My Nikon d3100 camera (Only about 2 weeks old) is acting odd. Ideas?

When I switched it on, the green indicator light turned on and the screen displayed an hourglass. After waiting 5 minutes, nothing occurred. I can't take any pictures with the camera, but I can still auto-focus on objects. When I switched the camera off, the green light stayed on until I took the battery out. Any ideas on what's going on?

Canon EOS 550d (Rebel T2i) vs Nikon D3100?

The thing is I'm Really into photography, but I also like filming, and want a new camera. I'm a nikon user myself and although my main focus is photography, I would like to film, and I'm a bit skeptic about the built-in mic in the D3100 because of the wind noise, so I would really appreciate any advice on that.

Added (1). And how hard is it to control focus while filming without AF

Best entry level dslr (sony alpha a33 and nikon d3100)?

I was looking for one that isn't too expensive. Please help! I'm liking the sony alpha a33 and nikon d3100. Others are good too thanks

How's the Nikon D3100 for Action Shots?

I'm interested in buying a D3100, and i would like to be able to use it for action shots, like bmxing or skating.

Added (1). And the maximum fps being 3 fps, how is it for sequence shots (bursts)

Nikon Nikkor 18-55mm VR lens: can you damage lens by turning focus ring on AUTO mode?

I'm a complete novice in photography and recently bought Nikon D3000 kit with 18-55mm VR Nikkor lens. I have bought UV filter as well and while attaching to lens I have turned focus ring when it was on AUTO mode. The focus rim moves when on auto, it jumps like from position to position (has steps and it's not smooth like on Manual mode).It's hard to describe it but I was wondering if you can damage the lens by doing that? I have also noticed that once you shoot the picture immediately after the lens clicks (again - hard to describe the exact sound) like it's positioning itself right after the picture or something. Is it normal for the Nikkor VR lenses?

I need an external microphone! But which one?

So i have a youtube channel and i want to go further than where i'm already!

i want to get a microphone becasue of the nasty echo in my recent video blogs have been making me upset! I have a Nikon D90 that i received as a gift. I don't want to spend more than a MAXIMUM of $150 for a quality mic! I'm still a college student so i can't be spending too much!

Is the 70-300 mm lens really worth over 600 $?

I have the Nikon D7000 and I bought the kit lens, the 18-105 and the 70-300 mm lens, with a portrait lens also… But on the Nikon box of the 70-300 mm, it says 579.99 plus tax. And seriously, is it really that much? And is the 70-300 mm lens good? I mean, I wanted it for sporting events and all that. Is it a good lens? And is it seriously over 600 $ ?

More good advice on nikon d3100 compatible lenses please

Ok, I've already gotten great advice on getting an appropriate telephoto lens for my nikon d3100.many people have nixed my idea of adding a x2 teleconverter.apparently image quality and autofocus would suffer, so I might go for a 55-300 lens.
Now, my biggest problem is macro… And a not so large budget left! Now, my question is… How important is VR on the macro? I can't be a slave to the tripod. Is this Nikkor 85mm f/3.5 macro the cheapest compatible macro with VR and autofocus? Can someone suggest a less expensive alternative with comparable characteristics? Basically I'm looking for great crisp image quality, autofocus if possible, and the ability to use it hand-held for close-ups of details in nature (e.g., water drops on a leaf, small insect, detail of a flower, etc.) Thanks in advance for your advice.

How to achieve vintage photo look without photoshop?

I have a nikon d40 and have been looking into manual focus lenses because i want a vintage look to my photos. I've seen photos from a Helios 58mm f2 on a canon that produces the type of look that i want, as if they were shot with film. I do not want to get a film camera though.

Since Nikon's have a different film plane than other cameras I don't want to sacrafice quality by buying an adapter with a corrective lens in it (unless this would add to the effect).

I have been looking at non ai lenses but i was wondering if they would achieve the look that i want.photos kind of like this http://www.petapixel.com/2010/09/17/102-year-old-lens-plus-canon-5d-mark-ii-equals-instant-vintage-photos/

D90 body vs d7000 kit (re ask)?

I'm sure there's another way to do this but I'm on my phone and having troubles.

My 1st post:

I'm buying either a nikon d90 body with a 85mm 1.4 lens or the d7000 with the kit lens. Main purpose will be portraits. I want the best image quality I can get so I'm leaning twords the d90, but that brand new d7000 makes me stop and think.

I ment 85mm 1.8 sorry. Big difference I know. Also I chose the 85 over the 50 after doing some reaserch. Long story short for exactly what I need it's just better.