Nikon D3100 Features
Available at Amazon, Adorama and B&H Photo Video
Introduction
The Nikon D3100 replaces the D3000.
Both cameras are designed specifically with beginning DSLR photographers in mind. Like the D3000, the D3100 has a "Guide Mode" where the camera provides information in basic terms about common settings like shutter speed, aperture and ISO.
Unlike the D3000, the D3100 features a live view LCD screen and a new 1080p Full High Definition video capture mode.
The D3100 does not include an autofocus motor — this means that autofocus will only work with lenses that include an autofocus motor of their own (Nikon calls their lenses with focus motors AF-S or AF-I lenses).
Lenses without focus motors will be manual focus only when used on the D3100.
Feature List
| Megapixels | 14.2 |
|---|---|
| Stabilization | In Lens |
| Memory Card | SD / SDHC / SDXC |
| Max. Shutter Speed | 1/4000 |
| Max. Photo Capture | 3 per second |
| ISO Range | 100 to 12800 |
| Movie Modes | H.264 1920 x 1080p 1280 x 720 640 x 424 |
| LCD | Static 3in (230,000 dots) |
| Viewfinder | Pentamirror (96% coverage) |
| Autofocus | 11 point |
| Face Detect AF | No |
| Sensor Dimensions | 23.1 x 15.4 (1.5x crop factor) |
| HDMI Port | Yes |
| Live View | Yes |
| Built-in Flash | Yes (Sync: 1/200) |
| Compatible Lenses | Nikon AF-S or AF-I |
| Battery | EN-EL14 LiIon |
| Dimensions | 4.9 x 3.8 x 3.0in 124 x 96 x 77mm |
| Weight | 17oz (505g) |
New and Notable
The main enhancements the D3100 provides over the D3000 are its live view mode and its video capture capability.
Otherwise, the D3100 is a fairly basic camera, which keeps the kit price relatively low.
It's also fairly small and lightweight (as DSLRs go) making this a good option for those who are looking for a simple camera that's also easy to carry around.
If you like to travel and don't want to draw a lot of attention when taking pictures, the D3100's smaller size should help.
