Nikon D3100
Announced August 19, 2010
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Strong
Nikon D3100 is a compact and approachable entry-level DSLR that delivers impressive still image quality for beginners. While the camera offers a helpful guide mode and solid performance, it is held back by clunky video features and limited manual controls.
Weighted from 26 reviewer scores
Pros
- Excellent image quality and high ISO performance
- Compact, lightweight, and ergonomic design
- Intuitive interface with helpful guide mode
- Fast and accurate autofocus for stills
- Good value for a beginner-oriented DSLR
Cons
- Lack of advanced features like bracketing and external mic input
- Limited direct access to manual settings
- Poor video implementation with noisy autofocus and limited controls
- Low-resolution LCD screen with limited utility
- Incompatibility with older screw-drive autofocus lenses
- Launch price $699.95 with 18-55mm
- Sensor 14.2MP CMOS
- Video 1080p 24p
- Burst 3 fps mechanical
What the Reviewers Say
All 26 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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- DPReview 72/100
With the addition of video and live view, Nikon has given its entry-level DSLR all the features its predecessor seemed to be missing.
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The Nikon D3100 adds today's must-have Live View and Movie modes, both of which were conspicuously absent on the D3000.
- Cameralabs 84%
This coupled with the more compact dimensions and cheaper price make the D3100 the preferred choice for DSLR beginners.
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For many years Nikon has been supplying the camera market with great entry-level DSLR cameras that are very easy to use, pleasant to handle and fun to shoot with.
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Thanks to the improvements in features and build quality, the Nikon D3100 has reached a level of quality that surpasses its D3000 predecessor and that of any entry-level DSLR currently available.
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The Nikon D3100 DSLR offers excellent value for money and is currently the cheapest DSLR with full HD video recording, as the nearest competitor, the Canon EOS 550D, costs over £100 more.
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If you’ve read the entire review, you will probably agree that the Nikon D3100 produces image quality that defies its entry-level status.
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So if you are a new photographer just looking for a camera to get started, the color, the clarity, the sharpness, the focus, the speed, everything in this camera works very well.
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The D3100 is a good choice for a first digital SLR, but the competition is tough.
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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.
- Digital Trends 7.5/10
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.
- CNET 8.4/10
The D3100 is the best entry-level digital SLR currently available. A host of features and excellent image quality sends this camera to the top of the pack.
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The Nikon D3100 is a great camera for beginner photographers and anyone who simply wants good photography without the hassle.
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As usual with Nikons, I was impressed with the colors and saturation straight out of the camera. Additionally, this is the first entry-level camera I have had the pleasure of using that produces usable photos throughout the ISO range.
- Photo Review 8.5/10
Buy this camera if you want an easy-to use DSLR camera that will help you to use and understand common shooting controls.
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The Nikon is a nice little DLR that is small in size and can give you very good image quality.
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As a whole the D3100 is an incredibly 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.
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So it is with a heavy heart that we’re forced to admit that the D3100 is comfortably the best entry-level digital SLR currently available.
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It's the Nikon D3100, and I think it's hands down the best camera for beginning photographers.
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The D3100 is a refinement of the D3000 which now sits at the low-end of Nikon's entry-level DSLRs.
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The D3100 is a great camera.
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[O]nce the power cell was fitted and the Nikon D3100’s neurons started surging through its circuitry, the little beast rapidly assumed a compelling appeal.
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So it's a small, light, compact, but it's absolutely jam-packed with features, but the thing is, it's simple enough to operate just coming perhaps from a compact, just getting into photography.
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[T]his is a fantastic beginner camera for photography and you really can't go wrong with this setup for the price point, and the best thing about it is the price it's at now is pretty much the price floor [...]
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So anyways, looking at the Nikon D3100, basically the D3100 with the 50mm f/1.4 AF-S G works amazing. It's a great little camera.
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I think it's a great camera, especially if you're doing landscape stuff.
