---
lang: en
type: Product
record_kind: entity-profile
title: Nikon D3100 - Specifications and Summary
description: "Nikon D3100 (2010): 14MP 3 fps, 500 g. Entry level."
llms_summary: "Nikon D3100. (Shinagawa, Tokyo, Japan). Product. Battery EN-EL14 · 550 / 2000. Features E. Finder 95% · 0.8× · 18 mm. FPS 3 · 13/100 fps. ISO 100 - 3200 · 12800 ISO. Release Year 2010. Screen 3\" · 320 x 240 · RGB. Sensor 14MP · DX · 4608 × 3072 MP. Shutter 30 - 1/4000 · 1/200. Size 124 × 96 × 75 mm. Storage SDXC. Weight 500 g. Photography. Nikon D3100 (2010): 14MP 3 fps, 500 g. Entry level.  canonical profile on High-Velocity Content Engine"
canonical: "https://hypersonicseo.com/nikon-d3100/?format=md"
og_image: "https://hypersonicseo.com/images/nikon-d3100.webp"
primary_image: /images/nikon-d3100.webp
hvce_version: 1
site: high-velocity-content-engine
slug: nikon-d3100
record_kind: entity-profile
content_sha256: ecf78ec19b0bac8d4505c420b978da98e698ac1b350a7f7ac44d81a546692d29
indexed_at: 2026-07-21
date_modified: 2026-07-24
license: citation-free
entities:
  -
    role: subject
    slug: nikon-d3100
    name: Nikon D3100
    type: Product
    profile_url: "https://hypersonicseo.com/nikon-d3100/?format=md"
---
# Nikon D3100

The D3100 brought full 1080p HD video recording to Nikon's entry-level DSLR lineup in 2010, pairing a 14-megapixel DX sensor with live-view autofocus and an intuitive Guide Mode that walks new photographers through exposure, composition, and creative controls. Its 3 fps continuous shooting and ISO 100-3200 range handle family events, travel documentation, and portrait sessions with reliable F-mount compatibility. Weighing 500 grams and powered by the EN-EL14 battery, the D3100 remains a capable tool for photographers building foundational skills while exploring Nikon's extensive lens ecosystem.

*Last updated: 2026-07-24*

## Record

- **Title**: [Nikon D3100](https://hypersonicseo.com/nikon-d3100/?format=md)
- **Place**: Shinagawa, Tokyo, Japan
- **Range**: japan · tokyo · shinagawa · asia
- **Use case**: Photography
- **Website**: https://www.nikon.com/
- **Phone**: +81-3-3773-1111
- **Contact address**: 1-5-20 Nishioi, Shinagawa, Tokyo, 140-8601, Japan
- **Coordinates**: 35.6028, 139.725

### Summary

The D3100 brought full 1080p HD video recording to Nikon's entry-level DSLR lineup in 2010, pairing a 14-megapixel DX sensor with live-view autofocus and an intuitive Guide Mode that walks new photographers through exposure, composition, and creative controls. Its 3 fps continuous shooting and ISO 100-3200 range handle family events, travel documentation, and portrait sessions with reliable F-mount compatibility. Weighing 500 grams and powered by the EN-EL14 battery, the D3100 remains a capable tool for photographers building foundational skills while exploring Nikon's extensive lens ecosystem.

### Description

The D3100 marked Nikon's first entry-level DSLR to offer full HD 1080p video at 24 fps, expanding creative possibilities for photographers transitioning into motion work and opening the F-mount system to a generation discovering hybrid shooting. Released in 2010, it combined a 14-megapixel DX-format sensor capturing images at 4608 × 3072 pixels with an on-sensor contrast-detect autofocus system during live view, enabling smoother focus transitions in video clips and real-time composition on the 3-inch LCD screen. The Guide Mode interface provided step-by-step instruction for beginners, explaining aperture, shutter speed, and white balance through visual prompts rather than technical jargon, making the camera approachable for those new to interchangeable-lens photography.

