Nikon D3100 (with 18-55mm lens)
Manufacturer: Nikon Inc. Part number: 25472
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- Bottom Line:
- A very good entry-level dSLR, the Nikon D3100 delivers excellent photo quality in a body that's streamlined for experienced photographers, but relatively unintimidating for the less advanced. Its only weakness is performance; though solid, it nevertheless lags behind the competition.
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CNET editors' review
Nikon D3100 (with 18-55mm lens) price range: $499.00 - $798.00
- Reviewed by: Lori Grunin
- Reviewed on: 10/20/2010
- Released on: 09/01/2010
The good: Excellent photo quality; well-laid-out controls; interesting, user-friendly Guide mode; full manual controls in video capture.
The bad: Smallish viewfinder; slower than the competition; no bracketing.
The bottom line: A very good entry-level dSLR, the Nikon D3100 delivers excellent photo quality in a body that's streamlined for experienced photographers, but relatively unintimidating for the less advanced. Its only weakness is performance; though solid, it nevertheless lags behind the competition.
Until I sat down to actually write this review, it hadn't struck me how confusing the market placement of the Nikon D3100 is. It's priced the same as the still-available D5000, which is in many ways a better camera. And with the exception of video, which many users don't care about anyway, it's very similar to the much cheaper D3000. So while the D3100 isn't a bad camera, and for the most part holds its own against competitors from other manufacturers, it still pales in comparison with its own line mates.
The D3100 has a very good noise profile; it matches (and perhaps bests) the current leader in the budget dSLR category, the Pentax K-x. It produces exceptionally clean JPEGs up through ISO 800 and very usable ones through ISO 3200. (Adobe Camera Raw doesn't yet support the D3100 and Nikon Capture NX 2 doesn't provide sufficiently granular enough noise reduction for me to do raw versus JPEG comparisons). The camera delivers excellent color reproduction in its default SD mode as well--a nice change from some overly saturation-pushing competitors like Pentax and Sony--and its metering and exposure system work reliably and well.
Sharpness is, of course, lens dependent, but I was pretty happy with the various models I tested; generally, shots looked sharp but not oversharpened. In addition to the always reliable 18-55mm VR kit lens, I shot with the new pro-level 28-300mm f3.5-5.6 ED VR and consumer 55-300mm f4.5-5.6 ED VR, as well as the older 35mm f1.8 lens. In many ways I think the 28-300mm is a great lens optically, but I didn't like the feel of the zoom ring--it's feels inconsistent and a little too tight--and it's too heavy for a light body like the D3100's. The 55-300mm is obviously a better fit for the body, but it is slower, not quite as sharp, and more prone to fringing; that said, many will find it satisfactory for the money, and good a choice as a second lens. Similarly, for a relatively cheap lens, the 35mm f1.8 fares pretty well overall. There's a little bit of asymmetrical distortion on the right, however, as well as some fringing along backlit edges. But once again, it's a great lens value.
Video quality looks typical for its class, but with seemingly more rolling shutter artifacts than usual (and note that the lens VR makes a huge difference when shooting video). The audio isn't bad, but the full-time AF is not only loud, but pretty bad at locking on the appropriate subject. However, the camera does offer full manual exposure controls during movie capture. A 30-second countdown-to-shutoff timer appears in the upper left side of the display while the camera is idle in Live View/movie mode--an interesting touch.
Though the camera's performance is perfectly fine, it is a bit slower than the D3000 overall and not quite as fast as its competitors. It powers on and shoots in about 0.4 second and can focus and shoot in good light in the same 0.4 second. In dim light, that rises to a still-good 0.6 second, which is better than its predecessor. JPEG shot-to-shot time is about 0.6 second, which increases to 0.9 second for raw; that's slower than the D3000 and the rest of the pack. With flash, it's about 1.1 second. The D3100 also has the slowest burst performance of the group, at 2.9fps; in practice, it really did feel a hair too slow to photograph randomly moving subjects, like squirrels and birds. It might be fine for photographing the kids, though.
