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Review Summary
2014-06-29T20:00:00
My wife and I got this camera over 4 years ago, and we absolutely love it. It has over 40,000 clicks on it, and still going strong! We have learned how to take more advanced photos, partly with help from the Guide mode. It's raw files offer adequate color range for processing some incredible photos - landscape and family type shots. We've mostly used the kit lens, which worked for most of our needs. Movies looks great (except for lens focus noise, inherent with anything without a dedicated mic), but we shot mostly pictures. My only qualm with this camera is high ISO noise/light sensitivity. I've been pushing the boundaries with it over the last year, and wishing for more... so I upgraded to a D610, which I love even more.
Dwayne_In_AB
2014-03-29T20:00:00
I bought this SLR camera so I could take really nice pics of my kids playing different sports. I LOVE this camera! Its so easy to use, even for a newby like myself. Totally worth every penny!!!
JMHodge320
2014-03-24T21:00:00
I always liked the convenience of a pocket camera in my business shooting 100 - 200 photos a day of dogs I care for. I wanted to improve my picture taking so I bought this camera on the advice of Ken Rockwell. It's got all sorts of great features if you want to get finicky, but just set on auto it is so easy to use I can hardly believe it. Now I'm taking 300 - 400 pix a day and the quality of them has improved tenfold. My clients absolutely love the pictures I'm emailing to them. The Nikon D3100 has made it so easy for me! It's a real quality camera, very fast to capture my always moving subjects, and super simple to use.
Ginny d.
2014-03-22T20:00:00
This camera is amazing. It takes great pictures and has great focusing abilities. I do appreciate that it comes with 2 different t size lenses. To get you started
rpr317
2014-03-20T20:00:00
I am a semi Pro Photographer and I have some very very expensive equipment. I take very good care of this equipment and generally only use is for commissioned shoots or important personal events. The usual substitution for a DSLR is a point and shoot or a mirrorless camera but I am not the biggest point and shoot fan and I am really really disappointed with Nikon's 1 series. So what I usually do is I have an older Intro Level DSLR to take with me everywhere and if anything happens too it, well darn but no biggy. I recently replaced my old D60 with the D3100 and so far I absolutely love it. It is an intro level camera so we are talking bare bones and basic and with all things you do get what you pay for but I make no apologies for this little trooper. If you are looking for an intro level DSLR as a first DSLR or to upgrade from an aging model then look no further. The D3000 series is an excellent line. It has all of the auto modes you could ever ask for for the newbies so do not be intimidated by the idea of this being too much camera for you it is incredibly user friendly. But my favourite part is that this camera grows with you as you develop your skill and knowledge. So get to know it, take some classes, get some more kit to expand your abilities but have no doubt it will keep up with you every step of the way. To be fair this is not a camera I would take on commissioned shoots but even then get the right lighting and the right lens and there really is no reason you couldn't if you wanted. My only bones to pick with the D3100 are that for video (and I shoots stills, I could hardly care less) the sound and the auto focus are terrible but again you get what you pay for and this model was never really intended to be strong in video. If you are looking for a video capable intro level camera then you will love the D5000 series with much better sound and auto focus. And the only actual legitimate complaint I have with the D3100 is there is no Inferred sensor to allow wireless remote control. Why? Why would you do that you have always had it in you DSLRs, why cut it from this model? Fortunately Nikon fixed this issue in the D3200 and D3300 models. Two amazing intro level DSLRs in their own right. So aside from one mirror annoyance I have to say, great job Nikon I am a life long Nikon shooter but I know, love and use most other brands as well, still I am pleased I chose Nikon for my kit. If you are looking for an intro Level DSLR the D3100 and it's successors the D3200 and D3300 are excellent choices that are perfect for complete beginners and grow with you every step of the way.
Manthony
2014-03-09T20:00:00
Awesome camera! Good for people moving from film to D-SLR, or professional photographers. Easy to use, high quality, great pictures!
FriedPhotography
2014-03-05T19:00:00
The D3100 is a good start for those want to venture into DSLR. It has all the basic features to learn the rope of taking great digital photographs.
felixsim
2014-03-03T19:00:00
Just received camera. Pleased with package and instructions. After some time will be better able to determine the numbers of stars involved. From what limited time involved it would appear a very favorable rating will be forth coming.
Bitt
2014-02-07T19:00:00
Easy to use and understand amazing performance. A Great Companion
MikeMAG
2014-01-09T19:00:00
I got this camera as a birthday/christmas present and I couldn't be happier with it! Not only does it take amazing photos and videos, but it's super easy to use and it has so many fun features!! This camera came with two different types of lenses and the standard battery/charger. As someone who has recently taken up photography as a hobby and loves to travel, this camera is definitely worth it and has come in handy for fun adventures as well as school projects. If you want a great DSLR to start out with, I'd recommend this camera/model.
laura
2014-01-06T19:00:00
I bought this camera two days ago only but the options that I have explored are really making me fall in love with this machine :D in short in can say BEST CAMERA !
Shayan
2014-01-05T19:00:00
Almost inmediatelly was stolen my Nikon D80, had to buy a D3100, did not have enough money for something else at the time. but what a great surprise... Excellent picture quality, very easy and intuitive controls, allows great learning thanks to their guide mode. and given its size and weight makes it very comfortable to carry around ... a very good camera to start and continue
Lexpaul
2013-12-25T19:00:00
Okay, I just got this camera as a Chirstmas gift from my father. I have taken all of my photos on my camera phone. In which the count exceeds 1000 plus photos. I took this picture of my puppy. I was just so shocked at how it looked like a professional photograher took the photo. I absolutely love this camera. Once you read the basic user instructions or even without it.. You will never go wrong for paying more money for this camera.
Les1973
2013-12-24T19:00:00
I really enjoy this camera. I just got it for Christmas, and it has been wonders ever since. All of the features and simple to use, and they have step by step instructions in the manual. I would recommend this camera to anyone i know!
NikonGirl17
2013-12-11T19:00:00
My Nikon D3100 red have stolen my heart on February 14, 2013 which was Valentine's day also two days before my second professional wedding photography shoot since then this month marks ten months of having this DSLR and it really has impacted and change my photography career for the better plus I really don't have problems with it whenever I shoot just pure enjoyment thanks Nikon for making this camera also my DSLR about be a year old in two months lol
Youngoldschool
2013-11-09T19:00:00
The first time when I using the camera.. I fall in love with this model immediately. After that, I keep saving money just wanted to buy this camera. Now my camera have been with me about 2 years. I feel so happy to have this camera. Through this camera, I really learnt a lot of tips & skills. :)
YungHong
2013-09-30T20:00:00
I have this for 3 yrs now and i am really pleased by its performance. Not too complex, very easy to operate DLSR. Best for people like me to are not pro but still want quality photos. Its buttons are intuitive and has very useful software bundled for FREE.
Anonymous
2013-09-25T20:00:00
My wife and I absolutely love this camera. The D3100 is our first experience with a digital SLR and we couldn't be happier. It was easy to learn how to use this camera and it takes beautiful pictures and videos.
OhioGuy
2013-09-20T20:00:00
So far I love the D3100. I need to do a lot more practice with it though. Will love taking it to the beach for some great pictures.
Wifie
2013-08-30T20:00:00
Before I bought a coolpix L820, and I was astonish with the results, now that I have this DSLR I love it. I think I can do anything that I need or that I can guess. I love this beautiful camera. I recomend every Nikon product, for me is the best brand in photograph.
darkavngr
2013-07-20T20:00:00
I bought this camera just over 2 years ago. The price was right and the functionality of it was just what I needed. I have been so impressed with the camera and have had no problems. I will be upgrading cameras in the future as I have become much better with my photography. All in all, a must get for beginners or those who seek a camera that isn't bulky.
Mno10
2013-07-15T21:00:00
Purchased for general use recreational photography. This is our first DSLR camera. It's only a couple of weeks old, and we have not explored all of the many settings and options provided within the camera, but it is simple to start taking pictures right away. Charge & install the battery, install the memory card, set camera to "auto" and start taking great pictures.
CooterMN
2013-07-13T20:00:00
I have had this baby for a little over two years and it is still working pretty good! I've dropped it once (not too bad), and it still works like a charm. I take it with me wherever I go, and it's easy to travel with. The 18-55 lens has given me beautiful photos! I love the in-camera editing features, like turning the photos into black and white, cropping, and other basic editing. I think this camera is best for beginners; this was my first dslr, and it was one of the best purchases that I have ever made! When I first got it, I didn't even read the instructions, I just played with it. And it was really easy (shooting manual and automatic), so if you're a beginner and you want a less expensive (yet high quality camera), definitely buy it!
