Recording Features
Lens Features
Playback, Editing And Printing Functions
Connections
Battery Information
Supplied Software
Image Capacity

Recording Features

Overview: The Nikon D3100 18-55mm VR Kit includes the Nikon D3100 digital SLR camera body and the AF-S DX Nikkor 18-55mm, f/3.5-5.6G VR Image Stabilization Zoom Lens. The kit also includes a EN-EL14 rechargeable Lithium Ion battery pack and a battery charger.

LCD Monitor: The Nikon D3100 has a 3" TFT LCD monitor featuring approximately 230,000 dots and adjustable brightness (-3 to +3). The large 3-inch LCD monitor has large fonts with easy-to-view menus. The monitor can display shooting information such as shutter speed, aperture, and number of exposures remaining as well as the settings currently applied. You can choose from a classic information display or a graphic display.

Live View: The camera features One-Touch Live View, which allows you to frame your photographs in the monitor instead of the viewfinder. When the Live View switch is rotated, the mirror is raised and the view through the lens will be displayed in the monitor. The subject will no longer be visible in the viewfinder. The Live View display will show up to 10 items, including shooting, focus, and AF-area modes, along with other status indicators. You can opt to hide many of the indicators, or overlay a framing grid in the monitor.

Optical Viewfinder: The D3100 uses a fixed eye-level penta-mirror single-lens reflex viewfinder with a built-in diopter adjustment to set the viewfinder to your personal eyesight (with or without glasses). The viewfinder's coverage area is approximately 95% horizontal and vertical. During self-timer or remote control operation when your eye does not cover the viewfinder eyepiece, stray light may enter the eyepiece and affect the exposure when the image is captured. To prevent this, you can use the supplied eyepiece cap to cover the eyepiece.

Image Sensor: The D3100 features a 23.1mm x 15.4mm CMOS image sensor with a total pixel count of approximately 14.8 million pixels and an effective pixel count of approximately 14.2 million.

Dust Reduction System: The image sensor is equipped with a low-pass filter to remove dust or dirt on the sensor. You can set the camera to clean the image sensor automatically at startup, or at shut down, or both. It can also be set to turn the auto cleaning function off.

Recording Media: The camera records images on Secure Digital (SD) memory cards up to 2 GB in size, SDHC memory cards up to 32 GB, and SDXC cards up to 64 GB. No SD cards are included with the camera.

Still Image Formats: The D3100 records still images in JPEG and NEF (RAW) formats. You can choose from the following Image Quality and Image Size settings:

Movie Recording: The D3100 records movies in High Definition in 16:9 aspect ratio and Standard Definition in 3:2. Movies are recorded in MOV file format, with H.264/MPEG-4 advanced video coding, and Linear PCM audio, recorded by the built-in monaural microphone. The maximum clip length is 10 minutes. The only metering method available is Matrix. Movies can be recorded in the following frame sizes and rates:

Focus Modes: The D3100's advanced 3-Area AF system and the refined algorithms inherited from more advanced Nikon digital SLR cameras deliver fast, efficient and precise Autofocus. AF refinements deliver greater precision with fast, more consistent subject acquisition and improved focus tracking for consistently sharper pictures. You can choose from the following autofocus and manual focus modes:

• AF-A: Camera automatically selects single-servo autofocus if subject is stationary, and continuous-servo autofocus if subject is moving.
• Single-servo Autofocus (AF-S): For stationary subjects. Focus locks when shutter-release button is pressed halfway.
• Continuous-servo Autofocus (AF-C): For moving subjects. Camera focuses continuously while shutter release button is pressed halfway.
• Manual (M): Manual focus is available for lenses that do not support autofocus (non-AF Nikkor lenses) or when autofocus does not produce the desired results.

AF Assist Illuminator: The built-in AF assist illuminator enables the camera to focus even when the subject is poorly lit. This feature will light automatically to assist the autofocus operation when the shutter release button is pressed halfway. It has an operating range of 1'-8" to 9'-10".

