Nikon D3100

Nikon has launched the new attractive Nikon D3100, in succession to the Nikon D3000, and it has some really cool new features, to make taking quality pictures simple and fun. Nikon DSLR has gone a long way: D50 to D40 to D40x to D60 to D3000, and now the D3100 series. With this Nikon D3100 model, they keep the good features of D3000 intact, while redefining few of the not so good ones.

nikon d3100Key features of the Nikon D3100 Series

  • Includes a 14.2-megapixel DX-format CMOS Image Sensor.
  • The D3100 comes with a 3″ LCD Monitor.
  • Nikon D3100 model  supports 1080P/24 and 720P/24/25/30 video.
  • This camera uses a new battery, the EN-EL14.
  • Auto focus on the Nikon D3100 is provided only by AF-S lenses.
  • The camera is light-weighted and easy to handle.
  • This camera series supports the latest generation of Secure Digital cards, known as SDXC.

 >> Click Here To See Current Prices and Customer Reviews <<

Optional Accessories available:

  • Battery grip third party solutions are available.
  • Nikon GP-1 GPS Unit.
  • Nikon CF-DC1 Soft Case.
  •  Wireless remote controls.
  • Third party solutions for WLAN transmitter.
  • Nikon Speedlight.
  • Eyepiece adapters and correction lenses.

Nikon D3100 Review

The presence of “mode dial” on top of the D3100 provides all the basic controls. The appearance of a ‘green camera icon’ and ‘no-flash icon’ on the mode dial makes it easier for the beginners to just sit back and let the camera decide and make the necessary settings for you. The rubber-coating around the Nikon D3100 makes it easy to hold and gives the user a professional feel.

Nikon D3100 is best suited for beginners of photography. Apart from the basic point and shoot modes, D3100 also has provision for various creative scene modes such as Landscape, Portrait, close up, children, sports and night portrait. The selection of these modes can be done by simply rotating the mode dial to point to the corresponding icon.

From an advanced user’s point of view, you can make use of the P/A/S/M modes available to make changes to the camera’s exposure settings. A quick access switch, is also provided next to the mode dial. This switch allows immediate access to the single-frame, continuous, timer and quiet shutter drive modes

A user friendly guide is provided in the Guide mode of the camera, which is kind of a basic walkthrough all the general camera operations and functions. In the Guide mode, three options namely Shoot, View/delete, Set-up are made visible on the D3100 screen. The most suitable option can be selected to further view its menu in detail and make the required selection. While doing this, there is always an availability of sample images to check out along with explanations on how each setting works.

The INFO and exposure compensation buttons are provided in front of the mode dial. INFO button is used to turn the display on and off and to browse through the live view display options. The exposure compensation button gives instant access to the exposure adjustment features in certain shooting modes. In the Nikon D3100 model, you can make up to +5EV/-5EV adjustments using this button. The shutter release is placed at an quite impressive position, that is in front of the INFO and exposure compensation buttons, which gives the Nikon D3100 a very professionally designed look.

The flash button exists on the front-left hand side of the Nikon D3100 series camera. This controls the pop-up flash and also gives access to the flash exposure compensation. Presence of an Fn button can give you instant access to the ISO settings. It acts like a shortcut button. Holding down the Fn button and turning the control wheel on the back of the camera, gives you the option to instantly alter the ISO speed. Presence of lone microphone further allows the capturing of mono sound when recording movies.

Left-hand side of the camera provides you with ports for GPS units, USB connection, HDMI, A/V out. D3100 neither has the option for a microphone input nor for an external microphone. The scroll wheel exists at the rear end of the camera for easy and instant access. Next to this is the AE-L/AF-L button available for locking exposure and focus.

The D3100 is designed such that the maximum space on the rear side of the camera is occupied by the large 3-inch LCD screen. Left of this LCD are the menu, image preview zoom out, zoom in and info edit buttons. On the right-hand side of the LCD, a switch present allows you to enable the live view mode. On being enabled, you can shoot still images. You can also press the record button in the center of the live view switch to start recording movies. Beneath this is a control dial which provides a option for menu navigation with an OK button at its center for confirming selections. D3100 is capable of capturing full HD 1920 x 1080 video at 24p, and also 720p video at 24p, 25p and 30p.  It can also record 640 x 424 video at 24p. D3100 can record a maximum of 10 minutes per clip in each of these modes.

