Pure and simple D-SLR for the family

Guide mode can help you to improve images eg. by blurring the background using aperture or shutter speed settings

The D3100 is designed for newcomers to D-SLR photography, especially young families who want to take beautiful pictures without worrying about complicated functionality. A range of automatic settings means the camera will do all the hard work much like on a compact camera: Live View with Scene Auto Selector selects the mode that best matches your shooting situation; Scene Recognition delivers sharply defined images by analysing the scene and optimising the camera settings immediately before the shutter is released; and Guide Mode will take you step-by-step through the process of how to get the picture you want.

The Guide to great photos

For the newcomer to D-SLRs, the intelligent, improved Guide Mode, as seen previously on the D3000, gives you step-by-step instructions of how to change the camera settings to achieve the shot you want. This means you not only get great pictures, but it helps you to understand how the shot was achieved so you can develop your photography skills more intuitively. You can even view sample images of what you can expect from each setting, for example if you change the aperture or shutter speed settings.

Stunning pictures in every situation

Stunning pictures in every situation, fulltime servo AF (AF-F) mode keeps subjects in focus
Click here for a larger image

The 14.2 megapixel CMOS image sensor, new powerful EXPEED 2 processing engine and a wide range of NIKKOR lenses deliver excellent pictures with amazing detail wherever you are and whatever you are doing. It has ISO 100-3200 sensitivity, with the versatility of effectively boosting ISO up to 12800. This significantly reduces the risk of blurred images when taking pictures of the most energetic children or an evening barbeque with all the family.

Full HD movies for all the family

Using the easy-access movie record button you can instantly switch to video mode on the D3100, and the D-Movie function allows you to record stunning full 1080p HD movie clips at 24fps with sound. The camera's large image sensor and high ISO sensitivity offers exceptional image quality, and the wide variety of NIKKOR lenses can be used to create cinematic effects. You can also make simple edits of your clips in-camera by deleting scenes or save specific frames as still images – nothing will be missed for the family photo album. The D3100 is also HDMI compatible so you can connect your camera to an HD television to view your movies in full HD from your sofa.

Automatic scene-mode selection

Live View will also recognise as many as 35 faces at a time

The 11-point autofocus system will make sure everything is in focus and ensures razor-sharp images to capture even the most fleeting of expressions or movements. Additionally, the bright viewfinder means you can see and focus precisely on the image you want to capture, quickly and easily. Live View with Scene Auto Selector is an intuitive and familiar way of taking pictures, useful for those who have only used a compact camera, and makes it easy to compose images using the LCD monitor. Scene Auto Selector will select the best mode for the scene and subject you want to capture, and Fulltime servo AF (AF-F) mode keeps subjects in focus without the need to press the shutter release button. Live View will also recognise as many as 35 faces at a time and even if people in the frame move, the camera will continue tracking and focusing on them.

Don't miss a moment

The D3100 is the essential item for every family event or day out. The camera's comprehensive technologies and tough exterior will keep up with any outing, whatever you're doing . Its intuitive design with improved ergonomics means you'll have direct access to shutter release, Live View and movie modes making it really easy to use, and its compact size and lightweight body (weighing only 455 g / 1lb) makes the D3100 the ideal camera to pack and carry around for all those unmissable moments.