The Nikon D3100 is an excellent non-professional SLR that well approaches the amateur world without making him feel inferior. The ergonomics and design are the classics of the house but at the same time are dusted with the new mode dial to some devices and functional.

Double system of protection against dust; Reflex for families; Wide range of compatible lenses, viewfinder, the display size; HDMI Input

Display resolution; Video limited to 10 minutes

The D3100 is the latest entry-level Nikon DSLR in a line that dates back four years to the D40 and, in arguably the biggest upgrade yet, gains two key features: live view and movie recording.

Very good image quality; Unintimidating interface; but with plenty of manual control; Easily accessible Live View and Movie controls; Useful drive mode lever (unique on an SLR at this price level; Highly sophisticated AF system for the price; Easy manual selection of off-centre AF points; Unusually...

Slight tendency to overexpose in contrasty conditions; Buggy Live View / Movie Mode (movies aren't necessarily recorded at set aperture; Crude live view magnification is of little help for critical manual focus; No live histogram in live view; AF still a little sluggish in live view mode; full-time...

nice

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.

Terrific 14.2MP stills; Noise well under control at high ISOs; Good ergonomics; menu system

Mic picks up lens noise when shooting videos; Jelly effect when panning; No USB cable supplied

The D3100 is a compact, feature-packed DSLR from Nikon. It has many useful upgrades from the existing D3000 and is looking to establish itself as the best entry-level DSLR for consumers. This review explores how good it really is, and includes some sample images to show what you can expect.

A year after releasing the D3000, the last SLR to use the ageing 10-Megapixel CCD, Nikon has revamped its entry-level model with the updated D3100.

Impeccable image quality up to 1600 ISO and very good up to 3200 ISO; 1080p Full HD video; Well-made and pleasant to handle; General responsiveness

Screen displays just 230,000 dots; ISO Auto: confusing handling; Autofocus only with AF-S lenses; Very warm white balance under halogen lighting

The 14.2 megapixel Nikon D3100 digital SLR is the upgrade of the chunkier Nikon D3000, Europe's best selling DSLR, according to its manufacturer, so expectations are high of its compact and lightweight successor.

The D3100 is a good all-rounder but lacks the spark to set it aside from the crowded entry-level DSLR bracket.

Small and light; Quick autofocus; Good photo quality

No stereo sound or manual controls for video

A well-rounded DSLR that offers a large set of features for beginners and more advanced enthusiasts.

A beginner thinks about the rate and performance and the ease in operation. This camera got a mode where learning is possible. The clarity of the picture is good. High ISO enables to pictures in low light.