LCD, viewfinder and video
The D3100 has an LCD screen the same size and same resolution as the D3000, at 3in and 230,000 dots. It is a bright screen that can be viewed from a variety of angles in good conditions and should more than satisfy the target audience. I was able to check the fine details of my images for focus and exposure. However, given that when the D3000 was released more than a year ago it had a relatively low-resolution LCD screen, it is surprising that Nikon has not improved this in the D3100.
With imminent future releases from other manufacturers detailing higher resolution LCD screens, the D3100 may be a little way behind its competition here. Now Live View has been included, I would like to see an articulated screen to further enhance handling, as found in the bigger D5000, aiding the composition of images when shooting at tricky angles, such as ground level. The viewfinder is on a par with other cameras with a frame coverage of 95% and a 0.8x magnification. It is a good size for an entry-level camera and is bright without blurring at the edges. By and large I was able to use it for focusing, which means that both Live View and the viewfinder are viable options when shooting.
A significant improvement is a move from no video in the D3000, all the way to Full 1080p HD video in the D3100. Offering both good-quality video and photos makes the D3100 a great all rounder. There is a ten-minute limit on the clips and no option for an external microphone, which some may find restricting. When filming quiet scenes, the use of controls such as focus and zoom are clearly audible. For those who haven’t shot on a digital SLR before, there is advice added to the guide mode on how to get the most out of the HD video.
