Hands on with the Nikon D3100

[TheJakooz]

I HAVE IT NOW! Woohoo.

BUT lens make weird noises on auto focus.

It's snapping and I don't like that really.

Do you know is it broken or something?

[nickycia]

i start my first dslr with D3100, i think it's great, easy to use in manual mode, Etc.... Bloody fun

[jrmelendres]

Made in Thailand thats my somehow a bit of a downside how I wish its Made in Japan.

[UniquePhotoInc]

@jrmelendres Japan is the new "Made in Germany" in the photo world, so I understand your sentiment. Still the D3100 is a consumer camera and a very good one at that. -MZ

[nickycia]

@jrmelendres but Thai made it good ^^

[katalyst552]

i have one and im wondering what does it mean when theres a question mark blinking on the left side?

[DmitriyPra]

Thank You for a nice review.

Very objectivity and exactly.

[kokkin1989]

hi, wat replaces the d3100?



[UniquePhotoInc]

@kokkin1989 Nothing yet, it is still a current camera. The D5100 is one level above though. -MZ

[kokkin1989]

@UniquePhotoInc can i ask another thing? wats the diff between a nikon d5100 and a nikon 1. I mean all i can tell is that the d5100 is a DSLR and 1 is a digital cam but it is more expensive. how come? i just invested into a d5100 i hope i didn make the wrong choice.

[IAmMarco99]

Getting this for Christmas. My first DSLR. Can't wait.

[UniquePhotoInc]

@IAmMarco99 Great choice, its a wonderful starter DSLR. -MZ

[PrettyinPinkx44]

How much do these cost?

[UniquePhotoInc]

@PrettyinPinkx44 Check our website for the best price on the D3100. If you see it for less at a reputable retailer we will match it. If you see any DSLR online for hundreds of dollars bellow the normal price, it is a bait and switch scam. -MZ

[PrettyinPinkx44]

@UniquePhotoInc Thankyou

[bb3840]

that was really helpful...thanks x :))

[goldenliontech]

Thank you very much. I am moving from D60 to this :-)

[samcockram123]

Where would be the cheapest place to buy this?

[MrFusion97]

hi, i have realised this camera takes a long time to shoot when u point it at live view, it shoots faster when is not in live view, any suggestions?

[UniquePhotoInc]

@MrFusion97 That is simply just a downside of using a DSLR in live view mode. If you manually focus it will shoot faster, but I would recommend using the viewfinder in almost 90% of shooting situations.

[torchidman]

video....tks

[victordasdsa]

Great rev. I really enjoy watching your clips. i subscribed

[prisonson]

i wish dslrs never implemented video..if you want decent video get a good camcorder....dslr should be only about high quality photography

[xxuniversalxx14]

does nikon d3100 have backround blur?

[loungo1567]

@xxuniversalxx14 Yes it does, I have the camera and I love it

[bernhardtsen74]

@xxuniversalxx14 just change the iso and step back a bit!

[highdefaviation]

great camera.. black guy reminds me of Deacon from King of Queens.. :)

[KaylaSaysRawwr]

whats a microphone jack?

[AmpdEditz]

Is the LCD screen articulating? I know the D3000 wasn't and the D5000 was.

[j3nNif3RrC23]

what lens would you recommend aside from the standard kit lens (AF-S NIKKOR 18-55mm lens)? I like using the aperture setting and taking pictures of landscape.

[j3nNif3RrC23]

What lens would you recommend for this camera rather than the standard one it comes with (AF-S NIKKOR 18-55mm)?

[torchidman]

hey mike.............I own the d3100, and would like to know what would be the best settings to get, and I know it is an entry camera, but here it is..................what are the best overall settings for cinema look? even if i have to acheived this by darkening or close up shots.........thanks;

Tim.

[UniquePhotoInc]

@torchidman Hi Tim. Are you referring to video or still shots?

[Mikeopellos]

@UniquePhotoInc your logo is amazing is there any way i can learn to do that in after effects or something?

