Nikon D3000 compared to the Nikon D60 versus the Canon Rebel XS / EOS 1000D

High precision 420-segment 3D colour matrix metering on the Nikon D3000 and D60 delivers more consistent results compared to 35-segment Evaluative metering system on the Canon Rebel XS / EOS 1000D. The Nikon D3000 and the D60 also feature a "Spot" metering option that can be tied to the AF system's active focus point for more precise metering within a given area.

The Nikon D3000 offers a larger 3.0-inch 230,000 dot LCD monitor versus the 2.5-inch 230K LCD screen on both the Nikon D60 and the Canon Rebel XS, although there is no Live View display mode. The Canon Rebel XS SLR does offer Live View composition on the LCD monitor.

Like the higher end Nikon D5000 and D90, the D3000 features Nikon's Scene Recognition System (SRS). The SRS technology found in the Nikon D3000 uses information gathered from the camera's 420-pixel RGB sensor to recognize the scene prior to capture. 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 camera settings accordingly for optimal picture quality.. The Nikon D60 and the Canon Rebel XS do not incorporate SRS technology.

The D3000's auto focus system has been improved compared to the Nikon D60. The D3000 offers 11-point 3D Tracking and superior Auto-area AF which is linked to the camera's Scene Recognition System. The Canon Rebel XS offers a 7-point AF system that while very capable does not offer the same technical advancements as the Nikon D3000.

Airflow Control System: leads air within the mirror box towards small ducts near the base of the camera, directing dust away from the image sensor. Helps prevent dust from potentially affecting image quality. This is also found in the Nikon D60. If dust becomes an issue, all three cameras feature a built-in sensor cleaning function to remove larger particles that might otherwise affect image quality.

ISO sensitivity boost setting up to 3200 ISO (Hi1) which is the same as on the Nikon D60, compared to 1600 ISO maximum sensitivity setting on the Canon Rebel XS.

User friendly "Guide" setting accessible on the main mode dial helps novice shooters by offering photographic guidance. The Nikon D60 does feature a built-in "help" guide which has been expanded and refined in the Nikon D3000. The Canon Rebel XS does not offer this feature.

With difficult lighting conditions, important details can be lost in the highlights and shadows. The Nikon D3000 can correct these exposures instantly and automatically when you shoot with the camera's "Active D-Lighting" feature enabled. This option is also found on the Nikon D60. The Canon Rebel XS SLR does offer Canon's "Auto Lighting Optimizer", which is billed as being a similar technology to Active D-lighting, although based on side by side comparison tests Nikon's technology does offer better and more consistent results in this regard.

D-lighting can be applied using the "Retouch Menu" after the picture is taken. The adjusted image is saved as a copy leaving the original intact.

In-Camera Image Editing with built-in Retouch Menu (expanded upon versus D60). Remove red eye, crop, resize, in-camera RAW to JPEG conversion and editing, creative filter effects, create Black and White copy of original image, Stop Motion Movie animation and more.

Low light AF assist and Red Eye Reduction beam provided by lamp located on the front side of the Nikon D3000 and the D60. The Canon Rebel XS emits a series of strobes from the built-in flash for low light AF assist, so the flash must be in the up position . for the feature to work. The Nikon D3000 and the D60 also offer a broader AF detection range from -1EV to 19 EV compared to -0.5 EV to 18 EV with the Canon Rebel XS.

The Nikon AF-S DX 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR kit lens incorporates an AF-S motor for quiet focusing. The Canon EF-S 18-55mm IS lens does not incorporate a Canon Ultrasonic (USM) motor like some of Canon's higher end lenses.

The Nikon D3000 comes provided with a rechargeable Li-Ion Nikon EN-EL9a battery that offers up to 550 shots per charge using flash 50% of the time (based on CIPA test standards). The Nikon D60 offers up to approximately 500 shots per battery charge and the Canon Rebel XS offers up to 450 shots with its supplied Li-Ion LP-E5 battery (based on the same CIPA test conditions).

See the latest offers and deals on popular Nikon SLR's:

High precision 420-segment 3D colour matrix metering and Spot metering (same on the Nikon D3000) versus 35 zone evaluative metering found on the Canon Rebel XS.

An eye sensor automatically turns LCD display off when the camera is brought up to the photographer's eye (so not to interfere when looking through the camera viewfinder). Not available on the Nikon D3000 or the Canon Rebel XS / EOS 1000D.