AF-Area Modes: The D3100 offers a choice of five focus areas that together cover a wide area of the frame. The AF-area mode determines how the focus area is selected and what happens if the subject moves out of the selected focus area while the camera is still focusing. You can choose one of the following AF-area modes:

• Single Point: You select the focus area manually and the camera focuses on the subject in the selected focus area only. The selection can be made from any one of the eleven AF spot sensors.
• Dynamic Area: In AF-A and AF-C modes, user selects focus point manually but camera will focus based on information from surrounding focus points if subject briefly leaves the selected point. In AF-S focus mode, you select the focus point manually.
• Auto Area: Camera automatically detects subject and selects focus point.
• 3D-Tracking (11 points): In AF-A and AF-C focus modes, you select the focus point using the multi-selector. If subject moves after camera has focused, camera uses 3D tracking to select new focus point and keep focus locked on original subject while shutter release pressed halfway. If subject leaves viewfinder, you will need to remove finger from shutter release button and recompose photo with subject in the selected focus point.

Focus Lock: Focus Lock can be used to change the composition after focusing, making it possible to focus on a subject that will not be in one of the focus points in the final composition.

Release Modes: The camera can take pictures one at a time, or continuously as long as the shutter release button is pressed. You can also take photos using the self-timer or with an optional remote control. The camera allows you to choose from the following Release Modes:

• Single Frame: The camera takes one photograph each time the shutter release button is pressed
• Continuous: The camera records photographs up to 3 frames per second while the shutter release button is held down. In this mode, you can get continuous bursts of up to 100 JPEG images. The fast framing rates that contribute to the ability to capture moments in time instantly, along with high-speed buffer memory handling, fast image processing, high-speed SD memory card access and large system bus bandwidth help to make this feature possible. You cannot use the built-in flash with this mode.
• Self-timer: This mode can be used to reduce camera shake or for self-portraits. The shutter is released about 10 or 2 seconds after shutter-release button is pressed depending on setting.
• Quiet Shutter Release: The camera takes a single photograph, as in Single Frame mode, except that the camera makes no shutter sound when shooting or beep when focusing.

Nikon 3D Color Matrix Metering II: The D3100's 3D Color Matrix Metering II evaluates each scene for brightness, color, contrast, size and position of shadows and highlights, selected focus area and camera-to-subject distance, comparing that information against an onboard database of more than 30,000 actual photographic scenes. The result delivers instantly and precisely determined exposures for each scene, even in challenging lighting conditions.

Metering: You can choose from the following Metering Modes to determine how the camera sets exposure:

• Matrix: Produces natural results in most situations. Camera uses 420-pixel RGB sensor to meter a wide area of the frame and set exposure according to tone distribution, color, composition, and with type G or D lenses, range information. (See 3D Color Matrix Metering II above). With other CPU lenses, the camera uses color matrix metering II, which does not include 3D range information.
• Center-weighted: The camera meters the entire frame but assigns greatest weight to center area.
• Spot: The camera meters exposure in active focus point only. This ensures that the subject will be correctly exposed, even when background is much brighter or darker.

Shooting Modes: The Mode Dial on the top of the camera offers a choice of shooting modes:

• Auto Modes:
  • Auto: The camera handles exposure, shutter-speed, ISO sensitivity and White balance so you can just point and shoot.
  • Auto Flash Off: Captures scenes using only available lighting. Ideal for museums, weddings or any situation where a flash is prohibited or inappropriate.
  • Scene Auto Selector: When in Live View in Auto or Auto Flash Off modes, the camera will automatically analyze the subject and select the appropriate shooting mode when autofocus is enabled. Modes that can be selected include: portrait, landscape, close up, and night portrait (see descriptions below).
• P, S, A, and M Modes:
  • Programmed Auto: Choose from one of the automatically selected shutter speed/aperture combinations and allows control over exposure compensation, metering and other features.
  • Shutter-Priority Auto: You determine the shutter speed to freeze or blur motion, while the camera decides the ideal aperture.
  • Aperture-Priority Auto: Simply select the aperture to control the depth-of-field and the camera determines the ideal shutter speed.
  • Manual: Choose both the shutter speed and the aperture on your own. You can refer to the electronic analog exposure display of the camera for help with appropriate exposures.
• Scene Modes:
  • Portrait: Keeps your main subject in sharp focus with a soft background for more pleasing portraits.
  • Landscape: Ideal for beautiful scenery with great perspectives and optimized greens and blues.
  • Child: Delivers fresh, natural skin tones for stunning shots of children. Clothing also vividly rendered.
  • Sports: Freezes fast-moving subjects easily.
  • Close Up: Find beauty in small details by focusing sharply on a small area with a softly blurred background. Ideal for flowers and coins or other small treasures.
  • Night Portrait: Capture your main subject in low light while retaining a natural looking background exposure.

