Camera Labs

@grahamnp, this is the D3100 topic. As for the D7000, yes, it can write Raw and JPEG separate, Stills and Video separate, and probably more possibilities with the Dual card slots. But it stays 1 buffer.

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- Wout -
Nikon D80 with 18-70 DX, 70-300 VR, 35 1.8 DX
Manfrotto 055XPROB tripod with 488RC0 midi ballhead
Lowepro CompuRover AW and Nova 200 AW

Thanks, but that wasn't my question actually. I'll put the question in the correct topic.

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Graham
Flickr

Today i got my hands on d3100, and first impression is amazing - it can focus much faster than d5000, also in live mode. I didnt had much time with it, just 5 minutes before battery run out, so i couldnt even check out settings and so, but as a camera it has solid feel just like 550D. New 4 way joystick is much more comfortable to use than on d5000, on which it felt cheap and not so well made. Only bad thing about it is lens - they are just too huge to comfortable use, focus ring is quite good bud zoom ring is really big - kit needs better lens, 550D has a more comfortable zoom ring.
What i mostly like is new screen, and also viewfinder, which is (for me) better.

Some photos i managed to get - please, dont kill me i never shooted with DSLR, and this was just point and shoot on automatic and Apreture modes.

http://picasaweb.google.com/dingo27mobile/NikonD3100#

And if somebody wants video -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0hks6A2s8Q

For me it is now better candidate than 550D.

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I'm new to DSLR's, so please be patient and take my opinions with reserve. Thank you : ) Yes, i am Canon man.
Google + My picasa photos My 500px album
Canon 60D + 15-85mm f3.5-5.6 IS, Canon 70-200 F2.8L IS II, Canon 430EXII, polarizing filter 72mm,
Canon AT-1, 50mm FD F1.8
Canon A430,

Can you tell me which lenses you are comparing of Canon and Nikon? To me the kit lens (18-55 or 18-105) would seem to be the best partner to a camera like the D3100. Remember it is not a mirrorless camera or even a compact (Point and shoot)

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- Wout -
Nikon D80 with 18-70 DX, 70-300 VR, 35 1.8 DX
Manfrotto 055XPROB tripod with 488RC0 midi ballhead
Lowepro CompuRover AW and Nova 200 AW

I am testing the D3100 with the 18-55mm and I'll be comparing it to the Canon body(s) with their 18-55mm.

both 18-55 kit lens

How is filming function in this camera - does it have some manual abilities or just full auto? I want to control F value and ISO, rest could be on camera.

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I'm new to DSLR's, so please be patient and take my opinions with reserve. Thank you : ) Yes, i am Canon man.
Google + My picasa photos My 500px album
Canon 60D + 15-85mm f3.5-5.6 IS, Canon 70-200 F2.8L IS II, Canon 430EXII, polarizing filter 72mm,
Canon AT-1, 50mm FD F1.8
Canon A430,

Read the manual, there you should find the answer about video.

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- Wout -
Nikon D80 with 18-70 DX, 70-300 VR, 35 1.8 DX
Manfrotto 055XPROB tripod with 488RC0 midi ballhead
Lowepro CompuRover AW and Nova 200 AW

Nikons tutorial site is very good http://www.nikondigitutor.com/eng/d3100/index.html

`I am testing the D3100 with the 18-55mm and I'll be comparing it to the Canon body(s) with their 18-55mm.`

Oh thank you - there is a God! Been scouring the intarweb looking for a good review. Looks like I won`t be waiting long. I always enjoy your reviews Gordon - your dedication and professionalism shines through and really helps us make better decisions.

I hope you enjoy it when it'd finished! I hope to share some results soon...

Hi everyone, as promised, I've got some results and samples to share!

NEW! See our Nikon D3100 High ISO Noise results!

Also our Nikon D3100 movie samples!

Hope you enjoy them...

Looking at the low ISO images, I'd have to say the Nikon has lower sharpening and saturation at default. That was certainly true of my D90. It raises an interesting question for reviewers: to show the cameras at default settings (which most do) and have the camera with the snappier settings look better; or adjust the cameras for optimum image quality to show what they are capable of, and risk taking flak from those that claim you are biased and favored one over the other with your choice of settings.

Personally, I favor the latter approach, as then I know what the camera can do, as opposed to thinking it's lagging behind and might be able to do better if i fiddle with the settings.

Gordon, thanks for a good, reliable site.

Jerry

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Jerry

Hi Jerry, that's the question every reviewer and publisher has to ask themselves. I'm a great believer in using the default settings as that's how the majority of owners will use the cameras, especially more affordable ones like the D3100. Members of forums and other enthusiasts may like to tweak the settings, but they represent the minority for a product like this.

That said, I do try and include sample images for people to download and play with, and since posting the comparison, I've uploaded two to flickr for your perusal - including the 1600 ISO original of the high ISO sequence.

Personally though, I thought the D3100 did very well in that High ISO sequence - remember the 550D / T2i is a pricier camera.

Hi everyone, ahead of our full gallery on the final review, here's two images from the D3100 which you can download for closer examination.


Nikon D3100 sample image by Cameralabs, on Flickr



Nikon D3100 sample image by Cameralabs, on Flickr

Hi Gordon, did you get your test D3100 from T.A.Macalister?

I pre-ordered one with an online shop and have been told that they're still waiting for T.A.Macalister for an ETA...