Nikon D3100

alaTest has collected and analyzed 2016 reviews from magazines and websites. Opinions about the design and image stabilizer are generally positive. The low light performance and performance are also appreciated. There are some critical views about the control panel and exposure, while the reliability and manual image adjustments get mixed views.

image quality, performance, low-light, stabilizer , design

screen, exposure, control panel

We analyzed user and expert ratings, product age and more factors. Compared to other Digital SLR Cameras the Nikon D3100 is awarded an overall alaScore™ of 95/100 = Excellent quality.

See all Nikon Digital SLR Cameras

Review analysis

(Based on 2017 reviews)

Expert Reviews  

User Reviews  

Review Ratings

  (64% of reviews)
Show all 5 star reviews   (28% of reviews)
Show all 4 star reviews   (4% of reviews)
Show all 3 star reviews   (2% of reviews)
Show all 2 star reviews   (1% of reviews)
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Features

Image quality
  Show positive (63%)Show negative (3%)(Show all)
Performance
  Show positive (82%)Show negative (18%)(Show all)
Low-light
  Show positive (45%)Show negative (9%)(Show all)
Stabilizer
  Show positive (95%)Show negative (2%)(Show all)
Design
  Show positive (68%)None yet(Show all)
Shutter
  Show positive (37%)Show negative (16%)(Show all)
Focus
  Show positive (19%)Show negative (15%)(Show all)
Color
  Show positive (44%)Show negative (4%)(Show all)
Build quality
  Show positive (60%)Show negative (16%)(Show all)
Flash
  Show positive (24%)Show negative (6%)(Show all)
More features

Showing 1170 review(s)

Expert Reviews User Reviews
Showing 1 - 10 of 1170 Show Reviews: in English | in other languages (953)

Consumer review by:

One of the best Camera in it's category

 

Nikon D3100 is undoubtedly one of the best camera in it's category. I haven't had it long but I am using it again and again and is amazed at what it can do. The picture quality is superb, and it is easy to operate. The guide mode may seem to be useful to learners/beginners in photography, but to me it wasn't that helpful.

Good image stabilization, Large clear LCD, Good Image Quality, High ISO Performance, Quiet, Easy to use

Short battery life

Expert review by:

Nikon D3100 Review

 

The D3100 is a welcome update to earlier entry-level DSLRs from Nikon, which offered aging sensor technology and limited feature sets. The D3100 sports a 14.1MP CMOS APS-C sensor with very good low-light capabilities for a camera in its class.

Lightweight and compact; low cost; good low-light performance

Body balance feels awkward; limited manual (but built-in guide is useful)

HD movie modes max out at 1080p/24fps; 1080/30 isn’t supported, nor is 720/60. Other supported video modes include 720/30, 720/24, and 640/24. The D3100 uses contrast focus when capturing video, so don’t expect fast autofocus performance when shooting...

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Expert review by:

Nikon D3100Digital Camera Review

 

The Nikon D3100 represents the entry point for Nikon's current DSLR lineup, featuring a 10-megapixel CMOS sensor, 2.8fps shooting, and beginner-friendly features such as Nikon's “guide” mode. The D3100 is aimed squarely at those looking to just get...

The Nikon D3100 is a solid entry-level DSLR that is aimed squarely at those looking for an easy-to-use camera that offers affordable performance and interchangeable lenses. It’s a lightweight camera that handles well, offers a great deal of control,...

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Expert review by:

Nikon D3100

 

Just a step above its other entry-level DSLR camera (the D3000), Nikon's new D3100 has some fresh features that make it a very attractive DLSR option for photographers who are starting out. Notable features include 1080p high-definition video and...

Shoots HD video ; Autofocus in movie and live view modes ; Good image quality for the price ; Intuitive controls and guide menu for beginners ; Good low light abilites

Autofocus makes noise in movie mode ; Fixed LCD screen ; No exposure bracketing

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 beginning photographers, and decent image quality.

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RECOMMENDED PRODUCT

Expert review by:

Nikon D3100

 

Ho-hum–another new DSLR that shoots HD video. That was our reaction at the announcement of this new Nikon geared for first-timers to interchangeable lens ranks. And yet there's something unique about this camera we'll share with you in a click or two…

Terrific 14.2MP stills ; Noise well under control at high ISOs ; Good ergonomics, menu system

Mic picks up lens noise when shooting videos ; Jelly effect when panning ; No USB cable supplied

Old-school photographers will embrace the Nikon D3100’s sharp stills and classic design, but noisy video keeps it out of the big leagues with competing models.

