The Nikon D3100 DSLR camera signifies a realization on the part of the company that it needed to update its competitive position in the DSLR entry-level market. Those competitors include not only the Canon EOS 1100D, but also the many new mirror-less cameras, such as the Sony NEX-C3 and NEX-5, Olympus PEN Lite E-PL3 and Panasonic GF2. Part 1 of this PhotographyTalk.com Equipment Review provides a general overview of the Nikon D3100, while Part 2, Part 3 and Part 4 explore the camera’s features and capabilities in more detail.
Nikon’s earlier models in this market were certainly easy to use and made digital photography enjoyable, but the D40X, D60, and then the D3000, were clearly losing ground to their competitors when comparing specifications. The D3000 has a 10-megapixel sensor and doesn’t include live view or a video function. The D3100 DSLR improves those specs with a 14.2 megapixel CMOS sensor that makes the D3100 the first Nikon entry-level model with live view and full-HD video and capable of recording 1920x1080 movies. Despite video clips being limited to approximately ten minutes, which is common to all DSLRs, the D3100 is a big step forward for a first-time DSLR.
 | | Nikon D3100 & 18-55MM VR+ Nikon 55-200MM VR KIT + More |  |   | $546.95 |  | |  | | $459.00 | | |  | | $798.00 | | |
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With those expanded capabilities, it was also necessary to upgrade the design of the Nikon D3100, especially the controls. Now there is a drive mode switch at the base of the mode dial, a sprung lever to initiate live view and a direct-record movie button. Owners of D3100’s predecessor found the guide mode very helpful, as this in-camera “tutorial” made it easy to understand and take control of the DSLR features unfamiliar to those coming from a compact, or point-or-shoot, camera. The D3100 retains this important feature and has also upgraded it to cover this DSLR’s new capabilities. There is also an added auto-focus mode for use with live-view and video recording.
 | | Nikon D3100 LENS KIT #25472 and 55-200 VR LENS #2166 | | $699.90 |  |
|  | | Nikon D7000 16.2 MP DX-format Digital SLR Camera | | $1,349.99 | |
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 | | Nikon D90 w/18-105mm VR Lens 12.3MP, 3" LCD, D-Movie | | $1,189.00 | |
|  | | Nikon D3200 24.2MP Digital Camera | | $699.99 | |
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 | | Nikon J1 w/10-30mm and 30-110mm VR Lenses- White - 10MP, 3", 1080P, New Nikon 1 Mount | | $696.95 | |
|  | | Nikon D3100 14MP DX-format Digital SLR Kit | | $646.90 | |
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Market pressure had much to do with developing the D3100 as more of a full-feature DSLR, especially since more and more mirror-less cameras with interchangeable lenses and larger sensors have been joining the battle to attract entry-level buyers. Some of the manufacturers of mirror-less cameras would like to think that their products are a new niche; however, market analysis seems to indicate that more buyers are giving new mirror-less cameras as much consideration as their Nikon, Canon and other manufacturers’ counterparts. The mirror-less cameras’ advantages are that they tend to be smaller than the D3100, making them look and feel more like the compact cameras with which upgrading photographers are already familiar.
Another helpful method to judge the value of the Nikon D3100 is to compare it to the D3000.
- Higher resolution sensor (14.2MP vs. 10MP).
- Capable of shooting Raw + Fine JPEG.
- Socket for connecting Nikon GP1 GPS unit.
- Optional wired remote via GPS socket.
- No wireless remote option.
- Live view.
- 1080p HD movies.
- HDMI output.
- Wider ISO range (100–3,200 range, 12,800 expanded).
- Full-time AF mode (AF-F in live view).
- Revised focus screen, with 11 AF points (with 3D tracking) and different AF point illumination.
At approximately $650, the Nikon D3100 is in the same price range as the Canon EOS 1100D ($600), the Sony NEX-C3 ($550–$650), the NEX-5 ($650) and Panasonic GF2 (less than $600). When entry-level buyers compare all these cameras’ features, they’ll find the Nikon D3100 a good, if not better, choice than its competitors.
Read Part 2, Part 3 and Part 4 of this PhotographyTalk.com article for more details about the Nikon D3100 DSLR camera. (Coming Soon)
