Nikon D3000 Digital SLR Review

Terry, don't be so touchy! At least to me, "entry level" means an affordable price to allow the less well-heeled to enter the DSLR world where the real performance cameras reside. I entered clutching a Pentax K110D and when I could afford to be soled as well as heeled, I upgraded to a Nikon D300. Can't see much difference in the technical quality of the pics they both produce though which neatly supports your last paragraph.:)

Terry, I agree that so-called "entry level" SLRs are excellent devices in their own right. However I disagree on the use of the phrase. For the purposes of clarity and comparison we need to have some kind of description for "the least expensive digital SLRs". This is the level, in terms of price point, at which the majority of consumers can "enter" any given digital SLR system.

For me the question is: how else would you describe this category? "Basic"? "Beginner level"? Such alternatives clearly sound disparaging, while I feel that negative connotations can be read into the phrase "entry level" but are not inherent. Meanwhile words like "affordable" are far too subjective. The only really fair description would be "Those dSLRs which are less expensive and with fewer controls and features than other dSLRs of the same brand, but nevertheless more than adequate for the majority of users". A little unwieldy, no?

I do understand your concern, but at the moment I cannot think of a suitable replacement for this phrase. I'm open to suggestions. Ultimately I suspect that whatever word or phrase you pick, people will read all sorts of connotations into it. Think of "amateur" versus "professional". There is no logical reason why someone should be offended by the suggestion that their equipment is designed for "amateurs", as "professional" simply indicates receiving payment for one's images, and is not necessarily an indicator of quality or talent. Yet still some take offence at being called "amateurs", while others will take disproportionate pride in the fact that they own "professional" equipment. It only becomes a real problem if you actually are a professional and ill-informed potential customers turn you down because your equipment is "amateur". Otherwise it's a purely psychological issue.

Sorry I have gone on quite a bit... I've been passing the time while backing up my own images, many of which were shot with an "entry level" dSLR. Others were taken with a so-called "advanced amateur" camera. They each have their advantages and disadvantages, and I would rather enjoy using either than worry about what someone else thinks.

I have always been interested in Photography, im 50 now and my son bought me the Nikon D3000 camera for Xmas. I found it a lovely camera and ive read with interest all comments on it. BUT: the words entre level is quite right and its a learning device and does that perfectly as well as being an excellent camera for first time users of DSLR,s. Im actually going to buy the D90 now, and use my D3000 for travel which i do extensively with my job. If i could afford it, i'd buy the D700 or at least the D300s. Within a month ive learnt how to use a DSLR camera, now all i need is talent ha. But i feel confident only as a bit of fun or as a hobbie to attempt some higher levels of photgraphy, like birds flying off etc and capuring that perfectly, otherwise within a short month ive mastered the D3000 without any tuition and feel ready for a Mid range Amatuer DSLR like the D90. IM ALWAYS VERY HAPPY WITH CLIFF SMITHS REVIEWS WHICH ARE INFORMATIVE AND USUALLY SPOT ON, REMEMBERING ITS ALL AN OPINION ONLY.!!! Im a chef, some people love my cuisine, some dont, its all an opinion. www.davidcourtneyjones.co.uk
I love my D3000 and wouldnt part with it. But i would like to add to it a D90 if anyone knows of one going second hand kindly let me know. Thank you.