Nikon D3100 DSLR Camera Sample Photos

Here are some quick sample photos taken with the Nikon D3100 DSLR camera. This camera is classed as an entry-level DSLR. But don't be fooled by that "entry level" label, the D3100 is a very capable camera (even with the kit lens), with the ability to take excellent quality photographs. As you can see with the few examples below. They are not full size, but have been made smaller in order to not make this post too slow to load.

As I'm sure you are aware, Nikon is a well-known camera manufacturer that produces high-quality digital cameras and lenses. The Nikon 14.2 megapixel D3100, in 2022 is a somewhat older addition to its lineup of DSLR (Digital single lens reflex) cameras. The D3100 combines a modern design with user-friendly features and excellent image quality. See below for image examples. The D3100 is a good choice for beginners and experienced users alike.

A beautiful light amber eyed Owl

The D3100 has several enhancements over previous models that improve usability and functionality. For starters, the camera has a straightforward design that is easy to understand and use. Most controls are located on the top or back of the camera with minimal buttons on the body. This makes it easy to use the camera without looking at the menu screens or adjusting settings manually. In addition, the Nikon D3100 can shoot high-quality images in just about any lighting situation thanks to its versatile built-in flash unit. Lastly, it comes with several software tools that can enhance your photography further.

Purple Flower

The Nikon D3100 is a good and very popular first DSLR camera for beginners since it has simplified controls and plenty of shooting options without bogging down performance. It's also quite small and handles image processing well for better image quality without degradation from noise suppression or compression.

White cat stalking an unknown prey, or just curious, checking something out.

Plus, even a complete novice can get good results in many situations due to its solid auto features, exposure tracking capabilities and exposure compensation dials. Low-light performance is also pretty impressive. All this makes for a very versatile beginner’s DSLR for those on a budget that gets you started off on the right foot without emptying your bank account first.

The wiley old Fox scanning the landscape

Nikon cameras are known for their solid build and good image / video quality, which is why many professional photographers choose Nikon over other brands. The same applies to the D3100 since it has excellent durability and performance at an affordable price point compared to other models in its class. Although, I have to admit, I prefer Canon over Nikon.

The amazing plumage of the Kingfisher bird. Shame to see a tag on its leg, though. 

But anyway, this model also has a largely dustproof construction and of course has tripod mounting abilities and more. It has many standard features found on higher end models [and many cheaper non-DSLR models too] but included on a lower cost model as well. But do note: It is not waterproof. In short, if you want your money’s worth from a digital SLR camera this one will definitely deliver. If you can't find this model for sale, checkout the equally as good if not better Nikon 3200 or 3500 [excellent].

A fitting last image. A cute little kitten chilling out in a plant pot.

 

 

View the updated model (Nikon D3500) 

 

Which Entry Level DSLR Camera To Choose

There are only two things holding me back from buying the Sony DSLR-A200K camera. One is that all the ones for sale are used (discontinued model), so it comes with no warranty and you never know how long it will last. And two, it's made by Sony. My track record with Sony has been terrible. Every single Sony item I have ever bought or owned has developed faults. This has made me very cautious of buying anything that's made by Sony.

I have had Televisions, Amps, Car stereos, Tape Decks, Mobile Phones, everything ended up with a fault after a while. And I'm very careful with my stuff. Is the Sony DSLR-A200K an exception. It does seem so with such a huge amount of positive reviews. I know that Sony products used to be very reliable back in the 70's and 80's, and I'm sure some of their products still are today. However, it can't just be a coincidence with how many of my items have developed faults. I think Sony's quality has dropped over the years. But I'm tempted to give them one more try with the A200K..

Sony A58 DSLR Camera - Picture Credit: Köllner

Then there is the Nikon D3100 entry level DSLR Camera. It certainly looks the part. I'd look like a professional photographer! Most of the reviews are positive. The not so positive reviews complain about poor battery life, poor build quality, bad auto focus, and a slowish shutter speed for a DSLR. This camera would be at the top, the very top, of my budget. I'd hate to spend so much money on a camera and end up not being blown away by how good it is. Maybe I'm focusing too much on the negative reviews. But for this particular model they are hard to ignore when some of them are written by people who seem to have a lot of experience with different cameras and photography in general. One negative reviewer claims to have been a photographer for over 50 years. I get the feeling that they know what they are talking about!. Or perhaps they expect too much from an entry level DSLR. Although I doubt that to be honest.

I've never heard much about Pentax cameras as the market seems to be jam packed with Canon and Nikon cameras. From what I have read Pentax cameras are right up there with the mighty Canon's and Nikon's of the world. The Pentax DSLR's seem to be very under rated. I'm not a badge snob so a Pentax K-x DSLR is a possibility. There is even a white version of the Pentax model I've been interested in and it looks very cool. I don't mind what brand it is as long as it takes excellent pictures and is very reliable. One good feature that Pentax DSLR's have is that they can use a lot of the older lenses. Pentax lenses dating back as far as the 1970's (with the right adaptor) can be used on an up to date Pentax DSLR body. How cool is that! 

Some of the older Pentax lenses are superb and can be found cheap as well if you know where to look. Car boot sales, eBay, Classifieds, Swap websites, even second hand shops, all are really good locations for buying old photography equipment cheaply. Definitely a tick in the box for buying a Pentax DSLR camera. I'm also tempted by the Olympus E-400 DSLR due to it's small size and good quality sample images.. Any suggestions?