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

My good old point-and-shoot camera (one of the Canon PowerShot series) had served me faithfully, but I was growing frustrated with its limitations. It seemed SO slow -- I was always missing great shots of my kids. The low-light performance was not particularly good. And I knew if I ever wanted to take more than basic family snapshots, I was going to need to bite the bullet and buy a DSLR. But they seemed so intimidating! After doing a ton of research online and trying out my sister-in-law's slightly older Nikon D40, I settled on the new D3000. And I love it! It really is easier to use than I could've imagined, and the shots I've gotten so far are amazing. I have no photographic training, but I am really delighted with the pictures I've been getting so far. I never could have imagined there would be SUCH a huge difference. I've actually gotten -sharp- pictures of my toddler in motion, rather than just kid-shaped blurs! I took it to a local park last night for a couple hours and took some really nice photos there, too. Some things you might want to know if you, like me, are new to DSLRs: * Everything you need is in the box (flash, lens, camera body, camera strap, manual, etc.) -except- for a memory card. You'll need to get an SD or SHDC card to use with your camera. These are quite affordable. Of course, you may WANT more lenses, etc., later, but the kit lens is very nice, and offers a decent amount of flexibility. I would suggest, however, get a lens filter to help protect the lens, * The D3000 comes with a "Guide" -- it helps you choose what effect you're looking for (freeze motion, blur background, etc.) and then helps you pick the right settings. But even just on "auto" mode, it takes some really fabulous pictures. * Even as a relatively small DSLR, it's definitely bigger and heavier than most point-and-shoots. This wasn't a big issue to me, as I mostly plan to use it at home, but if you want something you can stick in your pocket, a DSLR may not be for you. (I plan to keep my old point-and-shoot as a backup for times when I want something I can just stow in my purse.) * The D3000 does not have "Live View," where you can frame your shot in the LCD screen. I was a little concerned about this at first, but surprisingly, I've found that I really don't miss it at all. It also does not have video mode (which I find I don't miss, either, because I've always hated taking videos with a camera! They come out all shaky for me.) * The included printed manual is pretty short and sweet. There is a manual on CD included that is much more complete. Neither, of course, really explains DSLRs in depth or photographic principles, so if you'd really like to learn more about using your camera to its fullest, I'd suggest Digital SLR Cameras and Photography For Dummies (For Dummies (Computer/Tech)) and Digital Photography Workbook For Dummies (For Dummies (Sports & Hobbies)) . The former does a great job of explaining how your camera works, why DSLRs are different from point-and-shoots, how to care for your camera, and what accessories you may want. The latter has tons of hands-on exercises to help you learn your way around your camera and improve your photography. In short, if you'd like to jump into the DSLR pond, the D3000 is definitely an excellent introduction. Come on in -- the water's great!

Hey potential buyers! I recently upgraded to the d3000 as my first DSLR. Earlier this year, when we were preparing for our first baby, my husband convinced me to purchase one of the Nikon point-and-shoot super-zoom cameras to save money (he said DSLRs are too difficult to use, anyway). After using the super-zoom for the past few months, I ended up buying this camera anyway because even the super-zoom left me disappointed and wanting. This camera is WELL WORTH the money and the effort, especially now with the release of the d3100. I'll preface this by saying that I am a quick learner and technologically savvy, but this camera is very easy to use. The guide and scene modes are great, but straight out of the box, I found the manual modes (I mainly use M or A) very easy to use. When I ordered the camera, I read up on a few of the important terms that are necessary for understanding how to take good manual pictures. So, while you're waiting for your shipment, google DSLR blogs that explain aperture, shutter, exposure, ISO sensitivity, metering, etc., and it's also helpful to go ahead and take a look at the manual online to get a sense of all of the options you have for focusing. If you understand these basic photography concepts, you'll have no problem getting GREAT pictures in a variety of settings. I've taken superb pictures indoors, outdoors, in good lighting and poor. The auto focusing capabilities are just amazing. Anyone frustrated with point-and-shoots is going to love the control you get. The camera is stable and sturdy, not cheap feeling. The buttons are accessible, convenient, and also feel like quality. I don't have much to say about the flash.... the few pictures I've taken with flash turned out fine, but I honestly don't really use it because you can easily manage exposure with the other settings. Here are some things that aren't issues for me, but be aware of when you purchase the camera: 1-No live view: you must look through the viewfinder. I think it's great. 2-Any extra lenses you buy must have AF-S in the title. This means that the auto-focusing mechanism is IN THE LENS, not the camera body, so if you want auto focus, you must get an auto-focusing lens. You can still use other lenses, but you'll have to focus manually. I kind of like manually focusing just because it's fun to learn, but the autofocus is great on this camera. If you have any questions or want to see some samples, feel free to contact me.

the camera is from 2009. photos are pretty grainy. just spend the extra money and get something newer.