Emily
2013-06-24T21:00:00
very happy with this camera. it is a nice upgrade from my previous camera (Pentax *ist DS). Still getting comfortable with the different features, but I really like the way the colors come out on this camera (as well as other Nikons). I opted for this camera as opposed to the D3200 because the only real difference is that the D3200 has more megapixels, which are not necessary for my purposes.
jonnyg100
2013-06-21T20:00:00
I bought this camera because I was looking for a second DSLR to my D200 and didn't want to spend a lot. I have to admit this is a nice camera to use. It's light, responsive and easy to navigate menus. I wasn't sure at first because I have been using my D200 solely for a long time and it allows me to do whatever I want at the push of a button or flip of a dial. After a initial trip and use I feel good about this camera and would recommend it to anyone looking for an easy to use DSLR. It of course doesn't give me some features that I have in my D200, but it was $. I do have a ton of other features that I don't have in my D200, like in camera editing and scene modes for when I'm short for time and patience. I like the fact I have live preview and HD video recording. I love the preview switch and record button integration on the back. This is a great camera and will definitely be coming with me on trips.
Nikon F.
2013-06-17T21:00:00
I use it for shooting pictures of my children playing sports. I am not an avid photographer, so I don't quite understand everything it can do, but it does what I need it to do.
Lukey
2013-05-20T21:00:00
We were looking for a step up from our point and shoot camera. Gets used alot by our two teenagers who love to take those candid and action shots for Facebook and Instagram. Very happy with the image quality, shutter speed and overall ease of use. For the price, this has been a very good purchase.
Barb
2013-05-19T20:00:00
this is my first dslr, love the feel, the grip, i understand it dont fight with it dose the job and do it very well. thank nikon.
FIC
2013-04-29T21:00:00
I use this camera at musical recitals, weddings, church activities, vacations, etc. I love how easy the camera is to use. The software that comes with it really helps me to improve my camera skills. I don't like how in the automatic modes that the flash always comes up. So I shoot in the manual modes.
Timotheos
2013-04-22T21:00:00
Great entry level DSLR for taking pictures of our daughter. Especially when its nice and sunny out in the park! :)
JianDoe
Single-lens reflex digital camera
Nikon F bayonet mount
Effective picture angle 1.5x (Approx.) conversion factor (Nikon DX format)
14.2 million
23.1 x 15.4mm
DX
CMOS
14.8 million
Image sensor cleaning
Airflow Control System
Image Dust Off reference data (optional Capture NX 2 software required)
DX-format
(L) 4608 x 3072
(M) 3456 x 2304
(S) 2304 x 1536
NEF (RAW)
JPEG: JPEG-Baseline compliant with fine (approx 1:4), normal (approx 1:8), or basic (approx 1:16) compression
NEF (RAW) + JPEG: Single photograph recorded in both NEF (RAW) and JPEG formats
Standard
Neutral
Vivid
Monochrome
Portrait
Landscape
SD
SDHC
SDXC memory cards
Compliant with DCF (Design Rule for Camera File System) 2.0
DPOF (Digital Print Order Format)
EXIF 2.21 (Exchangeable Image File Format for Digital Still Cameras
PictBridge
Eye-level pentamirror single-lens reflex viewfinder
95% horizontal
95% vertical Approx
0.80x (50mm f/1.4 lens at infinity; -1.0m-1) Approx
18mm (-1.0m-1)
-1.7 to +0.5m-1
Type B BriteView Clear Matte Mark VII screen
Quick-return type
Instant-return type
Electronically controlled
AI-P NIKKOR: All functions supported except autofocus and 3D Color Matrix Metering II
AF-S, AF-I: All functions supported
Non-CPU: Can be used in mode M, but exposure meter does not function; electronic range finder can be used if maximum aperture is f/5.6 or faster IX Nikkor lenses cannot be used
Electronic Rangefinder usable with lens with maximum aperture of f/5.6 or faster
