Nikon D3100 Review

[@froknowsphoto]

@Sinwori yes because the fastnr was connected to the tri pod mount of the lens allowing for better distribution.

[@froknowsphoto]

@InfoVblog yea its good for what it does and with the right eye you can get great images with it. They do it to keep the price down.

[@froknowsphoto]

@forzadicoriolis if you set the exposure before you hit the video button than sorta, so it locks in when you hit the video.

[@froknowsphoto]

@ZabProduction all nikons will take all lenses including the D3100. Some wont autofocus on some cameras but they all fit as long as they are F mounts.

[@froknowsphoto]

@coktale vibration reduction in nikon and IS in canon is image stabilization.

[@froknowsphoto]

@MandrakeCigars Honestly, no clue, i dont look for issues like that unless it jumps out in my face. I didn;t see anything, you can d load the full res images and take a look as well.

[@froknowsphoto]

@shalnmunk check out the faq section of froknows along with the beginner section. I am not a fan of kit lenses, they will be fine to start outside with but not so good inside.

[@froknowsphoto]

@silentfury45 dont be confused by the megapixels. 8mp in a camera is no where as good as say a 4 mp DSLR. The d3100 is a great starter camera. .

[@froknowsphoto]

@muchalh yes it is, i should have one in the next few weeks to review.

[@froknowsphoto]

@MrJubblegum great, where do u think u will order it from? Allen has it all in stock and so does amazon as u can see from the web page if u head over using that link in the description.

[@froknowsphoto]

@bloodblur u can do focus but not change your fstop.

[@froknowsphoto]

@Chilled001 good question. My 85 1.4 is probably going on 12 years my 50 1.4 is about 10 my 14-24 and 24-70 both came out with the d3 so thats 4 years, my 300 2.8 is 10 years old my fish eye is just about the same my macro 105 is prob 4 years or whenever the VR came out. So good glass stays for a while.

[@froknowsphoto]

@joeypesci cameras need light to focus so its pretty tough in low light situations for it to find its focus.

[@froknowsphoto]

@arubaforever that is the 35mm equivalent 200 x 1.5 = 300

[@froknowsphoto]

@Basicccc123456 if u can swing the 7000 and some good glass it if you can only swing like 1k than the 3100 and some good glass and ur on ur way.

[@froknowsphoto]

@hk318i I like that the d3100 has less megapixels than the T2i, the t2i works well but I still like my nikons.

[@froknowsphoto]

@trailseekerful what do you mean by freezes? Do you mean you are taking lots of pictures and it wont take anymore? You may have a slow card in the camera or are taking to many pictures in arrow.

[@EverythingisFire]

Hey fro, my refurb Nikon D3100 just shipped from Adorama today! It's been long, excruciating months of wanting this thing but finally getting it! Much thanks for your review which solidified my thoughts on the camera and your D3100 tutorials that will help me out in a few days.

[@froknowsphoto]

@LennonMarlonDylan yea, it was a great test though, really happy with the h1.

[@froknowsphoto]

@Kentonuk yes i will get to that.

[@chrlybrwn1227]

Great job Jared. By far, the best review I've seen on youtube. Keep up the job. Thanks for making me get the right camera.

[@froknowsphoto]

@nabiawada you have to first figure out why your not getting sharp images.

[@froknowsphoto]

@argmax10 i didnt use flash in any of the photos.

[@CrystalDino]

I'm happy to see you do this review Jared because, I'm thinking of getting this camera. This will be my own and first DLSR camera. I usually use my dad's D70 which is a good camera, but it's always nice to have your own. Thank you for this :D.

[@froknowsphoto]

@theREALpianoman0615 i never register any of my stuff, if you have an issue than you fill it out send it in with it but ur better of not sending in the warranty cards ever.

