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Nikon Canada Introduces New DX-Format Digital SLR D3000
New, intuitive Guide mode and extraordinary 10.2-megapixel-image quality provide first-time users with an ideal way to experience the world of digital SLR photography
Mississauga, ON, July 30, 2009 – Nikon Canada today announced the D3000 as the newest addition to its family of quality DX-format digital SLRs. The 10.2 megapixel D3000 makes it easier than ever to step-up to digital SLR photography and achieve great pictures with the new Guide Mode, which aids new users with step-by-step assistance when needed.
Through its intuitive user-friendly interface, the Guide mode assists users in choosing shooting modes for a variety of situations and, if they choose, exploring advanced photographic techniques. The Guide mode is easily accessed by the program dial on the top of the camera and displays a variety of shooting situations via the LCD screen, indicating the most appropriate setting for a particular scenario. There are also sample photos, which illustrate the effects of different photo-taking techniques.
“Combining in-camera support and utmost ease-of-use with Nikon’s renowned technology, the D3000 is an ideal choice for first-time digital SLR users,” said Gregory Flasch, Nikon Canada’s Manager of Advertising and Communications. “The new Guide Mode is a hassle-free way for less-experienced picture-takers to master the capabilities of digital SLR cameras.”
The D3000 leverages proven Nikon technologies to create the most positive picture-taking experience for consumers. The D3000 delivers highly detailed images with vibrant colour reproduction and low noise across a broad ISO range, due to its 10.2-megapixel CCD image sensor coupled with Nikon’s exclusive EXPEED™ advanced digital image processing system technologies. The D3000’s normal ISO range extends from ISO 100 to 1600, allowing for low-light versatility. Additionally, the D3000’s ISO range can expand to a Hi 1 setting of ISO 3200, furthering the opportunities for shots that other cameras miss.
Extending the outstanding performance of the D3000 is Nikon’s exclusive Scene Recognition System; Active D-Lighting, which automatically compensates to reveal veiled details in shadows and highlights in highcontrast situations; continuous shooting up to 3 frames-per-second; advanced 3D Colour Matrix Metering II; 11-point Multi-CAM 1000 autofocus; and Nikon’s Advanced 3D Subject Tracking, which continuously focuses on a fast-moving subject throughout the frame.
Nikon’s exclusive 3D Colour Matrix Metering II, in conjunction with the EXPEED™ image processing system, contributes to the D3000’s ability to capture breathtaking images by instantly evaluating the exposure elements of each scene and comparing it to an onboard database of information from more than 30,000 images. These split-second calculations allow the D3000 to ensure beautiful exposures — even when conditions are extreme.
The D3000 provides multiple ways for users to engage with their pictures in post-capture using Nikon’s extensive In-Camera Retouch Menu, which allows users to easily apply a variety of fun and dramatic effects to their images. The D3000 introduces a new Miniature effect, which changes the appearance of distant subjects to look like close-ups of miniature models. It also inherits the Soft Filter and Colour Outline Retouch options from the D5000, allowing users to express their photography in a new and artistic way. As with all Nikon digital SLRs, the camera creates the new retouched image, while saving the original.
For users who want to take their creativity to the next level, the D3000 also includes the ability to capture images in the NEF (RAW) format, in addition to traditional JPEG. Images captured with D3000 in the NEF (RAW) format include a greater amount of data for an image, which in turn, affords finer image control and higher image quality. With NEF (RAW) images, users can fine-tune the appearance of a photo with simple adjustments to things like exposure, colour saturation, brightness and overall tone – especially in the postproduction process. Nikon’s powerful image-editing software Capture NX2 can be used to achieve these desired effects.
Nikon extends the creativity with Stop-Motion Movie Mode. With this mode, users can choose a collection of images within the D3000’s Retouch Menu, and the camera then compiles and stitches them into a fun and creative video file.
The D3000 also incorporates Nikon’s Integrated Dust Reduction System, which offers a comprehensive solution to combat the accumulation of image-degrading dust from the camera’s image sensor. The system combines an active sensor-cleaning function that activates whenever the camera is turned on or off, with the Airflow Control System to direct dust away from the sensor.
For comfortable viewing when playing back images and retouching photos, the D3000 features a bright 3.0-in., 230k-dot TFT LCD monitor. The large monitor and larger font size also improves the ability to read menus.