[Cedezz]

I was wondering: Should I put Auto Distortion control, Noise Reduction, and Active D-Lighting on? I've noticed that my pictures have been coming out blurry lately and I believe it might be because of I have all on. I have been watching the ISO and have the image quality set on RAW, but it's still blurry.. Any suggestions?

[athenaatanaqui]

What kind of memory card would you recommend for this camera?

[UniquePhotoInc]

@r31731 Yes the one thing I miss about the D100 is that you could use a threaded cable release

[cmgoskate]

how high and low does the aperture go?

[UniquePhotoInc]

@cmgoskate The kit lens ranges from f/3.5-5.6

[UniquePhotoInc]

Sorry you feel this way, if you need that kind of basic instruction you should check out Nikon's DIGITUTOR series on their cameras. Or if you have any specific questions, please feel free to message us and I will respond promptly. -Mike Z

[tersol3210]

can i use a "SANDISK 16GB Extreme III SDHC Card" in NIKON D3100?

[Andy2theT]

@tersol3210 yep!

[ScaryMunchkin]

is this good for entry level video shooting?

[PhotographersOnUTube]

You guys should also look into D5100. It's expected to come out soon. I know the production of the FX bodies were affected due to the Tsunami in Japan but the production of DX cameras is still going pretty smoothly.

[RocksterOO1]

@UniquePhotoInc Hello again,

I checked out your blog and unfortunately it appears I have to join to post.

I'm not a "joiner" by trade so I thought I'd leave my initial impressions on the Nikon D3100 here instead.

Yes, as I stated earlier (on another vid) I purchased my Nikon D3100 several hours ago and while I'm obviously still getting used to it, my first impressions are that this camera is simply astounding!

[RocksterOO1]

As a complete newb, the manual, the Guide Mode and the user friendly display make the world of difference.

Also something I haven't seen in other reviews is the time it takes to fully charge the battery.

1 hour 30 mins for a full charge, according to the manual, which is great for me, 'cos I have absolutely NO patience whatsoever!

The HD Video mode is awesome too!

Looks like the D3100 manual is bedtime reading for me tonight!

Happy snapping MZ and thanks for your help :)

[djrussie]

i think Canon 550D is much better..

[jaylarobertswpz]

@DumbDoraTheExplorer there's no doubt that the distance among what is considered semi pro and expert is smaller these days. d7000 is perhaps all we all need. visit... freedslr . co m remove spaces and take an opportunity to win completely new Nikon D7000

[turvf1]

/watch?v=OFf4fTEhgq0

[vbplayer18]

Love Love Love =)

[BlueFluidStudios]

I would rather have a canon, but for the price the Nikon D3100 is defiantly the best entry level DSLR for photo and video.

[UniquePhotoInc]

@BlueFluidStudios Agreed. Canon video is still nicer.

[UniquePhotoInc]

@BurninC4rtrage Thanks! Yes higher-end cameras such as any medium format digital or even the Leica M9 use CCD sensors because they give better IQ at low ISO settings in good light. Those cameras are usually used in controlled lighting situations.  However most DSLR users benefit from the better image quality that CMOS sensors provide at high ISO settings. -MZ

[Kingro619]

Can the lens that comes with it zoom or do u have to use the camera

[UniquePhotoInc]

@Kingro619 Yes the lens zooms with a ring on it.

[awengjackie]

hi i have a question..what is the perfect memory card to use for this camera?

pls i need your answer..thank you

[UniquePhotoInc]

@awengjackie If you are doing a lot of video, a Sandisk, Lexar, or Delkin 16 or 32GB class 10 SDHC card should be more than enough. There really is no "perfect" memory card for an entry-level camera like the D3100 as many cards will work fine. -Mike Z

[vbplayer18]

Gonna buy this one soon! ^.^



[voytrek07]

thanks...I did go for the D3100. Cheers!

[UniquePhotoInc]

@voytrek07 great choice!

