Build and handling
Although the body is virtually identical in size and shape to the D3000, the D3100 has a new rubberised grip and more refined controls, and it feels more removed from the D3000’s entry-level build quality. It is surprising how much these little touches can enhance handling, so anyone who appreciates the build quality of a Nikon SLR will not be disappointed. Despite being made from polycarbonate, the D3100 feels solid and more in keeping with bigger models, such as the D90 and D5000.
The D3100 sits comfortably and securely in the hand, with all the buttons and controls placed logically within reach of the fingers. The addition of indentations around the buttons means they are now more prominent, which helps because they have to be suitably small to fit on the body. The mode dial is more prominent, too, at about twice the height of that on the D3000. This keeps it clear of the new drive-mode switch, which provides options of single, continuous, timer and quiet. In the D3000 the drive mode was accessed via the menu, which slowed down operation, so it’s good that this is one control that has made its way onto the exterior of the body. Most users regularly switch from single, continuous and timer drive mode.
A huge array of buttons is daunting for a first-time SLR user, so to keep matters simple the controls have been kept to a bare minimum. One way Nikon has achieved this is by doubling up the function of various buttons. For example, the flash button on the front of the body is not just a catch to release the pop-up flash, unlike on other SLRs. While depressed, the flash modes can be scrolled through and selected. Next to the flash button is the Function (Fn) button. When this is depressed, an image setting can be altered with the user being able to choose between ISO, white balance, image quality and Active D Lighting.
I generally used the Fn button to control ISO. For an experienced photographer the absence of certain functions on the Fn button, such as metering, is limiting. I found the absence of a metering switch the most frustrating, having to revisit the menu time and again to swap between matrix and spot metering. I kept mainly to matrix metering, because there is an exposure compensation button and this is easily operated by holding it down and using the thumb scroll.
Image: Using the Active D-Lighting through the retouch menu in-camera brings back some of the details in dark shadow areas
The most notable ergonomic changes are the ones that accommodate new features. There is a switch for Live View to the right of the LCD screen, which also provides access to the movie record button, and a new built-in speaker for audio. The drive-mode switch, an HDMI socket to connect for TV connection and another socket for Nikon’s GP1 GPS unit are also new. The GPS connection doubles up for use with the MC-DC2 remote control. The only frustration I have with the camera’s handling is the slow access to certain functions menu-only functions.
However, these are features that an experienced photographer would use regularly, rather than a first-time buyer, and at least the menu is easy to navigate. The shooting info menu is designed to help entry-level users and clearly displays the most vital settings, often with visual guidance. For instance, as the aperture is changed, so an animated lens diaphragm alters in size. For an entry-level SLR, I found that the balance between manual control, auto control and the availability of regularly used functions should aid the beginner, and continue to satisfy as the skill levels grow.
