Nikon Announces D3100 DSLR

Nikon has announced its new entry-level DSLR targeted to beginner amateur photographers upgrading from compact point-and-shoot digicams to a DSLR. It keeps Nikon’s award-winning body design and is now even faster (no practical shutter or AF lag) with Full HD Movie (including full-time AF). Thanks to improvement in its Contrast-detect AF, both Live View and Movie recording can use full-time AF. To help beginners achieve great pictures like the pros, an enhanced Guide Mode not only walks you through the steps to take, but “assist images” show the effect of each of your selection.

The Nikon D3100 will be available with the Zoom-NIKKOR 18-55mm (27-82.5mm equiv.) VR Image Stabilization kit lens beginning September 17, 2010, for CAD $699.95 (MSRP). A new tele zoom lens will extend your reach to 450mm (equiv.): the AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm (82.5-450mm equiv.) f/4.5-5.6 VR lens will be available beginning September 2, 2010 for CAD $429.95 (MSRP).

PRESS RELEASE

Nikon’s New D3100 Empowers and Inspires Users with Simple Solutions and Enhanced Functionality

Features enhanced Guide Mode and world’s first full-time auto-focus for D-Movie (1080p HD video) while in Live View

Mississauga, ON, August 19, 2010 – Nikon Canada Inc. today announced the D3100 as the newest addition to its family of quality DX-format digital SLRs. It’s the world’s first digital SLR to introduce full-time auto-focus (AF) in Live View and D-Movie Mode, allowing users to effortlessly achieve the critical focus needed when shooting in full HD 1080p video. The 14.2 megapixel D3100 also makes it easier than ever to step-up to digital SLR photography with its enhanced in-camera Guide Mode.

The D3100 provides an easy-to-use and affordable entrance into the world of Nikon digital SLRs with its powerful features, such as the enhanced Guide Mode that makes it easy to unleash creative potential and capture memories with still images and full HD video. With the D3100, it’s like having a personal photography tutor at your fingertips. The unique Guide Mode feature provides a simple graphical interface on the camera’s LCD that guides users by suggesting and/or adjusting camera settings to achieve the desired end result images.

Packed into the compact and lightweight body of the D3100 is a host of advanced Nikon technologies, such as the new EXPEED 2 image processing engine. EXPEED 2, in conjunction with Nikon’s new 14.2 megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor, is the driving force behind the camera’s enhanced performance and rich image quality. The D3100 features split-second shutter response and a blazing fast 11-point AF system to help ensure tack-sharp images. For shooting in challenging lighting conditions such as indoors or in the evening hours, ISO 3200 (expandable to 12,800) enables versatility to capture the moment.

“Consumers are making the leap to digital SLR cameras for the enhanced performance, high image quality and the creative options NIKKOR lenses and accessories provide,” said Gregory Flasch, National Advertising and Communications Manager at Nikon Canada Inc. “The D3100 is a camera that makes it easy to capture beautiful images and HD video, and allows the user to hone their skills with the camera’s Guide Mode.”

A Leg Up On Consumer Camcorders with World’s First Features
The Nikon D3100 digital SLR allows users to capture stunning full HD, 1080p resolution (1920×1080) video. Users can record cinematic quality 24 fps video clips, or shoot at 24 or 30 fps at 720p, ideal for online sharing. With the array and versatility of NIKKOR lenses, users can create a variety of photographic effects to video, such as isolating subjects with a shallow depth of field or recording in low-light conditions. NIKKOR lenses also deliver the sharpness needed for HD video and Nikon’s Vibration Reduction (VR) II technology helps to eliminate camera shake.

Nikon was the first to introduce HD video in a digital SLR and now Nikon is the first to apply full time AF for D-movie video shooting and while in Live View mode. Using contrast-based AF, the D3100 automatically focuses on subjects when Live View is activated to assist in shooting when using the LCD. The D3100 also uses Face Detection technology to lock focus on up to 35 human faces, a feat not even accomplished with consumer camcorders. To further simplify movie shooting, Live View is activated with a single flick of a switch, and a simple press of a button achieves HD video recording.

Sharing and editing video clips is also much easier with the D3100, as it records movies in the versatile H.264 AVCHD codec (.mov file). While playing movies back in the camera, users are able to edit recorded videos by clipping footage from the beginning or end of a movie. High Definition movies and stills can be shared with family and friends on an HD television via HDMI output. Users can control slide shows and videos using the HDMI CEC interface that is a part of most modern remote controls from HDTV manufacturers. Additionally, the D3100 is compatible with the new SDXC memory card format to store large amounts of photo and video data so users can shoot multiple scenes without interruption.

The Guide Mode Will Inspire You
Whether new to digital SLR photography or desiring to learn new shooting techniques, the D3100’s enhanced Guide Mode with an easy-to-use interface helps users advance their skills through on-demand, step-by-step assistance. The Guide Mode is easily accessed through the Mode dial on the top of the camera. This enhanced help function features sample assist images that change with camera settings to inspire consumers to achieve a desired look and feel to their images, while guiding through easy-to-understand photographic techniques. For example, to instill the majestic appearance of moving waters, users can select “show water flowing” from the Guide Mode and simply follow the prompts to create the ideal camera settings to capture an image.

By following the assistance on the bright 3-inch LCD screen, users can achieve professional-looking photographs. Whether it’s softening backgrounds, freezing the moment, or conveying motion, the Guide Mode assists users in exploring effective picture-taking solutions at their own pace to make capturing great shots even easier and more enjoyable.

