Nikon D3100 DSLR Camera Body, Black {14.2MP}

Nikon D3100: the F-mount DSLR that brought 1080p to Nikon's entry level

The D3100 marked a genuine turning point for Nikon's entry-level line. Its 14.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor, paired with the Expeed 2 processor, delivered image quality that held up well against the brand's professional bodies of the same era under good light. ISO runs from 100 to 3200 natively, with a boosted ceiling of 12800 for low-light work. The 11-point AF system handles everyday shooting at 3 fps, and the 95% optical pentamirror viewfinder gives you a clean, uncluttered composition experience, the AF point indicators are subtle LED dots than the heavy etchings found on competing bodies at this price tier.

This was the first Nikon DSLR to record Full HD 1080p video at 24fps, a milestone that still carries some weight for anyone building a budget hybrid kit around F-mount glass. The body itself is compact at 124 x 96 x 75mm and 505g with battery, making it manageable for extended handheld sessions. RAW capture is supported, and the playback zoom is aggressive enough to pixel-peep directly on the 3-inch LCD. Eye-Fi card compatibility adds wireless image transfer without any built-in radio hardware. The F-mount opens up decades of Nikkor lenses, from affordable primes to pro-grade zooms, and that ecosystem depth is a real part of the D3100's long-term value.

Who It's For

Photography students and beginners moving off a smartphone or point-and-shoot get a full manual exposure mode, aperture priority, shutter priority, and RAW capture in a body that won't overwhelm them, the Guide Mode walks through technique without locking out controls. Street and travel photographers working on a tight budget gain access to a compact, sub-506g body with the full F-mount lens catalog. Parents and family documentarians who want a step up in image quality and got their first DSLR experience here will find the 1080p video at 24fps covers everyday moments well. New collectors or casual film-to-digital crossover shooters can pair this body with older Nikkor AI-S manual lenses using the F-mount's established compatibility.

Key Features

• 14.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor with Expeed 2 processor
• Full HD 1080p video recording at 24fps, first Nikon DSLR with this feature
• 11-point autofocus system with subtle LED point indicators in viewfinder
• ISO 100-3200 native, expandable to 12800 for low-light work
• 3.0 fps burst shooting with RAW+JPEG and RAW-only capture modes
• 95% optical pentamirror viewfinder with 0.8x magnification
• 3-inch fixed TFT LCD with 230,000 dots and aggressive playback zoom
• Nikon F-mount body for access to decades of compatible glass

FAQ

Is the D3100 worth buying in 2024 if I'm starting out with DSLRs?

Yes, if you want to learn manual controls and build an F-mount system affordably. The 14.2MP sensor holds up in daylight, RAW support lets you learn post-processing, and decades of Nikkor lenses are available used. The 1080p video at 24fps is basic but functional for learning hybrid work.

How does the D3100's 11-point AF system compare to modern entry-level DSLRs?

It's simpler than current entry cameras, but the 11 points spread across the frame handle everyday subjects fine. The subtle LED dot indicators in the viewfinder beat the heavy AF point etchings on competing bodies at the time - cleaner composition experience. For stationary subjects, it's reliable; for fast-moving work, you'll notice the limitations.

Can I shoot RAW on the D3100?

Yes. You get RAW+JPEG capture and the ability to shoot JPEG alone. The Expeed 2 processor handles the conversion quickly enough for handheld work.

What's the video quality like, and is there autofocus during recording?

1080p at 24fps, mono audio only, file size capped at 4GB so clips max around 10 minutes. The D3100 has AF-F mode for live view and video, but focus tracking is noisy and the AF hunting can be unpredictable. Video sharpness suffers from the high shutter speeds needed to avoid flicker.

Does the D3100 have image stabilization built in?

No optical stabilization in the body. You'll need VR glass - Nikkor lenses with vibration reduction handle handheld shooting better, especially at lower ISOs or longer focal lengths.

What's the native ISO range, and how does high ISO look?

ISO 100-3200 native, expandable to 12800. At 3200, grain is visible and noise reduction softens detail. The boosted 12800 is usable only for previewing or web-sized work. In good light, 1600 and below hold fine detail cleanly.

Does the D3100 work with modern Nikkor lenses?

Yes, all AF Nikkor lenses mount and function normally on F-mount. AF performance depends on the lens motor and the D3100's 11-point system, not the lens age. You'll have access to everything from vintage manual-focus Nikkors to current autofocus designs.