Toronto Photography Meetup Group

A coworker saw the Nikon D3000 advertised in the Walmart flyer for $369. She has asked me if this would be a good first DSLR. I am not very familiar with the current entry level DSLRs, since I am not currently looking for one. The camera does come with the 18-55mm lens. My friend has been able to use her sister's Nikon DSLR (she doesn't know which model). I did ask her to find out what lens she has used, and what lenses her sister owns and might be shareable. I don't want to just push her to Nikon because I shoot Nikon, although if she is able to share lenses that would be a significant factor in favour of Nikon. Should I recommend that she get the D3000, while it is on is on sale, or which other entry level DSLR should she consider - perhaps looking for a used D80/D90?

http://www.walmart.ca/en/ip/nikon-d3000 ... 04%3ANikon

The d3000 is now 3 generations old (d3200 is the current model with 24 MP). That is not to say its a bad camera. Just keep that in perspective when looking at cost? I did a quick look and a brand new d3100 with the kit lense is over $500. So that price isn't too shabby. The only reason to go to a used d80/90 would be to use non af-s lenses or for features not on an entry level camera. Sounds lie for your friend, just starting out this is a good deal to get started in.

J.

Depends,

Photography enthusiast = d80/d90
Ordinary Joe (no interest in photography) = d3000

I say this, because the ordinary joe doesn't care about a top lcd, a penta prism, dual click wheels, etc.. they usually just slap it on auto and done. No point in buying a more advanced camera if she isn't taking advantage of the more advanced features.

From your description, I'm going to go on a limb here, and assume your co-worker would fit into the "ordinary Joe" or should I say "ordinary Jill". If that's the case, the d3000. If she wants to take her photography further, she can always update at a later date.

btw, I do think the d80/d90 is a better camera, but its not about what is a better camera. Its what camera is best suited towards the end user.

I don't think she knows if she will be a "ordinary Jill" or an enthusiast. She has tried to learn about ISo and aperture, but doesn't get to use her sister's camera often enough for the information to stick. I am hoping that the D3000 will allow her to find out how enthusiastic she will become, and if she does need to upgrade later, she should know what features are important to her.