Nikon D3100 Guide - Basic Photography Tips

[@classyandfabolous]

When I clicked on this video, I first thought, I wouldn't understand anything you say, because I'm thirteen and currently learning english only at school, my native language is german. Thank god I understood everything. You're my photography idol, and you've brought me to photography. I just want to take a moment and thank you for being such an inspiration. Keep up the good work, you're truly amazing.

[@jasonstantonofficial]

this is a perfect example of why I enjoy your videos. I recently purchased a Canon DSLR, and while I'm very comfortable with technology, cameras are something foreign to me, and your videos have helped me immensely along my way, it's only been two days, and thanks to your help, I don't feel like a complete idiot. You truly exhibit in your videos that you want to help your viewers, and that you WANT us to learn. No one sided brand bashing, simplistic to advanced, extremely helpful. Thank you!

[@yamlwoz]

Thank you soooo much for this amazing video. I've had the camera for 6 months and felt so overwhelmed by it. Every time I feel confident it throws another curve ball at me. I spent 45 minutes watching this 16 minute video because I was taking notes and trying things out. Thank you!!!

[@bbordeaux88]

Just picked up a Nikon d3100 with the standard 18 to 55 zoom and the 55 - 200 zoom. So far I'm loving it. It's a great entry level camera! Thanks for the walk through!

[@gmanw3]

I just bought a Nikon D3100 today. Got the package deal 18-55 lens and a 55-200 lens , 8GB SD card and a Nikon camera bag. I watched your video and went out to try it out. WOW..got some dreat shots. I was able to make setting adjustments to get better results ..I knew very little about cameras up until now..and I still dont know much but your video really helped me get started..thanks

[@sturmdebsturm]

I think you are my saviour...it brings tears to my eyes that I found you...Thank you God...can you tell I'm taking classes on-line, and I have never had a camera like this in my life. Thank you for you videos. I will get a t-shirt for sure. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Deb

[@IAMSUPREME22]

I messed around with it for a little while over the weekend and felt I had a decent grasp of what it does and how it does it, even if it was my first DSLR. Having an older Pentax SLR and a point and shoot Olympus made me feel very familiar with most of the functions/features/buttons. But even then, you helped me understand what a few buttons were for and thus saved me some time going through the manual.

[@froknowsphoto]

@pepperchinni scan card??? you mean SD card? Reformat it in the camera after you back up your photos.

[@400hpmustang]

Just picked up a D3100 kit, 18-55 VR lens, original box, manual, software etc. from a pawn shop for $280, didn't come with a charger, hey I'm not complaining. It barely looks used, no scratches on the display, no visible signs of wear. Shot with it for a couple hours, lot of fun and I just started :)

[@froknowsphoto]

@GeorgeZupster I was not saying this in terms of memory I know that it doesnt have a memory. We all know that our I phones or other portable batteries if left on chargers to trickle or charged every single time you use it you are cutting back on the longevity of the battery.

[@froknowsphoto]

i understand that, the point i am also getting at is dont leave them on the charger, there still is a life for how many cycles you can charge and recharge just like the iphone and such.

[@durasf]

Excellent clip Jared! I'm using dSLRs for years but I haven't seen anyone at your level taking the time to go into such detail for the rookies. For me it wasn't new info at this point but I would have loved such a presentation 5 years ago when I started - I was horrified by the thought that I have to take the lens off the body :). I'm sure it's highly appreciated by the beginners.

[@froknowsphoto]

@xxxCJChaosxxx just flick the switch for live view but i dont recommend shooting stills with live view.

[@froknowsphoto]

@Anubispop2 they are coming, possibly inside a different site or as ebooks and such but we are working hard to bring you the best info out there.

[@froknowsphoto]

@Ruloxication its good for someone just looking for one lens but not a choice for someone looking to become a professional.

[@MrForsakenExile]

So many people leaving neg comments.... Hes breaking this down and explaining things in plain english. Reading the user manual is helpful, but sometimes some people understand better when someone breaks it down. Coming from a techie background, some people will buy things just because they can afford it and really dont know the basics of what they have. So rather than leaving neg comments, thank the man for taking the time to try and help others.

[@bosslouel33]

@belliveau5 i believe the dial right next to the viewfinder is the diopter, which adjusts the sharpness of the focus points IN the viewfinder.. I use the AE-L/AF-L (Auto exposure lock/ auto focus lock) when shooting video. try it when shooting video and you'll notice that the video doesn't adjust the brightness by getting brighter or darker.

[@Khan_Art_]

Thanks, very helpful Jared. A small part of why I bought this camera was because of all the great videos you have. Keep doing what you are doing.

[@kenanzzzz]

I'll be honest...Jared.. everytime I watch your videos... It makes me proud that I am a photographer.. Thank You!

