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- Nikon D3100 Digital SLR Camera Review
Nikon D3100
The Nikon D3100 is an easy to use DSLR camera with an intuitive guide mode for beginners. It is light weight and feature-rich, with the added benefit of High Definition video.
Featuring a 14MP CMOS sensor, 11 point auto focus system, Nikons Expeed 2 image processing engine and Live View, this camera would make an ideal upgrade from a compact camera to a DSLR.
Product Review
D3100
Nikon Digital SLR Camera
Key Features
- DX –format, 14.2 effective megapixel CMOS image sensor
- 3.0" LCD monitor (230,000 dots)
- EXPEED 2 image processing engine
- ISO sensitivity 100-3200 (expandable to ISO 12,800)
- Image sensor cleaning
- 11-point AF system
- Scene recognition system
- HDMI output
- Live View shooting
- Full High Definition video
The D3100 is a lightweight and compact addition to Nikon’s entry-level SLR range. It has been designed with beginners in mind and those new to SLR photography will appreciate the step-by-step Guide mode and easy to use controls.
Featuring Nikon’s new EXPEED 2 processing engine and a 14.2 megapixel CMOS sensor this camera takes vibrant photos. It also boasts some new features not seen before in Nikon’s entry-level range such as Live View and full High Definition movie mode.
There are a few small limitations such as a maximum of ten minutes video recording time per clip and a fixed LCD screen that cannot swivel - although in comparison to the D3000 it certainly brings some enhancements from its predecessor that does not feature Live View or video modes.
A further comparison of the models is provided below;
Nikon SLR Cameras – Key Features Comparison
| | Nikon D3100 | Nikon D3000 |
| Sensor | 14.2-megapixel CMOS | 10.2-megapixel CCD |
| Movie Mode | Yes | No |
| Live View | Yes | No |
| Live View AF modes | Face priority | N/A |
| Sensitivity | ISO 100 - 3200 | ISO 100 - 1600 |
| LCD Monitor | 3.0" TFT LCD | 3.0" TFT LCD 230,000 pixel TFT |
| HDMI Output | Yes | No |
| Viewfinder magnification and coverage | 0.8x | 0.8x |
| Dimensions (mm) | 124 x 96 x 74.5 mm | 126 x 94 x 64 mm |
| Weight (excluding battery) | 455 g | 484 g |
The Nikon D3100 produces excellent still images and videos. It is ideal for beginners, featuring an intuitive Guide mode that shows how to adjust settings and take the perfect shot.
The D3100 would suit photographers upgrading their existing SLR to one that contains Live View and movie modes or for current compact users looking to purchase a SLR camera.
The Nikon D3100 camera is available with the following Nikon lenses:
Nikon D3100 Digital SLR Camera $589.00- Nikon D3100 Digital SLR Camera with 18-55VR $609.00
- Nikon D3100 Digital SLR Camera with 18-55VR and 55-200mm VR $829.00
- Nikon D3100 Digital SLR Camera with 18-55VR and 55-300mm VR $899.00
- Nikon D3100 Digital SLR Camera with Tamron 18-270mm VC PZD Lens $1,249.00
- Nikon D3100 Digital SLR Camera with Sigma 18-200 mm $1,079.00
Nikon digital cameras, Nikon SLR cameras, SLR lenses and Nikon camera accessories are available at Georges Camera Store Sydney or online at http://www.georges.com.au
