With the D3000, Nikon proves once again that you don't have to give an arm and a leg — or strain your back and neck — to enjoy dSLR photography. This new addition to the Nikon family of dSLRs doesn't skimp on power or performance, offering a great set of features to help you take your photography to the next level. To help you get started using your D3000 camera, we’ve provided a handy reference to your camera’s buttons and dials and automatic and advanced exposure modes.
Get to Know the Controls on Your Nikon D3000 Digital Camera
Here’s a quick reference guide to the buttons, dials, and other external controls on your D3000. Note that the lens shown is the Nikkor 18–55mm AF-S DX (Vibration Reduction) model sold with the D3000 kit; other lenses may not have the same controls. Camera controls marked with an asterisk have multiple functions and thus multiple names.
A Quick Guide to Automatic Exposure Modes on Your Nikon D3000
When you're just starting out with digital SLR photography, these fully automatic modes on your D3000 can make life easier. Select the mode you want to use from the dial on top of the camera and then just frame, focus, and shoot. For a little extra help, set the Mode dial to the Guide setting to access your camera's step-by-step guided menus.
Advanced Exposure Modes for Your Nikon D3000 Digital Camera
To really take creative control, step up to one of these four exposure modes, which enable you to adjust aperture (f-stop) to manipulate depth of field (the zone of sharp focus) and adjust shutter speed to determine whether moving objects appear sharply focused or blurry. You also gain access to some features not available in the fully automatic modes, such as the option to adjust flash power and tweak white balance.
To really take creative control, step up to one of these four exposure modes, which enable you to adjust aperture (f-stop) to manipulate depth of field (the zone of sharp focus) and adjust shutter speed to determine whether moving objects appear sharply focused or blurry. You also gain access to some features not available in the fully automatic modes, such as the option to adjust flash power and tweak white balance.
