There were lots of whispers of how D3100 is like before Nikon’s official announcement, and many Nikon fans have actually longed for it. Eventually, D3100 is here with many impressive upgrades than its predecessor. As an advanced version of entry-level DSLR, D3100 should be proud of having 14.2MP, a new CMOS image sensor and a new EXPEED 2 image processing engine. Beginners can easily capture high-quality images with D3100.
Together with Nikon D3100 DSLR camera, there is a EN-EL14 battery pack, a MH-24 battery charger, a USB cable, a DK-5 eyepiece cap, a AN-DC3 camera strap, a BF-1B body cap, a BS-1 accessory shoe cover, a ViewNX2 CD-ROM and a user guide.
Although D3100 is small, it is very comfortable in hands. And it has upgraded to a stunning ISO 12800 under Hi 2 mode. With a built-in flash and a flash plug-in jack, you won’t have problem of light exposure anymore. What’s more, it can detect up to 35 faces and have 11 autofocus points. Your images will just be sharper and more professional!
D3100 comes with a 3-inch LCD monitor which has 230k dot pixels at the back.
Nikon adds the Live View lever and the movie record button near the LCD. With them you can easily switch to Live View mode while shooting; and record HD video clips with the D-movie function. The D-movie function enables 1920 x 1080 @ 24fps (MOV H.264) full HD video shooting as well as AF-F autofocus.
Useful and commonly used buttons are grouped and positioned at the right of the LCD, to let you handle your camera with the least effort.
At the top of the camera you can find the Control Dial. There is the featured “Guide Mode” particularly designed for beginners to guide them step into professionals. Under this mode, you can easily capture what you intended.
Nikon D3100 supports AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR (3.0x) lens.
With size of 73 x 79.5 mm and weight of 265g, the lens has 11 elements in 8 groups (1 aspherical lens element).
The closest focusing distance is 0.28 m and maximum reproduction ratio is 0.31x. It also has a filter attachment size of 52 mm.
In general, D3100 is impressive and powerful as an entry-level DSLR camera. However, it can only shoot video clips of up to 10mins, but we think it is already good enough for it. Also, some users may find the LCD resolution not strong enough and has to think whether it does matter or not.
Ladies and Gentlemen, please welcome the Superzoom – Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40. It is a feature-packed hybrid digital compact camera with the new and superb Intelligent Resolution technology. There’s no question that it is the most up-to-date superzoom in the market. With a 24x digital zoom, 14.1MP and creative options, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40 can satisfy both photographic professionals and beginners.
Inside the box there are tones of things: a Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40 digital camera, a battery pack, a battery charger, a USB data cable, an AV cable, a lens cap, a lens cap string, a lens hood, a shoulder strap, a CD-ROM and a user guide.
FZ40 comes with a black colour with anti-slipping plastic and built-in flash. It has got the most upgraded LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens which can extend optical zoom range from 25mm to 24x, 600mm equivalent. It can also increase its power to 32x equivalent using the Intelligent Zoom function. Panasonic’s iA (Intelligent Auto) mode, which is the signature of Lumix camera, includes “Power O.I.S.” optical image stabilization system in FZ40 to prevent blurring of images caused by handshake.
The screen of FZ40 is a 3.0-inch TFT LCD, with 230K pixels, very good for viewing and playback.
The buttons near the screen includes AF/ AF Macro/ MF, Display, Playback etc. And the settings buttons are designed in a ring form.
There is also a 0.2-inch 201.6K-dot EVF on FZ40.
At the top there is the Control Dial. You can choose the iA mode from it and the camera will automatically select the most suitable Scene mode according to different situations. The Movie button is also at the top, which can let you shoot movie by one click without any further settings.
When it comes to movies, FZ40 performs almost perfectly. It has a Stereo Microphone and “Dolby Digital Stereo Creator” software for shooting 720p HD video with stereo sound. Apart from Motion JPEG format, FZ40 produces videos in AVCHD Lite format which greatly reduce space and time. With other movie features like Video Divide, Wind Cut etc, it just simply makes you the next genius movie director!
The newly developed LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens are made up of 14 elements in 10 groups, including 3 ED lenses and 2 aspherical lenses with 3 aspherical surfaces. The powerful lens unit performs outstandingly in a compact body give exceptionally-high standard performance regardless of width and colour.
FZ40 also features intelligent options like Face Recognition and My Color mode; and also creative options from Intuitive Manual Control of aperture and shutter speed. Last but not least, the included PHOTOfunSTUDIO 5.0 HD Edition lets you easily view and edit your photos. Take FZ40 home, enjoy the superzoom, and initiate your creativity.