Guide Mode: The Guide Mode provides a menu for shooting, viewing and deleting, and set up. In this mode, the camera provides you step-by-step guidance for basic automatic shooting, as well as Advanced Operation. Easy Operation selections include: Auto, No flash, Distant Subjects, Close-ups, Sleeping Faces, Moving Subjects, Landscapes, Portraits, and Night Portraits. Advanced Operation selections include: Soften backgrounds, Bring More Into Focus, Freeze Motion (People), Freeze Motion (Vehicles), and Show Water Flowing.

AE/AF Lock: If your subject is off-centered in the frame, it can become difficult to achieve proper exposure and focus. By engaging the AE/AF Lock feature, you can focus and meter on your subject, lock the exposure and focus by pressing the shutter release button halfway, then recompose your shot before taking the picture. You can choose from the following AE/AF Lock settings.

• AE/AF Lock: both focus and exposure lock while the AE/AF lock button is pressed
• AE Lock: exposure locks while the AE/AF lock button is pressed while the focus is unaffected
• AF Lock: focus locks while the AE/AF lock button is pressed while the exposure is unaffected align
• AE Lock Hold: exposure locks when the AE/AF lock button is pressed and remains locked until the button is pressed again
• AF-On: the AE/AF button initiates autofocus while the shutter-release button cannot be used to focus

Exposure Compensation: You can alter the exposure from the value suggested by the camera, making pictures brighter or darker. You can adjust the exposure from -5.0 to +5.0 EV in 1/3 EV steps.

Noise Reduction: This option controls whether photographs taken at high sensitivities (over ISO 400) or shutter speeds slower than 8 seconds are processed to reduce noise before being recorded to the memory card. If turned off, noise reduction will only be performed at ISO sensitivities over ISO 800, and does not apply to noise caused by slow shutter speeds.

White Balance: White balance is used to preserve natural colors under different types of lighting. When the camera is set to one of the exposure modes, you can choose one of the following white balance options:

• Auto: The white balance is automatically adjusted to suit the lighting conditions.
• Incandescent: This is used under incandescent lighting situations.
• Fluorescent: This is used for most fluorescent lighting conditions.
• Direct Sunlight: This is for use with subjects that are under direct sunlight.
• Flash: This is for use with built-in Speedlight or optional Nikon Speedlights are used.
• Cloudy: This is used when taking pictures under overcast skies.
• Shade: This is used under sunny skies when subject is in shade.
• Preset: A white object is used as reference to set white balance under unusual lighting conditions.

ISO Sensitivity: ISO Sensitivity is the digital equivalent of film speed. When lighting is poor, the camera will automatically increase sensitivity, permitting faster exposures, and minimizing blur caused by inadvertent camera movement, up to a maximum equivalent of ISO 3200. Using the ISO button and main command dial, you can manually select from ISO settings 100 to 3200, with incremental steps of 1EV. You can also choose HI 1 (ISO 6400 equivalent) or HI 2 (ISO 12800 equivalent) for even higher sensitivity.

Active D-Lighting: Nikon's Active D-Lighting can correct exposure issues due to difficult lighting conditions instantly and automatically while you shoot. Active D-Lighting preserves details in highlights and shadows, creating photographs with natural contrast.

Speedlight With i-TTL Automatic Flash Control: Nikon's innovative i-TTL flash control evaluates flash exposure with incredible precision to achieve better automatic flash balance and deliver outstanding results. The built-in Speedlight is always ready to bring beautiful exposures to darkened conditions, as well as add sparkle for fill flash in outdoor situations for enhanced twilight shots or an added impact to daylight images. In low-light or back-light situations, added illumination from the built-in Speedlight can make the difference between an average snapshot and a great picture. You can choose one of the following flash modes:

• TTL: output of built-in Speedlight is adjusted automatically in response to shooting conditions
• Manual: allows you to adjust the power of the Speedlight to one of the following settings: 1/32 power, 1/16 power, 1/8 power, 1/4 power, 1/2 power, or Full power