It has essentially the same viewfinder as the D3000, although it now uses the tiny AF points I hate; Nikon claims they were requested by users, though. The viewfinder itself is on the small, low-magnification side, but isn't too bad. You can view the LCD pretty well in direct sunlight.
| Nikon D3000 | Nikon D3100 | Nikon D5000 | |
| Sensor (effective resolution) | 10.2-megapixel CCD | 14.2-megapixel CMOS | 12.3-megapixel CMOS |
| 23.6 x 15.8.mm | 23.6 x 15.8mm | 23.6 mm x 15.8mm | |
| Sensitivity range | ISO 100 - ISO 3200 | ISO 100 (expanded)/200 - ISO 3200/12,800 (expanded) | ISO 100 (expanded)/200 - ISO 1600/3200 (expanded |
| Continuous shooting | 3fps n/a raw/n/a JPEG |
3fps n/a raw/n/a JPEG |
4 fps 9 raw/100 JPEG (medium/fine) |
| Viewfinder magnification/effective magnification |
95% coverage 0.80x/0.53x |
95% coverage 0.80x/0.53x |
95% coverage 0.95x/0.63x |
| Autofocus | 11-pt AF center cross-type |
11-pt AF center cross-type |
11-pt AF center cross-type to f5.6 |
| Shutter speed | 1/4000 to 30 secs; bulb; 1/200 sec x-sync | 1/4000 to 30 secs; bulb; 1/200 sec x-sync | 1/4000 to 30 secs; bulb; 1/200 sec x-sync |
| Metering | 420-pixel 3D color matrix | 420-pixel 3D color matrix | 420-pixel 3D color matrix |
| Live View | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Video | No | 1080/24p; 720/30p/25p/24p H.264 QuickTime MOV | 720/24p |
| LCD size | 3 inches fixed 230,000 dots |
3 inches fixed 230,000 dots |
2.7 inches articulated 230,000 dots |
| Wireless flash | No | No | No |
| Battery life (CIPA rating) | 500 shots | 550 shots | 510 shots |
| Dimensions (inches, WHD) | 5.0 x 3.8 x 2.5 | 4.9 x 3.8 x 2.9 | 5.0 x 4.1 x 3.1 |
| Body operating weight (ounces) | 18.8 | 17.7 | 21.6 |
| Mfr. Price | n/a | n/a | $629.95 (body only) |
| $549.95 (with 18-55mm VR lens) | $699.95 (with 18-55mm VR lens) | $699.99 (est, with 18-55mm VR lens) | |
| n/a | n/a | n/a | |
| Ship date | July 2009 | September 2010 | April 2009 |
The D3100's body is a little smaller and lighter than the D3000's--it's the lightest in its class--but Nikon has also managed to cram more direct-access controls onto it. It's quite a comfortable camera to shoot with, though it feels a little plasticky. Though the location of some controls has changed, it has the same overall operation.
A programmable Fn button--you can set it to control the image quality, ISO sensitivity, white balance, or Active D-Lighting menus--lies under your left thumb, though it's a little hard to differentiate from the flash pop-up/compensation button that sits above it by feel alone. Behind the shutter button circumscribed by the power switch are the exposure compensation and info buttons; the latter toggles the back display.
As usual, the top mode dial is segregated into the scene, PASM (Program, Aperture- and Shutter-priority, and Manual), and full auto modes. Nikon adds a twist here, a Guide mode that provides various levels of step-by-step help for a limited number of common shooting scenarios. There's Easy operation, which, like Auto, provides access to a limited number of options, as well as an Advanced mode, which describes the appropriate settings for the chosen scenario and then allows you to change the settings yourself. For instance, in Easy Operation/Distant Subjects it puts you into the Sports scene mode--the camera tells you what it's doing, which is really nice--then optionally allows you to adjust flash, release mode, and ISO sensitivity. The options are not specific to the scenarios, however, which would be useful. My one minor quibble with this is that the controls don't always function the same in this mode as when shooting normally; so, for example, here you'd adjust shutter speed with the up/down buttons on the multiselector, whereas you'd normally use the command dial to change the speed. This might confuse some people.