System Expandability
Photographers and enthusiasts alike can also appreciate the D3000’s system expandability, as the camera can work in conjunction with a variety of Nikon accessories, including a broad assortment of NIKKOR AF-S interchangeable lenses. While the D3000 offers a versatile built-in flash, the camera is also compatible with Nikon’s Creative Lighting System and capable of Advanced Wireless Lighting when using the optional SB-900 Speedlight or SU-800 Wireless Commander.
The D3000 offers an easy, inviting way to experience the world of digital SLR photography and achieve beautiful pictures.
Nikon D3000 Feature Highlights
New Guide mode
In-camera guidance is provided by the new Guide mode, which employs an easy-to-use interface for firsttime users to select the shooting modes. Additionally, after selecting an item in the Guide mode, camera settings can be further adjusted in order to obtain optimal results.
Nikon DX-format CCD sensor; 10.2 effective megapixels
At 10.2 effective megapixels, the D3000 produces high-resolution images that enable beautiful enlargements without loss of sharpness. Normal ISO sensitivity is ISO 100 to 1600. For added shooting versatility, a Hi 1 setting increases sensitivity to ISO 3200.
EXPEED™ advanced digital image processing system technologies
The D3000 is equipped with Nikon’s EXPEED™ advanced digital image processing system technologies. EXPEED™ realizes excellent resolution, long tonal scale and superb colour while also making possible fast processing of the D3000’s advanced imaging functions such as Scene Recognition and Active D-Lighting.
Scene Recognition System
This feature improves accuracy for exposure, white balance and autofocus by analyzing colour and illumination over the entire scene milliseconds prior to shooting. It then adjusts the D3000 accordingly for optimal picture quality.
Active D-Lighting
The D3000 incorporates Nikon’s Active D-Lighting function to vastly improve details in the shadows and highlights of high-contrast scenes. Similar to the Scene Recognition System, Active D-Lighting utilizes the 420-pixel RGB sensor to analyze a scene then adjust exposure to achieve images that closely resemble what the human eye sees. During processing, this function also restores details in the highlight and shadow areas of the image that may have been lost.
11-point AF system with Multi-CAM 1000 autofocus sensor module
Employing 11-point autofocus driven by Nikon’s Multi-CAM 1000 autofocus sensor module, the D3000 delivers fast, precise focus over a wide area of the frame. Four versatile AF modes are available: single-point AF for stationary subjects, especially ones that are off-centre; dynamic-area AF for moving subjects; autoarea AF when you want the D3000 to automatically determine the proper focus method; and 3D-tracking (11 points) AF for maintaining focus on subjects even if the composition changes.
3.0-inch LCD monitor
Image playback and viewing menus is now easier than ever thanks to the 3.0-inch, 230k-dot TFT LCD monitor.
Picture Control System
The Picture Control System of the D3000 gives users the ability to customize key digital image capture characteristics to suit personal preferences. Six settings are available: Standard, Neutral, Vivid, Monochrome, Portrait and Landscape.
Availability and Pricing
The D3000 will be available from Nikon Canada Authorized Dealers in late August 2009. Pricing will be announced at a later date. [Aug 27, 2009: CAD $639.95 with AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 G VR Lens]
Exclusive Canadian Warranty
Nikon Canada offers an exclusive two-year warranty for the D3000 purchased from a Nikon Canada Authorized Dealer. Additionally, Nikon Canada offers a five-year warranty for all NIKKOR lenses purchased from a Nikon Canada Authorized Dealer. Consumer’s investment is protected by Nikon Canada’s warranties with in-Canada service.
About Nikon
Nikon, At the Heart of the Image™, is the world leader in digital imaging, precision optics and photo imaging technology and is globally recognized for setting new standards in product design and performance for its award-winning consumer and professional photographic equipment. Nikon Canada distributes consumer and professional digital SLR cameras, NIKKOR optics, Speedlights and System Accessories; Nikon COOLPIX® compact digital cameras; COOLSCAN® digital film scanners; 35mm film SLR cameras; Nikon software products and Nikon sports and recreational optics. At the heart of every Nikon camera is Nikon’s Exclusive EXPEED™ advanced digital image processing system technologies. All Nikon Canada products are sold through a network of Nikon Canada Authorized Dealers. For more information on Nikon Canada and its products and services or to find a Nikon Authorized Dealer, visit www.nikon.ca.
Related Links:
– Nikon D3000 QuickFact Sheet
