Nikon D3100 First Look

By Jim Keenan, DigitalCameraReview Staff | | 8282 Reads

September/October 2010 was a busy one for Nikon as they launched not only a new high performance Coolpix P7000 compact digital but entry-level (D3100) and prosumer (D7000) DSLRs as well.

The D3100 was first to market and becomes the first DX (APS-C) sensor Nikon to go beyond 12.3 megapixels resolution, coming in at 14.2 megapixels. The camera also features 1080 HD video with full time auto focus, EXPEED 2 processing technology, and a native ISO sensitivity range of 100-3200, expandable to 12800.

The D3100 is the replacement for the D3000 (which remains on Nikon USA's website as of this writing) and retains some D3000 features such as the 11-point AF system, 3.0-inch LCD monitor, 3 fps continuous shooting rate and Nikon's Guide Mode to assist newcomers to a DSLR with navigation around the setup, shooting and playback functions.

The D3100 is compact and light, not only for a Nikon but for DSLRs in general. The smallest DSLR I've ever shot prior to the D3100 was the Olympus E-420 at 5 x 3.5 x 3.75 inches. The D3100 tapes out at 4.9 x 3.8 x 2.9 inches, and is offered as a kit with Nikon's VR (stabilized) 18-55mm G series zoom lens.

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