is a nikon D3100 a good camera?

Question

is a nikon D3100 a good camera?

Answer 1

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Answer 2

1

Answer 3

I have both cameras so I can give you an answer from having used both and not just looking at the specifications on a piece of paperp.People make the assumption that just because a newer camera has more megapixels then it must obviously be better. Not true. Both these camera have the same size sensors. There is only so much megapixels that can be squeezed into a sensor size before having diminishing returns and I must stay that is what these newer cameras are suffering from.the more features and more mp's that are crammed in, then the harder the processor has to work. My D50, which incidentally can not only use the older lenses but the new dx vr ones too, works great and consistently outperforms the d3100 every time, especially in low light. Don't be fooled by the megapixel count on a camera. I would choose a used D50 over a newer d3000 range Nikon every time. For all intents and purposes, these cameras are more than adequate and even better than most new ones.

Answer 4

Yes its a good quality camera



The D3100 is Nikon's latest entry-level DSLR camera which brings full 1080p HDTV video recording with autofocus to DSLRs. This is a relatively compact DSLR camera with a 14 megapixels sensor, a Nikon electronic-only lens mount and most features usually found among such entry-level cameras.



This detailed digital camera review takes a close look at the Nikon D3100's features, ergonomics, usability, image quality, performance, photographic controls and all-new video recording features.



The Nikon D3100 records video at 1920x1080 @ 24 FPS, which is knows as 1080p or Full HD. 24 FPS is the same frame-rate used in movies, while TV shows are usually filmed at slightly faster rates. Zoom and Manual Focus are usable while filming, which is normal since these are mechanically-controlled on virtually all DSLR cameras. What the D3100 adds is contrast-detect autofocus during video recording

Answer 5

The Nikon D3100 is a good DSLR camera. It's designed for beginners, so it's very easy to use. It comes with a GUIDE mode which provides quick and easy-to-use in-camera assistance.



If budget allows, higher performance DSLR would be the Nikon D7000, D90, and many more advanced models.



You should consider getting some great lenses for your Nikon D3100 to capture the best moments. Besides a quite standard kit of 18-55mm, you can consider the below lenses:

Nikon Nikkor AF-S 50mm f/1.4G

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II

Nikon Nikkor AF-S DX 35mm f/1.8G

Answer 6

Yes, it's fully capable of taking very high quality pictures. It will take realistic photos that capture human beauty and mother nature's beauty. It's easy to use since it has auto scene modes, but I dont recommend using them.

Answer 7

I suggest you Nikon d5100. Wait for a month and you shall get an excellent camera under 40,000

Answer 8

yes it is, just the cost...

Answer 9

In 39 years I have never owned a camera that took great pictures.



In 39 years I have never owned a camera that took bad pictures.



I have, however, used a camera to make some great pictures and I have used a camera to make some bad pictures. The camera gets neither the credit nor the blame - its all on me. So repeat this 100 times: "It isn't the camera its the photographer."



There will be a learning curve with any camera you buy. Plan on spending time to READ & STUDY the Owner's Manual which is how you learn to use your camera.



Taking a couple of photography classes will be the best way to learn the basics of photography which are light, composition and exposure. Its possible to learn on your own from on-line sites but easier with actual classes.



Although the Nikon D3100 is often recommended, especially by those who own one or just by Nikon fans in general, I like to get into the economics of why the D3100 might not be the best choice when you decide to add another lens or two. The entry-level Nikon DSLR cameras - the D3000, D3100 and D5100 all require using Nikon's more expensive AF-S lenses if you want auto focus. The less-expensive Nikon AF lenses can be used but you'll have to manually focus them.



Suppose you really get into indoor available light photography. You'll quickly discover that the 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 lens that came with the D3100 just won't get the job done. What will is a fast prime lens (fixed focal length, no zoom) like one of the three 50mm lenses offered by Nikon. At $120.00 the Nikon AF 50mm f1.8 is sufficient for most photographers but it won't auto focus on a D3000, D3100 or D5100. For auto focus you'll have to pay $435.00 for the Nikon AF-S 50mm f1.4. In my world $315.00 is a lot of money just for the privilege of auto focus. Had Nikon included a focusing motor in the D3000, D3100 and D5100 you could have auto focus with the AF 50mm f1.8 and any other less-expensive Nikon AF lens.



I suggest taking a serious look at the Sony SLT A33 which uses Sony's Translucent Mirror Technology (TMT). This technology allows for full-time continuous auto focus whether you're shooting still pictures ot video. TMT also allows shooting at 7fps (frames per second) which is considerably faster than that allowed by the D3100. The SLT A33 also has 2D or 3D Sweep Panorama.



http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/AA33/AA33A.HTM



http://www.alphamountworld.com/reviews/sony-alpha-a33-slt-review-alphamountworld



Sony bought the DSLR technology and manufacturing from Konica-Minolta and wisely kept the legacy Minolta Maxxum "A" lens mount introduced in 1985. Sony also included a focusing motor in the A33 so a Minolta Maxxum AF lens from 1985 can be used on the A33 and will auto focus as it should. A Maxxum AF 50mm f1.7 lens can be bought for less than $100.00 if you shop carefully. The Maxxum AF 70-210mm f4 zoom (known as the Beercan) is a highly prized lens that will auto focus as it should on the A33.



Another plus for the A33, in my opinion, is that it has Sony's version of Image Stabilization in the camera body so any lens used becomes an IS lens. That 26 year old 50mm f1.8 prime or that 70-210mm zoom will have the benefit of technology invented almost two decades after they were made.

This isn't possible with any Nikon DSLR because Nikon chose to put their version of IS in some but not all of their lenses.



At B&H - http://www.bhphotovideo.com - the Sony SLT A33 w/18-55mm zoom lens is shown at $749.99 and the Nikon D3100 w/18-55mm zoom lens is shown at $599.95 after a $100.00 Instant Savings from B&H. That offer ends 4-30-2011.



In my opinion the Sony SLT A33 is well-worth the extra $150.00.



NOTE: The "big brother" to the SLT A33 is the SLT A55 which is getting all the advertising from Sony. B&H shows it for $849.99. Here is a comparison of the two models:



http://www.digitalphotographywriter.com/2010/08/sony-a33-vs-a55-whats-difference.html Only you can decide if the additional features of the SLT A55 are worth an extra $100.00 or not.



These sites will help you learn about photography:



http://www.digital-photography-school.com



http://www.kamerasimulator.se/eng/?page_id=2



http://www.photonhead.com



http://www.illustratedphotography.com/photography-tips/basic