| Canon EOS XSi | Canon EOS T1i | Nikon D3100 | Pentax K-x | Sony Alpha DSLR-A500 | |
| Sensor (effective resolution) | 12.2-megapixel CMOS | 15.1-megapixel CMOS | 14.2-megapixel CMOS | 12.4-megapixel CMOS | 12.3-megapixel Exmor CMOS |
| 22.2 mm x 14.8mm | 22.3 mm x 14.9mm | 23.6 x 15.8mm | 23.5 mm x 15.6mm | 23.5 mm x 15.6mm | |
| Color depth | 14 bit | 14 bit | n/a | 12 bit | n/a |
| Sensitivity range | ISO 100 - ISO 1600 | ISO 100 - ISO 3200/12,800 (expanded) | ISO 100 (expanded)/200 - ISO 3200/12,800 (expanded) | ISO 100 (expanded)/200 - ISO 6400/12,800 (expanded) | ISO 200 - ISO 12,800 |
| Focal-length multiplier | 1.6x | 1.6x | 1.5x | 1.5x | 1.5x |
| Continuous shooting | 3.5 fps 6 raw/53 JPEG |
3.4 fps 9 raw/170 JPEG |
3 fps 7 raw/25 JPEG (medium/fine) |
4.7 fps 5 raw/17 JPEG |
5 fps 6 raw/12 JPEG |
| Viewfinder magnification/effective magnification |
95% coverage 0.87x/0.54x |
95% coverage 0.87x/0.54x |
95% coverage 0.80x/0.53x |
96% coverage 0.85x/0.57x |
95% coverage 0.80x/0.53x |
| Autofocus | 9-pt AF center cross-type | 9-pt AF center cross-type | 11-pt AF center cross-type | 11-pt AF 9 cross-type | 9-pt AF center cross-type |
| Shutter speed | 1/4000 to 30 secs; bulb; 1/200 sec x-sync | 1/4000 to 30 secs; bulb; 1/200 sec x-sync | 1/4000 to 30 secs; bulb; 1/200 sec x-sync | 1/6000 to 30 secs; bulb; 1/180 sec x-sync | 1/4000 to 30 secs; bulb; 1/160 sec x-sync |
| Metering | 35 zone | 35 zone | 420-pixel 3D color matrix | 16 segment | 40 segment |
| Image Stabilization | Optical | Optical | Optical | Sensor shift | Sensor shift |
| Live View | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Video | No | 1080/20p; 720/30p H.264 QuickTime MOV | 1080/24p; 720/30p H.264 QuickTime MOV | 720/24p Motion JPEG AV | No |
| LCD size | 3 inches fixed 230,000 pixels | 3 inches fixed 920,000 dots | 3 inches fixed 230,000 dots | 2.7 inches fixed 230,000 dots | 3 inches tiltable 230,400 dots |
| Wireless flash | No | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Battery life (CIPA rating) | 500 shots | 400 shots | 550 shots | 1,100 shots (lithium batteries) | 1,000 shots |
| Dimensions (inches, WHD) | 5.1 x 3.8 x 2.4 | 5.1 x 3.8 x 2.4 | 4.9 x 3.8 x 2.9 | 4.8 x 3.6 x 2.7 | 5.4 x 4.1 x 3.3 |
| Body operating weight (ounces) | 18.5 | 18.6 | 17.7 | 24.0 | 24.0 |
| Mfr. Price | n/a | $649 (body only, est) | n/a | $599 (body only, est) | $549.99 (body only) |
| $649.99 (with 18-55mm lens) | $799 (with 18-55mm lens) | $699.95 (with 18-55mm VR lens) | $649.95 (with 18-55mm lens) | $649.99 (with 18-55mm lens) | |
| Ship date | April 2008 | April 2009 | September 2010 | October 2009 | November 2009 |
On the back there's a nicely implemented thumb-operated Live View rocker switch and record button. The four-way navigation switch feels a little more responsive than the D3000's.
Nikon moved the drive mode controls--single, burst, self-timer and Quiet--to a switch next to the mode dial, a location I prefer to burying it in the menus or in the interactive display. I also like Nikon's implementation of the interactive display. The adjustment options are arrayed around the edges of the display, which makes the one you're looking for easier to find compared with some of the more cluttered full-screen layouts of competitors. On the other hand, you do have to navigate sequentially through the options, which you don't have to do with control panels that allow you to move up, down, and sideways.
In addition to a composite, a HDMI out, and a USB connector, the D3100 has a connector for Nikon's proprietary GPS module. But there are a lot of more useful shooting features still missing that other cameras in this price class provide, including wireless flash control. Most egregiously, though, the D3100 lacks simple exposure and flash exposure bracketing. Nikon seems to concentrate on in-camera postprocessing for the bulk of its features instead. (For a full account of the D3100's features and operation, download the PDF manual.)
Though the D5000 is expected to remain in the channel for a while, obviously there's significant overlap between the D3100 and the D5000 at similar prices, with only a few things to distinguish between them: the D5000 offers the articulated LCD, better viewfinder, better performance and a more well-rounded feature set (bracketing!), while the D3100 provides a slightly larger LCD, higher resolution which you probably don't need, and better movie capture features. They're about tied on photo quality. So ultimately, unless you're into video, the D5000 is probably the better buy at the same price; if you are into video, the D3100 probably isn't the camera for you, anyway. That leaves the Nikon D3100 as a very nice dSLR, but one that isn't a very compelling buy as long as the D5000 is still around at a decent price.
