Nikon D3100?

Yownhouse · Feb 8, 2011

I'm not looking to start a huge debate over the best camera I'm looking for personal thoughts on the Nikon D3100. It's in the relative price range, I like the sample photos I've seen from it, and Nikon arguably one of the best companies for their equipment.

I'm contemplating getting this camera and I was wondering if you guys had any pros and cons to the camera or if you would avoid it and point me in a different direction. If there is a similar thread to this could you direct me because I couldn't find any on the D3100. Thanks for your time!

FoggyLens · Feb 8, 2011

Hi there!

I just got the D3100 not long ago. Its my 1st DSLR and I am in loooooooove! I cant compare it to anything else since it is my 1st but I researched and read all I could for weeks befor i got it. It was the D3100 or the Canon T1i. My mom has a canon and every time I try to shoot with it we end up fighting.. lol. Have'nt had a tiff yet with the Nikon..

PJL · Feb 8, 2011

It's a good camera, I just don't like the feel of it (or any of the entry-level models). I'm getting my first DSLR soon and I'm looking at used advanced amateur/prosumer stuff just because the bodies are a bit bigger and more comfortable.

Nikato · Feb 8, 2011

Just looking this camera up on best buy. How does it compare to the Canon T2i? I was thinking of getting that canon because I liked it, though I didn't really look at the Nikon camera's much (I looked at one but didnt like the feel of it).

I will be texting a lady tomorrow about an older canon she has for sale on CL, but I am curious about this Nikon because several people have mentioned it. What canon is this one comparable too? It's entry level right?

PJL · Feb 8, 2011

Canon has many more entry level offerings than Nikon, so it's hard to say. Primarily, the Nikon entry level cameras are the D3100, the D5000, and on the top end the D90, which is being phased out by the D7000. Canon, on the other hand, has the Rebel line, which includes the XS, XSi, T1i, T2i, and they just announced the T3 and the T3i.

You can take a look at some direct comparison pics (using the drop-down menus) for JPEG and RAW at different ISOs.

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond3100/page16.asp

DPReview calls the T2i the "most compelling DSLR of its class that [they've] ever tested." That was prior to the release of the D3100, for sake of fairness.

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canoneos550d/page29.asp

The D3100 shows better high ISO processing than the T2i:

http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Nikon_D3100/high_ISO_noise.shtml

Here's a comparison between the two:

http://www.lightandmatter.org/2010/equipment-reviews/nikon-d3100-vs-canon-t2i-550d-which-is-better/

You can't go wrong with either one, really.

Snakeguy101 · Feb 8, 2011

The only thing I dont like about is the price of the lens you have to get for it. I would say spend a little extra on a refurbed D80 and then get some better lenses for a fraction of the cost of the AF-S lenses required to autofocus on the d3100.

Nikato · Feb 8, 2011

PJL said:
Canon has many more entry level offerings than Nikon, so it's hard to say. Primarily, the Nikon entry level cameras are the D3100, the D5000, and on the top end the D90, which is being phased out by the D7000. Canon, on the other hand, has the Rebel line, which includes the XS, XSi, T1i, T2i, and they just announced the T3 and the T3i.

You can take a look at some direct comparison pics (using the drop-down menus) for JPEG and RAW at different ISOs.

Nikon D3100 Review: 16. Compared to (JPEG): Digital Photography Review

DPReview calls the T2i the "most compelling DSLR of its class that [they've] ever tested." That was prior to the release of the D3100, for sake of fairness.

Canon EOS 550D / Rebel T2i Review: 29. Conclusion: Digital Photography Review

The D3100 shows better high ISO processing than the T2i:

Nikon D3100 review: High ISO Noise results, D3100 vs Canon 1000D / XS vs Canon 550D / T2i | Cameralabs

Here's a comparison between the two:

http://www.lightandmatter.org/2010/equipment-reviews/nikon-d3100-vs-canon-t2i-550d-which-is-better/

You can't go wrong with either one, really.

Wow. I didn't know about that website. That is incredible! I went through the different tests and selected different images on the page (settling a lot on the card face). I really like the T2i best, and it felt right in my hands. I think I may just get that o.o

uniquejain · Feb 8, 2011

I am buying my first DSLR..... should i go for d3100 or d90 (can't afford d7000) as d90 price is quiet reasonable but d3100 is newer camera..... any suggestions will help!!

Nikato · Feb 8, 2011

uniquejain said:
I am buying my first DSLR..... should i go for d3100 or d90 (can't afford d7000) as d90 price is quiet reasonable but d3100 is newer camera..... any suggestions will help!!

Check out the link PJL gave me. You can view camera specs as well as compare photos. That is how I made my decision. You could compare the d3100 and the d90 via a drop down menu.

KmH · Feb 8, 2011

Snakeguy101 said:
The only thing I dont like about is the price of the lens you have to get for it. I would say spend a little extra on a refurbed D80 and then get some better lenses for a fraction of the cost of the AF-S lenses required to autofocus on the d3100.

Not all AF-S lenses are expensive and many are made specifically for the consumer market being some of Nikon's lowest priced lenses.

Few buyers of a D3100 will want to be paying $400-$1200 for AF lenses.

RockstarPhotography · Feb 8, 2011

af lenses work on the 3100. you just have to manually focus. I think its good for a beginner to learn how to manually focus. In fact, one of my favorite lenses is manual focus only, don't bother me a bit.

KmH · Feb 8, 2011

Manual focus is sometimes the only option, since auto focus has some limitations.

However because of auto focus, today's digital cameras and lenses aren't configured to facilitate manually focusing.
There are no focusing aids on the viewfinder focusing screen, and lens focus rings are coarsely geared to make big changes with only a little focus ring movement.

NiciMarie · Mar 22, 2011

I love it! I bought it a few weeks ago, it's user friendly, it produces great photos, it's my first DSLR!

ulrichsd · Mar 22, 2011

uniquejain said:
I am buying my first DSLR..... should i go for d3100 or d90 (can't afford d7000) as d90 price is quiet reasonable but d3100 is newer camera..... any suggestions will help!!

I was looking at these two cameras a few months ago and settled on the D90. I love it! Main decision for me was more on-board controls, built-in motor, top display and better rear LCD.

Here's my original thread on the topic: http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/...gallery/234786-help-me-buy-camera-please.html

The D3100 advantages are lightweight, compact and better video capabilities (I really don't use the video). But the D90 was best for me.

Also there are some refurbished or factory demo cameras out there for the D90 that are around $650, something to consider.

Good luck,
Scott