The D3100 steps into the entry level position in Nikon's line-up featuring a new sensor with higher resolution than its predecessor's and an expanded sensitivity range. It also adds Live View shooting plus Full HD video recording.

With sales of micro-system cameras (MSCs) increasing, the position of the MSC's direct competitor, the entry-level DSLR, comes under the spotlight. While Nikon has hinted that it is looking into launching an MSC model, nothing has been announced yet.

Nikon's D3100 is the baby of the company's extensive dSLR range " and baby is the operative word: this little camera really is light and compact, especially compared to the more upmarket models.

Compact size; Outstanding control layout; Very good images at the price

Needs G series ultrasonic lenses to autofocus; Slightly slow AF on kit lens

Nikon D3100 Review - The Nikon D3100 looks to raise the bar for entry-level DSLRs. But just how good is it? What Digital Camera's Nikon D3100 review digs below the surface to try and find out...

Guide mode; featured specification

Price; no DoF preview; no focus switch

It's all very well having a posh specifications list and a barrow-load of features, but it's how they translate into photographic quality that's key. With great handling for such a small SLR and impeccable image quality in practically every shot, the Nikon D3100 is both highly impressive and utterly...

Make no mistake, the Nikon D3000 was a seriously good entry-level camera, fully justifying its position as Europe's top-selling DSLR for the first half of this year. But all good things come to an end and, more recently, the D3000 was showing its age with a complete lack of Live View, video capture...

In summation then, the D3100 feels solidly constructed when gripped in the palm, is fast and responsive, and is capable of some sharp and colourful results thanks to combination of sensor and supplied 18-55mm test lens and is fairly priced.

The D3100 is Nikon's replacement for the D3000. Aimed squarely at the entry-level market, it's certainly going to be a wake-up call for other manufacturers.

Good exposure for high contrast scenes; 14.2MP of resolution; which is extremely high for an entry-level camera; Extremely user-friendly for beginners

Simplified buttons make it hard to get to key features quickly; No stereo microphone input socket; High

Here we test the new D3100 entry-level Nikon DSLR with a new 14.2 megapixel sensor, Live View and a full HD 1920x1080 / 1080p, 24fps video recording.

14.2 megapixel sensor with low noise; Lowest price DSLR with full HD Video; Very good ISO performance; Good battery life; Excellent video; Easy to use with built in guide; Quiet shutter – with additional quiet live view option

Only autofocuses with AF-S lenses; Continuous shooting not available with flash; 3fps continuous shooting beginning to look dated

Nikon's presence in the entry-level DSLR market has been strong for many years, and following the success of the D60 and D3000 , the latest D3100 amps things up a couple of gears.

Guide Mode; Full HD movie capture; well-handled image quality

Pricier than many entry-level models; no Depth of Field preview button; limitations to movie capture