D3100
Key Features
Easily capture the beauty of life’s fleeting moments with Nikon’s compact and lightweight D3100—a feature-rich digital SLR camera that surprises you with simplicity, and positively delights with superb results. The D3100 comes equipped with Nikon’s easy-to-use Guide Mode to help you take better photos and capture breathtaking Full 1080p HD movies. Best of all, the D3100 is ready to go, out-of-the-box with an included AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR lens. Whether shooting casual snapshots, a delicately composed still life or Full HD movies, you’ll love the ease with which D3100 does it all.
Nikon equipped the D3100 with a newly developed CMOS sensor for outstanding subject detail and smooth color gradation. Whether shooting photos or Full HD movies, the sensor is crucial to image quality. The high pixel count of D3100’s sensor produces photos of striking clarity, revealing all the nuance of the original scene with minimum noise—ideal for intricately detailed textures and noise-free background defocus.
You’ll be ready to start shooting exceptional pictures as soon as you get the D3100 home because it comes bundled with an AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR lens ready for action! Achieve clear images easily with legendary NIKKOR optical quality and fast, accurate autofocus for vivid color, striking contrast and crisp detail. Vibration Reduction (VR) image stabilization ensures the sharpest hand-held pictures and movies, and it’s close-up capabilities capture fantastic detail shots at a 0.9 ft. focus distance.
Discover the difference a digital SLR makes when shooting movies. A wide selection of NIKKOR lenses gives you freedom to explore different angles and obtain lovely defocused backgrounds while the D3100’s advanced imaging system assures outstanding quality. And for action sequences, new Subject-tracking AF keeps subjects properly focused. After the shoot, view movies on the large 3-inch LCD and perform simple editing tasks like trimming scenes before or after a designated point. HDMI compatibility lets you connect the D3100 to an HDTV with an optional HDMI cable, with playback managed by most TV’s remote controls.
At only approx. 1 lb. 1.8 oz.*, the compact and lightweight D3100 goes where you go. And it’s so easy to use thanks to the ergonomic grip that simplifies shooting, both in horizontal and vertical positions. New dedicated controls for frequently used functions like Live View, D-Movie and shutter release modes further enhance ease of use.
An enchanting portrait against a softly defocused background, or a radiant couple surrounded by sparkling lights. Taking photos like these is easy with the D3100’s Guide Mode—in-camera guidance that shows you step-by-step how to change camera settings. Just select a Guide Mode setting that matches the scene then let Guide Mode assist. Not only will you obtain the desired results, you’ll understand how you achieved them. Guide Mode even displays sample photos so you’ll know what to expect from each setting.
D3100 can shoot approximately 3 frames per second—great for capturing dynamic motion and elusive facial expressions that are a challenge for any photographer. Simply rotate the release-mode selector and shoot away. Split-second shutter response eliminates the frustration of shutter delay, capturing moments that other cameras miss.
The D3100's precision high-speed autofocus responds immediately to changes in scene or composition, maintaining tack-sharp focus to capture fleeting expressions and fast-moving sports.
A maximum ISO of 3200 (expandable to ISO 12,800 equivalent) lets you shoot at fast shutter speeds, reducing camera-shake blur in dimly lit scenes. Twilight and indoor shots come alive with a refreshingly natural look without the need for a tripod or flash.
Live View gives you an intuitive, familiar way to photograph playful pets or children on the move. Just flip a switch and you’re ready to go. Live View makes D3100 as easy to use as a compact camera.
The D3100 automatically selects the Scene Mode that matches the shooting situation and subject. During Live View shooting in Auto Mode, Scene Auto Selector automatically activates Portrait, Landscape, Close-up or Night portrait modes depending on the scene.
LCD, Video and Photo Gallery images are for illustrative purposes only.
