Nikon D3100 Digital SLR Camera Body Only (14.2MP) 3 inch LCD

Having been away from 'proper cameras' for the best part of 10 years I decided to venture into the world of DSLR's. My Dad and Brother had both bought Nikon D40s last year and I was impressed with their results, so I had already decided on a Nikon. I spent a couple of months weighing up whether to buy the D40's replacement, the D3000 or blow my budget and buy the new D3100. In the end, after reading lots of reviews and a slight drop in price I went for the D3100. I made the right choice!!!The updated guide mode (improved from the D3000) makes taking superb pictures simple, even for a novice such as me. Picture's are superb, warm and clear, and I am thoughly pleased with the results. Live view is a good addition if setting up group shots on a tripod to then be taken on the self timer, but for all other shots I've found the viewfinder to be much better and quicker at focusing.The bonus for me was also the inclusion of full HD video (which can only be used in Live view mode). I had read reports that the video was a bit shakey or wobbily, and that the video record button was in an awkward place, but I've got to say that I have found video to be fine taking 'normal videos' (I have never felt the need to shake the camera vilently from side to side to make the film shakey whilst filming; as shown on some video reviews I had seen - to prove that video was shakey?). As for the record button being in an awkward place... I've found it to be fine. In fact, no different to most compact camera's (with video) that I've owned.This camera is everything that I had hoped for, and a little bit more. I probably wont buy another 'proper camera' for quite a few years and so I wanted something that would not only last, but would help me rediscover photography and allow me to grow. If you are a novice and/ or, returning to photography after a considerable time away, then I would highly recommend the Nikon D3100.

Firstly, I am not one of those techno buffs, I don't really know what ISO is, and what the apeture does... Well, I kind of do but not enough to explain it to you. But I think this is captured by the D3100, as it is an entry level SLR your not supposed to know all that. It teaches you with its built in guide mode.This is my first DSLR and I am so glad I bought it.It is a tie between buying the D3100, the D5000 or splashing out on the new D5100. But I decided to go for this baby; its reasonably priced and full of fancy features, for instance; full 1080p HD movie recording (10 minute intervals,) HDMI connectivity, A well detailed, informative manual and simple OS.But lets forget all that and start of with what people want to know....Does it take good photos? YES! The picture quality is excellent, it gives sharp clear photos with minimal input from your brain.Is it simple to use? YES! The nikon GUIDE mode is very simple, it gives you a whole range of types of photo, it then explains what the camera is doing so you can do it by yourself next time!Is it a professional camera? No, it is an entry level Digital SLR. You should not expect the best from it. It is not a D3. Its a D3...100. You cannot expect pro quality from an entry level camera.The camera is fantastic for anyone thinking of joining the world of DSLRs, it is reasonably priced for what you get... But one thing I did want was a rotating screen (which you get on the D5000 and D5100) But that is a sacrifice. I am very happy with what I got and I would recommend the camera to anyone!This is my first proper review.. Please give me feedback on if it was helpful for you. If you have any questions, feel free to comment and I will do my best to answer!Thanks for reading!

As the first time stepping in the D-SLR market I needed something that was affordable but offered value for money, and was greatly put off by the large cost of the higher range Nikon, and Canon cameras, and this camera looking at its features and specifications, it literally ticked all the boxes and more.It arrived on time, and everything I expected when first opening the box, only quirk really is the lens it comes with doesn't come with an actual backplate just a white generic packaging cap, so I recommend you don't throw it away until you pick up a Nikon F-Mount rear lens cap from here or your local camera store as soon as possible, perhaps before it arrives to save the hassle.The camera is a decent 14MP camera capable of great things, with a full range of features for the novice, right up to the advanced professional, the scene selection and guided modes it offers, compliment it greatly, allows the camera to do all the hard work with focus and white balance and allows you to just worry about your shot, and zoom. The flash pops up automatically in low light conditions too.The good thing about the guided mode is it actually tries to teach you what settings you have to adjust to prepare for a shot to produce that chosen effect. It shouldn't be used as a short-cut, but something you could learn from\remind yourself stuff you have forgotten how to do. I tend to read about the settings I need to change then switch to manual and try make those changes myself.But I do recommend you white balance the camera manually like any D-SLR, for optimal photographs.Images come out really well and vibrant, there is a little noise when zooming in on the outputted RAW. But that's not an issue when printing or outputting to a smaller file for use on the web.Overall a very good entry-level D-SLR, ideal for me to pick up the paces and progress onto amateur and eventually professional photography, and anyone looking to do the same.