Nikon D3100

[AlanBall]

So this is it ! It's my birthday and my partner says I can finally buy the DSLR that I've been craving after years of my compact. I think I'm finally sure I'm going to get the Nikon D3100 as it scores highly in all reviews, I will use the video mode but image quality is most important. It small enough not to be put off at carrying it everywhere and of course the Nikkor lens range is superb. Am I making the right choice? I've chosen it over the Sony A33, Panasonic G2 Pentax Kx and the Canon 500d. Thanks for any advice, and experience, I'm still waiting for the dp review

[Eyeayen]

Is this your first SLR Alan ? ( As in have you ever used a film one ? )

What compact are you upgrading from ?

Personally from what I've read and seen/heard I think the Nikon D3100 is a great camera, it has a guide mode where it tells you what each element does and where these functions are best used. Therefore if you want to learn it's all there and if you're feeling lazy there is still a full auto mode.

I think you'll be fine with this camera. Plenty of help on here too if you get stuck, good luck, and let us know which one you go for, it might help someone else like you a few months down the line.

[AlanBall]

Thanks for the comments, my wife had a Pentax film SLR and the inspiration of some the work she produced really got me into photography. I first had a Canon A70 then progress to the Panasonic TZ5 which I love but without a manual mode it is really frustrating and when I see the quality of the images of the D90 at work, I'm very envious.. one question, as i develop will i need bracketing ??

[Mr Bump]

Alan, have a look at Sue Allen's post in the Nikon D7000 thread on 20-11-10. She has been temporarily using a D3100 and offers a few pros/cons comments.

Particularly bear in mind that the D3100 does not have an integral screw drive for AF so you are limited to lenses which have their own inbuilt AF drive motor (SWM, HSM, etc). Any other lenses will manual focus only, regardless of whether they are 'AF' lenses. This is a little limiting but you'll still have quite a lot to choose from.

[Sue Allen]

The D3100 is certainly a gre4at camera for the price. It handles well too - quite chunky although small, and the addition of rubber on the handgrip is a nice addition. Although you have to dip into the menu to change things it's pretty quick to alter things like iso/metering/white balance using the 'recent settings' option. Picture quality is on a par with the D90 - AF is up to the usual Nikon standard. A few snaps....

http://www.flickr.com/photos/greypoi...th/5129075393/

[AlanBall]

Thanks for the comments. I read the D7000 thread with interest. I am v surprised at the less than amazing reviews the D7000 is receiving as the D90 is amazing so I expected the follow up to set new standards. Anyway that's out of my league at the moment so Sue ifvyou think the D3100 images are upto he standard if the D90 them I need look no further. Alittle concerned re your autofocus point moving comment as I take many family candid shots do a moving focus lock is a worry but a love a number of the flicker photos so many many thanks fir sharing. Feeling confident now

[AlanBall]

Just for info, I did get the Nikon D3100 for my birthday and so far am very impressed. A very accessible entry level camera that is delivering great pictures so far...Got some money for Xmas so after a polarising filter in the sales, not sure how much to spend but hopefully £25 will do the deal, is Hama any good ??