6 reviews

Nikon D3100

$700.00 Released August, 2010

The Pros:Capable of recording video in full 1080p/24. Records to affordable, easy to find and capacious SD, SDHC and the latest SDXC memory cards. HDMI output.

The Cons:Same low resolution display as the D3000 (230k dot). Considerably more expensive than the D3000 at $699 with kit lens - a problem as it is an introductory / budget DSLR. Focus on video on consumer and professional DSLRs is adding cost while potentially stifling innovation when it comes to still images.

The Nikon D3100 is a mid-range to high-end Digital SLR camera with a 3-inch LCD display. It features a 14.2 megapixel DX-format CMOS image sensor, full 1080p video recording and a 3x 18-55mm Zoom-NIKKOR VR Image Stabilization Lens.

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Nikon D3100 Black SLR Digital Camera Kit w/ 18-55mm & 55-200mm Lens by PriceGrabber.com

Additionally, the D3100 boasts Nikon's EXPEED 2 image processing engine and Automatic Image Sensor Cleaning technology.

The D3100's 3x 18-55mm Zoom-NIKKOR VR Image Stabilization Lens features fast, accurate autofocus while its VR Image Stabilization technology ensures crisp, sharp hand-held pictures and video. Its EXPEED 2 image processing engine provides the D3100 with extremely rich image quality as it carefully manages colour, contrast, exposure, noise and speed. Meanwhile, the D3100's Automatic Image Sensor Cleaning technology uses an ultrasonic process and Airflow Control to to combat dust accumulation on the image sensor.

Features

14.2 megapixel DX-format CMOS image sensor
1080p video recording
3x 18-55mm Zoom-NIKKOR VR Image Stabilization Lens
EXPEED 2 image processing engine
Automatic Image Sensor Cleaning technology
SD, SDHC and SDXC compatible
1x HDMI out, 1x USB

User Reviews (8)

Add Pros & Cons

ProScore

Pros

5

capable of recording video in full 1080p/24
3

records to affordable, easy to find and capacious SD, SDHC and the latest SDXC memory cards
3

HDMI output
3

now includes liveview which was lacking on the D3000 (taking photos via the back LCD display)
2

upgraded 14.2MP CMOS sensor - newer technology than the antiquated CCD of the previous generation D3000
2

CMOS sensor and image processor were designed by Nikon (not a third party like Sony like some components have been in the past)
1

small and lightweight body compared to most DSLRs - ideal for use on-the-go
1

solid Nikon build quality
0

a great introductory camera - like the D3000 it includes many automatic modes for easy shooting, can teach the user to use more complex manual settings

Cons

2

same low resolution display as the D3000 (230k dot)
1

considerably more expensive than the D3000 at $699 with kit lens - a problem as it is an introductory / budget DSLR
0

focus on video on consumer and professional DSLRs is adding cost while potentially stifling innovation when it comes to still images
0

mono audio recording with no external microphone input
-2

STILL no integrated GPS - have to use the clunky external GP-1 which is prone to break

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Comments (2)

What's on your mind? See more ProductWiki Talk

Erik: In the market for a DSLR. I've narrowed it down to the #nikon_d3100 and the #canon_rebel_t2i_eos_550d
Recommendations? Dec 9, 10

comments (3) like 1 person like this

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Omar: Snapsort's algorithm recommends the Canon http://snapsort.com/compare/Canon_EOS_Rebel_T2i-vs-Nikon_D3100

Though if you look at the comments on the page, people point out the D3100 as being better. So I'd have to go with the D3100 as well.
Dec 10, 10
Erik: Interesting breakdown there. However, the price was off in the algo. Snapsort has the T2i cheaper, which is not true. I like Yale's advice of applying the savings to a good lens. Dec 10, 10