With the D3100, Nikon proves once again that you don't have to give an arm and a leg — or strain your back and neck — to enjoy dSLR photography. This addition to the Nikon family of dSLRs doesn't skimp on power or performance, offering a great set of features to help you take your photography to the next level. To help you get started using your D3100 camera, we've provided a handy reference to your camera's buttons and dials and automatic and advanced exposure modes.
Get to Know the Controls on Your Nikon D3100 Digital Camera
Here's a quick reference guide to the buttons, dials, and other external controls on your D3100. Note that the lens shown is the Nikkor 18–55mm AF-S DX (Vibration Reduction) model sold with the D3100 kit; other lenses may not have the same controls.
Get to Know the Controls on Your Nikon D3100 Digital Camera
Here's a quick reference guide to the buttons, dials, and other external controls on your D3100. Note that the lens shown is the Nikkor 18–55mm AF-S DX (Vibration Reduction) model sold with the D3100 kit; other lenses may not have the same controls.
A Quick Guide to Automatic Exposure Modes on Your Nikon D3100
For people new to digital SLR cameras, the D3100 offers the following automatic settings that enable point-and-shoot photography. To access modes other than Auto and Auto Flash Off, set the Mode dial to Scene. The monitor then displays a list of the 19 available Scene modes; the ones listed here represent those you'll find handy on the most regular basis.
For people new to digital SLR cameras, the D3100 offers the following automatic settings that enable point-and-shoot photography. To access modes other than Auto and Auto Flash Off, set the Mode dial to Scene. The monitor then displays a list of the 19 available Scene modes; the ones listed here represent those you'll find handy on the most regular basis.
Advanced Exposure Modes for Your Nikon D3100 Digital Camera
To really take creative control with your Nikon D3100, step up to one of these four exposure modes, which enable you to adjust aperture (f-stop) to manipulate depth of field (the zone of sharp focus) and to adjust shutter speed to determine whether moving objects appear sharply focused or blurry. You also gain access to some features not available in the fully automatic modes, such as the option to adjust flash power and tweak white balance.
To really take creative control with your Nikon D3100, step up to one of these four exposure modes, which enable you to adjust aperture (f-stop) to manipulate depth of field (the zone of sharp focus) and to adjust shutter speed to determine whether moving objects appear sharply focused or blurry. You also gain access to some features not available in the fully automatic modes, such as the option to adjust flash power and tweak white balance.
