Nikon D3100 Review - The Nikon D3100 looks to raise the bar for entry-level DSLRs. But just how good is it? What Digital Camera's Nikon D3100 review digs below the surface to try and find out...
Nikon D3100 Review
Verdict
Nikon D3100 review – Verdict
Although the Nikon D3100 may stretch the ‘entry-level’ price point (thus its biggest drawback on the score board), it equally stretches the sheer amount of specification you’re getting too. Usually always on the money, it’s only the slightly sluggish autofocus during live view (and, therefore, movie mode) that may frustrate.
Small niggles mean no Depth of Field preview and the burst rate isn’t the fastest. On the plus side though the images are great, Guide mode will see newcomers quickly unleash their potential, and pound for pound there’s essentially nothing else (currently) out there to match the specification head on.
All things considered, the D3100 is nothing less than the best entry-level DSLR available at time of review.
Details
ISO:100-3200 (Hi1 & Hi2 to 6400-12,800)
Sample Photos:Nikon D3100 review sample image gallery
Built-in Flash:Yes
White Balance:Auto; incandescent, fluorescent (7 types), direct sunlight, flash, cloudy, shade, preset manual, fine tuning.
Exposure Comp:+/-5 EV
Memory Card:SD (HC/XC)
Compression:Basic / Normal / Fine (JPEG)
Cable Release:No
PC Socket:No
Viewfinder Type:Eye-level pentamirror single-lens reflex viewfinder
Output Size:4608 x 3072 pixels
Field of View:95% approx, 0.8x magnification (approx)
LCD:3in, 230k-dot LCD
AF Points:11 focus points (including one cross-type sensor), and AF-assist illuminator (range approx. 0.5–3 m/1 ft. 8 in.–9 ft. 10 in.)
Colour Temp Control:No
White Balance Bracket:No
Lens Mount:Nikon F-mount (AF-S or AF-I for autofocus)
Sensor:14.2MP CMOS
Max Flash Sync:1/200th sec
Focal Length Mag:1.5x
DoF Prview:No
Dust Reduction:Yes
Built-in Image Stabilisation:No (lens-based system)
Metering System:TTL exposure metering using 420-pixel RGB sensor
Movie Mode:Yes, 1080p at 24fps; 720p at 30, 25 or 24fps; 10 minutes maximum clip length
Exposure Modes:PSAM, Auto, Guide, Scene modes
Live Mode:Yes
Connectivity:HDMI (c-type port), USB 2.0
Power:Rechargeable Li-ion EN-EL14 battery
Weight:505g with battery & card (no lens)
File Format:JPEG, Raw (NEF), Raw + JPEG
Shutter Speeds:30 – 1/4000th second, plus Bulb
Dimensions:124 x 96 x 74.5mm
Focusing Modes:AF-S, AF-A, AF-C, MF
Drive Mode:Single frame, continuous, self-timer, quiet shutter release
Colour Space:sRGB, Adobe RGB