What features is the Nikon D3100 missing?
I was reading some recent questions and saw someone mention that the D3100 is a "crippled" entry level DSLR with missing functions. What are they?
It's not crippled in any way…
It just lacks the features of a professional setup, as does any other entry-level DSLR.
Well, compared to the D5100 which also lacks the auto focus motor in the body like the D3100
The D5100 has an infinitely better sensor resulting in a better image quality and performs much better at high ISO's
The D5100 has much higher ISO ability
The D5100's batter lasts longer
D5100 is capable of faster frames per second
D5100 has an external mic jack for recording
D5100 has significantly better color depth and dynamic range (it can see more shades of color as well as light and dark)
D5100 has an articulating screen.
That was compared to another entry level camera…
If you compare it to the D7000? HOLY WOW. And that's not even a pro level camera.
On the D7000 you can add the following to the benefits of the D5100:
Better viewfinder system
A whole lot better battery life
The auto focus motor built in so no lenses are limited to manual focus only.
Faster shutter reaction-better lag time
Better focus system with more focus points
Professional weather sealing
If you want technical differences look at HisWifeTheirMom's question, she's summed up what the comparison of D5100 and the D3100.
Well, I have used both cameras before, and the D3100 lacks responsiveness, slow at times, and a slow burst speed, the viewfinder is not bright enough at night, and has a smaller coverage.
Compare it with the D7000, the D7000 is SUPERIOR over the D3100, the D7000 has 100% viewfinder coverage, very good battery life, Dual SD card slots, compaitable with more NIKKOR lenses.
To a professional, it's a crippled entry level DSLR.
To a beginner, it's alright.
This camera is actually targeted to those who want to switch from their compacts or bridge cameras into DSLR photography, so this is not really an ideal camera if you take photography seriously
No depth of field preview
no af on older AF lenses
limited aperture functionality with manual lenses
not very good penta-mirror viewfinder
not very flexible video function
but in most other regards a decent camera for the cash
All dSLRs offer the same standard controls for aperture, shutter, ISO and white balance. Anything aside from those four are features you may possibly live without. So what features are missing from the D3100? If you don't know it exists and you don't need it, it won't be considered missing, right?
Mostly two areas:
No in-body focus motor, so it will only work with AF-S lenses.
No ability to act as a remote commander for Nikon's CLS system.
There are other minor loss of features, such as no port for a wired remote - although it does support an IR remote. No top-side LCD display, and a few less buttons, so you have to rely on the menus a bit more.
Some people refer to the D3100 as "crippled" because it does lack some features, there's no denying that. But it is Nikon's entry-level DSLR, and it is marketed as such. Within that realm, it is a very nice camera; nothing to be ashamed of.
Nikon's hierarchy is as follows:
D3s - top professional
D700 - entry level professional.
D300s - top advanced amateur or professional grade DX.
D7000 - entry level advanced amateur (replaces the D90)
D5100 - top beginner camera (replaces the D5000)
D3100 - entry level beginner camera (replaced the D3000)
The good news is that Nikon transfers the technology of the higher end cameras to the lower end cameras as the models come out. For that reason, a recently released camera such as the D7000 will outperform the D300. But the D3s, D700, and D300 are all due for replacement this year or next, and will raise the bar all that much more.
The professional cameras will give you extended ISO low light performance, FX (full frame) sensors, additional flexibility and reliability. The advanced amateur cameras give you more features such as in-body focus motors and CLS commander capability, etc.
There are no bad Nikon DSLRs, there are really good ones, and even better ones.