Airflow Control System: leads air within the mirror box towards small ducts near the base of the camera, directing dust away from the image sensor. Helps prevent dust from potentially affecting image quality. This feature is also found in the Nikon D3000. If dust becomes an issue, all three cameras feature a built-in sensor cleaning function to remove larger particles that might otherwise affect image quality.

ISO sensitivity boost setting up to 3200 ISO (Hi1) which is the same as on the Nikon D3000, compared to 1600 ISO maximum sensitivity setting on the Canon Rebel XS.

User friendly built-in "help guide" assists in learning the cameras functions. The Canon Rebel XS does not offer this functionality. This feature has been further expanded in the D3000, while also offering a "Guide" setting accessible on the main control dial.

Active D-Lighting is designed to balance exposure between highlight and shadow areas of the image (brighten up darker parts of the image). This option is also found on the Nikon D3000. The Canon Rebel XS SLR does offer Canon's "Auto Lighting Optimizer", which is billed as being a similar technology to Active D-lighting, although based on our side by side comparison tests between the D60 and the Rebel XS, Nikon's technology does offer better and more consistent results in this regard.

D-lighting can be applied using the "Retouch Menu" after the picture is taken. The adjusted image is saved as a copy leaving the original intact.

In-Camera Image Editing with built-in Retouch Menu. Remove red eye, crop, resize, in-camera RAW to JPEG conversion and editing, creative filter effects, create Black and White copy of original image, Stop Motion Movie animation and more. The Canon Rebel XS does not provide this option. The Retouch Menu in the Nikon D3000 has been expanded and now includes additional filter effects including a "Miniature" effect that modifies images to look like pictures of miniature models. Each editing function is applied to a copy of the image, with the original left unmodified.

Low light AF assist and Red Eye Reduction beam provided by lamp located on the front side of the Nikon D60 and the D3000. The Canon Rebel XS / EOS 1000D emits a series of strobes from the camera's built-in flash during low light AF assist, so the flash must be in the up position for the feature to work. The Nikon D60 and the D3000 also offer a broader AF detection range from -1EV to 19 EV compared to -0.5 EV to 18 EV with the Canon Rebel XS.

The Nikon D60 offers up to approximately 500 shots per battery charge and the Canon Rebel XS offers up to 450 shots with its supplied Li-Ion LP-E5 battery (based on the same CIPA test conditions). The Nikon D3000 comes provided with a rechargeable Li-Ion Nikon EN-EL9a battery that offers up to 550 shots per charge using flash 50% of the time (based on CIPA test standards).

The Nikon D60 offers 25 custom settings for personalized control compared to 12 settings on the Canon Rebel XS

Recommended Lenses:

The Canon Rebel XS offers a Live View display mode. Works in P,S,A,M exposure control modes. Displays the scene as a smooth, 30fps video feed on the LCD. Optional grid line and histogram can be selected to help with composition and exposure. Two Live View Modes: (1) Quick AF: flips mirror to engage the AF sensor (2) Live AF: Uses contrast information for compact camera- type focusing

All functions supported with Canon EF and EF-S lenses compared to Nikon D3000 and the D60 were all functions are supported with AF-S Nikkor lenses. The Nikon D3000 and the D60 are compatible with older non AF-S lenses although they will not auto focus. Can be used with manual focus.

Dedicated ISO control button conveniently accessible on top of the Canon Rebel XS.

The built-in flash on the Rebel XS sits higher in the up position (helps minimize red eye) and is a little more powerful than the built-in flash found on the D3000 and the D60.

The Canon Rebel XS offers 7 point Auto Focus (AF) with one cross sensor providing an AF coverage advantage compared to the Nikon D60 particularly for vertically composed shots. The D3000 offers the most technologically advanced AF system with 11-point AF and 3D Tracking.

Six preset 'Picture Style' settings for selecting the look of an image. Three Custom Picture Style Settings are available compared to one Custom setting on the D3000 and the D60.

The Canon Rebel XS features a convenient Depth-of-field AE (A-DEP) mode on the main control dial and dedicated depth of field preview button

Mirror lock up feature for close up work up to 30 seconds. The Nikon D3000 and the D60 do not offer a Mirror lock up function.

The Rebel XS is compatible with the optional Canon BG-E5 vertical release battery grip: able to take 6 AA batteries or two of the LP-E5 batteries. Provides a shutter button and control dial along with AE/FE Lock, exposure compensation and AF point selection buttons. The Nikon D3000 and D60 do not offer an accessory battery grip option.