Flash Sync Modes: The camera offers the following flash sync modes depending upon the shooting mode selected:

• Off: flash does not fire even when lighting is poor or subject is backlit
• Auto: When lighting is poor or the subject is back lit, flash pops up automatically when shutter-release button is pressed halfway.
• Red-eye Reduction: reduces the red-eye effect sometimes caused by flash
• Slow Sync: flash is combined with shutter speeds as slow as 30 seconds to capture both subject and background at night or under dim light
• Slow Sync with Red-eye Reduction: combines red-eye reduction with slow sync
• Rear-curtain Sync: The flash fires just before the shutter closes, creating effect of stream of light following moving subjects
• Fill Flash: flash will fire whenever a picture is taken

Flash Exposure Compensation: In P, S, A, and M modes, the flash exposure compensation can be used to increase or reduce flash output from the level chosen by the camera's flash control system. The flash exposure compensation can be set to values between -3 EV (darker) and +1 EV (brighter) in increments of 1/3 EV.

Accessory Shoe: The camera's integrate accessory shoe located above the viewfinder allows you to connect optional SB-series Speedlights. The shoe is equipped with a safety lock for flash units with a locking pin, such as the SB-900, SB-800, SB-600, and SB-400. The camera supports the Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS) and can be used with CLS-compatible flash units.

Histogram: The D3100 features the ability to view a histogram on the LCD monitor screen. A histogram is a graph showing the distribution of tones in the image.

Image Enhancement: When the camera is set to one of the P, S, A, or M modes, you can choose from the following image enhancement options:

• Standard: Standard processing for balanced results--recommended for most situations.
• Neutral: Minimal processing for natural results. Choose for photos that will later be extensively processed or retouched.
• Vivid: Pictures are enhanced for a vivid photoprint effect. Choose for photographs that emphasize primary colors.
• Monochrome: takes photos in black and white
• Portrait: lowers contrast while lending natural texture and rounded feel
• Landscape: produces vibrant landscapes and cityscapes

Optional GPS: The GP-1 GPS unit (sold separately) can be connected to the camera's accessory terminal to allow information on the camera's current position to be recorded when photographs are taken.

Multi-Language Menu: You can choose from one of 20 languages for display of the camera menus and messages including English, French and Spanish.

Compatible Lenses: The D3100 is equipped with the standard Nikon F bayonet mount. It is compatible with the following types of optional lenses:

• AF-S or AF-I: all functions supported
• Type G or D AF NIKKOR (w/o built-in autofocus motor): All functions except autofocus supported. IX NIKKOR lenses not supported.
• Other AF NIKKOR: All functions supported except autofocus and 3D color matrix metering II. Lenses for F3AF not supported.
• Type D PC NIKKOR: All functions supported except autofocus and some shooting modes.
• AI-P NIKKOR: All functions supported except autofocus and 3D color matrix metering II.
• Non-CPU: Autofocus not supported. Can be used in Manual mode, but exposure meter does not function.

Warranty Information: The warranty on the camera body is 1 Year Parts & Labor. The warranty on the included lens is 5 Years Parts & Labor.

Lens Features

18-55mm Lens: This package includes an AF-S DX Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR lens. The lens includes a 52mm snap-on front lens cap and a rear lens cap.

3X Optical Zoom: The compact 3x zoom lens has a broad 18-55mm focal range for use in a variety of situations. When mounted to the camera the lens' picture angle is equivalent to approximately 1.5x the focal length of 35mm format (27-82.5mm). Close focusing distance to 0.9 feet (10.8") throughout the entire zoom range is possible. Separate zoom and focusing rings ensure responsive operation.

Silent Wave Motor (SWM): Nikon's exclusive Silent Wave Motor (SWM) ensures fast, quiet auto focus operation. Auto Focus-Silent Wave (AF-S) is a type of focusing motor used in a number of AF-Nikkor lenses; the AF-S motor is very fast and quiet. AF-S lenses also have an A-M mode selector which allows the user to switch from automatic to manual focus with almost no lag time.

Vibration Reduction (VR): Vibration Reduction (VR) minimizes image blur caused by camera shake, enabling sharper pictures, hand-held, at shutter speeds up to three stops slower than would otherwise be possible.

Focus Mode Switch: Focus mode switch enables quick switching between A (Autofocus) and M (Manual Focus).

