|
|
|
|
Apparently, when Nikon decided to add video capture functionality to its D3000 follow-up, they weren't just kidding around. Not only have they made it the first Nikon DSLR to capture full 1080p (1920 x 1080) footage, but they also made it the "world's first" DSLR with full-time auto focus in Live View and D-Movie modes. It can even capture the 24p stuff that cinema-types crave.
Non-video shooters will also be glad to know that there are plenty of photographic enhancements as well. The maximum native ISO has been bumped from 1600 to 3200 (expandable to 12,800). They traded in the D3000's 10.1-megapixel CCD sensor for a 14.2-megapixel DX-format CMOS. And they have upgraded the image-processing engine to their new Expeed 2.
As a compliment, they have also kept around many of the features that worked well on the D3000. The D3100 has the same 11-point AF system, 3-inch LCD display and even the Guide Mode, which provides on-screen tips and tutorials for users still trying to master a range of photographic techniques. While it may not get much use from more experienced shooters, we're big fans of the system. Rather than pushing users into automated scene modes that hide the photographic process, they actually try to help shooters understand how to make great pictures.
When you take into consideration the beginner-friendly attitude with which Nikon has approached this camera, the video upgrades make total sense. Not only does it offer full-time AF (contrast-based) during video capture, but it can also lock focus on up to 35 human faces. Footage is captured in an H.264 codec (.mov) and can be edited in-camera. While many find in-camera editing of still images to be unnecessary (the D3100 does offer this), it proves to be advantageous in terms of video, as one is able to clip off extraneous footage before it makes its way to a computer or to an HDTV using the on-board HDMI-port.
Of course, as with any entry-level DSLR, the D3100 also offers a selection of traditional shooting modes, including the Scene Recognition System and the Auto Scene Selector found in many Coolpix cameras.
The D3100 is set to hit shelves beginning in mid-September for $699 when bundled with the 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR. That's a full $200 cheaper than the kit version of Canon's Rebel T2i, which means the entry-level fight has just escalated even further.
Will they have a model that shoots 24p video?
This model actually does 24p video, but only at 720p
It DOES do 1080p/24 video according to its spec tab on the Nikon USA website so one of the two is wrong. They could be both right in that it has the capability which will be implemented in a future f/w update.
Attractive specifications. Wonderful camera for Entry Level and Serious Amateurs.
K.R. RAMAKRISHNAN, MADURAI, INDIA.
Sorry, the 3100 does not AF in movie mode unless Nikon has totally ripped off Sony patents and live view. Good ol' Pop with their almost worthless news/reviews.
Incredible, people are talking about what this camera does and doesn't do, and how good it is, before it's even released. It's still cheaper than the D5000, and seems to be a better package.
Nikon HAS claimed the camera will AF in video mode.
Who exactly are you, to say they're lying?
I'd take a look at the preview of it on dp review (http://www.dpreview.com/previews/Nikond3100/), you'll get a much better idea of what's spec'd out with this camera.
Looks great to me, I like the smaller size, lighter weight, new feature. Even intrigued with the video. Great lens in the kit, and well priced.
Don't get the comment about "serious amateur" capabilities; IMHO it hits the mark right on. I suppose you could argue that the upgrade to the D90 is for serious amateurs, but increased processing power, advances in CCD/CMOS technology and better though out feature sets are blurring the distinction between consumer/prosumer/professional gear anyway.
This camera caught me by surprise; I'd been looking at the update to the D90, but am now giving this camera serious consideration. It'll price out at $500-600 less than the new D90; that's a nice lens.
Good job Nikon.
Popsnortfoto,
The 3100 does have full-time AF in video mode. You can feel free to check out the Nikon site for proof.
http://www.nikonusa.com/Find-Your-Nikon/Product/Digital-SLR/25472/D3100....
I love it that some people think this camera isn't good enough for serious amateurs. Pros like me would have paid $20,000 for this camera body 10 years ago.
"I love it that some people think this camera isn't good enough for serious amateurs. Pros like me would have paid $20,000 for this camera body 10 years ago."
"Incredible, people are talking about what this camera does and doesn't do, and how good it is, before it's even released. It's still cheaper than the D5000, and seems to be a better package."
I agree with both of these statements completely. Nowadays, the only difference between an amateur and a pro is that one is getting paid. I'm sure that there is a pro out there somewhere still shooting with a D40. It's not the camera that you're using, it's knowing how to use it. With the information that we have been given, you should be able to conclude that the D3001 will be an exceptionally good camera for any market.
Am I missing something? It looks like the specs of the NIkon d3100 will compete with the d5000, d90, and d300s so I would suspect that sales of these will plummet. Knowing Nikon, they surely have replacements lined up for these cameras.
The weight of the camera is important to me. The D3100 seems to have the IQ of my D90 and the weight of my D60. If so, I'll get one.
I'd have to agree with a few of the other guys above: don't knock the camera until you've used it.
Looks like a very aggressive counterpart to the T2i...maybe not completely there as far as video goes, but that's yet to be seen. I'll be keeping an eye on this one.
This looks like a great camera for amateurs. I wonder when is Nikon going to do similar upgrades for D700 and AF Nikkor 80-400. I think it's overdue.
I love all the comments that the D3100 will only be good for amateurs. I heard all that criticism when I bought my D40 4 tears ago. Having been a member of the DPreview D40-D90 forum for some time now, I have viewed hundreds of photos and read opinions. I am no longer surprised when members say they prefer using their D40 over their D80, D90 or D whatever. The light weight,allowing for all day shooting, the fantastic jpegs right out of the camera and that they get more keepers. It seems that MANY D40 owners who sell their's to upgrade wind up buying an other one. That includes pros and semi pros.
I'm especially surprised when pros criticize entry level DSLRs. They, of all people should know that it's not the camera, it's the operator. The camera is just a tool. I've seen amazing shots taken with a 3 megapixel compact camera.
I have no doubt that the D3100 will be a huge seller. It looks to satisfy most of the needs of the current market very nicely.
It sounds like it is going to be a great camera. I wouldn't want it with the 18-55mm lens though. I think 18-105mm would be a better choice as it would be a lens you could keep on the camera most of the time. Or even the 16-85mm if you didn't mind spending more. It also might make a great second (and lighter) camera body for more serious photographers.
I glad there is a market for cameras like this other wise I would not be able to afford a DSLR camera. I'm getting one and for $600 which is my budget I thinks its a grate camera. I'm sick of the crappy pictures that my point and shoot cameras takes. Yes I will have a lot to learn on how to use this camera. I do have a film SLR and it takes much better pictures then my point and shoot digital camera. Film is expensive so thats why I want to move up to a DLSR. Thanks Nikon for proving us normal people better alternatives then a point and shoot camera. At a price I can afford. I looked at the D 90 but wow almost $400 more. I figure I can get the D 3100 and then each year get a new lens. My investment will be on lens and in so many years I can upgrade the body. For now just starting out I think this one is the one I will get. Not only did the price got me to want to get this camera but also the 14 mp and the new image-processing engine. I don't know much about cameras. I'm just starting out. So when I went to look to seen what camera to get. My word SO much info out there it was really confusing and it was difficult on deciding on a camera. I did not realized there was a debate between Canon and Nikon. I have a Canon Film SLR and a Nikon point and shoot Digital camera. My cousin has a DSLR Nikon D 60 and I liked it so I went with a Nikon. I also heard that the lens are better I don't know if that true or not. I'm excited to get my camera.
Copyright © 2012 Bonnier Corp. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.
Will they have a model that shoots 24p video?
This model actually does 24p video, but only at 720p
It DOES do 1080p/24 video according to its spec tab on the Nikon USA website so one of the two is wrong. They could be both right in that it has the capability which will be implemented in a future f/w update.
Attractive specifications. Wonderful camera for Entry Level and Serious Amateurs.
K.R. RAMAKRISHNAN, MADURAI, INDIA.
Sorry, the 3100 does not AF in movie mode unless Nikon has totally ripped off Sony patents and live view. Good ol' Pop with their almost worthless news/reviews.
Incredible, people are talking about what this camera does and doesn't do, and how good it is, before it's even released. It's still cheaper than the D5000, and seems to be a better package.
Nikon HAS claimed the camera will AF in video mode.
Who exactly are you, to say they're lying?
I'd take a look at the preview of it on dp review (http://www.dpreview.com/previews/Nikond3100/), you'll get a much better idea of what's spec'd out with this camera.
Looks great to me, I like the smaller size, lighter weight, new feature. Even intrigued with the video. Great lens in the kit, and well priced.
Don't get the comment about "serious amateur" capabilities; IMHO it hits the mark right on. I suppose you could argue that the upgrade to the D90 is for serious amateurs, but increased processing power, advances in CCD/CMOS technology and better though out feature sets are blurring the distinction between consumer/prosumer/professional gear anyway.
This camera caught me by surprise; I'd been looking at the update to the D90, but am now giving this camera serious consideration. It'll price out at $500-600 less than the new D90; that's a nice lens.
Good job Nikon.
Popsnortfoto,
The 3100 does have full-time AF in video mode. You can feel free to check out the Nikon site for proof.
http://www.nikonusa.com/Find-Your-Nikon/Product/Digital-SLR/25472/D3100....
I love it that some people think this camera isn't good enough for serious amateurs. Pros like me would have paid $20,000 for this camera body 10 years ago.
"I love it that some people think this camera isn't good enough for serious amateurs. Pros like me would have paid $20,000 for this camera body 10 years ago."
"Incredible, people are talking about what this camera does and doesn't do, and how good it is, before it's even released. It's still cheaper than the D5000, and seems to be a better package."
I agree with both of these statements completely. Nowadays, the only difference between an amateur and a pro is that one is getting paid. I'm sure that there is a pro out there somewhere still shooting with a D40. It's not the camera that you're using, it's knowing how to use it. With the information that we have been given, you should be able to conclude that the D3001 will be an exceptionally good camera for any market.
Am I missing something? It looks like the specs of the NIkon d3100 will compete with the d5000, d90, and d300s so I would suspect that sales of these will plummet. Knowing Nikon, they surely have replacements lined up for these cameras.
The weight of the camera is important to me. The D3100 seems to have the IQ of my D90 and the weight of my D60. If so, I'll get one.
I'd have to agree with a few of the other guys above: don't knock the camera until you've used it.
Looks like a very aggressive counterpart to the T2i...maybe not completely there as far as video goes, but that's yet to be seen. I'll be keeping an eye on this one.
This looks like a great camera for amateurs. I wonder when is Nikon going to do similar upgrades for D700 and AF Nikkor 80-400. I think it's overdue.
I love all the comments that the D3100 will only be good for amateurs. I heard all that criticism when I bought my D40 4 tears ago. Having been a member of the DPreview D40-D90 forum for some time now, I have viewed hundreds of photos and read opinions. I am no longer surprised when members say they prefer using their D40 over their D80, D90 or D whatever. The light weight,allowing for all day shooting, the fantastic jpegs right out of the camera and that they get more keepers. It seems that MANY D40 owners who sell their's to upgrade wind up buying an other one. That includes pros and semi pros.
I'm especially surprised when pros criticize entry level DSLRs. They, of all people should know that it's not the camera, it's the operator. The camera is just a tool. I've seen amazing shots taken with a 3 megapixel compact camera.
I have no doubt that the D3100 will be a huge seller. It looks to satisfy most of the needs of the current market very nicely.
It sounds like it is going to be a great camera. I wouldn't want it with the 18-55mm lens though. I think 18-105mm would be a better choice as it would be a lens you could keep on the camera most of the time. Or even the 16-85mm if you didn't mind spending more. It also might make a great second (and lighter) camera body for more serious photographers.
I glad there is a market for cameras like this other wise I would not be able to afford a DSLR camera. I'm getting one and for $600 which is my budget I thinks its a grate camera. I'm sick of the crappy pictures that my point and shoot cameras takes. Yes I will have a lot to learn on how to use this camera. I do have a film SLR and it takes much better pictures then my point and shoot digital camera. Film is expensive so thats why I want to move up to a DLSR. Thanks Nikon for proving us normal people better alternatives then a point and shoot camera. At a price I can afford. I looked at the D 90 but wow almost $400 more. I figure I can get the D 3100 and then each year get a new lens. My investment will be on lens and in so many years I can upgrade the body. For now just starting out I think this one is the one I will get. Not only did the price got me to want to get this camera but also the 14 mp and the new image-processing engine. I don't know much about cameras. I'm just starting out. So when I went to look to seen what camera to get. My word SO much info out there it was really confusing and it was difficult on deciding on a camera. I did not realized there was a debate between Canon and Nikon. I have a Canon Film SLR and a Nikon point and shoot Digital camera. My cousin has a DSLR Nikon D 60 and I liked it so I went with a Nikon. I also heard that the lens are better I don't know if that true or not. I'm excited to get my camera.