Renowned Nikon Technology
The D3100 leverages proven Nikon technologies to create the most positive picture-taking experience for consumers of any skill level. With its new 14.2-megapixel CMOS image sensor and Nikon’s new EXPEED 2 image processing system, the D3100 delivers exceptional image quality with low noise. The EXPEED 2 image-processing engine enhances camera performance and helps to ensure high image quality while managing colour, contrast, exposure, noise and speed for optimal results. The D3100’s normal ISO range extends from ISO 100 to 3200, allowing users to capture sharp images, even in low-light conditions. Additionally, the D3100’s ISO range can expand to a Hi-2 setting of ISO 12800, furthering the opportunities for low-light shots that other cameras miss.

Other exclusive Nikon technologies include the Active D-Lighting system, which automatically rescues dark or backlit images to achieve even tones. This is especially useful when photographing subjects that are backlit by lights or the sun to provide an even exposure. What’s more, Nikon’s Scene Recognition system draws upon the 420-pixel RGB colour 3D matrix meter for outstanding exposures under a variety of lighting conditions by integrating a database of tens of thousands of sample images. The result is a camera intelligent enough to recognize when photographing a specific scene (such as a portrait or landscape) and automatically choose the proper camera settings.

To make taking great pictures even easier, the D3100 elevates Nikon COOLPIX technology and incorporates an Auto Scene Selector feature in Live View. This innovative function automatically selects the best scene mode to match shooting conditions. When engaged, the camera will automatically recognize when shooting a lush landscape or fast action sports and adjust the camera settings to create an astounding image. Six preset scene modes can also be accessed with the command dial on top of the camera to overcome many common shooting challenges.

Compact Design, Huge Performance
With comfortable yet intelligent ergonomics, the D3100 packs powerful technology that’s easy to use into a compact form factor. The advanced 11-point autofocus system of the D3100 makes it easy to find and focus on a subject through an enhanced viewfinder design with new “hollow” focus points to give a clear view of the subject.

In the playing field or the backyard, the benefits of Nikon’s advanced 3D Subject Tracking become clear, as the camera continuously focuses on fast-moving subjects throughout the frame, resulting in crisp, clear action shots. Additionally, the D3100 offers split-second shutter response, eliminating the frustration of shutter lag – the annoying delay that ruins so many pictures. With the ability to capture images at up to three frames-per-second, users never miss a moment.

Added to the D3100 is a Quiet Shutter Release mode, which substantially reduces the sound of the mirror while shooting. Quickly accessed by selecting “Q” on the release mode dial, this feature is ideal for the photographer who wishes to remain unobtrusive, for example during quiet ceremonies or photographing sleeping children.

Nikon empowers users to prepare their photos for sharing quickly using Nikon’s extensive in-camera Retouch Menu, which easily applies a variety of fun and dramatic effects to images without a computer. These include a miniature effect to photos, image overlay, colour outline and softening filters for flattering portraits and realistic skin tones.

Additionally, the D3100 incorporates Nikon’s Integrated Dust Reduction System, which offers a comprehensive solution that combats the accumulation of image-degrading dust from the camera’s image sensor. The shutter is tested to 100,000 cycles for maximum durability.

Gateway to Legendary NIKKOR Optics and Accessories
Nikon has also introduced the ideal companion to the D3100, the new AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm VR lens, which gives users super-telephoto zoom capability for an affordable price. This is a perfect complementary lens when combined with the AF-S 18-55mm VR kit lens, and is great for capturing images of sports and wildlife. Photographers can also appreciate the D3100’s system expandability, as it is compatible with more than 40 legendary NIKKOR AF-S interchangeable lenses. While the D3100 offers a versatile built-in flash, the camera also operates with Nikon’s Creative Lighting System and is capable of Advanced Wireless Lighting when using the SB-900 Speedlight or the SU-800 Wireless Commander. Included with the camera is a new version of Nikon’s powerful image-editing application, View NX2. The latest edition of this software allows users to organize and edit both photos and video files easily. The D3100’s design also supports Eye-Fi memory card functionality, enabling the convenient wireless transfer of images from the camera to a computer, when using Eye-Fi memory cards.

Availability and Pricing
The D3100 kit, including the versatile AF-S NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR image stabilization lens, is scheduled to be available at Authorized Nikon Canada Dealers beginning September 17, 2010, at a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of CAD $699.95. The AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6 VR lens is scheduled to be available beginning September 2, 2010 at an MSRP of CAD $429.95.

Exclusive Canadian Warranty
Nikon Canada offers an exclusive two-year warranty for the D3100 purchased from an Authorized Nikon Canada Dealer. Additionally, Nikon Canada offers a five-year warranty for all NIKKOR lenses purchased from an Authorized Nikon Canada Dealer. Consumer’s investment is protected by Nikon Canada’s warranties with in-Canada service.

About Nikon
Nikon, At the Heart of the Image™, is the world leader in digital imaging, precision optics and photo imaging technology and is globally recognized for setting new standards in product design and performance for its award-winning consumer and professional photographic equipment. Nikon Canada distributes consumer and professional digital SLR cameras, NIKKOR optics, Speedlights and System Accessories; Nikon COOLPIX® compact digital cameras; COOLSCAN® digital film scanners; 35mm film SLR cameras; Nikon software products and Nikon sports and recreational optics. At the heart of every Nikon camera is Nikon’s Exclusive EXPEED™ advanced digital image processing system technologies. All Nikon Canada products are sold through a network of Authorized Nikon Canada Dealers. For more information on Nikon Canada and its products and services or to find an Authorized Nikon Dealer, visit www.nikon.ca.

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Related Links:

• Nikon D3100 Technical Specs: US | CA | UK