(Shorter bars indicate better performance)
 |
Time to first shot | |
Raw shot-to-shot time | |
Shutter lag (dim light) | |
Shutter lag (typical) |
(Longer bars indicate better performance)
User reviews
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Small, fun and perfectly capable
by GilbertoMoore on September 25, 2011
Pros: Excellent Image Quality
The HD video mode is also impressive
Battery life is superb
Menu screen are intuitive and easy to navigate
Great feel and ergonomicsCons: Noisy in video mode
Summary: I bumped up to a DSLR after owning a Fuji S9600 bridge camera which was pretty close to the real thing anyway. Not being particularly flush at the time, I ...
Summary: I bumped up to a DSLR after owning a Fuji S9600 bridge camera which was pretty close to the real thing anyway. Not being particularly flush at the time, I was careful about making the right choice of camera as well as a relatively cheap choice. I was in two minds as to whether to purchase this camera or the more expensive Rebel T1i, but after hearing that the Nikon produced slightly better images, I made my choice and haven't looked back since!
If you're considering buying this camera, I'd always advise having a hands-on trial in a high-street shop first as you'll be surprised at how small it is! I have relatively nimble hands, so is perfect for me, but slightly heavier mits might struggle to get a good grip. With the kit lens, it's a nice weight and well balanced, though anyone moving up from a super zoom like me will be opting for a tele-zoom as you'll miss the extra reach. The buttons are well laid out and the main functions in the menu screen are intuitive and easy to navigate quickly when needed.
If you're a beginner, the D3100 has many features which will ease you into the advanced features over time though if you are a more intermediate user like me, you can switch these off. You'll notice you'll get impressive images straight away with the 14mp CMOS sensor with some rich, vivid colours. I tend to take a lot of outdoor photography so was impressed with the greenness of the grasses and blue of the skies etc.
The HD video mode is also impressive for an entry level camera, though the sound is only what can be expected from an onboard microphone and no external mic can be attached. Saying that, as long as you keep the auto focus off (it's very noisy in video mode, sounds like an imp scratching inside) you can get some passable sound quality if you're recording Youtube vids etc.
Battery life is superb and a far cry from the rechargeable AA's I used to use in my old bridge camera. Best stick to the one and only upgrade to two batteries if you really think you'll be hitting the battery life hard as you'll get a good few hundred shots out of it before it needs a charge.
Despite my initial reservations price-wise (you can see best deal for this camera at " bestmerchant.blogspot.com/2011/09/best-merchant-for-nikon-d3100.html "), I haven't at all regretted buying this camera. It'll see me through a good few years of quality photography.7 out of 7 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great for Cinematic looking HD video
by hurricaneandy on October 5, 2010
Pros: Manual Control of ISO, F-stop, Shutter speed, White balance in video mode (by using AE-Lock)
Manual Focus
Subject Tracking Auto Focus (useful for steadicam)
21mbps (so far, might be able to push it higher)
Improved ISO, less noise in lower lightCons: Jello Video Effect (Though it's not any worse than any other CMOS censor utilizing video if you understand how to operate a camera)
No microphone input (isn't an issue if you use a separate recorder)Summary: I produce independent television and short films utilizing DVX100b and HVX200a cameras. I decided to move into DSLR video production specifically due to this camera. I've shot still photography ...
Summary: I produce independent television and short films utilizing DVX100b and HVX200a cameras. I decided to move into DSLR video production specifically due to this camera. I've shot still photography for years on Nikon with beautiful results. With this camera I can now get those looks on video without buying overly expensive 35mm adapters for video cameras. I've seen a lot of complaints elsewhere about the "jello effect" this camera supposedly has. I don't see any more than you'd get on normal CMOS censors as long as you aren't a moron and know how to operate video/film cameras. I've gotten bit rates up to 21mbps, which for some people is too low, but if you're like me and shooting with HDTV or the web in mind I think it's an appropriate bit rate. You ARE able to use manual controls for shooting, you just have to lock them with the AE-Lock button before you move into live view. All exposure functions (ISO, F-stop, Shutter, White balance) can be locked giving you for all extents and purposes full manual control in video mode. Manual focus and Exposure compensation are available to tweak while recording. Subject Tracking AF is useful for tracking and steadicam shots, but outside of that I wouldn't really consider using automatic features, not because they're not good, just because it's unprofessional. It doesn't have microphone inputs, but I record to a separate audio recorder anyways.
With Nikon's 35mm F1.8 DX prime lens this camera is capable of some really stunning cinematic HD video. Against Canon cameras in a similar price range the D3100 appeared much more cinematic in quality, whereas the Canon had more of a video look to me.3 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Biggest flaw in D3100's Auto ISO settings.
by kgvenky on January 1, 2011
Pros: 1. soft / cool colored pictures
2. Extra button for single, continues picture
3. Light weightCons: Apart from WORST AUTO ISO logic, which is making this camera useless for casual photographers,
1. Live View is OK. Very slow AF
2. Video is just OK, very difficult to use zoom. many time AF is not working, blur / out of focus videos
3.Slow AFSummary: I recently purchased Nikon D3100 to replace my Nikon D60.
