Review of the Nikon D3100. View Nikon D3100 body
Nikon D3100 is a wonderful amateur DSLR camera. I am often asked what good and not expensive Nikon SLR camera I would recommend to buy - I almost always I recommend Nikon D3100. In this review you can find information only about Nikon D3100 Points - that is, only about the camera itself without a lens. Nikon D3100 usually comes with an inexpensive lens kit, such a kit is called a 'kit kit'. Nikon D3100 with lens Nikkor 18-55mm F3.5-5.6VR is the most common option. If the complexity of an SLR camera is scary - do not be afraid, a special explanatory GUIDE mode is built into the camera, which will tell and tell everything. If the whale lens is not satisfactory, then at the end of this review, I give some tips for choosing good and inexpensive lenses.
View of Nikon D3100 from different sides
Nikon D3100 has excellent featureswhich are wired into a very light and small camera body. It has everything you need, from a 14.2 MP matrix, to the ability to shoot video in Full HD quality 1920 × 1080.
Key Features of Nikon D3100
1. The first thing to remember is that APS-C a camera in which, in comparison with the classic 3 mm film, the matrix is reduced. The matrix area of this baby is 5 times smaller than that of professional giants such as Nikon D800 or Nikon D3s. And at the same time, the area of the matrix (matrix value) same as for more advanced cameras Nikon D7100, D300s, D7000 и D5200... The matrix is the heart of a DSLR. The quality of photographs depends very much on its value. Therefore, picking up Nikon D3100, you can be sure that you can get photos from it no worse than on a very expensive professional Nikon D300s.
Nikon D3100 vs Nikon D40 size comparison
2. The Nikon D3100 sensor has crop factor in 1.5x. If you decide to use a cropped digital SLR camera, then you should understand that when using full-frame lenses, the viewing angle will be less than on Full Frame cameras. This is neither bad nor good. On the one hand, the TV range automatically increases, and on the other hand, the wide angle becomes a luxury. If you haven’t shot a film or a full frame before, then this remark about crop factor you can’t take it to heart.
Sample photo on Nikon D3100
3. Yes, the small Nikon D3100 has as many 14.2 Megapixels... This is really a lot, and if you megapixels are importantthen the Nikon D3100 will be just right. More megapixels, at the moment, only at Nikon D5100, D7000, D3x, D4, D800,D800E, D3200, D5200, D600, D610, D810, D4, D4s. If someone wants to be happy for the little Nikon D3100, then know that 14,2MP give 4608 x 3072 more pixels than expensive professional Nikon D3s, Nikon D3, Nikon D700, Nikon D300s etc. But, in fact, the number of megapixels does not affect the image so much. Their huge number is most likely just a marketing ploy. You can read my little note on the topic Battle of Megapixels.
Sample photo on Nikon D3100
4. ISO limits. Nikon D3100 can change its value ISO 100 to 12.800... Although, in fact, only from 100 to 3200, the values 6400 and 12800 are a kind of software cheat, even in the camera settings they are denoted by a tricky one - ISO HI1 and ISO HI2. I strongly advise against shooting at high ISO values. For comparison, Nikon D90, Nikon D300, Nikon D300s has an ISO 6400 ceiling.
Sample photo on Nikon D3100
5. Everyone is probably interested in the noise of the matrix. Understand correctly, any matrix will make noise at high ISO, even Nikon D4 with its ISO 204.800. There is only one question here - to what extent this or that noise level is acceptable for a person. With a camera for amateur shooting, it is quite possible to shoot at ISO up to 3200. Considering that this is an amateur camera, I have no complaints about the noise level at high ISO. Here sample photo without processing at high ISO, no noise reduction enabled, exported directly from RAW at ISO 3200 - View Example.
Example photo on Nikon D3100
6. 3 frames per second. Speed is enough for many types of shooting. I recommend always thinking, but do you need more than 1 frame per second? Yes, there are sports photographers, wedding photography and many other commercial areas of photography, where speed plays an important role, but you should not demand a high rate of fire from an amateur camera. It is unlikely that anyone will be filming a serious report or wedding on the Nikon D3100. I have enough head speed of 2.5 frames per second on my favorite Nikon D40, and the same 3 frames per second on Nikon D80.
Nikon D3100 - sample photo
7. Autofocus. Focus system consists of 11 points. This is very good news for all Nikon D1 users. D1h, D1x, D100, D40, D40x, D50, D60, D70, D70swho are planning to upgrade. Focusing with 11 points is very convenient. Focus points as many as cameras Nikon D90, D5000, D5100, D200, D80, D2hs, D2x, D2xs, D2h. Nikon Multi-CAM1000 is responsible for focusing. I had this focusing system on Nikon D90, there is no doubt about the quality of her work. You can read more about focusing systems on Nikon cameras here.