[Underestimater1234]

i have one question, for the video filming does it only store 10 minutes of video or does it only film 10 minutes of video per one recording? also if it only stores 10 minutes of video can you improve the storage?

[UniquePhotoInc]

@Underestimater1234 10 per recording no matter the quality. How many videos you can record depends on card size. If you want to save space you can record in lower resolution such as 720p or VGA.

[thinkingman61]

Great review the reason they didn't put a higher resolution screen is because it would no longer sell at the price point for an entry level camera and for marketing they can't give you everything in one model or you may be less apt to spend more money on higher level cameras.

I totally agree regarding the microphone jack they should have put that on it

[UniquePhotoInc]

@thinkingman61 Good points, I think the new D5100 will have a mic jack and better screen.

[hmdrzy]

@UniquePhotoInc It's Wrong, D3100 is better than D5100 really

[UniquePhotoInc]

@hmdrzy Ok if you insist :)

[voytrek07]

Hi..have to choose between the D3100 or the Cannon 500D(rebel series)..both have their points..which would you suggest? Thanks

[PhotographersOnUTube]

@voytrek07 The specs are almost the same. D3100 has 1.5 crop sensor, 500D has 1.6 crop sensor. Not a huge difference. D3100 does cost a little less. D3100 has 11 auto focus point. I couldn't find what 500D has to offer. To me focal points are very important as it help you with your framing the subject. I stick with rule of thirds so it matters to me. Maybe you should go with D3100 and the money you save should be invested in a good lens, 2.8 or better for great sharpness and nice bokeh.

[UniquePhotoInc]

@PhotographersOnUTube Couldn't have said it better myself!

[homemakingwisdom]

I'm getting the D3100. It will be my first digital slr. I have a film slr. Yea the one thing that is anoying is no mic jack but a gps. Realy I really I probbly will not every use it. The mic jack I would. O well, It is one of the cheeper DSLR and I'm not getting it for vedeo.

[D3K1N9]

dang I was really liking the deals my camera store was giving for this camera. But having no mic jack seals the deal. :(

[paprichaat5]

does this camera capture moving imaging clearly? for example my 1 year old would never just sit there and pose. but if she moves can this cam capture her w/o a blurr? also does it require a flash that you have to buy separately for less lighting?

[PhotographersOnUTube]

@paprichaat5 Capturing moving subject has to do with shutter speed. You'll have to take pictures either in manual mode or shutter mode to increase the speed to freeze the action. Cameras come with pop up flash but they're not good as they cast harsh shadows when flashed directly on the subject. For serious photography you need bounce flash.

I specialize in child photography and love taking their picture. Learning the manual mode is not difficult by the way. 

[TheGayRainbowUnicorn]

I like eddy! :D

[UniquePhotoInc]

@TheGayRainbowUnicorn me too!

[mps927]

i cant get mine to shoot in HD....first it would only do 720p so i messed with it and now its only like 240!!! please i need help!

[bkajanetty]

for the video mode, the sound wont be recorded?

or we would have to attach something extra?

[UniquePhotoInc]

@bkajanetty No the camera will record sound, but optimal quality is always with an external microphone which can not be used with the D3100. -MZ

[KathleenAhenda]

i was stuck between this and the entry level canon rebel and after a lot of thought i think i'm going with this one!

[UniquePhotoInc]

@KathleenAhenda Either one would have been a good choice, but the D3100 has a few more attractive features. Good luck with it and let me know if you need any help! -Mike Z

[amcbirds]

@KathleenAhenda the thing is u cant use canon lens on nikon cameras but u can use nikon lens on canon O_O

[torchidman]

I was told that no matter what dslr you plan to use it is muc better to pay the extra money for class 10 shdc cards.........I bought the, PNY with 8 gigs and it works perfectly in my d3100..............Only $29 vs $14 for the cheaper grades......trust me; pay the few dollars extra and see the difference!

[whywhyman]

No micro phone jack ?

wat it means, it doesn't Record AUDIOS ?.