D3100 has a viewfinder, quite small when compared to the other DSLR models. In spite of this, it is still bright enough and feels great to use. The autofocus available seems extremely accurate for still images captured in any lighting condition.

D3100 has a quiet shutter as is the case with all other Nikon models and you will never feel the need to turn on the quiet mode of the camera.

Two features available on the other Nikon DSLR models but missing in D3100, are the auto-bracketing ability and capturing time lapse images. A beginner would surely not mind the absence of these features when considering the affordability ease that D3100 provides.

International price: Nikon D3100 is available for £429.99 in the UK and for $579.95 in the USA.

Price in India: Approximately 40,000 Indian Rupee (INR).

Color Variation:

Also available in a bright and exciting red and black combination.

Compatible Lenses:

  • AF-S and AF-I: Supports all functions.
  • Type G or D autofocus NIKKOR: Supports all functions other than autofocus.
  • Other autofocus NIKKOR: Supports all functions other than autofocus and metering of 3D color matrix.
  • Type D PC NIKKOR: Supports all functions except autofocus and some shooting modes.
  • AI-P NIKKOR: Supports all functions except autofocus and 3D color matrix metering.
  • Non-CPU: Does not support autofocus.

In Comparison with other Nikon DSLR models:

D3100 vs. D3000

 

  • The Nikon D3100 offers a higher resolution sensor when compared to Nikon D3000
  • This Nikon series has the ability to shoot Raw + Fine JPEG unlike the D3000
  • Nikon D3100 has a socket for connecting Nikon GP1 GPS unit unlike Nikon D3000
  • This Nikon 3100 series provides the Live view feature unlike in Nikon D3000
  • D3100 provides HDMI output, a feature unavailable with Nikon D3000
  • The Nikon D3100 model has wider ISO range than Nikon D3000
  • Nikon D3100 offers full-time AF mode unlike in Nikon D3000
  • Full-time auto focus available on the Nikon D3100 unlike in Nikon D3000.

 

D3100 vs. D5000

  • Nikon 3100 series has a resolution of 14.2 megapixels, whereas Nikon D5000 has a slightly less resolution of 12.3 megapixels.
  • The D3100 model has a 3-inch LCD screen, while the Nikon D5000 has a 2.7-inch swivel screen.
  • Nikon D5000 provides the feature of bracketing unlike Nikon D3100.
  • Nikon D3100 is lighter in weight compared to Nikon D5000.
  • Nikon D3100 can shoot 3 frames per second while Nikon D5000 can shoot 4 frames per second.
  • Nikon D5000 series has a flip out screen which is not present in Nikon D3100.
  • Nikon D5000 has more dynamic range when compared to Nikon D3100.

D3100 vs. D60

  • Nikon D60 is much thinner compared to Nikon D3100.
  • The D3100 series maintains low noise at high ISO unlike Nikon D60.
  • Nikon D3100 has a significantly larger screen than Nikon D60.
  • The Nikon D3100 includes a full HD (1080p @ 24 fps) unlike the Nikon D60.
  • Nikon D3100 has the option of providing live view, a feature absent in Nikon D60.
  • Nikon D60 offers a slightly more dynamic range when compared to D3100.

Pros and Cons of Nikon D3100:

Pros:

  • Highly affordable.
  • Records higher quality movies.
  • Has a slightly larger screen.
  • Focuses automatically while shooting video using the 11-segment CAM1000 autofocus sensor.
  • Nikon D3100 has a user-friendly guide “Nikon Guide Mode” embedded in the camera itself.
  • Nikon D3100 provides features like NIKKOR optical quality and VR Image stabilization.
  • Nikon D3100 supports nearly 17 languages.
  • Nikon D3100 has an built-in editor for editing images.
  • Active-D lighting feature available which is used for picture enhancements.
  • Simplification of control keys when compared to the 17 buttons and four switches in Nikon D7000 to the 13 buttons and 2 switches of Nikon D3100.
  • Has an excellent battery life.

Cons:

  • Smaller viewfinder.
  • Lacks a built-in focus motor.
  • Lacks good low-light performance feature.
  • Does not have manual control over ISO and shutter speed.
  • Noisy in video mode.

In short, it can be said that the Nikon D3100 is an ideal choice. In fact, overwhelming responses by hundreds of customers, gives this camera a 4.6 out of 5 stars. The fact is, if you are looking for a reasonably priced camera that offers real value, then this is a camera you will want to consider.

  >> Click Here To See Prices and Customer Reviews <<