Nikon D3100 - sample photo
8. Display. 3-inch display, large, beautiful, contrasting, the same size as the Nikon D5000, Nikon D5100. The only thing is that he has only 230.000 points displaying information. More advanced cameras have over 900,000 points.
9. Video. Yes, Nikon D3100 can shoot Full HD 1920 × 1080 video. I am not a specialist in video quality. A nice innovation is the factor that the D3100 has autofocus when shooting video. For example, Nikon D90, D3s, D5000 does not auto focus when shooting movies. Autofocus is activated when the shutter button is pressed halfway, or is always on in mode AF-C... You can shoot at lower quality to save memory. The Live View button is combined with the start / stop button for video recording - it's very convenient. In video mode, aperture control is not available, to change the aperture values, you must first turn off Live View, set the desired aperture value, then turn Live View back on and start shooting.
Nikon D3100 - sample photo (ISO 12.800 - in EXIF somehow not impressed)
10. The camera uses SD Flashcards. You can also use very high-capacity SDXCs. My device handles 32GB well SD HC Class 10. This is an important parameter; the speed of the camera depends on the speed of the card. A regular RAW file weighs on average 11-15 MB, 1 minute of FULL HD video weighs on average 150 MB. A JPEG L photo weighs on average from 3 to 8 MB.
11. The camera has a nice menu. The menu is made in the classic Nikon style. Everything is clear and accessible.
Photo on Nikon D3100
12. The camera is very compact and light. Weight is very important for the average camera user. The weight of the camera is one of the smallest among all DSLRs at Nikon. Nikon D3100 is even lighter for Nikon D40. Weight is very important, for example, when take pictures on a hike. The battery also holds a charge well, and without a flash it works out about 1000 frames.
Nikon D3100 has many other useful things:
- dust matrix cleaning system
- fast processor expeed 2
- auto adjustment distortions
- airflow control system to prevent matrix contamination
- Live View Focus Mode
- many tips on the menu and during shooting
- good built-in flash
- excerpt from 30s to 1 / 4000s
- outputs for connecting to a computer and TV, port for GPS
- Active D-lighting (which is either on or off).
- Frame buffer puts 13 RAW files. Oddly enough, but the buffer is more than advanced Nikon D90, which has only 11 frames in the buffer for RAW. With this buffer, you can shoot continuously for more than 4 seconds in high-speed mode.
Example photo on the Nikon D 3100
Disadvantages
This is an entry-level amateur Nikon digital SLR camera, therefore, it is not worth demanding anything more from it. But still, by the camera no focus motorthat will not allow the use of autofocus with cheap non-motor optics, for example, with the legendary Nikon 50mm F1.8D. At the camera no quick flash sync, minimum is 1 / 200s. Also, there is no flash control command mode, additional monochrome display. The camera does not know how to work with manual (old, without a microprocessor) type lenses AI-S. RAW files are available only with 12 bit color depth and with automatic compression. There is no rotary display and many other useful things.
Very often there is a choice of the first SLR camera among models Nikon D3000, D3100, D3200. Of course, everything new is always better than the old one, here is a comparative plate of the main parameters of these three cameras:
| D3000 | D3100 | D3200 | |
| Exit time | December 2009 | December 2010 | July 2012 |
| Matrix | CCD | CMOS | CMOS |
| RAW color depth | 12 bit | 12 bit | 12 bit |
| Number of megapixels | 10,03 | 14,2 | 24,06 |
| Burst Speed | 3 fps | 3 fps | 4 fps |
| Maximum ISO | 1600,00 | 3200,00 | 6400,00 |
| Maximum Extended ISO | 3200 (Hi1) | 12.800 (Hi1) | 12.800 (Hi1) |
| Video length | No | 10 minutes | 20 minutes |
| Video | No | 1920 x 1080 24p | 1920x1080 30p |
| Display | 3.0 inches, 230.000 points | 3.0 inches, 230.000 points | 3.0 inches, 921.000 points |
| Focus module | Nikon Multi-CAM 1000 | Nikon Multi-CAM 1000 | Nikon Multi-CAM 1000 |
| Number of Focus Points | 11,00 | 11,00 | 11,00 |
| Measurement exposure | 420-segment RGB sensor | 420-segment RGB sensor | 420-segment RGB sensor |
| Matrix cleaning | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Memory cards | SD,SDHC | SD, SD HC, SDXC | SD, SD HC, SDXC |
| Weight without battery, g | 485,00 | 455,00 | 455,00 |
| Color Depth * (dxomark) | 22,30 | 22,50 | 24,10 |
| Dynamig Range * (dxomark) | 11,1 | 11,50 | 13,20 |
| Low-Light ISO * (dxomark) | 563,00 | 919,00 | 1131,00 |
It can also be noted that the Nikon D3100 uses a pentaser mirror, a cheaper version of the pentaprism with 95% frame coverage. The camera does not support remote control, no bracketing and the camera has a new battery, not like in D3000That does not allow to combine batteries and chargers.