[@froknowsphoto]

@jheffhree you are welcome

[@musicrocksinaustin]

I hope this guy is getting paid by Nikon, he is great to watch and listen to and has great presence towards all the hipsters and young people watching him. Not to mention, cute as hell. He's quick and very clear verbally with his presentations. BEST how-to-videos i have seen so far! He has extensive amount of vids just on one camera (in this case the Nikon 3100 DSLR) which is great b/c i wanna hear all i can about my new Nikon D3100:)

[@mikerhinos]

It depends on what you shoot more, but I'd suggest a 50mm with a big aperture like 1.8 max. On a D3100 it transforms in a 75mm and it's great for portraits or nature photos in my opinion.

[@froknowsphoto]

@14Raaz not at all, i bought a d3000 to prove to everyone that you can shoot with whatever you have. Check out the d3100 super secret project videos.

[@froknowsphoto]

@umbrellagrl no microphone will work with this camera as it does not have a mic input.

[@tydek07]

Bought this camera 2 weeks ago. Love it!! It's my first DSLR, cannot wait to learn more about it.

[@leditrain]

I ordered this camera a few hours ago, got a great deal due to the Black Friday price drops, but that's not what matters. What matters is that this video series for this model helped decide on what entry level camera to get and even though I (thought) I'll be a Cannon guy but after numerous reviews and opinions from different people I set on this to be my first camera. I want to learn photography, on my own and I wanted to take the time to say Thank You 'fro for your D3100 video series as I've already learned a lot from them about the camera and I will learn much more starting on Monday when the camera will arrive. First thing after I'll get it out of the box? Sniff the living megapixels out of it.

[@joshuacalix1814]

leditrain how did it go?

[@froknowsphoto]

@Nikzorion no its not, its probably a slow shutter speed.

[@AnnaSarrisBonache]

You are so adorable during your little lecture. Good teacher!

[@sophiaferrante4779]

go with the nikon d3100. i was choosing between the same two cameras that you are thinking about too. I chose the nikon because of its ease of use and because it is a great starting DSLR.

[@lakenyatam]

I am very thankful for this. Feels like I am in a Photography 101 class. will keep this in my faviorires and pass along to others to view. Great Job

[@DrumeX]

Great Video, I have been doing photography for some time but never got setteled on the camera, Through out my skool life I used Canon but decided to move on to Nikon when I graduated even tho I use D5000 but this video was surly helpfull and some small things that I was confused about surely got it cleared here. Thanks Jared, I leared a lot from you.

[@jrdrgz]

I agree !! Thanks Jared!! I am a beginning (ignorant) DSLR user and this video is extremely useful. Keep up the great work.

[@JDSANCHEZ19]

This is very useful for beginners like me. Thanks Jared. You're doing a great job.

[@froknowsphoto]

@lobaker1 honest opinion is def dont do it. Stick with better glass, you can pick up a 35 1.8. Dont get sucked into needing more zoom. Faster glass will set you apart.

[@ArshadHaroon]

I made lots of research and readings and reviews finally picked up this Nikon 3100d from Costco St.John's which is my favorite place to visit for shopping. I did couple of pictures, this camera has wonderful clarity and crisp pictures but there is lot to be learnt and to try. I thank you for your video as I learn couple of more things about my camera here.

[@froknowsphoto]

@UserUnknown77 it will be full hd soon enough.

[@kudge43]

informative video,just got one as a birthday present[a shift from a 35mm Canon] your film helped me get to grips quicker,cheers Fro!

[@froknowsphoto]

check out the beginner video guide.

[@anglstar2002]

just bought the D3100 and learned a lot from this basic video. Great video!

[@Mr5teve]

Jared, just a quick comment to say thanks for doing this video & I look forward to watching more videos about the D3100 as I have recently got one & a complete novice at photography. Great introduction to the camera. Thanks!

[@Hige09]

@l6barz on ur lens left hand side there is a slide with an A and a M switch it to the A and as you are going to take a photo press the 'take a photo' button half way down only and then again fully down. That way itll AUTO focus without u having to move ur lens usually it works amazingly but if u dont have a steady hand or are messing with ur lens then it wont work.

[@BrandonKingVloggin]

@CBKScousins If you want a natural fisheye, yes, such as the 10.5mm for Nikon. However, I think you can get an extension or something off of eBay that gives you the effect of a fish eye lens on your standard kit lens. Or you can always edit it in Photoshop

[@Angelatalksabout]

Oh, gosh I am so thankful to you for doing this video. I say that I am a "novice photographer" because it sounds good to me but actually I'm just a "novice." I just bought this camera two days ago. It is my first. I know nothing about photography or cameras. You will be the one that I come to for camera knowledge, but what about photography...learning it? Any ideas? I just figured I would read the manuals, do some online tutorials and take pictures. What do you think? how did u start?

