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Nikon D3100 DSLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Auto Focus-S Nikkor Zoom Lens (Discontinued by Manufacturer)
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Purchase options and add-ons
Brand | Nikon |
Model Name | Nikon D3100 |
Maximum Webcam Image Resolution | 14.8 MP |
Photo Sensor Size | APS-C |
Image Stabilization | Digital |
Max Shutter Speed | 1/4000 seconds |
Min Shutter Speed | 30 seconds |
Metering Description | Multi, Center-weighted, Average |
Exposure Control Type | Automatic |
Form Factor | DSLR |
About this item
- Includes 3x 18-55mm Zoom-NIKKOR VR Image Stabilization Lens, EN-EL14 Battery, MH-24 Battery Charger
- 14.2 Megapixel DX-format CMOS Image Sensor
- Full 1080p HD Cinematic Video with full-time autofocus and sound lets you record cinematic-quality movies in HD
- Featuring Nikon's Guide Mode with intuitive controls and on-board assistance helping you take better pictures every step of the way
- 3 monitor with One-Touch Live View shooting & movie capture
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Important information
Legal Disclaimer
FULL 14 DAY SATISFACTION GUARANTEE AND A 90 DAY PARTS AND LABOR WARRANTY. USA BODY SERIAL #3211134, LENS #17811976
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This Item Nikon D3100 DSLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Auto Focus-S Nikkor Zoom Lens (Discontinued by Manufacturer) | Recommendations | dummy | dummy | dummy | dummy | |
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Price | $489.99$489.99 | $799.00$799.00 | $995.00$995.00 | $379.00$379.00 | -7% $429.00$429.00 New Price: $459.00 | $699.00$699.00 |
Delivery | Get it Apr 2 - 5 | Get it Apr 5 - 9 | Get it Apr 15 - 23 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Apr 2 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Apr 2 | Get it Apr 5 - 9 |
Customer Ratings | ||||||
Auto focus | 4.7 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.6 | 4.3 | 4.5 |
Picture quality | 4.4 | 4.5 | 4.9 | 5.0 | 4.8 | 4.5 |
For landscape photography | 4.3 | — | — | 4.3 | 4.0 | 5.0 |
For beginners | — | 4.1 | 5.0 | — | — | 4.7 |
Image stabilization | — | — | 4.7 | 4.8 | 4.1 | — |
Sold By | 42nd Street Photo | Willoughby's Established 1898 | BuyDirect & Save!!! | Amazon.com | Al's Variety | Willoughby's Established 1898 |
display type | LCD | — | LCD | LCD | LCD | LCD |
display size | 3 inches | 3 inches | 3 inches | 2.7 inches | 3 inches | 3.2 inches |
lens type | zoom | Zoom | Wide Angl::Zoom | Telephoto | zoom | — |
zoom type | Optical | — | Optical Zoom | Digital Zoom | Optical Zoom | — |
shooting modes | Automatic, Scene Modes, Programmed Auto, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority, Manual | Landscape, Night Portrait, Portrait, Blossom, Candlelight, Dusk / Dawn, Party / Indoor, Night Landscape, Close-up, Autumn Colors, Sunset, Beach / Snow, Food, Child, Sports | Advanced Scene Modes, Landscape, Manual, Aperture Priority, Portrait, Shutter-Priority Auto (S), Night Portrait, Blossom, Candlelight, Dusk / Dawn, Party / Indoor, Night Landscape, Autumn Colors, Close-up, Sunset, Automatic, Beach / Snow, Food, Child, Special Effects Mode, Sports, Programmed Auto with flexible Program (P) | Automatic | Automatic | Portrait, landscape, child, sports, close-up, night portrait, night landscape, party/indoor, beach/snow, sunset, pet portrait, candlelight and more |
connectivity tech | wired, wireless | Wi-Fi | HDMI, USB | Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi | NTSC, PAL |
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Nikon D3100 DSLR Camera with 18-55mm Review
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After 13 years of use, this is why I love this camera.