I did research for more than a month going through all the reviews in the Internet. Generally, review on this ...Summary: I recently purchased Nikon D3100 to replace my Nikon D60.
I did research for more than a month going through all the reviews in the Internet. Generally, review on this Camera is good. I purchased this Camera for its Full HD Video capability, Live View and SD-XC (up to 64 GB) memory card compatibility.
I am not a professional photographer, but have passion to photography, So, I bought this entry level D-SLR camera for better quality image than POINT-AND-SHOOT camera.
I have read lot of books on D-SLR settings like ISO, F-Number, Aperture, Exposure compensation etc, in actual shooting; I end up using AUTO mode.
THE PROBLEM WITH NIKON D3100 (I use with NIKON SB-600 External Flash Unit)
In AUTO mode, Nikon D3100 selects only "AUTO ISO SENSITIVITY"
WITH FLASH UNIT: In indoor shooting; it selects very high ISO Sensitivity (mostly ISO 3200). So the image quality is not good. In the same condition Nikon D60, selects ISO value of 200, whereas, Nikon D3100 selects ISO 3200. I mean, the Nikon D3100 is not considering the Flash Unit and is not adjusting the ISO accordingly.
WITHOUT FLASH IN CLOUDY MORNING TIME: Even in outdoor daylight shooting, Nikon D3100 uses wide variety of ISO sensitivity (100 to 1600) whereas D60 used between ISO 100 to 400, in the same lighting condition. The image quality of the D3100 is not good in AUTO mode and it is only comparable to any POINT-AND-SHOOT camera.
You can check this in dpreview site; in D3100 (in pg 14 of review) photo of the reviewer taken with built-in flash has ISO 3200, whereas for D60 (in pg 21 of review)photo of the reviewer taken with built-in flash has ISO 100. In the review they have not mentioned about this, but for curiosity, I downloaded the images and checked the EXIF information.
Even the reviewer in dpreview.com has not noticed this biggest flaw!!! It's actually a casual shot with built-in flash, the end result is grainy ISO 3200 picture.
Also, try with PASM mode, by setting SOME max ISO value. In flash mode with Auto ISO, it sets this MAX ISO. The only option we have with camera is setting ourselves an ISO value. D3100 selects high ISO values in AUTO ISO setting and the resulting in high grain pictures, which prevents you to use this entry level D-SLR for Casual photography.
I am just back from 15 days vacation, with more than 1500 pictures taken, out of which 90% taken in AUTO mode. only 3 pictures are in ISO 100. All other in ISO 400 to 1100 in daylight, and ISO - 1100 to 3200 in flash mode.
If you are owner of D3100, please check / review your own photos.
Nikon D3100 has biggest flaw in Auto ISO logic, which prevents you to use this entry level D-SLR for Casual photography. Also Live View and Video is not meeting expectations. My D60 is much better than D3100. I am going to sell D3100 and retain my D60. (If Nikon can fix this in firmware, I like to retain D3100, I have written to Nikon, awaiting reply)
If you want to buy an entry level D-SLR Camera to use like POINT-AND-SHOOT, Nikon D3100 is NOT the ONE.
(Nikon D3100 may produce excellent images with Pro Modes like P,S,A & M, but certainly not in AUTO mode)1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Excellent DSLR, video letdown. Sony a55 better
by masters86 on November 30, 2010
Pros: excellent still pictures, great auto white balance, low noise, ergonomics
Cons: video is so-so, with slow and noisy AF. mono mic, no mic input
Summary: This camera is very good, takes excellent pictures, the automatic white balance works better than any DSLR I've tried. The video, however, is a let down; quality is excellent, ...
Summary: This camera is very good, takes excellent pictures, the automatic white balance works better than any DSLR I've tried. The video, however, is a let down; quality is excellent, provided you don't move and that your subject does not move much. Autofocus is in fact slow and noisy. Audio is mono. No mic input. For about the same price ($100 or more), you can get the Sony a33 or a55. Much better deal
http://www.zephanos.com/2010/11/what-is-hottest-video-dslr-of-this-2010.html1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Best value for money for entry level D-SLR segment!
by parth_pandit on January 5, 2012
Pros: - Excellent image quality, even in high ISO
- Guide mode for entry level people
- Rich set of post-production features
- Light weight
- Ease of use
- Superior battery lifeCons: - No flip screen
- No slot for external microphone
- Slow burst rate - 3/secSummary: The clear winner for entry level D-SLR, especially if your budge is less than $600. It is undoubtedly better than Canon T2i. But it lacks some features as compared to ...