[@froknowsphoto]

@XxxRXPxxX thats because this is for someone who has never picked up a camera before and needs to know the very very basics.

[@767swo]

Thanks for the review and now these basic how to instructions... im now confident in buying this camera as my first DSLR

[@fabulous4old2rifle]

thanks buddy, you are a great teacher, it was another fresh opportunity to review what all those buttons and controls were meant for. I have just got my 3100 by a coincidence as I had no idea of the difference among Nikon cameras. It works fine with the guide option but when I shift to auto it refuses to autofocus and the shutter does not work. It is giving me hard time. Otherwise it seems to be a good camera. Please somebody do tell me how to get over with this drawback.

[@stocktonamanda79]

Thanks for making these videos. I have had my D3100 for several years. I have learned so muchabout my camera after waching your videos. Thank you

[@robertm4050]

I too have had mine for a few years and have yet to learn about it. Just started shooting stuff I am growing in my garden and want to step up my game.

[@froknowsphoto]

@LUSIANO1994 if u watch on higher rates it sounds great.

[@kristincassidy701]

GREAT BREAKDOWN!!! I watched a few before this that were complicated!! you really dumbed it down for newbies like me

[@froknowsphoto]

@M3mPHiS what do u mean basic?

[@froknowsphoto]

@azngamefreak46 i do look on my channel for Raw vs jpeg as well as the co comparison video i did.

[@TheAsianHorsetale]

I have D3100 and it's amazing, especially that I'm just starting into photography.

[@jay_stne]

Use a tripod, take two photo's, exposed for the sky and foreground, (in RAW), then select one of the images, with the "OK" button, hit image overlay and then select the second image. from there all you have to do is adjust the balance between the images. Although this is quite nifty, i'd still recommend using three images and photoshop or luminace HDR

[@MrRhysSir]

i got the 18-50mm Sigma 2.8 Lens you recommended for me a couple months back, for christmas! Its AWESOME man thanks! :D

[@froknowsphoto]

@martinezdion thank you.

[@froknowsphoto]

@japasetelagoas no there is not. would be cool though.

[@001JURIZ]

thanks much fro! i just got my 3100.. this guide gave me everything i needed..

[@rainna37]

Thanks for teaching me all of that. You make learning about my camera easy

[@JosephPalmer]

Instant subscribe, dude you are awesome. I picked up the D3100 online - an upgrade to my D80.. and I'm super boned for this camera!! Thanks for all these awesome videos on the camera.. :) !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! lol, should be here on Monday...

[@froknowsphoto]

@CountryMaster16 thats not ur mac thats the image itself.

[@froknowsphoto]

@MrRusswarez glad it helped.

[@titolondoletv6534]

Thank you sir, As a french speaker beginner, this tutoring was awesome. it made understand a lot of stuff on Nikon D3100...

[@SoJuDaMaN]

@SoJuDaMaN Thanks for your quick response, I really appreciate it. I must admit I'm kinda lost. I'm trying to figure out a good starting equipment for my first DSLR. I will either go Nikon 3100 or Canon t2i with the 35mm 1.8 / 50mm 1.8 respectively. Since I will probably shoot outdoors most of the time and would like to cover a range going from wide angle landscape to moderate telephoto wildlife, I thought the Nikon 18-200 was a good deal. You can get it from amazon for 440.

[@IAMSUPREME22]

Thanks for the 'intro to the D3100' video, Jared. I purchased one over the weekend in preparation for the arriva; of our baby in a few months. Gonna snap everything that kid does, or so the plan is.

[@thewaynehoskinsband]

I completely caught the Nintendo code man!!! Was it Contra?!?! Love it!

[@deepN73]

Very informative and a quickstart for a beginner. A very useful video. Thanks!

[@froknowsphoto]

@7YSIG27 just get something class 6 or higher and you should be fine.

[@bannermanmedia]

I just got one of these to go with my Sony a300. They seem quite different and I was a little daunted at first but this video really helps, so thank you :)

[@Mr86RR]

A great explaination. it would take a lot of time to learn those shown on the clip if one read through the user's manual. It would be nice if you could upload some more "tricks" on how to take nice photos using this D3100 model. Thank you very much!!

[@froknowsphoto]

@WakeEdits 35 1.8

[@midnightoracleminis3585]

10 years later fro is still going strong thx for tips

[@snomag]

Awesome video, exactly what I was looking for, right after I got the camera in my hands.

[@romanumerals]

Can you post a tutorial on how to shoot events using this camera? Or tips maybe. Thanks

[@froknowsphoto]

@TsawwassenFilms not really no.