Super Integrated Coating (SIC): High-performance Nikon Super Integrated Coating (SIC) offers superior color reproduction, while substantially reducing ghosting and flare.

Lens Element: A Hybrid aspherical lens element minimizes various types of lens aberration.

Diaphragm: A rounded seven-blade diaphragm opening makes out-of-focus elements appear more natural.

Specifications:

• Type of Lens: G-type AF-S DX Zoom-NIKKOR lens with built-in CPU
• Type of Mount: Nikon F-bayonet type
• Filter Diameter: 52mm
• Focal Length Range: 18mm to 55mm
• Maximum Aperture: f/3.5 (wide) - f/5.6 (telephoto)
• Minimum Aperture: f/22 (wide) - f/32 (telephoto)
• Minimum Focus Distance: 0.9 feet (11")
• Lens Construction: 11 elements in 8 groups (1 aspherical lens element)
• Picture Angle: 76° to 28° 50'
• Focal Length Scale: 18, 24, 35, 45, 55mm

Playback, Editing And Printing Functions

Auto Image Rotation: Photographs taken while this feature is set to "On" allow the image to be played back automatically in the orientation it was taken, including Landscape, Portrait (rotated clockwise) or Portrait (rotated counter-clockwise).

Rotate Tall: Portrait photos are displayed in tall orientation during playback. This feature can be turned off in the menu, if desired.

Image Review: When this setting is enabled, the camera displays the image on the LCD monitor after the picture is taken. You can choose how long photographs are displayed in the monitor after shooting. If Image Review is turned off, pictures can only be displayed by pressing the playback button.

Single-Image Playback: During single-image playback, you can view all the pictures stored on the memory card one at a time.

Thumbnail Playback: This feature allows you to view 4, 9, or 72 images at once on the LCD monitor so that you can search for an image quickly. You can also choose a calendar playback, sorted by date.

Slide Show: This features plays photographs back in an automatic slide show manner. You can set the frame interval (2, 3, 5, or 10 seconds) and the transition type (zoom/fade, cube, or none).

Playback Zoom: During single-image and thumbnail playback, you can zoom in on the selected image. You can zoom in up to 27x for large images, up to 20x for medium images, and up to 14x for small images. Once the image is enlarged, you can pan around the image on the LCD monitor using the multi selector.

In-Camera Image Editing with Retouching Menu: These options can be used to create, trimmed, resized, or retouch existing copies of the photographs in the memory card. You can choose from the following options:

• D-Lighting: D-Lighting can be used to brighten dark or backlit subjects.
• Red-eye Correction: Correct "red-eye" caused by flash.
• Image Trimming: Create cropped copies of existing photos. You can change the aspect ratio from 3:2 to 4:3, 5:4, 1:1, or 16:9. Each copy is saved as a separate file.
• Monochrome: Copy pictures in the Black and White, Sepia and Cyanotype colors.
• Filter Effects: Create copies with color filter effects. You can choose from one of the following:
  • Skylight: Creates the effect of a skylight filter, giving the copy a "cold" blue cast.
  • Warm Filter: Creates a copy with warm tone filter effects, giving the copy "warm" red cast.
  • Red Intensifier: Intensifies reds
  • Green Intensifier: Intensifies greens
  • Blue Intensifier: Intensifies blues
  • Cross Screen: Just as with a cross screen filter, this feature produces a star pattern with lines radiating outward from bright objects.
  • Soft: Add a soft filter effect; choose from high, normal, or low effect.
• Color Balance: You can create a copy with modified color balance using the multi-selector to increase the amount of amber, magenta, green, or blue.
• Small Picture: You can create a small copy of a recorded image. The copy will be stored as a JPEG file. You can choose from the following sizes:
  • 640 x 480: Suited to television playback.
  • 320 x 240: Suited to display on web pages.
  • 160 x 120: Suitable for email attachments.
• Image Overlay: Combine two RAW photographs.
• NEF (RAW) Processing: Create JPEG-format copies of NEF (RAW) photographs recorded at an image quality setting of RAW or RAW+B.
• Quick Retouch: Create retouched copies in which contrast and saturation have been
• enhanced.
• Straighten: You can create a straightened copy of an image. You can rotate the image clockwise or counterclockwise up to five degrees in increments of 0.25 degrees.
• Distortion Control: Create copies with reduced peripheral distortion (barrel distortion or pin-cushion distortion).
• Fisheye: You can create a copy that appears to have been taken with a fisheye lens. You can increase or reduce the effect using the multi-selector.
• Color Outline: You can create an outline copy of a photograph to use as a base for painting.
• Perspective Control: Copies can be created that reduce the effects of perspective taken from the base of a tall object.
• Miniature Effect: You can create a copy that appears to be a photo of a diorama. Works best with photos taken from a high vantage point.
• Edit Movie: You can trim footage to create edited copies of movies or save selected frames as JPEG stills.
• Before And After: Compare a retouched copy to the source image by displaying them side-by-side.

