Nikon D3000 Upgrade Options
The Nikon D3000 was released in 2009. Since then, many newer cameras have come out that offer more image resolution, the ability to record video, 4k video, faster continuous shooting, and other improved features that can be had by upgrading your Nikon D3000.
Where to Sell Your Nikon D3000
The Nikon D3000 still has value and can be sold. Compatible camera lenses for the D3000 will also be compatible with all the cameras recommended so you can keep your lenses if you want.
An upgrade can be made less expensive by selling off the gear you were going to upgrade. If you don’t want to take the time to sell locally through sites such as Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, Kijiji, or eBay, there are websites willing to buy your used camera gear.
Each site will give you a quote. Shop around for the best offer.
Best Value - Nikon D3400
| Nikon D3000 | Nikon D3400 | |
|---|---|---|
| Released | 2009 | 2016 |
| Resolution | 10.2 MP | 24 MP |
| Continuous Shooting | 3 fps | 5 fps |
| Video | No Video | 1080p 60fps |
| Wireless | Eye-Fi SD Card | Built-In |
| Touch Screen | No | No |
The Nikon D3400 is 4 generations newer than the D3000. There are noticeable improvements, such as the 14 megapixel increase in resolution.
Another big improvement is the ability to record video. Not being able to record video is a big disadvantage for a DSLR camera.
The Nikon D3400 has been replaced by the D3500, which means a great deal can be had on a used Nikon D3400 camera kit or camera body. Any lenses for the Nikon D3000 will work on and are compatible with the Nikon D3400.
There is a red body variant of the D3400. The red body will cost more than one in black, so I do not recommend paying extra. That money can be used towards a better camera or camera lenses.
Check Nikon D3400 Prices:
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Pros
- 7 years newer.
- 14 MP increase in resolution.
- Continuous shooting +2 fps.
- The ability to record full HD video.
Cons
- Need to purchase used.
- No touch screen.
Current Generation - Nikon D3500
| Nikon D3000 | Nikon D3500 | |
|---|---|---|
| Released | 2009 | 2018 |
| Resolution | 10.2 MP | 24 MP |
| Continuous Shooting | 3 fps | 5 fps |
| Video | No Video | 1080p 60fps |
| Wireless | Eye-Fi SD Card | Built-In |
| Touch Screen | No | No |
The Nikon D3500 is not much of an upgrade from the Nikon D3400. The most glaring issue is that the D3500 does not have a flip screen. The LCD screen is fixed to the back of the camera.
Video frame rates and sensor size remain the same. Depending on your specific needs, buying a Nikon D3400 and spending the difference on a lens could be the better choice.
Check Nikon D3500 Prices
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Pros
- 9 years newer.
- 14 megapixel increase in resolution.
- Increase in FPS.
- Ability to record HD video.
Cons
- No flip screen.
- No touch screen.
Semi-Pro - Nikon D7200
| Nikon D3000 | Nikon D7200 | |
|---|---|---|
| Released | 2009 | 2015 |
| Resolution | 10.2 MP | 24 MP |
| Continuous Shooting | 3 fps | 6 fps |
| Video | No Video | 1080p 60fps |
| Wireless | Eye-Fi SD Card | Built-In |
| Touch Screen | No | No |
The Nikon D7200 is a high quality camera as it was originally targeted at prosumer and professional photographers. While it is the oldest recommended upgrade for the D3000, it uses the same Expeed 4 image processor that was used in the D3400 and D3500 cameras.
Menus and camera controls are targeted towards advanced users. The D7200 is excellent for doing photography in aperture priority, manual mode, or shutter priority.
If you are more interested in video, check out the Nikon Z50 as it can record 4k video.
Check Nikon D7200 Prices
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Pros
- 6 years newer.
- 14 more megapixels.
- 3 FPS increase in continuous shooting.
- Dual SD memory card slots.
Cons
- Need to purchase used.
- Similar used price to a used Nikon Z50.
Mirrorless - Nikon Z50
| Nikon D3000 | Nikon Z50 | |
|---|---|---|
| Released | 2009 | 2019 |
| Resolution | 10.2 MP | 21 MP |
| Continuous Shooting | 3 fps | 11 fps |
| Video | No Video | 4k 30fps |
| Wireless | Eye-Fi SD Card | Built-In, with Bluetooth |
| Touch Screen | No | Yes |
The Nikon Z50 uses Nikon’s new Z lens mount. The change in lens mount is because the Nikon Z50 is a mirrorless camera. The Nikon D3000 is a DSLR.
Instead of using a reflex mirror and optical viewfinder, the Z50 has a electronic viewfinder. This allows you to see what the exposure and white balance of an image will look like before you take the photo.
F-mount lenses can be used on the Z50 with the use of the Nikon FTZ or FTZ II lens adapters. The FTZ corrects for the flange distance and bridges the lens connections so that autofocus and electronically controlled aperture are fully functional.
Check Nikon Z50 Prices
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Pros
- 10 years newer.
- 11 MP increase in resolution.
- Huge increase in continuous shooting FPS.
- Can record 4k video.
Cons
- Will need a Nikon FTZ or FTZ II lens adapter to use F-mount lenses from the Nikon D3000.
- Expensive compared to the Nikon D3000.
Nikon D3000 Frequently Asked Questions
- Does the Nikon D3000 Have Wireless?
- Does the Nikon D3000 Shoot Video?
- Does the Nikon D3000 Have a Mic Input Jack?
- Does the Nikon D3000 Have Image Stabilization?
- Does the Nikon D3000 Have GPS?
- Can the Nikon D3000 Be Used as a Webcam?
- What is the Nikon D3000 Crop Factor?
- Nikon D3000 Upgrade Options?