I used a 17-year-old DSLR in 2026 – here’s 7 things I loved about it, and 7 things that really SUCKED
Using an old piece of kit comes with its pros and cons – but it’s surprising how good they still are The post I used a 17-year-old DSLR in 2026 – here’s 7 things I loved about it, and 7 things that really SUCKED appeared first on Amateur Photographer .
Despite the recent surge in advanced mirrorless cameras, there is still a wealth of high-quality technology available at lower prices when considering second-hand options. Recently, while assisting someone with a house move, an old Nikon D3000 was discovered and used for a photography project. First released in 2009, this camera boasts a 10.2MP DX (APS-C) format CCD sensor, an 11-point AF system, and a 230k-dot LCD monitor.
The final DSLR to use a CCD sensor, the Nikon D3000 was originally priced at $900, but can now be found for under $100 on various second-hand outlets and auction sites.
Picking up an 18-55mm kit lens, the author explored the experience of using this nearly two-decade-old camera, noting both the positives and negatives. The author found several aspects to appreciate:
1. Optical viewfinder: Composing images through an optical device felt more authentic and connected to the subject, despite the potential for false security.
2. Fewer shooting modes and settings: The simplicity of this camera forced the author to focus more on composition and the subject rather than camera settings.
3. Audible sounds: The familiar mirror slap of the Nikon D3000 added a sense of realism and authenticity to the photography experience.
4. Long battery life: A whole week passed without needing to worry about charging the camera, thanks to the lack of an electronic viewfinder or Live View, which consume significant power.
5. Small file sizes: A 4GB memory card held hundreds of photos, saving the author from having to constantly purchase external hard drives for storing raw files.
Written by urgent.news from Amateur Photographer's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
