Nikon D3100 user reviews

JayO98 6 December 2011

Good: guide, price, ...

Bad: don't know yet

Comment: buy the look and reviews of it, the camera is great for beginners great price its perfect for me

techman22 6 December 2011

Good: Image quality, effects, auto-focus, flash and everything else.

Bad: Nothing I have noticed

Comment: BEST CAMERA EVER!

peter.booker27 30 November 2011

Good: Weight, good quality, CMOS sensor, ease of use

Bad: No auto bracket, but with RAW and D lighting can over come this

Comment: Why do you use the term 'entry level' suggesting that this is just for beginners? I use it when I need a lighter camera than my D700, or my Mamiya Press - the quality approaches that of the D700 which is now over 3 years old

Chris Machin 30 September 2011

Good: The Picture quality available at an entry level dslr is fantastic and has helped me affordably move away from digital cameras and phone cameras.

Bad: No bracketing feature, or external mic input and accessories are expensive.

Comment: I absolutely love this camera and have had so much fun getting to grips with it, exploring depth of field, long exposures with light and post processing my RAW images with lightroom and photoshop.. Fantastic! :)

Asaad Jawaid 22 August 2011

Good: Entry level DSLR with extremely professional results!

Comment: Entry level DSLR with extremely professional results!

Gary Martin 11 August 2011

Good: Lightweight, value for money, built quality

Bad: no external mic

Comment: After a couple months of going around in circles and reading so many reviews, like most i narrowed it down to Nikon or Canon. Based on my budget it was the Nikon d3100 or Canon 1100d, im so happy with my choice in Nikon though i believe both makes are excellent (it all went down to what felt right in my hand).

The camera is light and not too bulky which is great because i wanted my girlfriend to get some use out of the dslr also, she would only complain and not use it if it handled like a brick :)

Like any dslr you should really take the time to read the manual or there are some really excellent d3100 user guides on youtube.

The kit lens 18-55mm is very under rated, ive taken some stunning pictures with it! this lens will get you started, i will shortly purchase a nikkor 35mm 1.8g to get superior depth of field.

Ive purchased a Crumpler cupcake 3000 bag which is stylish and perfect for the camera, you can fit in the camera+kit lens+extra lens and bits and pieces like spare battery etc (if you require extra space for an extra lens you can purchase the cupcake 4000 or larger).

If your looking for an entry level camera to get you started then look no further, this really is a master class for the money your spending!

Emily Grange 22 April 2011

Good: The quality of the picture. How easy it is to use. The look of it. The price.

Bad: The way you cant do REALLY close up shots, you have to fiddle around a little bit to get the camera to shoot the image!

Comment: I have just bought this camera, and already i think it is amazing.
I am new to digital SLR; and the features are a real step up from my old point and shoot camera.
However, being young, I don't read the manual, but the camera is easy to use and the on-screen ''guide'' is very helpful. I am looking forward to learning more about this camera and experiencing better quality pictures!

David Glasgow 17 April 2011

Good: ABSOLUTELY EVERTHING - NO HICKUPS WHAT SO EVER

Bad: remote control shutter release remote add-on.

Comment: This camera is for everyone regardless of what background they come from, for professionals its good enough to own as a spare camera to take somewhere you would not normally take your big gun...

It has many Pro features, but lacks a one essential feature missing which is remote control shutter release remote add-on. (However there is a work-around. So not to worry...) "but its not Nikon"....

its great for 1st timers and medium photographers, as it will teach you as you go along...

Lens VR - not expensive unlike a few years ago... so good value...

Ranny 13 April 2011

Good: Image quality, control layout, simplicity, video quality

Bad: No external mic input, no internal focussing ring (needs AF-S lenses)

Comment: The D3100 is a superb dSLR for amateurs and beginners.

JacobHunt 17 March 2011

Good: Great image quality and low noise at high ISO, Larger LCD screen, 1080p Video, 14 megapixels

Bad: No bracketing option, No depth of field preview, Can't use wireless remote

Comment: For the cost of this camera, I don't think you can get anything better. The low light performance is off the charts. As a wedding photographer I regularly shoot with Nikon's high end professional equipment and I was amazed how close this camera is to a pro camera. Now let me get specific. In order to compare I took a look at 100% files out of each camera I own.

Which camera excels Nikon D3100($Cheap) VS. D300($1600) VS. D700 ($2,700):
* Lens = The D3100 is the only camera that comes with a lens at it's normal price
* ISO Performance = Tie between D3100 and D700! (It could be Nikon's new processing but the JPEG looks fantastic I was shooting D3100 on 6400iso with very little noise at all)
* Low Light Focusing = D700
* Focus Speed = D700
* External Buttons & Controls for Pros = D700
* Menu Navigation = D3100
* Ease of Use = D3100
* Megapixel = D3100 (14.2)
* Sensor size = D700 (Much more important than megapixels but I won't get into this)
* Can use older lenses with functionality = D700 & D300
* Video = D3100 of course! 1080P video looks amazing.
* Frame Rate = D300 at 6 photos a second
* Weight = D3100 (light as a feather)
* Ergonomics = D700 (big enough for all my finger)

Lens:
The lens is a kit lens, it will work outside but not so great in low light. The Vibration Reduction will help indoors but Vibration Reduction can't stop a child or pet in motion indoors. Consider buying a 35mm 1.8dx AFS for around $200 and you will be super happy with this camera.

Conclusion:
This is an amazing deal! Unless you make most of your income from photography or have a stockpile of old lenses (this camera can only autofocus with AFS lenses) then this camera is the must have camera of the year. If you have good composition skills and an eye for light you can take photos worthy of a magazine with this. Seriously, you won't regret buying this camera. When you do, do yourself a favor and buy an additional Nikon AFS lens that has a maximum aperture of 2.8, 1.8 or 1.4. These lenses will take better portraits and deal better in low light than the kit lens.

*** P.S. If you will buy this camera I suggest you at: amazon.co.uk/dp/B00403MA4M/?tag=reviews.cnet.co.uk-21