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Nikon D3100 DSLR Camera or Sony Alpha Camera #thisorthat
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What's in the box
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Product information
Auto Focus Technology | Phase Detection, Contrast Detection |
---|---|
Aspect Ratio | 3:2 |
Display Resolution Maximum | 230,000 |
Photo Sensor Size | APS-C |
Photo Sensor Technology | CMOS |
Effective Still Resolution | 14.2 MP |
Maximum Webcam Image Resolution | 14.8 MP |
White balance settings | Auto, Incandescent, Daylight, Color Temperature, Fluorescent, Cloudy, Flash torch, Shade |
Self Timer Duration | 10 seconds |
JPEG quality level | Basic, Fine, Normal |
Camera Flash | Hot Shoe,Built-in pop up |
Image Stabilization | Digital |
Flash Modes Description | TTL |
Flash Sync Speed | 1/200_sec |
Supported Image Format | RAW, JPEG, WAV, MPEG-4 AVC/H.264, AAC |
Video Capture Format | AVC |
Video Capture Resolution | FHD 1080p |
Video Standard | MPEG 4 |
Viewfinder Magnification | 0.8x |
---|---|
Viewfinder Type | Optical |
Screen Size | 3 Inches |
Display Type | LCD |
Display Fixture Type | Fixed |
Model Name | Nikon D3100 |
---|---|
Brand | Nikon |
Model Number | 25472 |
Customer Reviews |
4.6 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #173,309 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics) #265 in DSLR Cameras |
ASIN | B003ZYF3LO |
Color | Black |
Guide Number | Guide number: Approx. 39' (12m), 43' (13m) with manual flash (ISO 100), -3 to +1 EV in increments of 1/3 EV |
Included Components | Battery Charger, Battery, Body Cap |
Lower Temperature Rating | 32 Degrees Fahrenheit |
Upper Temperature Rating | 104 Degrees Fahrenheit |
Assembly Required | No |
Age Range (Description) | Kid |
Processor Description | Expeed 2 |
Item Dimensions LxWxH | 4.88 x 2.95 x 3.78 inches |
---|---|
Item Weight | 1.3 Pounds |
Warranty Type | Limited |
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Warranty & Support
Feedback
Lens Type | zoom |
---|---|
Optical Zoom | 3 x |
Digital Zoom | 6.7 |
Maximum Aperture | 3.5 f |
Minimum Aperture | 3.5 f |
Zoom Type | Optical |
Autofocus Points | 11 |
Camera Lens Description | High-performance Nikon super integrated coating, rounded 7-blade diaphragm, 11 elements in 8 groups |
Compatible Mountings | Nikon F (FX), Nikon F (DX) |
Focus Type | Automatic with Manual |
Maximum Focal Length | 55 Millimeters |
Minimum Focal Length | 35 Millimeters |
Expanded ISO Maximum | 3200 |
---|---|
Expanded ISO Minimum | 100 |
Max Shutter Speed | 1/4000 seconds |
Min Shutter Speed | 30 seconds |
Exposure Control Type | Automatic |
Metering Description | Multi, Center-weighted, Average |
Shooting Modes | Automatic, Scene Modes, Programmed Auto, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority, Manual |
Batteries Required? | Yes |
---|---|
Number of Batteries | 1 AA batteries required. (included) |
Are Batteries Included | Yes |
Rechargeable Battery Included | No |
Battery Cell Composition | Lithium Ion |
Battery Description | EN-EL19 |
Battery Weight | 40 Grams |
Battery Life | 30 Hours |
Removable Memory | Secure Digital Card |
Software Included | View NX2 |
Target Gender | Unisex |
Digital Scene Transition | zoom |
Connectivity Technology | wired, wireless |
Continuous Shooting Speed | 7 |
Controller Type | MC-DC2 (available separately), GPS unit: GP-1 (available separately) |
Wireless Communication Technology | EyeFi |
Flash Memory Type | SD/SDHC/SDXC |
Memory Slots Available | 1 |
Memory Storage Capacity | 1 GB |
Special Feature | TFT-LCD with 230K pixels and a brightness adjustment |
Water Resistance Level | Not Water Resistant |
Skill Level | Amateur |
Specific Uses For Product | Photography |
Supported Audio Format | RAW, JPEG, WAV, MPEG-4 AVC&H.264, AAC |
Form Factor | DSLR |
Hardware Interface | AV Port |
Audio Recording | No |
Diaphragm Blades | 7 |
Photo Sensor Technology | CMOS |
GPS | Optional |
Product Description
Product Description
Nikon's affordable, compact and lightweight D3100 digital SLR features a high-resolution 14-megapixel CMOS DX sensor, high-quality 3x NIKKOR 18-55mm VR image stabilization zoom lens and intuitive onboard assistance including the learn-as-you grow Guide Mode.Capture beautiful pictures and amazing Full HD 1080p movies with sound and full-time autofocus. Easily capture the action other cameras miss with a fast start up time, split-second shutter release, 3 frames per second shooting and 11-point autofocus.Lens: 5-Year Warranty (1-Year International + 4-Year USA Extension).
From the Manufacturer
Nikon's affordable, compact and lightweight D3100 digital SLR features a high-resolution 14-megapixel CMOS DX sensor, high-quality 3x NIKKOR 18-55mm VR image stabilization zoom lens and intuitive onboard assistance including the learn-as-you grow Guide Mode.
Capture beautiful pictures and amazing Full HD 1080p movies with sound and full-time autofocus.
Easily capture the action other cameras miss with a fast start up time, split-second shutter release, 3 frames per second shooting and 11-point autofocus.
Capture 3 frames per second for fast action shooting.
Capture pictures and make movies in near darkness with an ISO range of 100 to 3200 (expandable to 12800-Hi2). EXPEED 2, Nikon's new image processing engine, assures breathtakingly rich image quality, managing color, contrast, exposure and noise.
One-touch Live View and movie recording lets you see the action on the 3-inch monitor and the Scene Recognition System automatically chooses the ideal settings.
You can also select from 6 Automatic Exposure Scene Modes: Portrait, Landscape, Child, Sports, Close-up or Night Portrait for stunning results in otherwise challenging conditions.
Active D-Lighting restores picture-enhancing detail in shadows and highlights.
A built-in pop-up flash is ready for those times when there just isn't enough light and in-camera image editing allows creative freedom and effects, without the need for a computer.
Nikon D3100 Highlights
Easy-to-use Guide Mode walks you through the settings you need for the shot you want. 14.2-megapixel DX-format CMOS Image Sensor
Delivers beautiful photographs and prints well beyond 20 x 30 inches.
Includes 3x 18-55mm Zoom-NIKKOR VR Image Stabilization Lens
Included lens offers the legendary NIKKOR optical quality and fast, accurate autofocus for vivid color, striking contrast and crisp detail and VR image stabilization to ensure the sharpest hand-held pictures and movies.
Full 1080p HD Cinematic Video
Features full-time autofocus and sound; record cinematic-quality movies in Full 1080p HD format (1920 x 1080 pixels).
Easy-To-Use
The D3100 features Nikon's Guide Mode with intuitive controls and on-board assistance helping you take better pictures every step of the way.
Compact and Lightweight Design
Beautifully styled--ready to go wherever life takes you.
Split-second Shutter Response
Eliminates the frustration of shutter delay, capturing moments that other cameras miss.
Fast 11-point Autofocus System
Delivers razor-sharp pictures.
ISO sensitivity 100-3200, expandable to ISO 12800 equivalent
Delivers exceptional results, even in the most challenging low-light situations.
3-inch monitor
Features One-Touch Live View shooting and movie capture.
Scene Auto Selector
Lets the D3100 decide the best mode to match the shooting situation when using Live View.
EXPEED 2
Nikon's new image processing engine assures breathtakingly rich image quality, managing color, contrast, exposure, noise and speed.
Scene Recognition System in Live View
Automatically optimizes exposure, autofocus, and white balance, allowing you to obtain beautiful photos without the hassle of making complicated camera adjustments yourself.
6 Automatic Exposure Scene Modes
Just set the Mode dial to Portrait, Landscape, Child, Sports, Close-up or Night Portrait for stunning results in otherwise challenging conditions.
Active D-Lighting
Restores picture-enhancing detail in shadows and highlights.
D-Lighting in action.
Picture Control
Choose from Standard, Neutral, Vivid, Monochrome, Portrait, or Landscape to apply a personal look and feel to your pictures.
Automatic Image Sensor Cleaning
Ultrasonic process and exclusive Airflow Control combats the accumulation of dust in front of the image sensor, safeguarding image quality shot after shot.
Built-in pop-up flash
Perfect for those times when there isn't enough light.
In-camera Image Editing
Allows creative freedom, without the need for a computer, offering easy editing functions.
Compatible Lenses
- AF-S and AF-I: All functions supported
- Type G or D AF NIKKOR without built-in autofocus motor: All functions except autofocus supported. IX NIKKOR lenses not supported.
- Other AF NIKKOR: All functions supported except autofocus and 3D color matrix metering II. Lenses for F3AF not supported.
- Type D PC NIKKOR: All functions supported except autofocus and some shooting modes.