Additional software bundled with the Canon Rebel XS: Canon ZoomBrowser EX 6.1, Canon PhotoStitch 3.1, Canon Digital Photo Professional 3.4 allows for RAW editing and conversion, Picture Style Editor 1.3 allows you to create and manage your custom Picture Styles. The Nikon D3000 and the D60 come supplied with NikonView NX and a trial version of Nikon Capture NX2 for advanced RAW and JPEG image editing.

Compatible with dedicated optional Canon Direct Print printers, including SELPHY compact photo printers.

The Canon Digital Rebel XS / EOS 1000D SLR camera kit is available in either a black or silver finish. The Nikon D3000 and the D60 are available in a black body finish.

See the latest offers and deals on popular Canon SLR's:

Nikon D3000 Compared to the Nikon D60 versus the Canon Rebel XS Side by Side Feature Comparison

Camera Model

Resolution

10.2 million pixels

10.1 million pixels

Sensor Type

CCD

CMOS

Image Processor

EXPEED

DIGIC III

Standard kit lens

Nikon AF-S DX 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR zoom lens

Incorporates Nikon's Silent Wave Lens Motor (SVM) for quiet AF performance

Nikon AF-S DX 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR zoom lens

Incorporates Nikon's Silent Wave Lens Motor (SVM) for quiet AF performance

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS zoom lens

Picture angle

Equivalent in 35mm format is approximately 1.5 times lens focal length

Equivalent in 35mm format is approximately 1.6 times lens focal length

LCD Monitor

3.0-inch 230,000 pixel wide viewing angle LCD monitor

2.5-inch 230,000 pixel wide viewing angle LCD monitor

Live View

Yes. Works in P,S,A,M exposure control modes. Displays the scene as a smooth, 30fps video feed on the LCD. Optional grid line and histogram can be selected to help with composition and exposure

Two Live View Modes:

Quick AF: flips mirror to engage the AF sensor

Live AF: Uses contrast information for compact camera- type focusing

Viewfinder System

Penta-mirror type

Viewfinder Coverage

95% coverage and 18mm eyepoint

95% coverage and 21mm eyepoint

Viewfinder Magnification

0.8x

Diopter adjustment

Built-in viewfinder diopter adjustment –1.6 to + 0.5

Built-in viewfinder diopter adjustment -3 to +1

Eye Sensor

Automatically turns LCD display off when the camera is brought up to the photographer's eye

Dust Reduction

• Airflow Control System used in the D60 leads air within the mirror box towards small ducts near the base, directing dust away from the image sensor

• The Optical Low Pass Filter has an antistatic design to prevent static electricity from attracting dust and foreign matter to its surface

• Self Cleaning Sensor Unit designed to eliminate larger types of dust

• The Optical Low Pass Filter has an antistatic design to prevent static electricity from attracting dust and foreign matter to its surface

• Self Cleaning Sensor Unit designed to eliminate larger types of dust

Image Sizes

• 3872 x 2592
• 2896 x 1944
• 1936 x 1296

• 3888 x 2592
• 2816 x 1880
• 1936 x 1288

Easy 'Guide' mode on dial

Yes

ISO Range

100 -1600 ISO, Hi 1 (3200 ISO)
Auto: 200 IS0 to 1600 ISO

Set ISO in one step increments

100 -1600 ISO, Hi 1 (3200 ISO)
Auto: 200 IS0 to 1600 ISO

Set ISO in one step increments

100 -1600 ISO
Auto: 100 IS0 to 800 ISO

Set ISO in one step increments

Shooting Speed

Up to 3 frames per second

Shutter Speed

30 to 1/4,000 sec + Bulb

30 sec to 1/4000 sec + Bulb

Recording Format

JPEG, RAW, JPEG + RAW

JPEG, RAW, JPEG Basic + RAW

JPEG, RAW, JPEG Large + RAW

Exposure Shooting Modes

• Auto
• (P) Flexible Program auto
• (S) Shutter-priority auto
• (A) Aperture priority auto
• (M) Manual
• Portrait
• Landscape
• Child Mode
• Sports
• Close-up
• Night portrait
• Flash Off

• Auto
• (P) Program AE
• (Tv) Shutter priority AE
• (Av) Aperture priority AE
• (M) Manual
• Auto depth-of-field
• Portrait
• Landscape
• Close-up
• Sports
• Night portrait
• Flash Off

Exposure Compensation

+5.0 to -5.0 EV

+2.0 to -2.0 EV

Auto exposure bracketing

-2 to +2 EV in 1/3 or 1/2 EV

Metering system

TTL full aperture exposure metering

1) 420-pixel 3D Color Matrix Meter II

2) Center-Weighted

3) Spot: Meters 3.5mm diameter circle (approx.2.5% of frame) centered on active focus area

