Nikon D3100

Nikon's D3100 is the latest entry-level DX-format digital SLR camera, and its first that can record full 1080p HD videos. Intended for those advancing from a compact digital camera, this successor to the D3000 contains a 14.2 CMOS sensor and a 3-inch LCD screen and a host of exciting new features. This model includes Live View shooting, a wider ISO range (100–3200 expandable to 12,800) for shooting in low light and with scenes of rapidly moving subjects, and numerous other revisions. It comes packaged with the 18–55 mm VR lens kit. Live View allows framing of images in the monitor and the D-Movie function supports high-definition movie recording. In-camera movie editing is possible. The assist images feature shows the effect of various settings for a preview of the results expected while Guide mode displays instructions for the most basic operations for shooting, image playback, and editing, and the application of camera settings, in the camera monitor.

Jon Sparks is a professional photographer and writer specializing in landscape and outdoor subjects. Based in Lancashire, England, Jon has travelled in and photographed numerous places including Pakistan, New Zealand, Canada, Morocco, Australia, and throughout Europe. He supplies images to the global libraries Corbis and Alamy as well as directly from his own library. His name now appears on the covers of over sixteen books.