- AI-P NIKKOR: All functions supported except autofocus and 3D color matrix metering II.
- Non-CPU: Autofocus not supported. Can be used in exposure mode M, but exposure meter does not function. Note: Electronic rangefinder can be used if lens has a maximum aperture of f/5.6 or faster.
What's in the Box
D3100 digital SLR camera body; AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR Lens; EN-EL14 Rechargeable Li-ion Battery, MH-24 Battery Charger, DK-5 Eyepiece Cap, DK-20 Rubber Eyecap, AN-DC3 Camera Strap, BS-1 Accessory Shoe Cover, BF-1B Body Cap, ViewNX 2 CD-ROM
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers like the image quality, ease of use, value, performance, and quality of the digital camera. For example, they mention that it produces very good quality pictures, it's easy to learn how to use, and that the tutorial is helpful for new D-SLR shooters. That said, they say it'll work splendidly and is a great budget camera.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers are satisfied with the image quality of the camera. They mention that it produces very good quality pictures, and the clean images it produces are amazing. They also appreciate the VR feature, which prevents them from taking unclear photos if their hands are shaking while taking photos. Overall, customers find it to be a great little camera for the hobby of photography.
"...Great "Auto" settings: Produces really nice images on many of the standard settings for Shutter and Aperture Priority and full Program...." Read more
"...Your choice. Matter is: DSLR video can look awesome if used the right way, but keep in mind its limitations: jerky camera horizontal panning will..." Read more
"...This is a tremendous camera to learn with and takes fabulous photos. My family went on the trip overseas...." Read more
"...Until then, enjoy the D3100 for what it is. A great, inexpensive, entry-level DSLR, which, in my opinion, produces excellent images when in the..." Read more
Customers find the digital camera easy to use. They mention that the tutorial is helpful for new D-SLR shooters, it's fast and easy to operate in auto mode, and has easy-to-use menus. The guide mode for beginners helps in the learning process of aperture, WB, and other settings. They also appreciate the Nikon software and easy settings, which are a time-saver. Overall, customers are satisfied with the quality of the pictures produced by the camera.
"...Good for Beginners: Has some really good tutorials to help beginners understand the basics of DSLR...." Read more
"...are all that is required to get the shot wanted and are a time-saver to use...." Read more
"...on the back of the camera provides technical information, easy to use menus, and allows you to zoom in on the images to make sure they are in focus..." Read more
"...to try new things with various types of photography the camera has built in tutorials that help get a user started*..." Read more
Customers appreciate the value of the digital camera. They say it's a great dslr budget camera with a lens that's worth the investment. Customers also say it takes great images and is a beauty with s lot of value.
"...It is cheap and it takes great images...." Read more
"...n't review that, other than to say that this camera is a good specification for the price...." Read more
"...Until then, enjoy the D3100 for what it is. A great, inexpensive, entry-level DSLR, which, in my opinion, produces excellent images when in the..." Read more
"...Consequently, this camera offers amazing value for money since as an entry-level DSLR it offers an amazing set of features..." Read more
Customers are satisfied with the performance of the digital camera. They mention that it works well, is effective, and versatile. They are also pleased with the results and the usability of the screen. The VR does an excellent job of cleaning up shakes and vibrations, and the camera works as a point-and-shoot.
"...white balance (the second most important thing after composition) works great, even indoor (no cloudy setting necessary), the only changes are..." Read more
"...Until then, enjoy the D3100 for what it is. A great, inexpensive, entry-level DSLR, which, in my opinion, produces excellent images when in the..." Read more
"...However, it also caters to the more advanced user with the A, S, P and M modes that allow for finer control and even complete manual control...." Read more
"...It has great functionality as far as the options on the camera itself...." Read more
Customers like the quality of the camera. They mention that the build quality is superb, sturdy, and durable. The rubber is also durable, and the camera is forgiving if you don't have a steady hand. The Zoom Nikkor Lens is highly acclaimed and affordable, and it has no problem holding it steady without using a tripod. The action shots are remarkable and allow for the sport action shots that customers are looking for.
"...You should sell the (excellent) 18-55 that ships with the camera. Quality is good, but not enough reach. You can sell it for $140 or so...." Read more
"...It is great in low light and offers much quality for $199.- Not fantastic in low light, "usable" images up to around ISO 1600.-..." Read more
"...for value relationship needs some improvement, though the product itself is solid...." Read more
"...This Nikon feels great in my hands, the build quality seems sturdy and looks kind of pro even for it's smallness compared to bigger DSLRs...." Read more
Customers like the portability of the camera. They say that it is very light, sturdy enough to hold up, and is easy to carry around. Customers also mention that it has a very nice grip and feel to it.