Type G or D AF NIKKOR not equipped with an autofocus motor: All functions supported except autofocus
AF-NIKKOR for F3AF not supported
Other AF NIKKOR: All functions supported except autofocus and 3D color matrix metering II
Type D PC NIKKOR: All functions supported except autofocus and some shooting modes
Electronically controlled vertical-travel focal-plane
1/4000 to 30 sec. in steps of 1/3 EV, Bulb
Up to 1/200 sec, Synchronizes with shutter at 1/200s or slower
Single-frame [S] mode
Continuous
Self-timer mode
Quiet Shutter Release
Up to 3 fps (manual focus, mode M or S, shutter speed 1/250 sec or faster, and other settings at default values)
2 sec, 10 sec Timer duration electronically controlled
TTL exposure metering using 420-pixel RGB sensor
Matrix: 3D color matrix metering II (type G and D lenses); color matrix metering II (other CPU lenses)
Center-weighted: Weight of 75% given to 8-mm circle in center of frame
Spot: Meters 3.5-mm circle (about 2.5% of frame) centered on selected focus point
0 to 20 EV (Matrix or center-weighted metering at ISO 100 equivalent, f/1.4 lens, at 20 deg.C/68 deg.F)
2 to 20 EV (Spot metering at ISO 100 equivalent, f/1.4 lens at 20 deg.C/68 deg.F)
CPU
Auto modes ( auto, auto [flash off])
Scene Modes
Programmed Auto with flexible Program (P)
Shutter-Priority Auto (S)
Aperture-Priority Auto (A)
Manual (M)
Portrait
Landscape
Child
Sports
Close-up
Night Portrait
+/-5 EV in increments of 1/3EV
Luminosity locked at detected value with AE-L/AF-L button
ISO 100 to 3200 in steps of 1 EV
Can also be set to approx. 1 EV above ISO 3200 (ISO 6400 equivalent) or to approx. 2 EV above ISO 3200 (ISO 12800 equivalent
Auto ISO sensitivity control available
1 EV above ISO 3200 (ISO 6400 equivalent)
2 EV above ISO 3200 (ISO 12800 equivalent) Approx.
Auto ISO sensitivity control available
On
Off
Single Area AF
Dynamic-area
Auto-area AF
3D-tracking (11 points)
Nikon Multi-CAM 1000 autofocus sensor module with TTL phase detection
-1 to 19 EV (ISO 100, 68 deg.F/20 deg.C)
Autofocus (AF): Single-servo AF (AF-S); Continuous-servo AF (AF-C); Auto AF-S/AF-C selection (AF-A); Predictive focus tracking activated automatically according to subject status
Can be selected from 11 focus points
Focus can be locked by pressing shutter-release button halfway (single-servo AF)
Focus can be locked by pressing AE-L/AF-L button
Yes
Auto
Portrait
Child
Close-Up
Night portrait
Auto flash with auto pop-up [P], [S], [A], [M]
Manual pop-up with button release
39/12, 43/13 with manual flash (ft/m, ISO 100, 68 deg.F/20 deg.C) Approx.
TTL: i-TTL balanced fill-flash and standard i-TTL flash for digital SLR using 420-pixel RGB sensor are available with built-in flash and SB-900, SB-800, SB-600, or SB-400 (i-TTL balanced fill-flash available when matrix or center-weighted metering)
Auto aperture: Available with SB-900/SB-800 and CPU lens
Non-TTL auto: Supported flash units include BS-900, SB-800, SB-80DX, SB-28DX, SB-28, SB-27, and SB-22S
Distance-priority manual: Available with SB-900 and SB-800
Auto
Auto with red-eye reduction
Fill-flash
Auto slow sync
Auto slow sync with red-eye correction
Rear curtain with slow sync
-3 to +1 EV in increments of 1/3 EV
Lights when built-in flash or optional flash unit such as SB-900, SB-800, SB-600, SB-400, SB-80DX, SB-28DX or SB-50DX is fully charged
Blinks for 3 sec. after flash is fired at full output
ISO 518 hot-shoe with sync and data contacts and safety lock
Yes
Advanced Wireless Lighting supported with SB-900, BS-800, SU-800 as commander; Flash Color Information Communications supported with built-in flash and all CLS-compatible flash units
Sync Terminal Adapter AS-15 (available separately)
Auto
Incandescent
Fluorescent (7 types)
Direct Sunlight
Flash
Cloudy
Shade
Preset Manual
All except preset manual with fine tuning
Yes
Autofocus (AF): Single-servo AF (AF-S); full-time-servo AF (AF-F)
Manual focus (MF)
Face-priority AF
Wide-area AF
Normal-area AF
