Nikon Coolpix 3100 3MP is a great choice for digital photography beginners, offering a compact size, 3.2-megapixel resolution, 3x optical zoom, and a bevy of automated scene controls that are customizeable.
One of the most impressive features of the Nikon 3100 is its size. From the online pictures we originally viewed, we imagined it to be large and a bit clunky. And while it’s a bit chunkier than other sleeker cameras, the 3100 is surprisingly small. Plus, the rounded ergonomic hand grip rested comfortably and securely in our hand.
The Nikon 3100 offers a whopping 14 scene modes that automatically set the camera’s white balance, exposure, and focusing point for different situations. The easy-to-learn software system features large icons and text to guide you through your choices. And some of the modes even provide an “assist” feature, with outlines of figures or landscapes to help line up the shot.
We had fun playing around with the scene modes and snapping pictures that made the most out of the shooting environment. However, we felt we lost some spontaneity if we relied too much on switching through the modes.
The 3.2-megapixel CCD sensor captures bright images that can be printed up to 11 x 14 inches. The movie mode captures smooth video up to 640 x 480 pixels for 20 seconds (or a more jaggy 40-second, 320 x 240-pixel videos), but it doesn’t offer any sound.
Helpful consumer’s review
Ok, here is the truth. I bought this camara because I had a business trip to Japan. Wanted something small. Wanted something light. This camara delivers this. Before I bought it I read all the reviews…Now here is the truth. The pictures are great but a couple of points. 1) this is a small camara. That means you need a steadier hand than with a larger camara. 2) it has a dozen different picture settings, and they do make a difference especially in low light so you have to be fairly active with your settings 3) software is outdated, you must update from the Nikon website and it isn’t the easiest process for the novice 4) No rechargable battery or case included 5) stupid 16 meg card included, you must upgrade 6)It does take up to six seconds to write the picture to the card, that is slow by digital standards
While this may sound like a lot of drawbacks here are the strengths 1) picture quality better than others 2)size, only the elph is smaller but this is much more comfortable3) nikon software is so simple both for picture modifications and red eye one touch 4) uploading to your computer or the nikon website is one touch and you get 50 megs online.
In my mind the pros outweigh the cons but you have to make the decision for yourself. I for one am happy with my choice.
