I bought the d3100 and sold my d300s. I took the d3100 on a trip to cover a friend's event and here are my thots.
Previously the overall function speed on the "small version" cameras (d40, d5000) was too slow. Even with AFS lenses (i used 18-200 afs, and 35mm 1.8 afs) they were slowish. But the 11 point AF on teh d3100 is same as the d90 - i.e. fast enough for anything except fast sports.
Also the d5000 and d3000 "review" of photos is so slow, the d3100 is speedy like the d300 in review (chimping mode)
The d3100 has video for snapshots - it only lacks an external mic input - this is sad. But its not like I take alot of high qual video that requires top end sound ( I used a RODE videomic with the d300s and that was outstanding)
The d3100 is QUIET. Almost slient and non disturbing especially for meting/conference type events. Soft "click-click" sound rather than the harsh trigger sounds of the higher end models. I would say even a bit softer than the d40.
Oh yeah, awesome high ISO, certainly usable up to 6400 indoor and 12800 without harsh shadows. Plenty for even big web size printing.
And that is why the d3100 suits my needs (and I suspect the needs of many others as well)
When FX sensors and FX viewfinders fit into a small body, that will be a happy day (maybe 4 years from now! haha)
Previously the overall function speed on the "small version" cameras (d40, d5000) was too slow. Even with AFS lenses (i used 18-200 afs, and 35mm 1.8 afs) they were slowish. But the 11 point AF on teh d3100 is same as the d90 - i.e. fast enough for anything except fast sports.
Also the d5000 and d3000 "review" of photos is so slow, the d3100 is speedy like the d300 in review (chimping mode)
The d3100 has video for snapshots - it only lacks an external mic input - this is sad. But its not like I take alot of high qual video that requires top end sound ( I used a RODE videomic with the d300s and that was outstanding)
The d3100 is QUIET. Almost slient and non disturbing especially for meting/conference type events. Soft "click-click" sound rather than the harsh trigger sounds of the higher end models. I would say even a bit softer than the d40.
Oh yeah, awesome high ISO, certainly usable up to 6400 indoor and 12800 without harsh shadows. Plenty for even big web size printing.
And that is why the d3100 suits my needs (and I suspect the needs of many others as well)
When FX sensors and FX viewfinders fit into a small body, that will be a happy day (maybe 4 years from now! haha)