It is.
It doesn't totally eclipse the D3000 but you get some great features for a VDSLR at an incredibly competitive price.
It also has a first for any HD-DSLR in that it has auto focus whilst shooting 1080p. Not only that, but it can utilise it's face recognition system at the same time.
I can see that technology filtering down to the happy-snappers in time.
It's a lot of camera for £500.
Mark