"...Small, lightweight, fits well in the hands.- Offers a guide mode to get you out of auto and on your way to manual-..." Read more
"...Light, small and very comfortable to shoot with - all my friends who have DSLRs that picked up this camera exclaimed "Wow this thing is SO..." Read more
"...Very lightweight, and great looking design.This Nikon feels great in my hands, the build quality seems sturdy and looks kind of pro even for it's..." Read more
"...Relative to DSLRs, this is small and light weight but still feels solid and rugged in your hands...." Read more
Customers like the guide mode of the camera. They say it has excellent auto settings for a variety of lighting, and many settings that can be tweaked to fit their needs. The manual controls are pretty extensive, but some are a little hard to access. The camera has a lot of features and can switch between manual and automatic controls.
"...Great "Auto" settings: Produces really nice images on many of the standard settings for Shutter and Aperture Priority and full Program...." Read more
"...Small, lightweight, fits well in the hands.- Offers a guide mode to get you out of auto and on your way to manual-..." Read more
"...It provides you with an incredible amount of control, from very subtle to blatantly obvious...." Read more
"...amazing value for money since as an entry-level DSLR it offers an amazing set of features (which are comparable to D5000 or even the new D7000) for..." Read more
Customers are mixed about the focus of the camera. Some mention that the pictures are sharp, focus, and clear, while others say that the continuous autofocus during video is loud, finicky, and does not focus as well in the screen viewfinder mode.
"...The D3000 is slow and noisy at high ISO. The D5000 only shoots 720p (not 1080p), no autofocus in movie mode, less resolution...." Read more
"...the only DSLR camera on the market at this time that comes with auto-focus in video mode...." Read more
"...This means the D3100 will not autofocus with plain AF lenses (manual still works though)...." Read more
"...The lens included with the camera is very very sharp, so far I cannot complain. I'm amazed at the clean images I get with ISO 3200 indoors!!..." Read more
Reviews with images
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Top reviews from the United States
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I actually compared this, side by side, shot by shot with the Canon T2i when deciding which way to go since I was going to be purchasing so many of them. It was actually a pretty big decision since I was deciding on a Nikon camera when my personal camera is a Canon 7D. When comparing the 2 cameras I literally set them up on tripods right next to each other, took shots in the exact same settings, conditions, etc. First, I compared everything in Manual mode, then I let the camera do the work in Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority and full Program Mode. Without running through every single shot I can simply say the Nikon D3100 beat the Canon t2i, much to my surprise. This was a VERY close comparison and, in the end, the price of the Nikon helped tip the scale in that direction.
Image Quality
The D3100 wins here. How, you say, is that possible? The Canon is 18 megapixel and the Nikon is only 14.2...true, but Nikon has a secret weapon, the 18-55 lens! Believe it or not, the 18-55 Nikon lens, the KIT lens that comes on this camera and many others, is actually one of the sharpest images Nikon makes. I wouldn't believe it if I hadn't taken hundreds of shots, blown them up to 100% and compared them side by side. Now, if you are looking for something where you plan to change lenses from time to time, then the Canon is the better choice. However, in the case of my very specific needs, where I will never need to change out the lens on this camera because it is for sports portrait shoots only, you cannot beat the D3100. I actually chose the Canon for another area of my business out of state where I needed more durability and flexibility...more on that in another review.
As with any product, it will ultimately boil down to how you plan to use it. If you are a consumer who is just getting into Digital SLR cameras, this is a great way to start. It is cheap and it takes great images. It has video, which is nice, although I do not use it so I can't give an in depth review of that functionality. Make sure that you get the kit with the 18-55 lens though, that makes a big difference in image quality.
It also has a great little feature that would be really helpful to beginners trying to understand how Aperture works. It has a little animation on the LCD screen that shows an actual camera iris opening or closing as you adjust the aperture, which is helpful for beginners trying to understand the lower number being a bigger aperture concept.
So, to sum it up:
PROS:
Price: You can't beat it, if you watch Amazon closely you will be able to catch it in the $500 range or maybe a bit less if you are lucky
Image Quality: Really amazing image quality WITH the 18-55 lens especially.
Good for Beginners: Has some really good tutorials to help beginners understand the basics of DSLR.
