14.2-megapixel DX-format CMOS image sensor; 3-inch monitor with One-Touch Live View shooting and movie capture
Includes 3x 18-55mm Zoom-NIKKOR VR Image Stabilization lens
Full 1080p HD Cinematic Video with full-time autofocus and sound
Easy-To-Use Nikon Guide Mode with intuitive controls and on-board assistance
Capture images to SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards (not included)Here are just some of the benefits I found of this superb camera:
Good photo quality, with impressive high ISO performance; Compact, well designed body; Full manual controls, RAW image format supported (now with an improved editor); Fast autofocus system (when using viewfinder); Full HD movie mode, with continuous AF
Guide Mode, help screens, and assist images make the camera very easy to use; Tons of retouching features in playback mode, including in-camera RAW and movie editing; Redeye not a problem; Best-in-class battery life; Optional GPS unit; HDMI output
For the cost of this camera, I don’t think you can get anything better. The low light performance is off the charts. As a wedding photographer I regularly shoot with Nikon’s high end professional equipment and I was amazed how close this camera is to a pro camera.
This is my first DSLR, after years of Prosumer and Point-and-Shoot digital cameras. I had an old 35mm SLR years ago, and it is fun getting back into more real photography. This camera makes things real easy to take great pictures, and the controls are simple to use. The on screen menus are great, and easy to understand. I’m familiar with Nikon D70 and D90 cameras, so learning my way around was straightforward. I don’t use the Auto mode or Guide modes, but Auto does great for other people who aren’t familiar with DSLRs to use the camera. The image quality exceeds my expectations, and the more I use the camera, the more I like it. I also got a Nikon 55-200mm lens, which also does wonderfully.
The VR stabilization is awesome. I like the ISO performance at 1600, which really helps in low light situations. Battery life is fine, but I have a spare just in case. It’s small in size and weight, which makes it great for outdoor activities. The selection of accessories is pretty good, although using some Nikon lenses may not be fully supported by this camera (features like autofocus, and advanced metering). It’s not super fast at shooting continuous pictures, but what do you expect for this price range? I realize that this is an entry level camera, but its perfect for me, who wants to progress in photography skills, and capture great photos. For the price, I don’t think I could have gotten a better camera.
Cons: Photos tend to be soft — camera tends to clip highlights; Slow focusing in live view mode; Movie mode woes: so-so quality, sluggish and noisy continuous AF, no manual controls; No bracketing of any kind; Slower-than-average burst mode; LCD could be sharper; Autofocus only available with AF-S and AF-I lenses; USB and A/V cable not included — full manual on CD-ROM and not in booklet format.
The Nikon D3100 is a very good entry-level digital SLR. Clearly targeted toward the beginner, its combination of Guide Modes, assist images, and help screens easily makes it the most accessible of any D-SLR out there. Add in very good photo quality, snappy performance (in most cases), a solid feature set, Full HD movie recording, and best-in-class battery life, and you’ve got a winner.