Tech Specs
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Effective Pixels (Megapixels)
14.2 million -
Sensor Size
23.1 mmx 15.4 mm -
Image Sensor Format
DX -
Storage Media
SD
SDHC
SDXC -
ISO Sensitivity
ISO 100 -3200
Hi-1 (ISO 6400)
Hi-2 (ISO 12,800)
-
Movie
Full HD 1,920x1,080 / 24 fps
HD 1,280x720 / 30 fps
HD 1,280x720 / 24 fps
VGA 640x424 / 30 fps
Movie with sound -
Monitor Size
3.0 in. diagonal -
Monitor Type
Wide Viewing Angle TFT-LCD -
Battery / Batteries
One EN-EL14a Rechargeable Li-ion Battery or EN-EL14 Rechargeable Li-ion Battery -
Approx. Dimensions (Width x Height x Depth)
4.9 in.(124.46 mm)x 3.8 in.(96.52 mm)x 2.9 in.(73.66 mm) -
Approx. Weight
16 oz.(455 g)
Type
-
Type
Single-lens reflex digital camera -
Lens Mount
Nikon F bayonet mount
Image Sensor
-
Effective Pixels (Megapixels)
14.2 million -
Sensor Size
23.1 mmx 15.4 mm -
Image Sensor Format
DX -
Image Sensor Type
CMOS -
Total Pixels
14.8 million -
Dust-Reduction System
Image sensor cleaning
Airflow Control System
Image Dust Off reference data (optional Capture NX 2 software required) -
Image Area (pixels)
DX-format
(L) 4,608 x 3,072
(M) 3,456 x 2,304
(S) 2,304 x 1,536
File System
-
File Format Still Images
JPEG: JPEG-Baseline Compliant with Fine (approx 1:4), Normal (approx 1:8) or Basic (approx 1:16) Compression
NEF (RAW)
NEF (RAW) + JPEG: single photograph recorded in both NEF (RAW) and JPEG Formats -
Storage Media
SD
SDHC
SDXC -
Card Slot
1 Secure Digital (SD) -
File System
Compliant with DCF (Design Rule for Camera File System) 2.0
DPOF (Digital Print Order Format)
EXIF 2.21 (Exchangeable Image File Format for Digital Still Cameras)
PictBridge
Viewfinder
-
Viewfinder
Eye-level Pentamirror Single-Lens Reflex viewfinder -
Viewfinder Frame Coverage
95% horizontal
95% vertical (Approx.)
-
Viewfinder Magnification
0.80x (Approx.) -
Viewfinder Eyepoint
18mm (-1.0m¯¹) -
Viewfinder Diopter Adjustment
-1.7 to + 0.5m¯¹ -
Focusing Screen
Type B BriteView Clear Matte Mark VII screen -
Reflex Mirror
Quick-return type -
Mirror Lock Up
Yes (for image sensor cleaning)
Lens
-
Lens Aperture
Instant-return type
Electronically controlled -
Compatible Lenses
AF NIKKOR for F3AF not supported.
AF-S, AF-I: All Functions Supported.
AI-P NIKKOR: All Functions supported except autofocus and 3D Color Matrix Metering II.
Electronic rangefinder can be used if Maximum Aperture is f/5.6 or faster.
IX NIKKOR Lenses Cannot be Used.
Non-CPU: Can be used in mode M, but Exposure Meter does not Function; Electronic Rangefinder can be used if Maximum Aperture is f/5.6 or Faster.
Other AF NIKKOR: All Functions Supported Except autofocus and 3D Color Matrix Metering II.
Type G or D AF NIKKOR: All Functions Supported Except Autofocus.
Type D PC NIKKOR: All Functions Supported Except Autofocus and some Shooting Modes.
Shutter
-
Shutter Type
Electronically controlled vertical-travel focal-plane -
Shutter Speed
1/4000 to 30 sec. in steps of 1/3 EV
Bulb -
Flash Sync Speed
Up to 1/200 sec.
Synchronizes with shutter at 1/200 sec. or slower -
Frame Advance Rate
Up to 3 fps (manual focus, mode M or S, shutter speed 1/250 sec or faster, and other settings at default values) -
Top Continuous Shooting Speed at Full Resolution
3 frames per second
-
Self-Timer
2 sec.
10 sec.