Summary: The clear winner for entry level D-SLR, especially if your budge is less than $600. It is undoubtedly better than Canon T2i. But it lacks some features as compared to Canon T3i, although no compromise in image quality. But you pay around $100 more for T3i.
D3100 has real nice video capturing abilities with full HD 1080p at 24f/sec. Which turns out quite good. The video is although a bit noisy in low light condition.
In-short, I have no regret for my decision of buying Nikon D3100 after a research of almost 2 months. I still love the camera and the images it gives me. It is a best value for money option under $600. People planning to buy high-end point-to-shoot cameras with mega zoom, should consider this option, which may give far superior images than a point-to-shoot camera. -
Brilliant for beginners & people on a shoestring budget
by iamelwoodblues on September 6, 2011
Pros: Easy to use
Plenty of accessories and compatible lenses to use
I love the noise reduction
Battery lasts for hundreds and hundreds of shots
Feels solid, well built and ergonomic
Both kit lenses (the 18-55mm and the 55-200mm) are sharp, accurate, fast and vCons: I would've enjoyed a higher res LCD screen but this one is sufficient
Video is OK and the settings are more flexible than the Canon equivalent (things like shutter aperture and ISO settings can be manually set)
Lacks some of the features that come higherSummary: I really can't fault this camera! It's my first DSLR and from the moment I fired it up and took my first shots with it I felt at ...
Summary: I really can't fault this camera! It's my first DSLR and from the moment I fired it up and took my first shots with it I felt at home with it and haven't really needed to hit the manual to work things out! It's seen me progress from Amateur to Intermediate photographer and has accompanied me to many different occasions in all circumstances; it hasn't left me wanting for a moment!
I had a look at some of the 3 word 1 star reviews of this kit and I can't understand why, the pictures are brilliant and tack sharp, the menus make sense and even the video (which isn't what an SLR camera is really designed for) is OK; I'm gonna assume that people giving poor reviews just haven't taken the time to work this camera out and find what the best settings are or how to use it properly. I think there's a reason Flickr rates this as the 3rd most popular Nikon camera in its database, it's just that good and easy to use!
Cons ive listed above but for a cheap, good quality SLR this one is perfect!
P.S. if you wanna have a look at some of the photos I've taken with this camera as proof of what I think of it and its performance...have a look here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/62178886@N05/ -
Awesome camera, affordable, great for beginners
by joemav57 on May 23, 2011
Pros: Great photos, got a great package deal, very affordable. Great camera for DSLR beginners. Decent battery life. Easy to handle and light weight.
Cons: No mic input. No internal memory, so you'll need to purchase an SD card.
Summary: This is my first DSLR camera. I am astonished at the photo I have taken. Truly awesome. The price was too good to pass up. Great for pros and beginners. ...
Summary: This is my first DSLR camera. I am astonished at the photo I have taken. Truly awesome. The price was too good to pass up. Great for pros and beginners. Light and easy to hold. Having now graduated from a point-and-shoot, I have this camera fairly easy to use. There is some learning curve if you're new to DSLR, but you will soon learn it is not that hard. Looking forward to years of great photos. While it shoots HD video, I have not yet to uncover that aspect of the camera.
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over all good!
by FOTOGRAFO_1975 on March 26, 2011
Pros: i love the pictures and the video is perfect to up load to you tube and more
Cons: for me none
Summary: I take photography at weddings and more and that camera has been a very good complement to my work easy to carry lightweight comfortable giving a break to the hands ...
Summary: I take photography at weddings and more and that camera has been a very good complement to my work easy to carry lightweight comfortable giving a break to the hands and wrists and Acquisitions tremendous family use.
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Great camera quality for the price
by Christian_D on March 21, 2011
Pros: Price is really reasonable
Quality is great
Ergonomically correct and feels comfortable in your hand
Sleek DesignCons: Nothing worth mentioning but I'm no professional.
Summary: Saw a review of this on TestFreaks[http://www.testfreaks.com/digitalcameras/nikon-d3100/] and thought it was pretty good, but I wanted to compare reviews since I hadn't use ...
Summary: Saw a review of this on TestFreaks[http://www.testfreaks.com/digitalcameras/nikon-d3100/] and thought it was pretty good, but I wanted to compare reviews since I hadn't use the site for very long. I really like the camera, thought I use it for a lot of "at home" use. My Facebook pictures look tight!
