Nikon D3100 Review

 

 NIKON D3100 DSLR 

 

SPECIFICATIONS

 

ABOUT THE PRODUCT

The entry-level digital SLR market has been fairly even over the past few years, with the two big names producing good but unexciting cameras (see Canon's EOS 1000D and Nikon's D3000).
The limitations of a low entry price restricted both companies from innovating too much on these models, but Nikon's D3100 is now the exception.

Design and features

The D3100 is light and portable, weighing 455 grams for the body only. Attach a non-kit lens to the camera, such as the excellent 35mm f/1.8 DX model, and away you go with lightweight shooting. The D3100 now has a CMOS sensor and its resolution hits 14.2 megapixels. The image processor has undergone some Botox too, upgraded to Expeed 2.

 

Familiarity is key to Nikon's design, which uses a similar chassis and layout to the D3000, with a few extra tweaks. The most significant exterior changes come in the form of the shooting mode selector switch, now integrated into the mode dial, which changes between single, continuous, timer and quiet mode shooting.

 

For beginners, the D3100 is equipped with Guide mode, just like the D3000, but it has been refined to make it easier to use. Guide mode provides an interface to help new users achieve specific looks from changing aperture and shutter speeds, but without using the photographic terminology. There's also the standard PASM shooting modes accessible from the mode dial, and a range of scene modes suited to portrait, macro and landscape work to name a few.

At the back is a 3-inch LCD screen with a resolution of 230,000 dots, a directional control pad, control wheel and a Live View switch along with the standard playback and review buttons. Live View is a much-needed addition from the D3000 and the D3100 does it brilliantly with this implementation. Simply flick the switch to the right of the screen to activate, and back again to deactivate. Video recording, which is in full 1920x1080 pixels at 24fps, is activated using the instant-on record button nestled in the Live View switch.

To the side, the D3100 has a host of connectivity options, including mini-HDMI and USB out, AV out and a port for connecting an optional GPS unit to automatically geotag photos. There is no external microphone jack though, which is disappointing for videographers.

 

The D3100 is easy enough for a first-time user to pick up and start shooting with straight away, either using the Guide mode or full automatic, but there are plenty of other options for more advanced photographers. One notable exception is automatic bracketing; sure, it can be done manually but it is a nice feature for those who enjoy HDR or gaining the correct exposure in tricky lighting situations. The viewfinder is bright and clear though it's not particularly big and only covers 95 per cent of the field of view.

 

PICTURES

 

 

Uses of the D3100

The D3100 is a great camera for people new to photography all the way through to those who have been doing it for years professionally. The D3100 is often the first step for aspiring photographers in opening the door to the world of photography and journalism. It is used to take photos at oppurtune moments or whenever the user desires. Its consistent standard of photo quality makes it easy for everyone to use - and that's what it is. A camera for everyone.

 

Positives and Negatives

+This camera is capable of shooting high quality photos consistently

+Capable of shooting 1080p videos

+User interface is easy to navigate and learn
+1080p 24fps video capable
+720p 30 fps video capable
+Mini HDMI output
+Expandable memory

-Small viewfinder

-Slower camera performance
-Canon has a faster shutter and turn on/off speed
-Expensive
 

 

 All pictures, positives and negatives, design and features: Tom
Specifications, about the product, uses of the D3100: Nathaniel