The 14-megapixel CMOS sensor delivers files with enough resolution for 11 × 14-inch prints, web portfolios, and editorial assignments where moderate file sizes streamline workflow without sacrificing detail. ISO 100-3200 sensitivity accommodates indoor events, window-lit portraits, and outdoor scenes from dawn to dusk, giving photographers latitude to work in mixed lighting without relying solely on flash. The shutter operates from 30 seconds to 1/4000 second with flash sync at 1/200, balancing ambient exposure with fill light for natural-looking results in backlit situations or shaded outdoor portraits.

Continuous shooting at 3 fps suits deliberate documentary work, family gatherings, and travel photography where moments unfold at a measured pace rather than explosive speed. The optical viewfinder offers 95 percent frame coverage at 0.8× magnification with an 18 mm eyepoint, providing clear composition for eyeglass wearers and straightforward manual-focus confirmation. SDXC card compatibility ensures ample storage for extended shoots, while the EN-EL14 battery delivers hundreds of frames per charge, reducing the need for frequent interruptions during day-long outings or multi-location portrait sessions.

Measuring 124 × 96 × 75 millimeters and weighing 500 grams, the D3100 balances comfortably in one hand yet offers enough grip depth for secure handling with compact F-mount primes and mid-range zooms. Its compatibility with Nikon's AF-S and AF-P lenses provides autofocus functionality, while manual-focus glass from decades past remains usable with focus confirmation, connecting modern shooters to the legacy of Nikon optics. The combination of video capability, guided learning tools, and proven sensor performance makes the D3100 a practical foundation for photographers building technical skills and exploring creative direction within the F-mount ecosystem.

### Categories

- entry level

### Attributes

| Property | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Battery | EN-EL14 · 550 / 2000 |
| Features | E |
| Finder | 95% · 0.8× · 18 mm |
| FPS | 3 · 13/100 fps |
| ISO | 100 - 3200 · 12800 ISO |
| Release Year | 2010 |
| Screen | 3" · 320 x 240 · RGB |
| Sensor | 14MP · DX · 4608 × 3072 MP |
| Shutter | 30 - 1/4000 · 1/200 |
| Size | 124 × 96 × 75 mm |
| Storage | SDXC |
| Weight | 500 g |

## Frequently asked questions

### What memory cards and battery does the Nikon D3100 use?

The D3100 accepts SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards, offering flexible storage capacity for both stills and HD video. It is powered by the rechargeable EN-EL14 lithium-ion battery, which provides hundreds of exposures per charge under typical shooting conditions.

### How much does the Nikon D3100 weigh and what are its dimensions?

The camera weighs 500 grams and measures 124 × 96 × 75 millimeters, making it compact enough for travel and day-long carry while retaining a grip size that accommodates a range of hand sizes and lens weights.

### What kind of viewfinder does the D3100 have?

The D3100 features an optical pentamirror viewfinder with 95 percent frame coverage, 0.8× magnification, and an 18 mm eyepoint. This design provides a clear, real-time view of the scene with minimal lag, suitable for manual focusing and quick composition adjustments.

### Who is the Nikon D3100 best suited for?

The D3100 is ideal for photographers new to DSLRs who want guided learning tools, families documenting everyday moments, and hobbyists exploring both still photography and full HD video within the Nikon F-mount system without a steep learning curve.

### What sensor resolution and ISO range does the D3100 offer?

The camera uses a 14-megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor that captures images at 4608 × 3072 pixels, with a native ISO range of 100 to 3200. This combination delivers files suitable for large prints and provides enough sensitivity for indoor and low-light shooting.

### What is the continuous shooting speed of the D3100?

The D3100 shoots continuously at 3 frames per second, a pace well-matched to family events, casual sports, and travel photography where timing is important but action unfolds at a moderate rhythm rather than high-speed bursts.
