ashishtamhane
02-05-2012, 09:58 AM
After exactly 10 months and 5 days of using my first DSLR, the Nikon D3100, I think I can write my views on it. The purpose behind writing this review after such a long time from buying the camera is pretty simple: I myself knew any features of it.
The D3100 is a small camera. If anyone has large hands then I feel it may pass off as a bridge camera to an unsuspecting person. It is pretty well built too. Buttons operate with a good feedback, the kit lens zooms with a nice smooth action and the mirror slapping sound is evident only when you listen to it on purpose.
For an amateur like me the biggest help was from the (?) button. This button helps to explain each and every feature of the camera when you press it. For example with the Auto-Focus mode on AF-C, pressing the (?) button displays what it does and generally when that mode should be used. Of course the Manual is always there but it sure helps when you have such a feature in the camera.
I am particularly amazed by the amount of technology that they have managed to pack in this small body. There is the AF-C mode with 3d-Tracking. I remember having a conversation with Cyclops earlier on the same issue. Cyclops had shot a very sharp photo of a bird taking-off from a pond. I asked him if he had shot that with the Continuous tracking mode to which he replied that there was no such mode in his camera, an old Nikon D90, and that he had used Manual Focus to achieve the feat.
Development is cool!
Metering is quite predictable which is good, and since I use the ETTR method I usually overexpose almost all of my shots by +0.7 EV. Results of the shots are excellent with the 14 MP sensor giving me the ability to crop my photos, though I intent to reduce this practice since I think it’s an excuse to not framing the shot properly.
One thing I loved with the kit 18-55mm was the superb Macro capability. When you hold the camera properly it gives fantastic results. At the Wide-angle side too the lens focuses very close.
I have only had the kit 18-55mm lens with me until this time, which is excellent for my abilities buy I intent to spoil myself with the 50mm f/1.8 now. I have heard a lot of people and also read that that lens is very sharp, so I would like to experience this.
Until now I have not used the video capability ever. It seems excellent though.
What I would like to have in the body:
Just one thing: I think they should have included the Shot Bracketing feature in it. It would have given me the ability to use HDR photography.
Next I will try to give my views on this body coupled with the 50mm but I guess that will be more a review of the lens.
The D3100 is a small camera. If anyone has large hands then I feel it may pass off as a bridge camera to an unsuspecting person. It is pretty well built too. Buttons operate with a good feedback, the kit lens zooms with a nice smooth action and the mirror slapping sound is evident only when you listen to it on purpose.
For an amateur like me the biggest help was from the (?) button. This button helps to explain each and every feature of the camera when you press it. For example with the Auto-Focus mode on AF-C, pressing the (?) button displays what it does and generally when that mode should be used. Of course the Manual is always there but it sure helps when you have such a feature in the camera.
I am particularly amazed by the amount of technology that they have managed to pack in this small body. There is the AF-C mode with 3d-Tracking. I remember having a conversation with Cyclops earlier on the same issue. Cyclops had shot a very sharp photo of a bird taking-off from a pond. I asked him if he had shot that with the Continuous tracking mode to which he replied that there was no such mode in his camera, an old Nikon D90, and that he had used Manual Focus to achieve the feat.
Development is cool!
Metering is quite predictable which is good, and since I use the ETTR method I usually overexpose almost all of my shots by +0.7 EV. Results of the shots are excellent with the 14 MP sensor giving me the ability to crop my photos, though I intent to reduce this practice since I think it’s an excuse to not framing the shot properly.
One thing I loved with the kit 18-55mm was the superb Macro capability. When you hold the camera properly it gives fantastic results. At the Wide-angle side too the lens focuses very close.
I have only had the kit 18-55mm lens with me until this time, which is excellent for my abilities buy I intent to spoil myself with the 50mm f/1.8 now. I have heard a lot of people and also read that that lens is very sharp, so I would like to experience this.
Until now I have not used the video capability ever. It seems excellent though.
What I would like to have in the body:
Just one thing: I think they should have included the Shot Bracketing feature in it. It would have given me the ability to use HDR photography.
Next I will try to give my views on this body coupled with the 50mm but I guess that will be more a review of the lens.