[UniquePhotoInc]

@whywhyman It will record mono audio with the BUILT-IN microphone, but there is no way to use an external microphone attached to the camera for better quality audio. -MZ

[whywhyman]

@UniquePhotoInc Thanks mate :)

[Madaboutponies]

I have this camera, currently waiting for my Class 10 memory cards to come in. Would it be bad for my camera if I use a SanDisk class 2 that is in my house? Or could that harm my camera/ruin the card? Thanks!!

[UniquePhotoInc]

@Madaboutponies Video may drop frames, but it should be fine for still pictures. -MZ

[4gasem]

@Madaboutponies Make sure you got a TRUE class 10 card too. Don't be fooled by the cheaper ones. After researching this, I found some companies class their cards higher when in fact they're lower. You can usually tell this by the price. I stuck with the Nikon recommended card manufacturers to play it safe. I got a Sandisk true class 10 8gb for a little less than 50 U.S. Just a helpful suggestion for others as well.

[4gasem]

Just bought one of these last night... Waiting on it to come in now. It was between the D5000 and this, but I didn't want a camera that I knew was going to be replaced in a few months. It was a VERY hard choice. I don't plan on using the video mode since it looks like you're looking through water when you use it.

Can't wait!!!

[UniquePhotoInc]

@4gasem You won't regret it. This is the best entry-level DSLR on the market.

[4gasem]

@UniquePhotoInc THANKS! I'm happy to hear that. I believe it has more to do with the lens than the body in some cases. Can't wait to get it... It shipped Yesterday from NJ.

[UniquePhotoInc]

@4gasem Yes you could argue that the lens ultimately the most important factor in the equation. -MZ

[living1dream]

does the absence of live view while using iso settings hamper ur clicking skills

[UniquePhotoInc]

@living1dream Not really. ISO is usually set before live view is opened.

[living1dream]

can i take panorama shots using a d3100?

[UniquePhotoInc]

@living1dream Not in camera.

[67stang721]

I plan on buying this camera, I am planning on using it to take pictures of me and my friends bmxing, is this a good camera for this? Any blurs?

[UniquePhotoInc]

@67stang721 Blurs are usually the result of user error. The camera will be good for that, but the D7000 would be better because of the focus system and shooting speed. However if you are in good light the D3100 should be able to focus fast enough. It also depends what lens you use, for regular lighting conditions the 18-55 that comes with the camera will work, but you may want to consider a wider angle lens or a faster aperture lens for action shots. Let me know if you need more help! -MZ

[POTCAKEcollars]

cool... I love my D3100

[UniquePhotoInc]

@POTCAKEcollars me too its a great little camera!

[JSchan123]

@UniquePhotoInc I think I would shoot more of ppl than scenery

[johnsausage0605]

d5100?

[UniquePhotoInc]

@johnsausage0605 Hopefully coming soon! Some people think it will be the D5500. Whatever it is, I hope the screen is better from the original D5000

[johnsausage0605]

@UniquePhotoInc they should put a bigger swivel screen at least 3 inches of it

[smartboy9t]

thanks for this review, it was very helpful. they way you review is very unique, i like it,

keep it up.

[UniquePhotoInc]

@smartboy9t Thank you!

[smartboy9t]

@UniquePhotoInc you welcome 

[JSchan123]

a55 / d3100 ?

[UniquePhotoInc]

@JSchan123 Tough call, what are you going to be shooting with it?

[UniquePhotoInc]

@2players2sides Do you have any questions? I am happy to help, but you need to be a little more specific :)

[2players2sides]

@UniquePhotoInc no

[UniquePhotoInc]

@2players2sides Ok well then I am not sure what you mean by "HELLP" but good luck :)

[cavity1010]

i think i'll wait for the D5000 replacement, hopefully with external mic jack and maybe 16MP

[UniquePhotoInc]

@cavity1010 Sounds like the D7000! :)

[neftyjac]

@UniquePhotoInc but i think D7000 is the replacement of the D90

[UniquePhotoInc]

@neftyjac That's true, but it matches the specs you mentioned :) -MZ

[Kara899]

I had a nikon d5000 but sold it a few months ago, should I buy the Nikon D3100 or something else like the d5000 again (since i liked all the scene modes). I'm still a beginner

[UniquePhotoInc]

@Kara899 Get the D3100, the only thing different is the articulating screen.