[@404TRUCKERTV]

jp, this is my first slr. i bought this cam last week and 35mm 1.8. WOW, the proformance in low light is kick ass. at 800, 1600, 3200 iso are so clean and the bokeh is so smooth. i also took a few h1, h2 shoots and the noise is managed well. this is a big step up from my little point and shoot cam. thanx alot for all your nikon info.

[@josejavieraguilar83]

Thanks Fro for the video. That has made me a more confident in my camera and am also looking to get the D600 and some good fast lenses. Again thanks for all the work you do putting them up for all of us to see and learn. One of your Fro fans here in the West Palm Beach area. Fro knows photo! For real

[@paulwalker2133]

Great review Jared, I’ve had this for many years and am just starting to learn how to actually use it properly. It’s a great entry level camera.

[@Dogslow]

I bought one of these my first dslr and find your reviews and youtube clips very helpful, Happy new year.In the UK you can pick a 3100 up for £440

[@froknowsphoto]

@supraman2133 yes. Or it unlicks the power of RAW

[@froknowsphoto]

@southerndandy89 yes

[@GadgetAddicted]

What a fantastic and thorough review. I'm an all-canon guy and I watched the whole video. Thanks Jared!!

[@froknowsphoto]

@JaredPolin i dont believe in that calibrated to my camera thing. If your shooting at 1.4 u need to lock in and get everything right on or you will miss your focus. 1.4 is very narrow.

[@epdxL]

@JaredPolin what trailseekerful is probably referring to is focus priority. The D3100 will only release the shutter if the subject is in focus. There is no way to make it release priory and the 18-55mm is not particularly fast as moving the glass around with its af motor.

[@equiliser]

This review was was just what i was after, I'm looking to purchase my first DSLR and was stuck between the canon d550 and the Nikon d3100 both are up for the job as a beginners camera but looks like i'm swayed towards the Nikon range. Thanks Jared for some of the best reviews on equipment and having a unique and fun look at camera technology...I thought the 2 hour vid in the store was fantastic..wishing you and lil a fantastic 2011.

[@froknowsphoto]

@GadgetAddicted thanks canon guy, i hope to do the same for canon but i need all the canon gear to do this type of review.

[@froknowsphoto]

@castillozz thank u

[@froknowsphoto]

@rhowell5 changing ur ev just under exposes or over exposes it is pretty much the same thing.

[@froknowsphoto]

@poatatoecouch7 yes.

[@dude2106]

@dude2106 Note that those lenses are primes, so you get no zoom with them, but you get a really good quality lens, for a good price and they are great in low light. So if you are planning on shooting in low light conditions, in doors, at night etc. you WILL need a fast piece of glass as a 35mm 1.8G or 50mm 1.8G. Also note that it has to be the AF-S, G version lenses, if you get a AF, D version it WON'T auto focus on your camera.

[@aeiq1219]

Excellent review of this camera, which I just got as my first dslr, your review answers a lot of the question I've had about this camera with plenty of details. thanks a lot Jared.

[@Irratium]

Iso basically means how much the signal is amplified (kind of like gain with microphones). It is the "digital equivalent" of film speed with film cameras. Higher iso allows you to get less dark photos in low-light conditions, but dialing it too high introduces noise (grain).

[@froknowsphoto]

@dziyan for sports? AFC dynamic area focus.

[@ksaboda]

I just got this camera to shoot architecture photos. It's great, especially for a newbie DSLRer like me. The controls are very intuitive and the cost is worth it. Thanks for this review!

[@TheSkarlander]

Hey Jared, Great review- plain English, easy to get the point. Ive just bought D3100 and starting my adventure with photography. Man, you are doing great job and I'll defo keep checking your channel. Subscribed! Thanks!

[@froknowsphoto]

@DrSkankopotomus does not come with one but any place will have a class 6 or higher sd card. best buy, amazin you name it.

[@rabonour]

I played with a D3100 for the first time yesterday. It's amazing how hard it is to go back to a camera like that after just a few months with a D7000, even after coming from a D40 before that. It felt nice for what it was, though.

[@vIZnquest]

Great review! Definitely a thorough run through. I especially like your testing it as it is intended to be used and not the measurbators view.

[@MauGFX]

Tip for Video: As for video, the only manual thing you can do is setting the exposure while in " A " and "P" mode. While in live view, you do as you would change aperture normally and the exposure will go up or down, also when shooting the video say yo go from a bright spot to a darker one, you can hold down the AE-L/AF-L and it will hold the automatic exposure . - Hope it helps you guys and BTW Jared you got me started on DSLR's and photography as a tool for my graphic designs. :P

[@rubenwat]

So i watch the first minute and i can already tell you this review is great!!ONe- you came out of your office= boring Two- showing real life situation and how the camera actually performs= great video,if your ever doing a camera review please do them outside

[@ManiakMikachu]

Great video! I've been looking around for a good solid review on this camera for awhile. I'm just starting to get into photography and hopefully sometime this year I will be able to get this camera. Since you don't recommend kit lenses, will the one for the D3100 be good to start out with and then move up from there? If so, what lens would be a good upgrade? Again, great video and I highly appreciate you taking it out and actually using the camera to show us :)

[@froknowsphoto]

@theREALpianoman0615 if you go to the main web page and see the d3100 review i have posted that video there as well. But also search for d3100 guide on youtube and my video should come up.

[@WinterCamryn]

I got a D3100 about 5 months ago and wish I'd spent the extra to get the D3200. It's still beginner level but has about 10x as many mega pixels if I recall correctly.Additionally, the D3100 does not have a mic port, which really pissed me off since I took a broadcasting class this past semester at school and realized just how vital a mic port could be.The noise on the D3200 is also lower, which would be especially good for shooting with low light during sun rise/set.

[@IAMSUPREME22]

Fro, you said lens kits are trash... I purchased the D3100 bundle that came with the two Nikkor lense kits (18mm-55mm & 55mm-200mm).

[@icebarrged]

Bought the D3100 2 weeks ago. Best camera I have ever owned. Since I'm a beginner at photo taking, it is a very good camera.

[@froknowsphoto]

@lobaker1 always in manual.

[@hynee]

@dziyan I think the desk video ( 10:43 ) was using centre area, that might be a bit quicker than some options in AF-F. It could depend on a lot of things, like lighting and lens too.

[@1521ronald]

I own this camera bought it about a month ago and love it... Thanks to Jared learning alot. Might sell it to get the d7000 since I do a lot of videos

[@ramanetushant1]

Will be joining the DSLR world soon... thank you for the review... it helps a lot to decide which one to start with. I think Nikon D3100 is the one for me.

[@xXLONGBOARDINGXx]

i have the d3100 i have done alot of research on it before i got it, i read from multiple areas that the d3100 is the nest entry level camera, meaning its the best camera to get as a starter. Also from my experience with the camera, i am amazed with how it is priced, it has as good quality as a 60d (in my opinion). Only one thing u need to get besides the camera, is a second lens for longer zoom. I got a 55mm-300mm telephoto lens.

[@iEquitate]

I'm interested in this camera. Mainly for shooting hockey. I must say this is the best video/review I have ever found! Thanks! :)

[@TraceurZeno]

For an entry level SLR, Nikon Have done a great job! Great review and vids as usual Jared. All the best for 2011! Zeno

[@homemakingwisdom]

Thanks for the review. I'm looking into getting into photography, but didn't have the money for anything high end. I'm glad you said to get this camera and a buy better lens and thats what I will do and hopefully in couple of years I can upgrade the body.

[@TheGentGaming]

Sun rise photos - get a tripod (or just a surface to put the camera on so it's flat and won't move) and do a longer exposure - if you're unsure how long, go by the light meter (use it as a guide, not as gospel). I have the 3200 and I find it quite noise-y - the grass is always greener - stick with what you have and make it work for ya! I find I push my camera to its limits sometimes, but still end up with great photos. Noise tip: looks better if you convert to black and white. Good luck!

