Canon EOS 1000D vs Nikon D3000

Franck Mée
Updated: February 23, 2010

On the left, we have the Canon EOS 1000D, an entry-level digital SLR that's been around for 18 months but is still looking fresh.	\| \| \| \|	On the right: the Nikon D3000, the Canon's closest rival pound-for-pound, despite being a year younger.
Product unavailable Our suggested alternatives: Editor's Choice Sony Alpha 77 Entry-Level SLR Nikon D3100 All-Rounder Pentax K-5	\| \| \| \| \| \| \| \| \| \| \| \| \| \| \| \|	Product unavailable Our suggested alternatives: Editor's Choice Sony Alpha 77 Entry-Level SLR Nikon D3100 All-Rounder Pentax K-5
10 Megapixel CMOS sensor • 14.8 x 22.2 mm	\|	10 Megapixel CCD sensor • 15.8 x 23.6 mm
2.5'', 230 000 pixel screen • Live View	\|	3'', 230 000 pixel screen
95% viewfinder • enlarged 0.81	\|	95% viewfinder • enlarged 0.8
7 point autofocus, 35 zones	\|	11 point autofocus, 420 zones
Canon EF and EF-S lenses	\|	Nikon AF-I and AF-S lenses

THE BACKGROUND

The Canon EOS 1000D is the manufacturer's first digital SLR aimed directly at entry-level users. It's almost two years old, but Canon doesn't seem keen to replace it--while it's contemporary, the EOS 450D has already seen two more versions. Based on components found on existing cameras, it was an excellent surprise with great quality photos. Can it still keep up with the competition 18 months on?

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Despite Nikon's excellent reputation for expert photography equipment, its entry-level D40(x) and D60 cameras struggled to take off. The D3000, which was released in autumn 2009, marked a new departure, borrowing autofocus and exposure systems from the D90. Will that be enough to make it a new reference? Let's see: with a CCD sensor, the D3000 doesn't have Live View, a feature that's particularly popular with non-experts.

Both manufacturers have a shared recipe for producing entry-level digital SLRs: take components designed for more advanced, more expensive cameras, to help recoup research and development costs. The Sony Alpha 230, an update of the Alpha 200, is even more lightweight, but adds stabilisation into the mix.

HANDLING: CANON WINS

Canon EOS 1000D

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Nikon D3000

Direct access: the EOS 100D has most of the same settings as Canon's enthusiast models. The controls for adjusting sensitivity, exposure, autofocus the timer and so on are all there.

Menu layout: Canon's menus are a great example of a clear, simple interface, and the tab-based system makes find the right option very easy.

Live view: you can focus directly using the screen at the back, without putting your eye to the viewfinder. However, autofocus is much slower in this mode.

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Simple: there's not much chance you'll get confused using the controls on the D3000: only the exposure correction gets a dedicated button. The basic photographic info is presented reasonably clearly.

Long-winded menus: the D3000's menus are sometimes complicated, especially those that control exposure and autofocus.

Guide mode: beginning photographers are guided step by step through setting the camera up in the guide mode. It's great for anybody who isn't quite sure how aperture, speed and sensitivity are related.

PERFORMANCE: A DRAW

Average burst mode: both cameras can shoot three photos per second. If you save your photos as JPEGs, then this can keep going, but if you use RAW, then both cameras stop after just six shots.

Autofocus: the speed of the autofocus depends in both cases more on the lens you use tan the camera itself.

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Slow to start-up: by default, the D3000 takes a moment to start up while it cleans its sensor. You can, though, set it to clean the sensor when you switch it off (or not at all), meaning it switches on instantly.

3D tracking: the D3000's autofocus can follow a moving subject, using its 11-point system.

IMAGE QUALITY: CANON WINS

Sensitivity: the 1000D can handle electronic noise up to 800 ISO. At 1600 ISO, noise is visible, but not problematic on reasonably-sized prints. On the D3000, it's visible from 800 ISO and is an irritation beyond that. Canon has a clear advantage in this area.

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White balancing: the 420-point light meter is colour-sensitive, which creates more accurate white balancing. Under incandescent light, the D3000 produces neutral photos, but the EOS 1000D has warmer tones.

Note: the EOS 1000D usually comes in a kit with 18-55 mm EF-S II lenses, which don't enjoy a very good reputation. The D3000, though, usually comes with a 18-55 mm VR AF-S DX lens, which is much better and also has stabilisation.

VERDICT: EOS 1000D FOR ENTHUSIASTS, D3000 FOR NEWBIES

All of the same settings as the next step up
The EOS 1000D works in almost exactly the same way as Canon's enthusiast-level cameras like the EOS 500D. All of the same controls are in the same place, apart, of course from those used for video, which isn't included on the 1000D.

Better without a lens kit
The 18-55 mm II lens that's often supplied isn't up to the camera itself. You'd do better to buy the camera body itself, and then choose a better lens, like the Canon 18-55 mm IS.

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Simple--or simplistic?
With its guide mode, and so few direct controls a point-and-shoot fan will feel right at home, the D3000 is more accessible to non-specialists.
However, the menus are sometimes more complicated, and Nikon's educational efforts need to be expanded here, too.

Good kit lens
The DX 18-55 mm VR is a good lens and a great option to start with.

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