nikon 3100

[ving]

the new nikon 3100 base model looks very interesting indeed! I dont know if i am reading this correctly but it seems they have the AF working in HD video mode!:th3:

http://imaging.nikon.com/products/imaging/lineup/digitalcamera/slr/d3100/index.htm

[robcran]

I believe you are correct - the AF does work in video mode. But I wonder how much lens noise will come through in the soundtrack if using an internal mic. Next question to answer is does it have an external mic jack.

[ving]

dunno, you'll have to research it for us :p

[robcran]

Research done. Only a monaural, inbuilt mic. No external mic socket.

[ving]

shame, but i guess this is the new base model camera... the d90 replacement will be really interesting i reckon :)

[I @ M]

but i guess this is the new base model camera...

Certainly looks that way, but funnily enough, owning the base model that came out about 100 years ago :D ( D50 ) I still enjoy taking photos with it and certainly don't see any need to dump it because it isn't new any more.

[ving]

but you still upgraded andrew... :p

[I @ M]

Yes David, we did several times but for varying reasons that the base model didn't offer that we needed.

BUT, the D50 and the D40 are still excellent cameras to use and produce good photos with and today's new base model ( D3100 ) won't necessarily produce any better photos than either of those two models. It only has enough features in it to compete at the entry level to the DSLR world and unfortunately many people will buy one, use it till they feel the need for more gizmos and never really realise the full potential of the camera before it becomes yesterday's news.

[robcran]

In all but sensor resolution, the D50 was a better camera in many respects than the D40/40x/60 that followed. The D50 was my first DSLR a few years ago and I really enjoyed cutting my teeth on it.
The D3100 is a badly needed upgrade to make it technically competitive to what Canon and Sony are offering as their entry level models.
I'm waiting to see what eventually replaces the D300s which might be my next upgrade.

[old dog]

upgrade to the 300s....yes please.

[Colourised]

lets just see how it performs in higher ISOs! if it does the job it may be the replacement im looking for :D

[Bubbleyboy]

Anyone heard of a price yet ? I have looked around a few websites and have not been able to find 1 yet .

Bubbleyboy.

[TEITZY]

Thinking it will make a nice smaller body for macro in place of the D300 :D

Cheers
Leigh

[ving]

prolly right leigh :)

still getting a d90 tho... but this camera is VERY interesting :)

[Bubbleyboy]

Found a price of $699 US in a review of the 3100 but yet to see any suppliers put up any prices .


Bubbles

[yaksta]

Nikon D3100 + 18-55mm VR Kit $999.95 AUD

[JazzXP]

Nikon D3100 + 18-55mm VR Kit $999.95 AUD

That's good to know as my brothers, sister and I are considering getting one for my Dad for his birthday (I reckon it'd be the perfect camera for an old bloke like him!).

[ving]

where is that yaksta?

[TEITZY]

Here's some high & low ISO images. Must say the ISO3200 looks very clean (1/1/2 - 2 stops better than the D300). Not sure if these have had any in-camera noise reduction though.

http://www.pbase.com/manfred_b/nikon_3100

Cheers
Leigh

[quangsta]

according to the comments no in camera reduction....

hopefully the other models will have external mic.

[ving]

very very interesting!

[zollo]

Here's some high & low ISO images. Must say the ISO3200 looks very clean (1/1/2 - 2 stops better than the D300). Not sure if these have had any in-camera noise reduction though.

http://www.pbase.com/manfred_b/nikon_3100

Cheers
Leigh

bit hard to judge iso performance from those pics. I'd like to see shots taken in a dark/low light environment.

[TEITZY]

bit hard to judge iso performance from those pics. I'd like to see shots taken in a dark/low light environment.

Maybe so, but if you look at the deep shadow areas noise is pretty well controlled IMO. I think in the DPR thread there was mention of high ISO NR being on but he wasn't sure what setting was used. I know the D3s is at least 4 stops cleaner than the D300 so I am confident that Nikon have the capacity to produce a 14MP DX sensor 2 stops better than the D300.

Cheers
Leigh

[rogklee]

Can't really comment on those high ISO pics, they are probably done on a tripod with good lighting even though it's high ISO. Still for a base level camera, very good.

[Bubbleyboy]

Yaksta where was that price from ? Are they available atm ? if not when ?


Bubbleyboy

[TEITZY]

Yaksta where was that price from ? Are they available atm ? if not when ?


Bubbleyboy

That's Ted's price. Availability is mid September according to his website.

Cheers
Leigh