[@Rikondry]

you are AWESOME!!! when I watch camera reviews, ! don't type (for example) : nikon d3100 review, I type : nikon d3100 review froknowsphoto. I love photography and I understand it because of you! thank you!

[@Boy22100]

Hi Jared,Thanks for all those great reviews, they are really helpul..Today i have been watching your web pages for about 4 hours and i do not get tired of learning abour the Nikon D3100, Treating RAW Files and lenses . I was wondering if you recommend any specific TIMER for the D3100 in order to be able to do TIME LAPSE videos since this options doesnot exist on the cam ... also would like to kwno if you recommend to shoot on JPEG or RAW shoots for making the Time Lapse videos? Thanks a Lot

[@Legendarische]

Thank you Jared going to get this Camera with the 35 f/1.8, Was waiting on this review quite a long time!

[@froknowsphoto]

True Fro fans dont say first and second!!! Video will be live tomorrow!!!

[@heavy_yawns]

I just got mine today, body only, with a 40mm 2.8. The camera is a touch small, just to a point where the pinky may not stay on, though it is without question the top beginner camera at the moment. Why the 40mm 2.8? It's good for macro, portaits, and certain landscapes.

[@rhowell5]

Great review Fro! Quick question, you're probably not much for Exposure Value, but if you increase the EV by a 1/4 or 1/2 a stop do you think that would help with the noise in shots with high ISO? Also, I'm looking at a D7000, can you think of any reason I would buy a D300s over the 7000? Thanks for your help, and keep up the good work!!

[@VenielEspanol]

Love your videos! Amazing information. Watching theses videos and others as well, I've decided to get myself this nikon d3100 as my first dslr and also buying the 35 1.8 lens you have recommended in your video. How bout for a zooming lens? What can you recommend with around a $200 budget?

[@lobaker1]

Jared, when recording video do you recommend using the manual focus with a 35mm lense to prevent the noisy clicking sound from the autofocus

[@gazman1001]

At last someone who does a non rip it to shreds camera review on a camera. I'm sick to death of camera reviews which knock cameras because it doesn't have this or it doesn't have that, etc. The truth is that the more you pay for a camera the more complex and the more buttons you have to confuse you. Great pic's depend on a good lens, and the person pushing the shutter button. Well done JP.

[@musicjunkie20]

Great video, I'm looking for my first DSLR and have decided to buy this. It was great to have someone explain things.in plain English.

[@City0FDreams]

Great review, I really appreciate that! So, at this moment in time, is this what you would recommend as the 'best' DSLR for a beginner?

[@GuyFoxxx]

@Dogslow You'll need CS5 for that, the older versions don't support this file since the camera didn't exist yet when they were released.

[@XxRisexXxAbovexX]

Hey i'm looking into buying my first camera, and I would say that this is the best review of this camera. Thanks you helped me out a lot in what camera I should choose for my first one. One question, at the end of the video were you saying that the D3100 only has 10 minuets of video?

[@bollwerkman]

Just got this camera and it's awesome! First thought I'd miss the top LCD but as someone new this is fantastic. Currently using the 18-55 and 55-300mm which are ok but the 16-85mm etc. will

[@praedestinatu]

Hi @JaredPolin, may I ask you a question? For a complete newcomer to photography, which one of these Nikon models would you recommend? The D3100, D5100 or D90? And with the 35mm 1.8 or 50mm 1.8 D lenses (as a prime lens)? Keep up the good work.

[@thepoet0710]

I purchased this camera a few months ago. My 1st DSLR, actually my 1st camera. Thought the video was nice and informative.