[living1dream]

@UniquePhotoInc articulating screen means screen that adjusts as u tilt the cam ?

[UniquePhotoInc]

@living1dream articulating screen, see the D5000 or Canon 60D.  It can be rotated and angled.

[jjlwis]

holy crap major graphics glitch in your video at 3:05 in 

[UniquePhotoInc]

@jjlwis ?

[tvboyaa]

@jjlwis your delusional

[abybryan]

@UniquePhotoInc how about the lenses for d3100? what lenses can i use rather than 18-55 and 55-200mm.. does it support most of nikon nikkor lenses? can u suggest other lenses for me to use please.... thank you!

[UniquePhotoInc]

@abybryan I always suggest the 35mm f/1.8 DX lens, it's inexpensive and lets you get really nice shallow depth of field. Like other small/entry-level Nikons, the D3100 does NOT have a built in AF motor so you want to buy "AF-S/G" series lenses. What other kind of lenses are you interested in? The 85mm f/3.5 DX VR is what I would recommend as a macro/close up lens.

[kamilpolniak]

i am a beginner. all i hear is zx ds bq rs blah blah blah

[Natistarful]

What is quiet mode?

[UniquePhotoInc]

@Natistarful Quiet mode reduces the noise made by the mirror moving inside of the camera. Although the D3100 is very quiet in normal shooting modes as well.

[UniquePhotoInc]

Feel free to ask any questions you may have. I tried to keep the video very straightforward and basic. 

[whatsITwithmegan]

since there is no microphone jack will it still record audio?

[UniquePhotoInc]

@whatsITwithmegan yes it will, but the quality will not be great

[97Ilovejbiebs]

Hey which would be better for a beginner who wants lots of options like black and white and auto-focus....Nikon D5000 or Nikon D3100?



[UniquePhotoInc]

@97Ilovejbiebs B/W and AF are features that have been in all Nikon cameras for the past few years, but the D3100 has one of the most advanced AF systems for an entry-level camera. -MZ

[97Ilovejbiebs]

@UniquePhotoInc okay thanks so much!

i was thinknig about the nikon d5000 but it's been discontinued so i was looking at the nikon d3100 and it looks very good!

does the nikon d3100 have all the features that the nikon d5000 has?

[UniquePhotoInc]

@97Ilovejbiebs Besides the articulating screen the D3100 is very similar if not a bit better at everything the D5000 does.

[yakanato]

Hey which would be better the 500D or the D3100

[UniquePhotoInc]

@yakanato That's pretty vague, it's hard to say 100% either way.  Both are great.

[yakanato]

@UniquePhotoInc how about a 550D? if you don't mind me asking

[miurdock]

thanks for review :)

[ZaterPhotography]

Does the Nikon D3100 18-55mm Kit with a 55-200mm lens sound good?

Thanks.

-Andrew

[UniquePhotoInc]

@ZaterPhotography Sounds like a good beginner setup!

[rampfo64]

Hey, oh i can't speak english, I'm just 12 years old an from Germany, nice video, this camera will be my christmas present ( or how i have to explane this word ? )

Nice Video

[UniquePhotoInc]

@rampfo64 thank you and congrats on getting the d3100!

[Simplelivnhighthinkg]

Hi Mike..I have a question- Can Nikon d5000 take close shots of faces for acne- to send to dermatologists office? Please help.Thanks.

[sophieharding1993]

Hi Mike. I was wondering what a microphone jack is and what does this mean for the camera. Great review though thanks.