Subject-tracking AF
Contrast-detect AF anywhere in frame (camera selects focus point automatically when face-priority AF or subject-tracking AF is selected
Auto mode
Auto (flash off) mode
TTL exposure metering using main image sensor
Matrix
1920 x 1080 (24p): 24 fps (23.976 fps)
1280 x 720 (30p): 30 fps (29.97 fps)
1280 x 720 (25p): 25 fps
1280 x 720 (24p): 24 fps (23.976 fps)
640 x 424 (24p): 24 fps (23.976 fps)
10 min
MOV
Linear PCM
Built-in monaural microphone
3 in. diagonal
230,000 Dots
TFT-LCD with brightness adjustment
Full frame
Calendar
Thumbnail (4, 9 or 72 images)
Zoom
Movie Playback
Slideshow
Histogram display
Highlights
Auto image rotation
Image Comment (up to 36 characters)
Highlight point display
Hi-speed USB
Video output: NTSC, PAL
HDMI output: Type C mini-pin HDMI connector
Accessory terminal: Remote cord: MC-DC2 (available separately); GPS unit: GP-1 (available separately)
GP-1 GPS unit
Chinese (Simplified and Traditional)
Dutch
English
Spanish
Finnish
French
Italian
German
Japanese
Korean
Polish
Portuguese
Russian
Swedish
Czech
Norweigon
Turkish
EN-EL14 Rechargeable Li-ion Battery
EH-5a AC Adapter
Power Connector EP-5a available separately
1/4in (ISO1222)
32 to 104 deg.F (0 to 40 deg.C)
Less than 85% (no condensation)
4.9 x 3.8 x 2.9in / 124.46 x 96.52 x 73.66mm
16oz / 455g camera body only
018208254729
Finally got my 1st DSLR!
By streetmusic
my D3100 arrived this afternoon and I came home to get familiar with the settings and give a tryout. Let me tell you that my desires to ever go back to the days of my 35 film is long past now. Light weight, quick to snap and use as easy as my point and shoot Coolpix. If you have the desire to get into a digital SLR then I am going to highly recommend this for what ever you have a need for, the photos I will attach are my first with this, I'm very impressed and want to learn more. Thanks Nikon
Great beginner Camera
By ChacaCon
I knew nothing of SLR cameras when I got the d3100. I found myself dispointed in it at first but I found out the problem was with me. I was shooting in JPG(not RAW) and in AUTO mode(not one of the manual modes). I turned to Youtube and found out that there is SOOO much more you can do with that camera when you shoot in RAW(good software like Lightroom 4 and such to edit them in) and Manual Mode! My pics turned out better than I could have imagined! For a beginner camera this a great start! Ta...
View full Review
The Nikon D3100 Digital SLR Camera is an affordable, compact and lightweight photographic power-house. It features the all-purpose 18-55mm VR lens, a high-resolution 14.2 MP CMOS sensor along with a feature set that's comprehensive yet easy to navigate - the intuitive onboard learn-as-you grow guide mode allows the photographer to understand what the 3100 can do quickly and easily. Capture beautiful pictures and amazing Full HD 1080p movies with sound and full-time autofocus. Easily capture the action other cameras miss with a fast start up time, split-second shutter release, 3 frames per second shooting and 11-point autofocus. Capture pictures and make movies in near darkness with an ISO range of 100 to 3200 (expandable to 12800-Hi2).
EXPEED 2, Nikon's new image processing engine, assures breathtakingly rich image quality, managing color, contrast, exposure and noise. One-touch Live View and movie recording lets you see the action on the 3" monitor and the Scene Recognition System automatically chooses the ideal settings. You can also select from 6 Automatic Exposure Scene Modes- Portrait, Landscape, Child, Sports, Close-up or Night Portrait for stunning results in otherwise challenging conditions.
Active D-Lighting restores picture-enhancing detail in shadows and highlights. A built-in pop-up flash is ready for those times when there just isn't enough light and in-camera image editing allows creative freedom and effects, without the need for a computer.
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