Nikon D3100
The perfect entry-level DSLR for beginners
Key Features
Camera Capabilities
Click the Links Below for Details
The Most Important Buttons & Dials — Nikon D3100
| Control / Button / Dial | Status | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Shutter-release Button | ✓ Present | |
| Mode Dial | ✓ Present | |
| +/- EV (Exposure Compensation) Button | ✓ Present | |
| Dedicated ISO Button | ✗ Not Present | Accessed via menu |
| Dedicated Aperture Dial / Ring | ~ Limited | Uses command dial in M mode |
| Dedicated Shutter Speed Dial | ✗ Not Present | Uses command dial |
| AF-ON Button | ✗ Not Present | |
| Main Command Dial | ✓ Present | |
| Sub-Command Dial | ✗ Not Present | |
| Function (Fn) Buttons | ✗ Not Present | |
| Joystick / Multi-selector | ✓ Present | |
| AF-assist / Self-timer Lamp | ✓ Present | |
| Monitor Mode Button | ✗ Not Present | |
| Video Record Button | ✗ Not Present | Dedicated Live View lever |
| Drive Mode Control | ✓ Present | Dedicated button |
How-to Use Nikon D3100
Welcome to the How-to section of the camera. In this Light & Composition University website, each page for a camera has a how-to section and a section for learning. Simply because the buttons and the controls of each camera is located in different places that not only varies for brands but in each model. How-to section help you operate your camera, however, if you are interested to learn photography, not only you need to know how your camera works, but also you must know what you can change and why you do that to get better photo. Click the “Learn” or scroll down.
Nikon D3100 Exposure Indicators
| Optimal exposure | Underexposed by 1/3 EV | Overexposed by over 2 EV |
|---|---|---|
|
− . 0 . +
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− . 0 . +
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− . 0 . +
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The key to the photography is light, and it’s the exposure indicators, where you see how much light your camera sensor sees. These indicators both in monitor and viewfinder show whether the photograph would be under or over-exposed at the current setting. The amount of under or overexposure is shown in increments of 1/3 EV.
Learn & Master Photography with Nikon D3100
For over a decade, we have been teaching photography following a university standard. No one does it better than us. We have a selection of courses, diplomas, graduate and post-graduate programs, as well as some of our best-selling university press publications, to guide you in the best possible way for your camera. Enroll in the fundamentals and then move to the genres you want to master.
Technical Specification
| Sensor | APS-C CMOS |
| Resolution | 14.2 Megapixels |
| ISO Range | 100-3200 (expandable to 12800) |
| Autofocus | 11-point Multi-CAM 1000 |
| Shutter Speed | 1/4000 to 30 sec |
| Burst Rate | 3 fps |
| Video | 1920 x 1080 (24 fps) |
| Stabilization | Lens-based |
| Viewfinder | Optical Pentamirror |
| LCD | 3.0-inch TFT, 230k dots |
| Memory Card | SD/SDHC/SDXC |
| Connectivity | USB 2.0, HDMI |
| Battery Life | 550 shots |
| Weight | 505g (with battery) |
| Dimensions | 124 x 96 x 75 mm |