[UniquePhotoInc]

@sophieharding1993 basically it means you can use an external microphone for audio recording during video. doesn't effect the image quality, but it will impact your videos. -MZ

[ysabelleRN24]

hello mike .. im a beginner and i dont even know how to use a dslr camera. but i really wanna learn. what do u think i should buy -- NIKON d3100 or d5000?

[UniquePhotoInc]

@ysabelleRN24 THe D3100 is a step above in image quality and easy to use. Plus I am not a big fan of the LCD on the D5000. Some people love it, but I don't. Let me know if you have more questions! -MZ

[geolog12]

I have a D200, and this looks tempting to upgrade, but there are some things that haven't been mentioned. Does the D3100 shoot Large+Fine JPG and RAW? how fast is the ADL processing to the SDHC/SDXC? is there one or two SDXC slots?

I am tempted to switch, this would be only option as funds are fantastic... Can you shed some light on your opinion? thanks

[UniquePhotoInc]

@geolog12 Yes it can shoot RAW + JPG just like every other Nikon DSLR. In terms of the ADL processing, that question is beyond my knowledge. If you'd like I can try to find out from someone at Nikon. Let me know.

There is only one SDXC slot. However I don't think the D3100 is a great upgrade for someone who is used to a D200. You should check out the D7000, it is a MAJOR upgrade from the D200.

-MZ

[09063771065]

thanks for the review mike. i guess your right about the canon 550d having a better video quality over the d3100. im planning on buying my first dslr, is the canon 550d a better choice over nikon d90 when it comes to still images and overall performance?

[UniquePhotoInc]

@09063771065 For stills they will be pretty close, the 550D/t2i has a little bit more resolution, but he D90 has a little bit better overall image quality and AF system. This is just my opinion, I think both are great but I would say the D90 is better for stills and the t2i is obviously a better video camera. -Mike Z

[billhallsongs]

best review I have ever heard of a new cameral. great job Mike. You nailed it...what were they thinking not putting a mic jack on it!!

[UniquePhotoInc]

@billhallsongs Thank you. I look forward to doing more! -Mike Z

[ZreeSul]

Hello There , Which DSLR For Taking Pictures And Movie Should I Buy Best The Nikon D90 Or D3100?

[UniquePhotoInc]

@ZreeSul The D3100 technically has both better image (more pixels, better ISO performance) and video (1080 vs 720) however neither has manual control over video while recording.  You can only lock exposure. Also as you mentioned there is no microphone jack on either camera. I would look at the new Nikon D7000 as it features both manual video control and has a microphone jack. -Mike Z

[icanberich]

hello there. i'm planning to buy a Full HD DSLR camera which is in my buy list is Nikon D3100. I would like to do a small videography business using nikon D3100 since i have 1 unit 2.8 Sigma Lense and 1 unit 35mm nikkor lense . but, as u mentioned in your video, the D3100 does not have microphone jack. will i have a big problem with sound recording?..may i have your opinion & advice?..

[UniquePhotoInc]

@icanberich The D3100 would not be your top choice. The new D7000 or a Canon t2i would be much better suited to your needs. -Mike Z

[flyfool14]

im a beginner should iget the nikon d3100 or the sony a33

[UniquePhotoInc]

@flyfool14 It depends what you are looking to do.  I believe both will give you good results. Do you own any lenses already? -Mike Z

[flyfool14]

@UniquePhotoInc Nope .... i just want my first dslr to be a good investment. which one would you choose

[UniquePhotoInc]

@flyfool14 I am a Nikon shooter, I love their flash system, lenses, etc... so I would say the Nikon D3100. However it would probably be best for you to check both bodies out in person first. The Sony a33 is still very impressive and boasts some nicer specs in terms of its shooting speed, video, and some other in camera features. If you are planning on investing in an entire system, Canon or Nikon makes more sense. -Mike Z

[UniquePhotoInc]

@09063771065 It depends what type of photography you are doing. The sensor is sightly improved in terms of ISO performance and resolution, but the D90 is a much tougher/advanced camera. I'd take a D90 over it any day. -Mike Z