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Expert review by:

Nikon D3100 (Body Only)

 

Until I sat down to actually write this review, it hadn't struck me how confusing the market placement of the Nikon D3100 is. It's priced the same as the still-available D5000, which is in many ways a better camera. And with the exception of video,...

Excellent photo quality; well-laid-out controls; interesting, user-friendly Guide mode; full manual controls in video capture

Smallish viewfinder; slower than the competition; no bracketing

A very good entry-level dSLR, the Nikon D3100 delivers excellent photo quality in a body that's streamlined for experienced photographers, but relatively unintimidating for the less advanced. Its only weakness is performance; though solid, it...

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Expert review by:

Nikon D3100

 

Inexpensive. Great image quality. Large 3-inch LCD. Continuous autofocus during still and video shooting. Helpful Guide mode for new users. Small body (for a D-SLR)

Audible noise from lens when refocusing during video recording. No microphone input

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Expert review by:

Nikon D3100 Review

 

With the addition of video and live view, Nikon has given its entry-level DSLR all the features its predecessor seemed to be missing. The result is an excellent beginners camera that encourages the user to grow into it whatever their existing level of...

First time DSLR users who want a camera that will encourage them to make the most of its capabilities.

People wanting a camera that behaves just like their existing compact. Users for whom compactness is a priority.

The D3100 is the latest entry-level Nikon DSLR in a line that dates back four years to the D40 and, in arguably the biggest upgrade yet, gains two key features: live view and movie recording. Both of these were starting to look like awkward omissions,...

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Expert review by:

Nikon D3100

 

Nikon gained significant traction with this years crop of video-capable DSLRs—the Nikon D3100 included. The 1080p video performance was better than previous models, and the features were solid in video mode, but the camera was still not on the same...

2011 was an impressive year for Nikon’s video-capable DSLRs, as the company went to great lengths to improve both video performance and features on its new cameras. For this reason, the D3100 is much better than Nikon’s older DSLRs that shot...

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Expert review by:

Nikon D3100Digital Camera Review

 

What follows is a quick overview of the video capabilities of the Nikon D3100. Read our comprehensive analysis and testing results in greater detail at DigitalCameraInfo.com.

2011 was an impressive year for Nikon’s video-capable DSLRs, as the company went to great lengths to improve both video performance and features on its new cameras. For this reason, the D3100 is much better than Nikon’s older DSLRs that shot...

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Expert review by:

Best digital SLR for beginners

 

The Nikon D3100 gets two big additions -- live view (so you can frame your shot using the LCD screen) and 1080p HD video -- that were missing on the earlier Nikon D3000 (Discontinued). Experts say this brings Nikon's entry-level offering up to par with...

Great image quality for the price, improved low-light performance, adds live view and high-definition video, compact and lightweight

Video clips limited to 10 minutes, some image noise and artifacts in movies, limited features in live view, faces competition from cheaper models

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Product Specifications

The Nikon D3100 is an entry level Nikon DX-format digital-SLR camera. The camera is equipped with a new CMOS image sensor developed by Nikon and a new image-processing engine that enable capture of high-definition images exhibiting superior image quality, and a Guide mode that allows users to capture images just as they intended. The following lens kit will also be released.

Configuration

Autofocus: Yes
Built-in Flash: Yes
Changeable Lens: Yes
Image Stabiliser: No
Integrated GPS Module: No
Touchscreen: No
View Finder Type:Optical / Electronic Viewfinder / Optical / Electronic Viewfinder + LCD

Connectivity

Bluetooth: No
HDMI: Yes
HDMI Interface: Yes
PictBridge: Yes
WiFi Connectivity: No

General Features

3D: No
Bridge Camera: No
Chip Type:CMOS
Product Type:DSLR Camera
Sensor Size:23.1 x 15.4 mm
SLR / Compact:SLR Camera

Lens

Longest Shutter Speed in s:30
Shortest Shutter Speed in s:1/4000

Memory

Compact Flash Card: No
Memory Stick / Memory Stick Pro: No
Memory Stick Duo / Duo Pro: No
Memory Type:External
Micro Drive: No
Multimedia Card: No
SDXC Card: Yes
Secure Digital Card: Yes
Secure Digital High Capacity Card: Yes
XD Card: No

Power Supply

Battery Model:Nikon EN-EL14
Battery Type:Nikon EN-EL14

Recording

Aperture Priority: Yes
Face Detection Mode:Face Detection
Movie / Voice Recording:Movie + Voice
RAW Format: Yes
Serial Shot Mode: Yes
Shutter Priority: Yes
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