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Nikon D3100 Pro Reviews

www.whatdigitalcamera.com‘s review Edit

Although the 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 today.
8.9 Rated at:

Published on:
Nov 04, 2010

shutterbug‘s review Edit

The Nikon D3100 ups the D3000’s megapixel ante from 10.2 megapixels to 14.2, adds Live View, video capture, and support for all functions of AI-P Nikkor lenses except autofocus and 3D Color Matrix Metering II. For a comparison of the major features of these two compact SLRs be sure to read the comprehensive review of the D3000 written by our Editorial Director George Schaub. It’s online at: www.shutterbug.com. I’m here to add a few comments on what’s new with the D3100 and share some opinions on what I liked about this plucky little SLR.
n/a Not rated

Published on:
Apr 01, 2011

DigitalCameraReview‘s review Edit

Equipped with a 1080 HD video capability, the D3100 can produce good image quality but is hampered by a short 10 minute recording time, and Nikon doesn't seem to have figured out how to deal with rolling shutter effect in videos as well as some of their competitors have. Battery life is not overly generous for a DSLR. No camera is perfect, but happily most of the D3100's blemishes are video related - and at the risk of sounding like a broken record, I'll say it again: if video is your thing, get a video camera. For still images, however, the D3100 will do just fine.
8.0 Rated at:

Published on:
Feb 17, 2011

www.computeractive.co.uk‘s review Edit

A small, smart DSLR that's great for beginners, but video capability pushes the price up
8.0 Rated at:

Published on:
Mar 14, 2011

www.computeractive.co.uk‘s review Edit

A small, smart SLR that's great for beginners, but video capability pushes the price up
8.0 Rated at:

Published on:
Mar 10, 2011

PC Advisor‘s review Edit

The Nikon D3100 is an entry-level DSLR on the higher end of that category's price range. However, it has a great set of features for a beginner photographer and decent image quality. If you're primarily interested in the D3100 for its new movie making abilities, you may want to wait until the continuous autofocus feature is polished. If you purchase or own the D3100, make sure you take the time to update its firmware.
8.0 Rated at:

Published on:
Feb 07, 2011

Macworld‘s review Edit

The D3100 is an entry-level DSLR on the higher end of that category's price range. However, it has a great set of features for a beginner photographer and decent image quality. If you're primarily interested in the D3100 for its new movie making abilities, you may want to wait until the continuous autofocus feature is polished.
7.0 Rated at:

Published on:
Feb 02, 2011

expertreviews‘s review Edit

Not without flaws, but sumptuous photos and videos at a sensible price make it an unbeatable package
10.0 Rated at:

Published on:
Jan 22, 2011

www.trustedreviews.com‘s review Edit

In summation then, the D3100 feels solidly constructed when gripped in the palm, is fast and responsive, and is capable of some sharp and colourful results thanks to combination of sensor and supplied 18-55mm test lens and is fairly priced. As such the D3100 is something of a no brainer choice for anyone who doesn't already own a digital SLR, but desires the more professional in appearance results that such a set up can bring.
9.0 Rated at:

Published on:
Jan 10, 2011

PhotographyBLOG‘s review Edit

As regards the Nikon D3100's ergonomics as a traditional DSLR camera, it's not bad at all, but we would have liked to see separate buttons for ISO and WB, both of which can be mapped onto the handy Fn button, but alas not at the same time. Focusing speed and accuracy - especially in low light - could also be improved, as neither was optimal with the kit lens. That said, the Nikon D3100 is a surprisingly well-featured and complete package for an entry-level digital SLR camera, and at the current market prices of £429.99 / $579.95 for the body, it also represents good value for the money.
9.0 Rated at:

Published on:
Nov 29, 2010

The Imaging Resource‘s review Edit

The absence of features such as exposure bracketing and the mechanical linkage needed to drive autofocus on older lenses mean that the Nikon D3100 won't make the ideal backup camera for Nikon shooters seeking a second body. That's not really its target market, though. For amateurs looking to move up from a point-and-shoot camera, the Nikon D3100 offers plenty of room to grow. The Nikon D3100 addresses several of the D3000's shortcomings for a relatively modest increment in list pricing, making it a much easier camera to recommend.
n/a Not rated

Published on:
Dec 13, 2010

Camera Labs‘s review Edit

So Nikon's latest entry-level DSLR may no longer be a true budget model, but by upgrading the existing D3000 with Live View, 1080p HD video and an even friendlier GUIDE mode, the new D3100 will sell by the bucketload. So long as you understand what it can't do, we can Highly Recommend it. Ultimately the D3100 is the best DSLR for discerning beginners with a little more to spend.
8.0 Rated at:

Published on:
Nov, 2010

DP Review‘s review Edit

Overall, we'd conclude that the D3100 is an excellent DSLR but make clear that a DSLR is no longer the only way to gain large sensor image quality at this price. As a result, while the D3100 would have been a stand-out camera 12 months ago, it's now simply a very good one in a market with plenty of equally good and potentially more interesting options.
7.0 Rated at:

Published on:
Dec 22, 2010

ephotozine‘s review Edit

The D3100, with its built in guide, numerous scene modes, and creative retouching menu is aimed at someone who wants to take great photos without too many complications, and it makes a great camera for those also looking for manual controls. Overall the Nikon D3100 would make a Highly Recommended purchase for those looking for a high quality DSLR with full HD video, without having to spend over £500.
9.0 Rated at:

Published on:
Nov 05, 2010

PC Pro‘s review Edit

The D3100 is yet another sign of Nikon taking the challenge straight to Canon’s doorstep. At this price, the D3100 is just as desirable as the D5000. Image quality is improved, as is the video mode. Build quality doesn’t quite match, but otherwise the D3100 is the D5000’s equal in every way. Canon’s next low-end effort is going to have to be spectacular to match this.
10.0 Rated at:

Published on:
Nov 03, 2010

TechRadar UK‘s review Edit

It's all very well having a posh specifications list and a barrow-load of features, but it's how they translate into photographic quality that's key. With great handling for such a small SLR and impeccable image quality in practically every shot, the Nikon D3100 is both highly impressive and utterly dependable.
9.0 Rated at:

Published on:
Nov 01, 2010

Pocket-lint‘s review Edit

As a whole the D3100 is an incredible well-specced DSLR that delivers in droves. For those looking for a first time DSLR purchase then the other options on the market are either dated or pale in significance by comparison. Great to use, with enough guiding through the user interface for the most novice of shooters, and plenty of spec for more those snappers more familiar, there’s very little to moan about at all. Add Full HD movie mode and that ices an already sweet cake.
9.0 Rated at:

Published on:
Oct 25, 2010

PC Magazine‘s review Edit

Nikon's D3100 is an excellent entry-level digital SLR, and is currently the only D-SLR to offer continuous autofocus during video recording for a true camcorder-like video-capture experience.
8.0 Rated at:

Published on:
Sep 15, 2010

ephotozine‘s review Edit

In terms of feel, the D3100 certainly handles well – although it is impossible to tell whether it is lighter and smaller without doing a direct side-by-side comparison. At the launch it was partnered by the 18-55m kit zoom and the new 55-300mm was available to try too. That telezoom is equivalent to a 82-450mm in the 35mm format, so perfect for wildlife and action pictures and the combination handled well.
n/a Not rated

Published on:
Aug 19, 2010

The average pro reviews rating is 8.5 / 10, based on the 19 reviews.


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