TTL full aperture exposure metering

1) 420-pixel 3D Color Matrix Meter II

2) Center-Weighted

3) Spot: Meters 3.5mm diameter circle (approx.2.5% of frame) centered on active focus area

TTL full aperture exposure metering

(1) 35 Point Evaluative (linked to all AF points)

(2) Partial metering at centre (approx. 9% of viewfinder)

(3) Centre Weighted

Metering Range

EV 0 to 20

EV 1 to 20

Scene Recognition System (SRS)

Scene Recognition System (SRS) like Nikon D5000 and D90.

Information from the 420-pixel RGB sensor is used to recognize the type of scene

The results from the Scene Recognition System are used by the Nikon D3000 when determining:

• Auto Focus
• Auto Exposure and i-TTL flash
• Auto White Balance

Dynamic Range Optimization Technology

Designed to balance exposure between highlight and shadow areas of the image (brighten up darker parts of the image)

Active D-Lighting: activated with dedicated On/Off button on top of camera.

Also Nikon's 'D-Lighting' feature can be applied after the image is taken (using D3000 Retouch Menu)

Designed to balance exposure between highlight and shadow areas of the image (brighten up darker parts of the image)

Active D-Lighting: activated with dedicated On/Off button on top of camera.

Also Nikon's 'D-Lighting' feature can be applied after the image is taken (using D60 Retouch Menu)

Canon's Auto Lighting Optimizer feature is designed to brighten the shadow areas of an image.

Auto Lighting Optimizer: set to Enable (default) or Disable in Custom Function menu II-5

White Balance

1) Auto (TTL white balance with 420-pixel RGB sensor)
2) Six (6) manual modes with fine-tuning
3) Preset Custom WB
4) White balance bracketing

1) Auto WB Control
2) Six (6) manual modes
3) Preset Custom WB
4) White balance bracketing

Focus points

11 point AF with cross type at center and 3D Focus Tracking (like the Nikon D90 and the D5000)

3 point wide area AF

7 point with cross type at center

AF Detection

EV -1 to 19 EV

Low light AF assist beam from lamp

EV -0.5 to 18 EV

AF assist uses strobe from built in flash. Flash must be up for low light AF assist to function

Focus Modes

Scene Recognition System

1) Single-area AF
2) Dynamic-area AF
3) Auto-area AF
4) 3D Focus Tracking (11-area)

Selectable:

1) Single Area AF
2) Dynamic Area AF
3) Closest Subject Priority
4) Dynamic Area AF

Selectable:

1) AI Focus AF
2) One shot AF
3) AI Servo AF

Flash sync

1/200

Flash Guide Number

Flash Modes

Auto, Portrait, Child, Close-up: Fill-in flash, Redeye Reduction, Redeye Reduction with Slow Sync, Slow Sync, Rear-Curtain Sync, Off

Auto, Fill-in flash, Redeye Reduction, Redeye Reduction with Slow Sync, Slow Sync, Rear-Curtain Sync, Off

Auto, On, Off, Redeye reduction

Red Eye Reduction System

Beam from lamp

Multi-Strobe from speedlight flash. Flash must be up

High Speed Flash Sync

Yes with compatible external flash units

Flash Types

i-TTL + Wireless Creative Lighting System Support

E-TTL II with EX series Speedlites

Flash Compensation

–3 to +1 EV in 1/3 or 1/2 stop increments

+/- 2 stops in 1/3 or 1/2 stop increments

Processing Parameters

Optimize Image Settings
Six preset Optimize Image settings. One Custom Control setting available

• Normal (default): Recommended for most situations

• Softer: Softens outlines. Use to ensure smooth, natural looking skin tones in portraits

• Vivid: Enhances saturation, contrast and sharpness to produce vivid images with vibrant reds, greens and blues

• More Vivid: Maximizes saturation, contrast and sharpness to produce images with sharper outlines

• Portrait: Lowers contrast and softens background details

• Landscape: Enhances saturation and sharpness to produce landscapes with vibrant greens and blues

• Custom: The parameters for; Sharpening, Contrast (Tone), Colour Reproduction, Saturation, and Hue, can all be adjusted by selecting Custom mode in the "Optimize Image" menu.

