 years, ever since I was twelve. You will not go wrong with the D3100 or the D5100. And remember, only buy a Nikon flash.

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