The Nikon D3100 - A Small Camera with a Giant Punch

Introduction

Ever since the D40's debut in 2006, Nikon has been steadily releasing a cadre of entry-level basic DSLR cameras with attractively low prices. And for good reason, entry-level to prosumer models sell more than niche professional models.

But the entry-level DSLR camera, which has become more popular thanks to consumers who graduate from compact cameras, is facing ever greater competition in today's market, which includes Olympus' and Panasonic's Micro Four Thirds cameras, Samsung's NX cameras and Sony's NEX series. All of them feature interchangeable lenses, and promise higher quality images than compact cameras with sensors larger than compact cameras or even as large as entry-level DSLR cameras' APS-C sensors.

After Nikon introduced the impressive entry-level D40 and D40x, they released the D3000 in mid-2009, which introduced Guide mode for beginner DSLR users. However, it also introduced much higher image noise that dragged its ratings down. Can the D3100 do better than its predecessor - and more importantly, stay relevant to the entry-level photographer? We find out in this full review.

Design & Handling

The camera body design remains largely unchanged. The D3100 has a pleasant heft and grips well; it's a diminutive DSLR camera, around the same size as the D3000 but slightly lighter. The physical controls remain similar, but there are two useful additions. A Shooting Mode dial has been added under the Mode dial. And while there's usually a Video mode on the Mode dial of HD DSLR cameras, there's none on the D3100, which took some getting used to. Instead, a flip has been added beside the LCD to switch between viewfinder and Live View mode; its small size and inherent 'springiness' make it hard to activate, but the dedicated Record button makes it easy to shoot video.

From the initial four buttons on the left of the LCD screen, there are now five on the D3100, and have been pushed even further to the edge of the body. The new dedicated Info button gives you quick access into the interface where you can quickly change settings like ISO speeds, metering and AF modes. The d-pad is roomy, and lets you select any of the 11 AF points easily.

Imagine the Guide shooting mode as a semi-Auto/Manual mode with a built-in interactive manual. It guides you through which settings to use depending on what you want to shoot, like portraits, landscapes or even 'sleeping faces.' New to the D3100 are previews, which show you the effect different settings have on an image, how a wider aperture gives you a softer background for example. While Guide mode may be useful for beginners, it feels like too many hoops to jump through when in the field hunting for magic moments, and is probably more suited to an afternoon at home dedicated to learning about your camera.

Image Performance

Even though it's an entry-level DSLR camera, the D3100 delivers stunning image performance. Color us delighted as the D3100 solves the noise issues plaguing the D3000 and gives clear images all the way from ISO100 to ISO3200. Image resolution is average, scoring approx. 1400 x 1600 LPH vertical and horizontal on our test chart, but the ability to shoot at such high ISO speeds and still get clean results more than offsets the average resolution.

Video recording, once a novelty first introduced in the D90, has exploded into popularity with quick adoption of HD DSLR cameras by news crews and guerilla filmmakers. To compete, Nikon has introduced full HD recording into the D3100. While video quality is decent with the D3100, the rolling shutter effect - where objects look slanted if the camera moves left and right – is readily seen. Nikon introduces continuous AF with video recording in the D3100, but it doesn't always work, and whether you let the camera auto-focus or you tell it to by half-pressing the shutter, you'll have to contend with the audible noise of the lens motor focusing. All these factors, together with the mono in-built microphone on the D3100 with no external sound input, make video on the D3100 a convenient added feature for the non-demanding consumer, but not for professionals who need more.

Sample Photographs

These are sample photographs shot with the Nikon D3100. The photos have not been post-processed and are copyright to SPH Magazines. We kindly ask that you do not reproduce them elsewhere. Click to see the full-resolution originals.

Conclusion

It's amazing how much image quality the Nikon D3100 packs into its small frame, it easily holds its own against the sea of mirrorless interchangeable lens competitors. If there's one drawback to the camera, it's that it trails behind its competitors in video. For pure shutterbugs though, that's no big loss, especially considering just how good the image quality of the D3100 is. That, combined with its small size and ease of use, makes it an excellent starter camera for someone looking to try their first DSLR camera and don't want to get bogged down by weight and too complicated controls.

The bottom line: Don't let its small size and low price fool you, the D3100 packs a powerhouse of a photographic punch.

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