Optimize Image Settings
Six preset Optimize Image settings. One Custom Control setting available

• Normal (default): Recommended for most situations

• Softer: Softens outlines. Use to ensure smooth, natural looking skin tones in portraits

Picture Settings
Six preset Picture settings. Three Custom Picture Settings are available

Canon offers additional downloadable "Picture Files".

Standard: Vivid, sharp images; usable in a wide variety of conditions; optimal for direct printing without post-processing

Portrait: Warmer
skin tones, with slight increases in contrast and sharpening

Landscape: Extremely bright, saturated and sharpened images, with emphasis on blue and green color saturation.

Neutral: Low sharpening, contrast and saturation: the ideal starting point for image-editing in the computer

Faithful: Accurate reproduction of the subject's colors based on colorimetric data; assumes 5500K light source.

Monochrome: Black & White images; adjustable contrast, sharpening, as well as color
toning and effects of traditional color filters.

Depth of Field Preview Button

Yes

In Camera Image Editing with Retouch Menu

1) D-Lighting
2) Red-eye reduction
3) Trimming
4) Monochrome & filter effects
5) Color balance
6) Small picture
7) Image overlay
8) NEF (RAW) processing: Post process in camera and save as JPEG copy.
9) Quick retouch
10) Color outline
11) Miniature effect
12) Stop-motion movie

1) D-lighting
2) Redeye Correction
3) Image Trimming
4) Image Overlay
5) Monochrome & filter effects
7) Small Picture (resize copy)
8) NEF (RAW) Processing: Post process in camera and save as JPEG copy.
9) Stop Motion Movie
10) Quick Re-Touch

Lens Compatibility

All functions possible with all AF-S and AF-I NIKKOR lenses. All functions except AF with all other G or D type AF-NIKKOR lenses

Canon EF and EF-S: All functions supported

Noise Reduction

Yes – Fast two stage process. Select Off / On in Shooting Menu

Yes – Fast two stage process. Select Off / On in the Nikon D60 Shooting Menu

High ISO speed noise reduction: Activated using Custom Function II-4. Select from Off (default) / On

Interface

USB 2.0

Custom functions

Mirror Lock Up

Only for sensor cleaning

Mirror can be locked up to 30 sec. Activated by using Custom function C. FnIII-8

Direct Print Support

Yes PictBridge Direct Print Compliant with PictBridge Printers, DPOF

Canon SELPHY Compact Photo Printers, Bubble Jet Printers with the direct print function and PIXMA Printers supporting PictBridge, DPOF

Vertical release battery grip

No grip option (third party solutions are available)

Canon BG-E5: able to take 6 AA batteries or two of the LP-E5 batteries. Provides a shutter button and control dial along with AE/FE Lock, exposure compensation and AF point selection buttons.

Supplied software

Nikon solutions CD with Nikon ViewNX and Capture NX2 trial

ZoomBrowser EX, Digital Photo Professional RAW editing software, Photo Stitch, EOS Utility (Remote Capture)

Optional Remote

Wireless ML-L3 remote

Cable remote RS-60E3 or Wireless RC-1

Included Accessories

Camera Strap AN-DC3
USB Cable UC-E4
Video Cable EG-D100
Rechargeable Li-ion EN-EL9
Quick Charger MH-23
Software Suite CD-ROM and Instruction Manuals

Camera Strap AN-DC1
USB Cable UC-E4
Rechargeable Li-ion EN-EL9
Quick Charger MH-23
Software Suite CD-ROM and Instruction Manuals

Wide Strap EW-100D
Video Cable VC-100
USB Interface Cable IFC-200U
Battery Pack LP-E5
Battery Charger LC-E5
EOS Digital Solution Disk and Instruction Manuals

Memory Type

Secure Digital (SD) and SDHC cards

Power Source

EN-EL9a Rechargeable Li-ion battery and charger supplied

EN-EL9 Rechargeable Li-ion battery and charger supplied

Li-Ion rechargeable LP-E5 battery and charger supplied

Approx. number of shots per battery charge

Approximately 550 shots CIPA Standard

Approximately 500 shots CIPA Standard

Approximately 450 shots CIPA Standard

Dimensions

126 x 97 x 64 mm

126 x 94 x 64 mm

126 x 98 x 62 mm

Weight

485 grams

495 grams

502 grams

Manufacturer's Warranty

2 years in Canada

1 year

Nikon D3000 versus Nikon D60 versus Canon Rebel XS Digital SLR Camera Side by Side Comparison

Nikon D3000 versus Nikon D60 versus Canon Rebel XS
Digital SLR Camera Side by Side Comparison