[@momlife22]

hi Jared thank you for your video it's very helpful. I am taking photography class and i have no idea what to do, my biggest question is how to set the aperture, shutter speed , and ISO to take portrait (normal portrait, and portrait with blur backround), how to set the aperture, shutter speed, and ISO to take picture of landscape, how to set the aperture, shutter speed, and ISO to take picture of motion ( with and without blur background too). I have assignment on january 19.I do not really understand when the professor explain in the class, it seems to me like it is easier from youtube especially if you actually practicing and showing the camera while you are explaining it. Oh by the way i am using nikon d3100. thanks again for the video

[@froknowsphoto]

@fahim76uk not in this camera. no

[@pandakorinx]

Thanks Jared, I learnt so much from one video. I have a question, I have a choice of three; which two should I pick? Nikon 35 1.8, Nikon 70-300mm VR, Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6? I would appreciate it any help. Thanks again

[@Akkkufi]

Nice videos Jared! Got any experience about remote cameras using PW's or something similar? Would need some advice.

[@dragomir608]

very informative and helpful video. your right every kit has its user's manual and i always read them whenever i got a new item but this time i have to resort to your video and tutorials because the user's manual in my kit is written in a different language. thanks for this helpful video. im a noob in photography and have decided to take pictures instead of my pictures being taken. :p

[@joezxofairy3171]

Hello Jared, cool show. Congratulations. I've got a question. I recently bought a D3000 to make the move into SLR. Thing is when the camera is turned upside down (to get shots from above) a kind a wobble in the image appears for less than a second... Is this Ok or should I have my camera checked for warranty? God bless you

[@bigairnicky]

is there a way to set a timer for how long the shutters open? for if you want to set it for like 20 minutes? great video btw

[@froknowsphoto]

@SoJuDaMaN flat out do not waste your money on the 18-200 zoom you will regret it in a few months. Look into the 70-200 sigma version 2!!!!!

[@froknowsphoto]

thanks

[@froknowsphoto]

@MrLoco007 there is no such thing as universal, each lenses will serve a purpose. The nikon 35 1.8 is a good starter lens.

[@snakesareSCARY]

I pretty much love you now. You sorted a bunch of stuff out for me!

[@twoheadedelvis]

AF-L is auto focus lock. After pressing shutter half way and focusing, if you press and hold the AF-L button, the camera will lock that focus distance and you can take multiple images without the camera trying to refocus in between shots. If shooting in manual, as you should, AE-L (exposure lock) does nothing. If shooting in one of the auto modes holding this button will lock exposure and camera will not try to re-evaluate the exposure between multiple shoots.

[@Startyourownbusinessacademy]

Just got this camera today! Your tutorial has been extremely helpful. Thanks so Much. Boomy

[@slapNtickle88]

hey fro ive been watching all of your vids for some time and read in the forums daily. Im going next week to pruchase a D90 and have a few questions first how ofter do you clean the sensor and second for the memory card what speed to i want it to be? I also just want to say thank for all of the videos you and greg post they are EXTREMELY helpful to the beginner user like me and many others i have told your website to keep it up man

[@HotYogaAtHome]

Hey, i just started using the d3100,do you have any videos on using the difuser filter with video.

[@sceva01]

Jared, i'm trying to decide between the d3100 and the sony alpha nex-5. Whats your opinion on it? By the way, great videos - keep it up.

[@kevayreski]

Hi Jared. Great video for starters, And you're a likeable guy so it's easy to watch. Thanks. Kevin, Dublin.

[@superseagull33]

Superb video, thanks for explaining things in so much detail man!

[@bluesswinger]

I am starting off with the 3100, it came with the 18-55m, also a wide lens, and a 2xtelescopic lens... what is your opinion on that set up. Also took the liberty of investing a fish eye lens before I bought the camera.

[@CriminalHeadquarter]

Oh my god. Thank you so much! I've got the 55-300MM nikon. On the 4 button mods, single frame, multiple frame, clock frame and quiet mode. How do you make the clock frame seconds a little bit shorter?

[@froknowsphoto]

@MrChelove no clue

[@froknowsphoto]

@DeRose05 when i get my hands on one.

[@AVsDproductions]

alright so im getting a dslr its gonna be my first dslr but im good with computers and technology nd stuff like that so im trying to choose between the d3100 and the d5100 i will mostly be shooting landscapes and portraits and a little video every once and a while

[@Kenwaldek]

i have a 3100 to it's a great beginners dslr just for hdr i miss auto bracketing. you have to do it all manualy for some situations a no go

[@nickwoo2]

If i got the d3100 body by itself what lens would be the best lens to get for general purposes under 300.

[@BrunoBassRodrigues]

Hi Jared, can you tell me what's the right lens hood to use in the Nikon 18-55mm kit lens? Best Regards from Portugal