Nikon has announced the D3100, a major revamp of its entry-level DSLR. It’s Nikon’s first mainstream model to shoot above 12 megapixels, at 14, and its first to shoot 1080p video. A new EXPEED 2 processor both improves image quality and switches on long requested video features, such as continuous autofocus and native recording in a more efficient H.264 instead of Motion JPEG.
The sensor itself has much improved quality and flips from the D3000’s CCD to a more advanced CMOS example. It now captures much more light with an ISO range from 100 to 12,800 and has an improved 11-point autofocusing system that covers noticeably more of the viewfinder area. It and the new processor have better object recognition and now support in-camera video editing.
The D3100 keeps features modest with a fixed three-inch LCD and a 3FPS continuous shooting mode. The guide mode remains intact, but photographers can now save photography profiles to shoot with familiar settings later.
The camera ships with Nikon’s familiar 18-55mm kit lens and will be available in mid-September for $700.