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My first DSLR; I'm thrilled!
by brodiego on March 16, 2011
Pros: Price, picture quality, controls, video quality, compact size, feature set
Cons: Not as fast in terms of FPS vs competitors, no built-in motor
Summary: If your budget on camera body and lenses is $1500 and more, buy the Canon T2i. If you would like to keep your budget for the camera body and lenses ...
Summary: If your budget on camera body and lenses is $1500 and more, buy the Canon T2i. If you would like to keep your budget for the camera body and lenses to under $1000, buy the Nikon D3100. Look no further, the above is sound advice. Either way, you will be thrilled!
This was/is my first SLR. I chose it over the Canon T2i. If money were no object, I would have bought the Canon. However, the D3100 is an AWESOME camera; I couldn't be happier with my purchase. If you are looking for your first SLR and new to photography, you should know that lenses are equally as, if not more, important the camera body itself. Translation: you will want additional lenses and they are EXPENSIVE! Keep this in mind as you choose your camera body.
I've been shooting for 2 months now. Having read a couple of books, taken a couple of classes, and overall just having learned a lot more about photography, I know that I purchased an awesome camera and am very happy with my choice.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Nikon Inc.
- Part number: 25472
- Description: The Nikon D3100 digital SLR camera speaks to the growing ranks of enthusiastic D-SLR users and aspiring photographers by providing an easy-to-use and affordable entrance to the world of Nikon D-SLR's. The 14.2-megapixel D3100 has powerful features, such as the enhanced Guide Mode that makes it easy to unleash creative potential and capture memories with still images and full HD video. Like having a personal photo tutor at your fingertips, this unique feature provides a simple graphical interface on the camera's LCD that guides users by suggesting and/or adjusting camera settings to achieve the desired end result images. The D3100 is also the world's first D-SLR to introduce full time auto focus (AF) in Live View and D-Movie mode to effortlessly achieve the critical focus needed when shooting Full HD 1080p video. Packed into the compact and lightweight body of the D3100 camera is a host of advanced Nikon technologies, such as the EXPEED 2 image processing engine. EXPEED 2 in conjunction with Nikon's 14.2-megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor is the driving force behind the enhanced performance and rich image quality. Ready to go wherever life leads, the D3100 features split-second shutter response and a blazing fast 11-point AF system to help ensure tack-sharp images. For shooting in challenging lighting conditions, ISO 3200 (expandable to 12,800) enables versatility in environments such as indoors or in the evening hours.
General
- Product Type Digital camera - SLR with Live View mode,
with Movie recording - Resolution 14.2 megapixels
- Optical Sensor Type CMOS
- Total Pixels 14,800,000 pixels
- Effective Sensor Resolution 14,200,000 pixels
- Optical Sensor Size 15.4 x 23.1mm
- Field of View Crop Factor 1.5
- Sensor Dust Reduction Yes
- Sensor Features Self Cleaning Sensor Unit,
Airflow Control System - Image Processor EXPEED 2
- Image Stabilizer Optical
- Auto Focus TTL contrast and phase detection
- Auto Focus Points (Zones) Qty 11
- Digital Video Format MOV
- Image Recording Format JPEG,
NEF (RAW),
RAW + JPEG - Max Video Resolution 1920 x 1080
- AV Interfaces HDMI,
Composite video/audio Exposure & White Balance
- Light Sensitivity ISO 6400,
ISO 12800,
ISO 100-3200,
ISO auto - Exposure Metering 3D color matrix II,
Center-weighted,
Spot - Exposure Metering Zones 420
- Exposure Modes Program,
I-TTL program flash,
Bulb,
Automatic,
Shutter-priority,
Manual,
Aperture-priority - Shooting Programs Sports mode,
Night portrait,
Close-up,
Children,
Portrait mode,
Landscape - Special Effects Portrait,
Landscape,
Vivid,
Neutral,
Monochrome - White Balance Automatic,
Presets,
Custom - White Balance Presets Sunlight,
