Nikon Coolpix 3100 - DPChallenge Forums

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D

10/30/2004 10:08:35 AM · #1

I'm so fed up with my stupid HP :(
I'm thinking whether Nikon Coolpix 3100 is a wise choice for me? I thought 2MP will be enough for everyday photography but it such a cr*p... I don't want to invest a hell of a money, since I'm a "sunday" photographer, but for God sake, I want something that will produce good pictures in not so good lighting conditions, with what I could make close-ups, what gives me more control over the picture and what works in the evening as well.

I always heard good things about Nikon. I search the galleries of people who own it but it seems most of them moved to the upper level (SLR or DSC) or they are no longer submiting anything to DPC.

Any experience? Any advice? Or maybe I should spare more money and wait for something better?

Message edited by author 2004-10-30 10:09:50.

deapee

Kodak V803

10/30/2004 10:12:15 AM · #2

I read a lot of reviews and stuff before I bought my current camera from my previous dsc-p52. The fujifilm finepix s3100 seems to have a lot of great features (to name a few, 4.0mp, macro, sports, night, landscape modes, 6x optical zoom). From what I read, the s3100 is priced a lot below where the other 'comparable' cameras are -- I'm pretty sure you can find one for $275 if you're willing to look around a bit. Hope that helps.

marbo

Nikon D5000

Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM

10/30/2004 11:10:05 AM · #3

I have the nikon coolpix 3100 I bought it take take on holiday to cran canaria for 2 weeks as i didn`t want to hump around a DSLR just for holiday snaps. It was very cheap Â£140 and came with batteries and charger and photoshop elements which is a bargain i reckon.
It takes great pics in good light but is not so good in low light as it has auto ISO which can make for grainy flash and low light pics.
It does has a night program mode which does reduce the grain but a tripod is needed.
It is excellent for macro as it can focus down to about 1cm.
It also takes compact flash which is very cheap and fits into a small pocket easily.

Good for the money but not for low light.
Oh and the batteries don`t last long.

Message edited by author 2004-10-30 11:12:15.

digitalpins

Canon EOS-60D

10/30/2004 11:58:33 AM · #4

Well if this helps I still have my first camera the Nikon 4300. I still use it, its a great camera and I know you can get it for cheap now. It use to sell for $400 but now I know you can find it for well below that price. It takes great pictures. Also I can get nice 20x30 prints from it. Its a 4.0 mega pixel camera, also you can get nice shots out of the manual mode to. Easy to cary around, its my everyday camera, usually carry it on my waist.

Well hope that helps you.

10/30/2004 05:47:26 PM · #5

Thank you all for help. I'm beginning to think of Nikon Coolpix 4300. There are some refurbished ones and they are quite cheap.
I'll still have to think about it.

skylen

Nikon D200

10/30/2004 06:20:01 PM · #6

Originally posted by rennie:

Thank you all for help. I'm beginning to think of Nikon Coolpix 4300. There are some refurbished ones and they are quite cheap.
I'll still have to think about it.

I have a Coolpix 4300. Even since I got my D70 I still love the Coolpix. The image quality is fantastic (as long as you stick to ISO100). It has a great macro mode, down to 1.5 inches.

Highly recommended.

10/30/2004 07:13:02 PM · #7

Originally posted by skylen:

Originally posted by rennie:
Thank you all for help. I'm beginning to think of Nikon Coolpix 4300. There are some refurbished ones and they are quite cheap.
I'll still have to think about it.

I have a Coolpix 4300. Even since I got my D70 I still love the Coolpix. The image quality is fantastic (as long as you stick to ISO100). It has a great macro mode, down to 1.5 inches.

Highly recommended.

I'm surprised. One of the advatages to me were the different iso speeds. Why shouldn't I use them?

skylen

Nikon D200

10/30/2004 08:33:15 PM · #8

Originally posted by rennie:

Originally posted by skylen:

Originally posted by rennie:
Thank you all for help. I'm beginning to think of Nikon Coolpix 4300. There are some refurbished ones and they are quite cheap.
I'll still have to think about it.

I have a Coolpix 4300. Even since I got my D70 I still love the Coolpix. The image quality is fantastic (as long as you stick to ISO100). It has a great macro mode, down to 1.5 inches.

Highly recommended.

I'm surprised. One of the advatages to me were the different iso speeds. Why shouldn't I use them?

It's not that you shouldn't use them, but just be aware that ISO200 to some degree, and ISO400 to a large degree, will introduce more noise. If you need the extra stop or two of shutter speed, great, use the higher ISOs. Just be aware of what the effects--good and bad--are. Higher ISO speeds on all compact digicams degrade quality quickly because of the small sensor, which causes increased electrical noise, which is amplified by the increased ISO. (all increasing the ISO does is to add amplification to the signal from the CCD sensor.)

I was just pointing out how smooth and clean the ISO100 on the Coolpix is.

charmayne

Nikon D300

10/30/2004 09:06:06 PM · #9

Love my Coolpix 4300 too!! I take it everywhere! Still want a D-70 but when I get it I'll keep my compact, sturdy 4300 its my best friend camera.

skylen

Nikon D200

10/30/2004 09:15:48 PM · #10

Originally posted by CeeDeez:

Love my Coolpix 4300 too!! I take it everywhere! Still want a D-70 but when I get it I'll keep my compact, sturdy 4300 its my best friend camera.

Yeah, to get macro shots like the 4300 can take, you'd have to spend some big bucks on a macro lens, or get a prime lens and extension tubes (this is what I bought and it works great but the 4300 is still more convenient--easier setup).