Timer duration electronically controlled
Exposure
-
Exposure Metering System
TTL exposure metering using 420-pixel RGB sensor -
Metering Method
Center-weighted: Weight of 75% given to 8 mm circle in center of frame
Matrix: 3D color matrix metering II (type G and D lenses); color matrix metering II (other CPU lenses)
Spot: Meters 3.5 mm circle (about 2.5% of frame) centered on selected focus point -
Metering Range
0 to 20 EV (Matrix or center-weighted metering at ISO 100 equivalent, f/1.4 lens, at 20°C/68°F)
2 to 20 EV (Spot metering at ISO 100 equivalent, f/1.4 lens at 20°C/68°F) -
Exposure Meter Coupling
CPU -
Exposure Modes
Aperture-Priority Auto (A)
Auto modes (auto, auto [flash off])
Manual (M)
Programmed Auto with flexible Program (P)
Scene Modes
Shutter-Priority Auto (S) -
Exposure Compensation
±5 EV in increments of 1/3EV -
Exposure Lock
Luminosity locked at detected value with AE-L/AF-L button -
Picture Control
Landscape
Monochrome
Neutral
Portrait
Standard
Vivid
Selected Picture Control can be modified
Sensitivity
-
ISO Sensitivity
ISO 100 -3200
Hi-1 (ISO 6400)
Hi-2 (ISO 12,800)
-
Active D-Lighting
Can be selected from: On
Off
Focus/Autofocus
-
Detection Range
-1 to 19 EV (ISO 100, 68°F/20°C) -
Lens Servo
Autofocus (AF): Single-servo AF (AF-S); Continuous-servo AF (AF-C); auto AF-S/AF-C selection (AF-A); predictive focus tracking activated automatically according to subject status -
Focus Point
Can be selected from 11 focus points -
Focus Lock
Focus can be locked by pressing AE-L/AF-L button
Focus can be locked by pressing shutter-release button halfway (single-servo AF) -
Focus Modes
Auto AF-S/AF-C selection (AF-A)
Continuous-servo (AF-C)
Face-Priority AF
Full-time Servo (AF-A) available in Live View only and D-Movie only
Normal area AF
Single-servo AF (AF-S)
Wide area AF
Flash
-
Flash Control
i-TTL Balanced fill-flash, standard i-TTL flash for digital SLR -
Flash Compensation
-3 to +1 EV in increments of 1/3 EV -
Flash-ready Indicator
Blinks for 3 sec. after flash is fired at full output
Lights when built-in flash or optional flash unit such as SB-910, SB-900, SB-400, SB-80DX, SB-28DX or SB-50DX is fully charged -
Accessory Shoe
ISO 518 hot-shoe with sync and data contacts and safety lock -
Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS)
CLS Supported
White Balance
-
White Balance
Auto
Cloudy
Direct Sunlight
Flash
Fluorescent (7 types)
Incandescent
Preset Manual
Shade
Movie
-
Movie Metering
TTL exposure metering using main image sensor -
Movie File Format
MOV -
Movie Audio Recording Format
Linear PCM -
Movie Audio Recording Device
Built-in monaural microphone -
Movie
Full HD 1,920x1,080 / 24 fps
HD 1,280x720 / 30 fps
HD 1,280x720 / 24 fps
VGA 640x424 / 30 fps
Movie with sound -
Movie Audio
Built-in microphone, monaural
Monitor
-
Monitor Size
3.0 in. diagonal -
Monitor Resolution
230,000 Dots -
Monitor Type
Wide Viewing Angle TFT-LCD
Playback
-
Playback Functions
Auto Image Rotation
Calendar
Full Frame
Highlight Point Display
Histogram Display
Image Comment
Movie Playback
Slideshow
Thumbnail (4, 9 or 72 images)
Zoom
Interface
-
Interface
Accessory Terminal: Remote Cord: MC-DC2 (available separately); GPS unit: GP-1 (available separately)
HDMI output: Type C mini-pin HDMI connector
Hi-speed USB
Video Output: NTSC, PAL -
GPS
GP-1 GPS unit
Menus
-
Supported Languages
Chinese (Simplified and Traditional)
Czech
Dutch
English
Finnish
French
German
Italian
Japanese
Korean
Norwegian
Polish
Portuguese
Russian
Swedish
Turkish
Power
-
Battery / Batteries
One EN-EL14a Rechargeable Li-ion Battery or EN-EL14 Rechargeable Li-ion Battery -
Battery Life (shots per charge)
550 shots (CIPA) -
AC Adapter
EH-5a AC Adapter
Miscellaneous
-
Tripod Socket
1/4 in. -
Approx. Dimensions (Width x Height x Depth)
4.9 in.(124.46 mm)x 3.8 in.(96.52 mm)x 2.9 in.(73.66 mm) -
Approx. Weight
16 oz.(455 g) -
Operating Environment
32 to 104°F (0 to 40°C)
Less than 85% (no condensation)
For a full list of the technical specifications please refer to the product manual.
Accessories
Accessories
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