Protecting Images: The protect feature allows you to protect important images from accidental erasure.

PictBridge Printing Capability: You can connect this camera directly to a PictBridge compliant printer. PictBridge is a new standard that allows you to connect a PictBridge compliant camera directly to a PictBridge compliant printer and make prints, regardless of brand. An optional USB cable is required for connecting the camera to the printer.

DPOF: The DPOF feature enables you to create a digital "print order" for PictBridge-compatible printers and other devices that support DPOF.

Exif Print (Exif 2.21): The D3100 conforms to "Exif Print", a worldwide standard. Vital camera settings (such as: exposure mode, white balance, exposure time) and scene data are recorded to the image file when it is captured. Printers compatible with "Exif Print" are able to use this information to produce high quality photographs, exactly the way they were intended at the time of capture. This intelligent communication process also allows the printer to correct for poor lighting or mistakes, resulting in photos that can be even better than the originals.

Connections

USB Connection: The Nikon D3100 utilizes a high-speed USB 2.0 connection for interfacing with your computer. No USB is included; an optional USB cable (such as item 119USBHS15, 119USBHSM3, or 119CMNUSB7) must be obtained to connect the camera to your PC.

HDMI: For playing back High Definition movies and high resolution still images on an HDTV, you can connect the camera via an optional HDMI cable. A Type C mini-HDMI cable is required (such as 119HDMICAM). The HDMI output resolution can be set to Auto, 480p, 576p, 720p, or 1080i.

A/V Out: The camera features a 3.5mm minijack audio/video output plug to playback still images on a standard definition TV using the optional EG-D2 video cable (sold separately). You can select between NTSC or PAL video playback.

Battery Information

Li-ion Battery Pack: The D3100 comes with a long lasting rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery Pack (EN-EL14), with the capacity of approximately 550 shots per charge (when measured using the 18-55mm VR lens).

Quick Charger: The camera also comes with an AC Quick Charger (MH-24) to the charge the supplied Li-ion battery pack. The MH-24 will charge the EN-EL14 battery pack in approximately 90 minutes.

Backup Battery: The camera's internal backup battery can provide up to a month of backup power after about three days of charging from the EN-EL14 battery pack. The backup battery powers the camera's internal clock, and maintains settings when the power is turned off.

Auto Off Timers: This feature allows you to choose how long the monitor and exposure meters remain on when no operations are performed to prevent battery drain. You can choose from the following four selections:

Optional AC Adapter: The optional EH-5A AC adapter and optional EP-5A power connector are recommended for extended playback.

Supplied Software

ViewNX 2 CD-ROM: The supplied ViewNX 2 CD-ROM contains Nikon Transfer 2, View NX and related software. Nikon Transfer is used to copy (transfer) pictures from the camera to the computer and to perform such other transfer-related functions as making backups and embedding information in pictures as they are transferred. View NX 2 is used to view pictures after transfer; among the other tasks it can perform are grouping pictures, restoring and making simple adjustments to NEF (RAW) images and converting the file format.

Supported Operating Systems: The supplied software can be used with computers running the following operating systems:

• Windows:
  • Windows 7* (Home Basic, Home Premium, Professional, Enterprise)
  • Windows Vista* Service Pack 2 (32-bit Home Basic, Home Premium, Business, Enterprise, Ultimate)
  • Windows XP Service Pack 3 (Home Edition, Professional)
• Macintosh: Mac OS X (version 10.4.11, 10.5.8, 10.6.4)

Image Capacity

Estimated Image Capacity of an Optional 4GB SDHC Flash Card: