Nikon D3100
The basics
The Nikon D3100 is the latest entry-level DSLR from one of the nation's most popular camera manufacturers. With the same mini-me styling as proper pro cameras, and stunning photo quality, it's a great step up for those wanting to upgrade from compact cameras.
The good
Despite sitting at the low end of Nikon's digital SLR range, the Nikon D3100 is an excellent camera. It features similar styling to much more expensive cameras, with an oversized handgrip, and it's a robust and well made solution.
The kit lens is particularly impressive. It offers impressive colour reproduction, and pin-sharp photographs. Noise is very well contained, even in dark conditions, making this an excellent choice for night time photography.
The Nikon D3100 is also capable of recording high-definition video, so you'll also be able to use it as a full-on camcorder to capture those special occasions. As an all-rounder, it's an excellent device, and a great step up for those switching from compact camera to digital SLR.
The bad
The Nikon D3100 is competing in an increasingly crowded market, and it struggles to differentiate itself. It's good, yes, but there are also impressive options available from Canon, Olympus and others. The D3100 also lacks manual controls when filming videos, stopping you from adjusting certain settings.
The bottom line
If you've already decided on an entry-level DSLR, the chances are you'll be considering Nikon and Canon. The Nikon D3100 is an excellent all-rounder, and well worth the money.
User comments (16)
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Bob Griffin01 November 2010
I have a Pentax SLR camera. I think that Pentax are a better choice for a budget camera because you can buy second hand manual lens from old manual Pentax cameras that work on the SLR. You can't do this with other makes. The price of extra lens is a major issue if you are trying to save money.
Report as inappropriatejohn McBride04 November 2010
I have owned the Nikon d3100 for a month now, very pleased with it, in camera editing is cool ( fish eye, outline, etc ) I am new to dslr's, but did a bit of reading & decided on the d3100, glad I did..
Report as inappropriateBen16 April 2011
I have owned this camera since christmas, and am really pleased with its ease of use, and its ability to produce excellent photos. I did a lot of research in to entry level DSLR's whe I was thinking of buying, and I am glad I chose the D3100. Highly reccomended.
Report as inappropriateDavid Ostler20 April 2011
I have also owned this camera since christmas, and I to am really pleased with its ease of use. The photos are the quality you would expect from a Nikon but what has realy impressed me is the HD video. With a monopod and a 55-200mm lense you can get not only excelent photos but close-up video as well. I no longer take a video camera with me on holiday, just the Nikon. Its a pity the lenses are so expensive.
Report as inappropriatejames brady16 May 2011
I am thinking of buying a Nikon d 3100 digital camera, can I use my old nikkor lenses with this camera. jim
Report as inappropriateAlex123518 May 2011
I got one of these for Christmas and it is an amazing camera! It has not taken me long to get out of auto mode and get into p-mode and start changing some if the exposure settings to my liking. A tip to everyone who has this camera and other nikon DSLR, use P-Mode and set "Picture control" to vivid and increase the sharpness slider up a few stops. It gives an instant boost in image quality. I have now purchased a SB-600 speedlight external flash I have found that bouncing the flash when indoors gives much more natural lighting for my photos. If you are looking for your first DSLR the Nikon D3100 is a superb choice!
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duck12318 June 2011
i wonder when there going to update the cameras again
Report as inappropriateForest30 June 2011
Just on my way out to buy one of these, done a lot of research and it still seems to come out the best buy.
Report as inappropriatehisnibs12 July 2011
bought one two weeks ago, also bought 300mm zoom lens, does what it says on tin! It feels good on your hand, well balanced & when using non-auto its a dream. Small gripe - the button to move around pictures you have already taken under some circumstances I have found it is too close to the right edge. This is a slight issue but not a major one!! I'm well pleased with my purchases
Report as inappropriateDraco118 September 2011
I'm new to DSLR'sand did a lot of research before handing over the ready's also bought 300mm zoom lens to try out the macro capability's of the camera so pleased with the result's that i'm now saving for a true macro lens so i can do the type of photography that i love so much .Can anybody recomend the what would be the best ,but not too overly priced macro lens to get for my d3100 nickon camera
Report as inappropriatea quinn08 October 2011
I have had this camera for a week and the exposure is way out when you zoom in on a picture is a fault with this camera or the lens?
Report as inappropriateA r C25 October 2011
I think today at this price it is hard to buy a bad dslr. It does have a lot of competition but that's not a bad thing. I have an Olympus e620 which I think is a better camera and can be had for around the same price. Because Olympus use a 4/3 system a 300mm lens is equal to a 600mm lens in 35m film standard
Report as inappropriatefizzzzzzzzzzz07 November 2011
they should tell us the price of all the products
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