Shade,
Fluorescent,
Incandescent,
Cloudy,
Flash - Max Shutter Speed 1/4000 sec
- Min Shutter Speed 30 sec
- Exposure Compensation ±5 EV range, in 1/3 EV steps
- X-sync Speed 1/200 sec
- Exposure Range EV 0-20 ( ISO 100 )
Lens System
- Type 3 x x Zoom lens - 18 mm - 55 mm - F/3.5-5.6 G Nikon AF-S DX VR
- Focal Length Equivalent to 35mm Camera 27 - 82.5 mm
- Focus Adjustment Manual,
Automatic - Min Focus Range 11 in
- Max View Angle 76 degrees
- Zoom Adjustment Manual
- Lens Construction 8 groups / 11 elements
- Filter Size 52 mm
- Lens System Mounting Nikon F
- Features Aspherical lens,
Silent Wave Motor (SWM) Camera Flash
- Camera Flash Pop-up flash
- Guide Number (m / ISO 100) 13
- Flash Modes Rear curtain sync,
Fill-in mode,
Slow synchro,
Auto mode,
Flash OFF mode,
Red-eye reduction - Features Wireless off-camera control,
Flash +/- compensation,
AF illuminator Additional Features
- Continuous Shooting Speed 3 frames per second
- Self Timer Delay 2 sec,
10 sec - Flash Terminal Hot shoe
- Additional Features Digital image rotation,
Display brightness control,
In-camera red-eye removal,
Cropping an image,
In-camera RAW processing,
Exif Print support,
Active D-Lighting technology,
DPOF support,
GPS ready,
Face detection,
Text input to Exif header,
Histogram display,
Scene Recognition System (SRS),
Highlight point display,
Camera orientation detection,
LCD live view mode,
PictBridge support,
Built-in help guide,
1080p Full HD movie recording,
USB 2.0 compatibility,
Direct print,
Face-priority AF function Display
- Type 3 in LCD display
- Resolution 230,000 pixels
- Display Features Built-in
Microphone
- Microphone Operation Mode Mono
Connections
- Connector Type 1 x USB,
1 x HDMI output,
1 x Composite video/audio output - Memory Card Slot SD card
Viewfinder
- Viewfinder Type Optical - Eye-level penta-dach mirror
- Viewfinder Color Support Color
- Field Coverage 95%
- Magnification 0.8x
- Dioptric Correction Range -1.7 to +0.5
System Requirements for PC Connection
- Peripheral Devices USB port,
CD-ROM drive Miscellaneous
- Microsoft Certifications Compatible with Windows 7
- Included Accessories Battery charger,
Eyepiece cover,
Lens cap,
Eyecup,
Dust cap,
Body cap,
Neck strap,
Shoe cap Software
- Software Nikon ViewNX 2
Battery
- Supported Battery Nikon EN-EL14
- Supported Battery 1 x Nikon EN-EL14 Li-ion rechargeable battery ( Included )
Memory / Storage
- Supported Memory Cards SDHC Memory Card,
SD Memory Card,
SDXC Memory Card - Image Storage RAW,
JPEG 4608 x 3072,
EXIF 2.21 3456 x 2304,
2304 x 1536 - Video Capture MOV - 1920 x 1080,
MOV - 1280 x 720,
MOV - 1280 x 720,
MOV - 1280 x 720,
MOV - 640 x 424 Dimensions & Weight
- Width 4.9 in
- Depth 3 in
- Height 3.8 in
- Weight 16 oz
Environmental Parameters
- Min Operating Temperature 32 °F
- Max Operating Temperature 104 °F
- Humidity Range Operating 0 - 85%
Main Features
- Image stabilizer feature Optical stabilization helps prevent blurry pictures, especially for handheld cameras at slow shutter speeds or when using high optical zoom.
Product series
-
Nikon D3100 (with 18-55mm lens)
Manufacturer: Nikon Inc.
Specs: SLR,
14.2 megapixels,
27 - 82.5mm F/3.5,
3 x x Zoom lens - 18 mm - 55 mm - F/3.5-5.6 G Nikon AF-S DX VR,
15.4 x 23.1mm,
CMOS,
Optical -
Nikon D3100 (with 18-55mm & 55-200mm lens)
Manufacturer: Nikon Inc.
Specs: SLR,
14.2 megapixels,
27 - 82.5mm F/3.5,
3 x x Zoom lens - 18 mm - 55 mm - F/3.5-5.6 G Nikon AF-S DX VR,
15.4 x 23.1mm,
CMOS,
Optical -
Manufacturer: Nikon Inc.
Specs: SLR,
14.2 megapixels,
27 - 82.5mm F/3.5,
3 x x Zoom lens - 18 mm - 55 mm - F/3.5-5.6 Nikon AF-S DX VR,
15.4 x 23.1mm,
CMOS,
Optical -
Nikon D3100 (with 18-55mm and 70-300mm lenses)
Manufacturer: Nikon Inc.
Specs: SLR,
14.2 megapixels,
27 - 82.5mm F/3.5,
3 x x Zoom lens - 18 mm - 55 mm - F/3.5-5.6 G Nikon AF-S DX VR,
15.4 x 23.1mm,
CMOS,
Optical
Accessories
Manufacturer info
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Nikon Inc. products on Shopper.com
-
- Manufacturer:Nikon Inc.
- Address:
1300 Walt Whitman Road, Melville, NY 11747-3064 - Phone: 1-631-547-4200
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