Example photo on the Nikon D 3100
Personal impressions
The camera is very, very similar to its predecessors. The design looks a lot like Nikon D60, D3000. The only thing added a Live View button and a convenient switch of the shooting method. To the left of the camera there are cracks for microphone. The camera is really very light and small, almost the same as a baby Nikon D40. I recommend Nikon D3100 to anyone who wants an inexpensive DSLR with video function.
Example photo on Nikon D3100
Important Note
If you choose your first DSLR, pay attention to the fact that the quality of photos depends very much on other parameters than on the camera. I wrote in more detail in my article - It is important how to take pictures, and not by what means. I note that I'm still shooting on the simplest Nikon D40.
At low ISO, the image itself depends little on the camera - the whole photo, its dynamics, color, tonal transitions, etc. very much depend on the lens and on camera shooting mode (saturated, portrait, etc.). Here sample image at ISO 3200 original resolution.
Recommendations
If there is free money, it would not be bad to buy a pretty fast lens, it could be Nikon 35mm F1.8AF-S и Nikon 50mm AF-S F1.8, in order to unleash the potential of the camera. The whale lens that comes with the kit can be used as a good option to achieve a wide viewing angle. If you have a lens Nikon 18-105mm f / 3.5-5.6G ED VR AF-S DX Nikkorthen they can shoot anything. What if 18-200mm - then this is one of the best options for all occasions.
Also, you can configure the Fn programmable button on the camera, I configure it to choose ISO. Before photographing set the shooting mode correctlyfor example, setting VI (saturated) for sharp and vibrant photos.
The camera has a super trick. When working with optics in manual focusing mode, the Rangefinder function can be used. The function helps you focus through the optical viewfinder. I am a big fan of manual optics, such as Helios-81H, therefore, along with Live View, this is an indispensable thing for improving manual focusing. But, as it turned out, Rangefinder does not work with manual optics, so it upset me a lot.
Example photo on Nikon D 3100
Prices for modern Nikon cameras in popular stores can look at this link.
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Conclusions
Nikon D3100 great camera for beginner photographers and for people who just need a good photo without unnecessary problems. Also, the camera shoots Full HD video with autofocus. Nikon D3100 is a compact, inexpensive and functional camera. It is enough to turn on the camera, remove the lens cap and press the shutter button and the sophisticated DSLR will do its job with a bang. Recommend.
Material prepared Arkady Shapoval. Training/Consultations | Youtube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Telegram
and what is the advantage of the lens ???
Focal length, and oddly enough - a more reliable construct. True, he loses to Tamron in aperture.
Hello. Is the review of the new d3200 camera worth the wait? I would like to read.)
If I come across this camera, then I will definitely write a review.
Hello Arkady! Please tell me whether it is possible to take off photos from the d3100 via an HDMI cable to a laptop or only via USB? If so, how? I connect the camera via an HDMI cable, turn it on, go to ViewNX-2 and select Nikon Nransfer 2, but the camera does not appear in the program, and the laptop just does not see it. Maybe you need to configure something in the camera itself? I checked the cable, connected to the TV, it works.
In general, HDMI is used for streaming data, therefore, it is better to use USB. Personally, I could not copy files to the computer via HDMI, maybe, just like you, I did something wrong.
Hello. It is impossible to drop files through HDMI, only transferring the video-audio signal from the camera to the TV \ monitor
Hello, I became the proud owner of the D3100, I learned a bit and started shooting in the manual. Here a problem arose, the exposure meter on a sunny day shows the norm at a constant aperture in the shutter speed range from 1/100 to 1/1000, tell me, maybe in the settings I messed up something.
Nothing confused. Exposure is very dependent on light, and if you move the camera slightly left-right, the exposure changes a lot, but the human eye does not always notice it.
I was going to buy a DSLR (before that there was a kodak z1085 is) faced a choice - d3100 kit 18-55 + AF-S 55-300 or d3200 just kit18-55, you have to shoot both at home (apartment) conditions (kit18-55), so and in nature (landscapes, macro) (AF-S 55-300), the d3200 captivates with its, as they wrote in one review, “SURFACE” (autofocus of the camera when shooting video, BB and TD) compared to the d3100, the latter, in in turn, especially in the version kit 18-55, it has a much more attractive price, which allows you to take it together with the AF-S 55-300 for about the same amount as the d3200 kit 18-55 would cost.
Give advice from the point of view of "experienced" !!!
My experience suggests that a simpler camera with a better lens will be much more useful than a sophisticated brand new camera with an average lens.
Arkady, what do you recommend?
I'm sorry, maybe I asked the wrong question?
The question is normal. I was on vacation, for a long time I could not answer.
Thank you very much for the information !!!