Great "Auto" settings: Produces really nice images on many of the standard settings for Shutter and Aperture Priority and full Program. (although I recommend to beginners to try to learn how to shoot in Manual mode at least to understand how it works and NEVER use any of the silly settings like "Sports" or the other ones.)
CONS:
Not very tough: It feels a lot cheaper than the Canon
Really small: It looks ridiculous with an SB900 flash on it! (This is a con for me but might be a pro for others)
Overall, I definitely recommend it for a beginner or someone with a very specific professional need like I have. It earns 5 stars for how I use it.
So what do the cameras in the next price-tier have that the D3100 doesn't? A lot of stuff that most people looking in this price range won't be concerned with. Here's a list of the "missing" things and/or "problems" with the D3100 as I found while researching my purchase:
1) Most online reviews and forums mention a problem with AutoISO and the built-in flash. When using the built-in flash in full auto, AutoISO jumps straight to the maximum ISO value, which I believe is defaulted to ISO-3200. Nikon says this is intended to get a better exposed background, fine with me. Personally, I think that ISO-3200 images out of this camera are very useable unless you're pixel peeping. If you just want to blow up an indoor portrait to an 8x10 (or even larger, I don't know!), you won't have a problem. Don't worry about it!
2) You can frequently hear the lens auto-focusing in your videos. Ok, you got me. If you're in a silent environment, yes, you will hear the autofocus motor, but if you're recording kids laughing and having a good time at the local indoor waterpark or at a parade or something, it's not loud enough where it would be a bother. If it is an annoyance, you can still shoot video with manual focus.
3) No external mic input. The D3100 is sufficient for getting a clip when you want it, you're not going to have movie quality sound. Who carries an external mic with them on vacation? If you're buying a DSLR specifically for video capabilities, you probably should be considering a dedicated camcorder anyway. For my purposes, there's nothing wrong with mono sound.
4) Lack of bracketing -- too much to explain in a review. Google it and see if you would ever use it. I can see why it would be useful, but I doubt it'd be useful for on-the-go photography.
5) Manual settings buried in menus instead of having dedicated buttons -- Most people at the entry-level probably aren't shooting full manual. The D3100 features several "scene" modes that you can use, otherwise there's always aperture or shutter priority, or even full auto. Depending on which priority you're in, the scroll wheel on the back will adjust the aperture or shutter speed. If you shoot full manual all the time, you may want dedicated buttons, meaning you should look elsewhere. If you're not in full manual, I can't see this being a problem.
6) Lack of built-in flash commander mode -- you can't trigger an off camera flash using your built-in flash. Some DSLR's have built-in flashes with this capability, the D3100 does not. For travel photography, this isn't an issue. For most at-home photography, this isn't an issue. It could be for macro photography depending how close to your subject you are, or if you have a full studio with multiple flashes setup in your basement. If you decide at a later point you want this capability, some external flashes such as the Nikon SB-700 can function as a commander. Otherwise, you can use whatever external flash you wish in conjunction with the SC-28 or SC-29 cord inthe D3100's hotshoe.
7) Perhaps the biggest potential problem with the D3100 is the lack of a built in focusing motor. This means the D3100 will not autofocus with plain AF lenses (manual still works though). Any lenses with the AF-S designation will auto-focus just fine. This can be costly though - on some of the higher-end lenses, the difference can be $600 or more between the AF and AF-S version of the same lens. Again, this comes down to "what will you use it for?" For this, I go back here: If this is a problem, you shouldn't be looking at an entry level DSLR anyway.
Nikon ships the D3100 with the 18-55mm AF-S VR lens, offers a very affordable 55-200mm AF-S VR telephoto, and my personal favorite, the 35mm f/1.8 AF-S lens. The 55-200 can be had for under $100 if you catch a sale or rebate, and the 35mm can be had for under $200. These three lenses will cover most of the needs for entry-level photographers, and all three of them auto-focus on the D3100. By the time we as amateur photographers outgrow this setup, we will know specifically what focal lengths we primarily use in order to make a more educated purchase for the expensive lenses later on. And I'm convinced, when that time comes, you'll have your eye on the latest and greatest prosumer DSLR to go with your fancy new lens anyway.
Until then, enjoy the D3100 for what it is. A great, inexpensive, entry-level DSLR, which, in my opinion, produces excellent images when in the hands of a photographer ready to learn!
Top reviews from other countries
Reviewed in Canada on August 6, 2022