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Now reading: Nikon D3100 Review 12 comments

Nikon D3100 Review

Published Dec 21, 2010 | Andy Westlake, Richard Butler

Buy on Amazon.com From $399.99

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milsorgen

This is probably my favorite dSLR so far.... It wasn't my first, hell it wasn't mine. I got this for my girlfriend as I shot a D5100 which I then upgraded a year or so in for the D7100. I let her take the D51 at that point and since I shot almost exclusively primes I started putting the D31 in my bag so I could carry another focal length and in short order I found myself using this camera 80% of time. I used my d7 for events, landscapes and downtown when I wanted street shots with autofocus (and also whenever I wanted to trot out my 'better' lenses).

I still think fondly of this camera and as soon as I find a good satchel for my girl it'll be her second cam and I wager the love affair will start anew.

2 months ago*permalink

SMMorris

Spectre 13, might you elaborate a bit about how you are recording sound separately and, i assume, linking up in post. this info would be great as i find myself in the same situation as you.

10 months agopermalink

Spectre13

I bought this camera for my wife when it first hit shelves 5 years ago. We got the package deal that came with two great lenses, plus we bought a third. It's a fantastic DSLR camera with pro features, but simple enough for beginners to use out of the box. The only feature that's missing, and certainly not a deal breaker is the lack of an external microphone input. This is something photographers won't miss at all, yet a feature that filmakers can easily get around with some ingenuity. That leads into my new love of this little gem. As a budding filmaker, I was watching tutorials and reading articles on the subject and found out that most independent filmakers and some pros swear by DSLR cameras for their tool of choice for capture. I remembered my wife's Nikon 3100 and immediately repurposed it for my new endeavor. With a cage, shotgun mic, 7" live feed monitor and matte shade on the way--our Nikon 3100 will get even more use!

May 18, 2015permalink

AminDoha

Hi
I'm using Nikkon D3100...can anyone suggest which other lens should fit into it for zoom as well as for wide angle pictures. please tell me the specifications. the current lens 18/55mm...

Apr 28, 2015permalink

Redzone

Hi,
I have just bought the new Tokina 11-20 and it's amazingly sharp !
AF is fast an IQ is awsome.
For Zoom, I wait to buy the Tamron SP 150-600mm. I have currently the Nikkor 55-300. This one is a good one but now I want more.

May 8, 2015permalink

Spectre13

More information is needed in order to answer this. There are plenty of fantastic lenses available. It just depends on your needs. What zoom magnification you need, for example.

May 18, 2015permalink

ekobkc

salam hangat

saya memiliki camera nikon D3100 dan saya memiliki masalah pada camera saya,permasalahannya adalah ketika saya ingin melakukan pemotretan dengan modul manual atau auto lampu flash tidak menyala dan timbul tulisan (r24) pada Viewfinder Eyepiece namun apabila lampu flash tidak di aktifkan camera dapat melakukan proses pemotretan
terima kasih

Mar 30, 2015permalink

aliceinblack

Hello
i am a novice and use my D3100 in auto mode. do you know if i can set a slower shutter speed for effects and still stay in auto mode? i want to try special effects with motion blur. any help would be appreciated.
thank you
ali black

Mar 21, 2015permalink

Spectre13

Hi Alice,
The short answer is no. One of the things you'll learn as you get acquainted with digital photography is that Auto Mode is a neat feature for quick shots that have predetermined settings calculated and set for you. I'm not sure if you're shooting video or stills, but the same principles apply to both.
Manual settings are where you can get down into the great features of DSLR cameras for what you are looking at doing.
You must learn these features to properly use your camera.
There are many great online resources that will walk you through it.

May 18, 2015permalink

sarath cp

nikon d3100 is an intermediate dslr? right? i saw a post about guides for buying a dslr on www.know4u.com
actually they says that there is too much to investigate before buying one... is that true always..? the link is http://know4u.com/dslr%20photography/How%20to%20Choose%20a%20DSLR%20Camera/How%20to%20Choose%20a%20DSLR%20Camera.html

Jul 2, 2014permalink

whodat101

Looking at the comparison, it appears to my novice mind that the d3100 has in most areas slightly better specs than the d5000. Since I am looking at both of these cameras, would appreciate comments. The 3100 is on sale at the local camera shop; the 5000 is available on Craiglist at a considerably lower price, but is of course used.

Also; packed away I have two nikon entry level cameras from the early 1980's with quite a few E series lenses. The E series lens was standard on the two cameras. Will these work on the 3100 and 5000, and if so, are there problems in compatibility such as auto-focus, etc.

Mar 30, 2014permalink

Flight815

D3100 is a great camera. i bought another one recently new from Target..dont need anything newer or more $$$ this thing is just perfect.I think it only auto focuses with Nikon AF-S..you'll have to read up on 3rd party lenses for af.

May 2, 2014permalink


Nikon Df Review Dec 20, 2013	Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM1 Review Dec 19, 2013	Just Posted: Nikon D3100 in-depth review Dec 21, 2010	Nikon releases firmware update for D3100 Jan 25, 2011

18-55mm & 55-200mm Non-VR, Standard Packaging In stock Usually ships in 1-2 business days	From $399.99 »
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