The Nikon 55-300 f / 4.5-5.6G ED DX VR AF-S Nikkor review PS is not enough, it would be very interesting to know the opinion of a specialist;)
I want to take my first SLR. I choose between nikon d3100 (18-100) kit and Canon EOS 550D (18-135) kit. The price is almost the same. both have slight flaws. what to choose ?
I recommend 550D. But, 3100 is also good :)
d3100 with a whale lens 18-55 you can’t take a solid soap of sharpness no generally took two pieces for work both shit with my son san D450 with a whale lens draws much better I realized that everything that was done not in Japan is complete g I may need to try other whale objects I don’t know
Thanks for the information. Could you tell us about the drawing "sanon d450 with a kit lens"?
D3100 ONLY WITH 18-100 NORMAL AND ABOVE. And here is what choice to make? CANON 600D KIT OR NIKON D90 KIT
Nikon does not have lenses of type 19-100. If I were you, I would take the 600D because of the high quality video.
for me, the video is not so important. and other parameters how? are similar? or 600d wins?
There are a lot of other parameters :) Yes, and cameras of different levels, the D90 wins in one, 600d in the other. There is more to the question of choosing a Ninon or Canon system.
since the case about d90 has come, I have an 18-105 lens. Is it worth taking portrait? or take 18-270 ?
If you do not have enough 18-105 for portraits, then you should take it. The 18-270 is a station wagon, and, in part, it overlaps with your 18-105. Better to look towards 55-200, 55-300, 70-300, etc.
thank you
Hello, please rate my photos. I have been doing photography for a month. All photos were taken without extraneous processing only Picture Control in the camera D3100 with a whale.
http://narod.ru/disk/58736724001.e4fbf15e948a1e22bf1bd5f3ae45cc16/%D0%9D%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B0%D1%8F%20%D0%BF%D0%B0%D0%BF%D0%BA%D0%B0.rar.html
Everything, of course, depends on the illumination, but we should try to set the ISO as low as possible (100-200), right before sacrificing shutter speed (aperture, if shutter speed is not enough, which is fraught with a loss of depth of field in the main part of the composition), but in general about the latter (composition) there is a lot of literature, tutorials, reviews, lessons and trainings, the main thing is to "force" yourself to learn the basics, then, when it starts to work out, you start to like it, and photography will take up all your free time!
Good afternoon Arkady. I really liked your site and reviews of photographic equipment. Thank you very much for this.
We can say that is why I decided to buy myself the first SLR camera.
Opted for Nikon D3100 + AF-S 50 mm / 1.8G. True, without a standard whale.
Will there be enough to get acquainted with the camera, its capabilities and unleash its potential 50 mm lens? or is it worth taking 18-55 mm?
Thanks in advance for your reply.
Great choice. I recommend taking 18-55 as a wide-angle cheap lens, this should always be.
Thanks for the answer. I think I will do so. Moreover, 18-55 is not so expensive.
And yet, is it better to take a regular UV protective filter for “fix”?
yes, ordinary.
Is the standard lens normal?
21t in one store, and 17t in another. why?
Ask at the store. Commerce.
what to look for when buying a camera (d90 decided)
1. Mileage
2. Was it under repair
3. Hot / broken pixels
4. General condition
but about the repair. I'm going to buy it at the supermarket. How to find out if it was under repair? they are unlikely to tell the truth.
Without a serious inspection, don't check.
Is it worth it to pay a specialist to help in the purchase, or is it still possible to handle it yourself?
The problem is that a specialist, without a thorough examination, up to disassembly, will not be able to say anything, and you will not be allowed to disassemble the camera. Problems with the camera may come to light in a month, or even a year, after buying a camera.
Hello. I would like to find out how much an average SLR camera serves?
Just as much as it allows users to serve. It all depends on the level of the camera and the activity of use. For example, my Nikon D200 is more than 6 years old and has a very high mileage, but I still use it.
Hello. Everyone who used the Nikon D90 camera. What is the service life? Is it enough for 5 years?
If you take good care of it, the camera will live for 5 years. If not carefully, then no one will tell you how long it will last.
and the shutter operation of 100 thousand is not much ...
365 days for 5 years, we get 1780 days. Divide 100.000 by 1780 and get 56 frames per day. The question is from me, do you master such a quantity?
it turns out a lot) thank you. for sure 5 is enough
Hello, I have a question ... Is it possible to shoot video on this camera with Soviet lenses, namely Helios 81n? Writes that the lens was not found .. What to do?
Of course available. Just switch the camera control mode to M mode (where there is “auto”, P, A, S, M) and shoot a video. More details in the section about Soviet Lenses
where to start after buying a SLR camera?
go and take pictures, maybe some useful information will be useful https://radojuva.com.ua/o-fotografii/ then, when questions arise, the answers can be easily found.