2011 CES Innovation Award

National Geographic Adventure's 2010 Gear of the Year

The Nikon D3100 has been named to National Geographic Adventure’s 2010 Gear of the Year list. Thirty-five products made the list that writer Steve Casimiro described as featuring products that are “…extraordinarily designed, creative, or innovative, they can only be called one thing: the best.” He says of the camera, “With the introduction of the D3100, Nikon now offers a D-SLR camera with the ability to shoot 1080p, the highest resolution video.” He also notes that the D3100 is the first D-SLR to feature auto-focusing in video mode. “It’s a huge improvement that should bring D-SLR videos out from the dark ages of manual focus,” Casimiro added.

Nikon D3100 Review

Nikon D3100 Review

Mike Tomkins and Shawn Barnett posted their full review of the Nikon D3100 D-SLR to ImagingResource.com. They noted that the camera's exposures are metered nicely. The reviewers said that for an amateur looking to move up from a point-and-shoot, the D3100 offers plenty of room to grow. "It's a pretty easy Dave's Pick," they added.

Nikon D3100 Review

Dcresource.com's Jeff Keller posted his review of the Nikon D3100 D-SLR. Keller noted that "camera performance was generally excellent." He noted that when composing photos with the optical viewfinder, the AF locks very quickly on the subject. He also said the camera's battery life was the best of any entry-level D-SLR or interchangeable lens camera.

Nikon D3100 Review

Popular Photography's Phil Ryan reviewed the Nikon D3100, concluding the camera offers more accurate colors, noise reduction, resolving power and higher top sensitivity that its competition, along with a more compelling price. Ryan notes that one of the best features of the camera is the flip switch on the camera's back to enter live-view and video shooting modes, because of its accessibility; in addition to the camera's overall ergonomic design. Regarding the video, Ryan found the quality rivals many consumer grade HD camcorders.

iF Product Design Award

The Nikon D3100 D-SLR was the recipient of the iF Product Design Award, which is sponsored by the International Forum Design GmbH of Hanover, Germany. Features of the D3100 of note are the camera's EXPEED 2 image processing engine, new 14.2 megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor and HD movie recording. Also noted were the full featured offerings of the D3100 in a compact size and light weight camera body. In selecting recipients of the award, product aspects including quality of design, functionality, degree of innovation, simplicity of operation and environmental impact are considered.

Professional Photographer Hot One 2011 Award

The Nikon D3100 D-SLR received Professional Photographer magazine's Hot One 2011 award. According to the magazine, "The 14.2-megapixel Nikon D3100 camera in our lower-priced DSLR category takes the award with an impressive set of features that had our judges singing its praises. It's also happens to be the world's first DSLR with full-time autofocus in Live View and D-Movie mode for shooting full HD (1080p) video. The camera's new EXPEED 2 image processing engine works with an 11-point autofocus system and the DX-format CMOS sensor to produce excellent image quality." Professional Photographer has organized the Hot One awards for 12 years. Winners are chosen based on innovation, usefulness in a real-world studio setting, and value for the price.

Nikon D3100 Review

GlobalGrind.com's Fida Sleiman posted a review of the Nikon D3100 D-SLR, noting that the camera is one of the website's favorites. Sleiman noted that camera operation is easy, and "creative control is virtually limitless." Features touted included Nikon Vibration Reduction technology, the D3100's integrated Guide Mode, and HD video recording.

Nikon D3100 Review

Digital Camera Review's Jim Keenan posted a review of the Nikon D3100 DSLR. He was impressed with the still image quality as well as the quality when capturing video. Keenan felt the camera was well built, and noted that the surface finish felt secure in the hand. He liked the fact that so many of the settings are controllable via the mode dials, which are easily accessible while shooting.

Nikon D3100 Review

Gevon Servo posted his review of the Nikon D3100 to The Phoblographer. Gevon noted that the camera is ideal for the user moving up to their first D-SLR. He said it is a great educational camera, as well as ideal for family use; a perfect size to take on vacation or around the town. Servo concluded that, "The camera was extremely practical, light, nimble and easy to use."

IF Communication Design Award

The Nikon D3100 D-SLR was honored with the IF Communication Design Award 2011, in the Interfaces category. The D3100 received the award for its GUI (Graphic User Interface) which was designed for simple operation, allowing even first time D-SLR users to master the controls, using the camera's Guide Mode. According to the award committee, "The camera won the IF Communication Design Award based on the usability, look and feel, and uniqueness of its interface." The award is sponsored by International Forum Design GmbH.

Nikon D3100 Review

Liam McCabe posted his review of the D3100 D-SLR on the Digitalcamera-hq.com website, saying the camera is "perhaps the most well-balanced entry-level D-SLR out right now." McCabe was impressed with many features of the D3100, specifically the inclusion of 1080p HD video recording, live view and the user-friendly Guide mode. He added that the D3100 is "a charm to use."

2011 Tech Awards - Best Travel Gadgets

Travel + Leisure named the Nikon D3100 D-SLR one of the Best Travel Gadgets in their 2011 Tech Awards. Editor Tom Samiljan highlighted the camera's Guide mode as one of the many features the editors liked. The winning products are the result of a year's worth of testing to determine which products live up to the hype.

Nikon D3100 Review

Will Sabel Courtney of Rides Magazine posted his review of the Nikon D3100 D-SLR, on the 0-60mag.com website, noting his first impression is of a solid camera, built carefully from high-class materials. He said of the D3100: “Nikon makes it easy for those of us who lack extensive photography knowledge to take gorgeous shots with ease.” Courtney was impressed with the variety of shooting modes, ability of the camera to be used fully manual when the user is ready, and its incorporated guide mode.

Nikon D3100 Review

Nikon D3100 D-SLR Review