[@juangomes21]

Hi! Congratulations for this review. Until today i was using compact cameras, but i feel that the quality can be better. I've been looking for the next level! Because i'm not a professional, i'm looking between Nikon D3100 and Canon 550D. My question is: do you prefer the Nikon or the Canon? Theres a difference between the models? Do you suggest another model? Regards, Juan Gomes - Portugal

[@froknowsphoto]

@spaceboogietv1 nikon 35 1.8

[@ramanan86]

Thanks for the great review JP!! I have been shooting with this camera since October '10; I listened to your advise about grabbing the 35mm 1.8mm..oh man...that was the best advise ever...I just started shooting and I know what you mean by good glass vs KIT LENS..(they suck)!!! ...anyways...great videos..I think I have watched every single one of your videos!! :) you are doing a great job for the community!! :) thanks..

[@froknowsphoto]

@mariuck 3100

[@mariuck]

@JaredPolin ty so much... i need to buy a entry DSLR in the next days.. and i didn't know what to choose D5000 or D3100.. and after i come back from a Europe tour with the camera i will start some photo classes also.... Thx again....... FRO KNOWS PHOTO.. :D

[@skidrowdie]

I got this with the 18-105, a filter(67mm UV), 8GB Class 10 Memory Card, bayonet lens for about 800$. Actually it was a kit, and it wasn't expensive! I'm an amateur but i've worked with D3100s and i know them pretty good and i love it. It's the best starting DSLR. Get it! PS: I'm not from US, i'm from Romania but i'm quite sure you'll find the same kit anywhere.

[@astheravenflies189]

Thanks for the videos! I just bought this camera as a first slr... upgraded from a cell phone camera lol! Got the kit for 299.00 so I'm very happy and will use your videos to help me learn how to use it...

[@Gary6172]

Also, they use powerful led cans, I used spot metering to try to get the metering correct, however, for quite a few of my shots, the coloured light was so extreme on their faces, it was hard to even make them out!

[@topcow23]

Hey Jared, first of all, I love your videos, keep on doing with you're doing. I have a question for you and for the viewers here. I'm looking to get my first DSLR, my choices come down to the D3100 vs Pentax new K-r. Both are the same price, the Pentax seems to have more desireable features and better performance. But I really like the Nikon lense and accessories options. Would you go with the one with the better body or one with better lense and accessories lineup?

[@CoenradJMorgan]

Jared, "good glass", whats that in your view, how would a consumer know the difference between good and not so good glass, a Fro guide to lenses you should aspire to segment would be good.

[@Cpt0wNaGe-L2S]

im not sure i would agree with the less noise on the 3200, as I'm sure many know that more megapixels, which is 10 more megapixels (24MP vs 14.2MPof the D3100) and not 10x more megapixels, usually means there is a greater probability to get noise as you are putting more pixels into the same area, hence more pixels have the possibility to generate noise. Also, that being said unless someone is planning to crop a lot or make very large prints, the 14.2MP on the D3100 should more than suffice.

[@DanielLoboPhotography]

Jared Great Video sir! Thank you! One question, considering that the D5100 or the Canon T3i are about a 100 dollars more expensive, wouldn't you recommend buying one of those cameras already!? Thank youu!

[@iamgizmoe]

Maybe you can do a video on aperture settings for the kit lens? Thanks for all of your videos.

[@fictisha]

Thank you for this review. I feel confidant I have made the right choice.

[@fizzrate]

thank you very much for such an in depth review.I think this will be my first DSLR

[@westlifepinoy]

Great review, glad I have a camera with JP's seal of approval.

[@Wuzzysbrand06]

35mm or 50mm f/1.8G. The 17-50 f/2.8 from Tamron is also quite alright. I believe Sigma makes that same lens as well.

[@Xpurple]

I bought one of these thanks to various reviews including yours and love it. Amazing quality for an entry level DSLR camera. Thank you!

[@jessancalusinsr.6114]

Thanks bro..A week ago I bought this camera, I'm so happy because it's my first time having dslr.. your videos help me alots.. Keep it up..God bless..

[@Wes2299]

@skaterforlife1212 It has an external mic jack so you wanna use that instead of the camera mic.