Why I like The D3100


captnj

Senior Member
Jan 24, 2005
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Singapore
www.genesisgym.com.sg
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)
 

Actually D300s, your previous camera, is a good camera too.

Congratulations for your new D3100. Enjoy your new cam :)
 

wah respect! :D
 

Is D300s to D3100 a downgrade?.. My 2cents.. nevertheless enjoy your new cam..
 

I sold my D300 and downgraded to a D90 earlier this year also. Apart from slower and less sensitive AF, everything else is great. I trust that the D3100 is great too.
 

congrat on your new camera . . . :)
 

I sold my D300 and downgraded to a D90 earlier this year also. Apart from slower and less sensitive AF, everything else is great. I trust that the D3100 is great too.

Are you sure that compared to D300, D90 has slower and lesss sensitive AF ? :think:
 

Are you sure that compared to D300, D90 has slower and lesss sensitive AF ? :think:

That is what I felt too. The D300s AF is faster than more accurate than the D90. And I have owned and used both extensively.
 

if all my lenses have SWM, I would get the D3100 too..haha...:D

Word. We all have our AFD lenses... and some of us Ai Ais lenses.

But come to think of it, I cannot live without the User banks now. So even when I hold a D90, I feel slow. D90 is fine if it is a dedicated camera, say for an event with all settings pretty much pre-set. But for a camera that needs to be flexible to accommodate different situations quickly, I will reach out for the D300s every time.

TS, I am glad you found your fit. Not everyone needs every function of the D300s. It works well for you and that is great. But I can never use a D3100 as my only cam. For specific purpose like hiking or something, maybe. But it will definitely not be my workhorse.
 

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That is what I felt too. The D300s AF is faster than more accurate than the D90. And I have owned and used both extensively.

I really hope that Nikon have fixed the AF speed and accuracy on the new D7K, to match the D300 performance :think:
 

I really hope that Nikon have fixed the AF speed and accuracy on the new D7K, to match the D300 performance :think:

Good AF speed; Good IQ; Not good price
Good Price; Good IQ; Not good AF speed
Good AF speed; Good Price; Not good IQ

Choose your pick
 

Good AF speed; Good IQ; Not good price
Good Price; Good IQ; Not good AF speed
Good AF speed; Good Price; Not good IQ

Choose your pick

Which is which>?
 

Word. We all have our AFD lenses... and some of us Ai Ais lenses.

But come to think of it, I cannot live without the User banks now. So even when I hold a D90, I feel slow. D90 is fine if it is a dedicated camera, say for an event with all settings pretty much pre-set. But for a camera that needs to be flexible to accommodate different situations quickly, I will reach out for the D300s every time.

TS, I am glad you found your fit. Not everyone needs every function of the D300s. It works well for you and that is great. But I can never use a D3100 as my only cam. For specific purpose like hiking or something, maybe. But it will definitely not be my workhorse.

agree with you that D300S satisfy more needs..but abit heavy for aching joints sometimes...:sweat:
 

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d300s AF supposed to be better than d90 right? d90 is Nikon Multi-CAM1000 while d300s is Multi-CAM 3500DX. but wah save money on body = more money for lenses? :D
 

agree with you that D300S satisfy more needs..but abit heavy for aching joints sometimes...:sweat:

I find D300s quite light... Compared to the solid metal film bodies of old. And those old bodies are usually fitted with all metal heavy-as-hell Ai Ais lenses.
;)
 

I really hope that Nikon have fixed the AF speed and accuracy on the new D7K, to match the D300 performance :think:

D7k looks really good, and very close to D300s. But for serious and pro users needing speed of operation, I would suggest waiting for the D700 and D300s replacements next year. With what they have done to the D7k, I am all excited to see what they have done for the D300s replacement.
 

D7k looks really good, and very close to D300s. But for serious and pro users needing speed of operation, I would suggest waiting for the D700 and D300s replacements next year. With what they have done to the D7k, I am all excited to see what they have done for the D300s replacement.

Have anyone compared the AF speed and accuracy between D300(s) and D700?
:think: