Editorial Review:Product Description:A compact, lightweight digital still camera with 3.2 effective megapixels and a powerful 3x zoom lens, the Coolpix 3100 is a friendly and versatile model, even for those who are using a digital camera for the first time. The Coolpix 3100 is ideal for people who want an easy-to-use digital still camera that offers great image quality, and who are looking to get more fun out of digital photography. The camera's compact body fits easily in a pocket for carry-anywhere portability.Featuring a 3x optical Zoom-Nikkor lens and 4x digital zoom, the Coolpix 3100 provides excellent optical performance. Coupled with Nikon's advanced image-processing algorithm, this ensures vibrant color, contrast and clarity in every picture. The camera's 3.2 effective megapixels offer remarkable resolution in printouts as large as B4 size.Shooting is simplified by general-use Auto Mode and 14 Scene Modes, four of which offer a Scene Assistance function for perfectly composed pictures, which allow users to capture the essence of every situation and fully experience the fun of digital photography. The Coolpix 3100 also features Continuous Shooting Mode and four Movie Modes, including one capable of recording a clip as large as 640 x480 pixels. Users can take up to 40 seconds of smaller-size video in color, B/W or sepia. In Macro Mode, the camera can shoot as close as 4cm (1.6 inch) from a subject and still get sharply focused shots.The Small Picture function creates reduced-size pictures that are perfect for e-mailing or Web posting, while the Date imprinting function allows users to date a picture at the time of shooting. Image effects such as B/W, sepia and halo filters extend users' creative options.The Quick Review button allows images to be viewed right away on the LCD monitor while maintaining live-action viewing. The Transfer function simplifies uploading image data to a computer.
Amazon.com Product Description:The Nikon Coolpix 3100 is a great choice for digital photography beginners, offering a compact size, 3.2-megapixel resolution, 3x optical zoom, and a bevy of automated scene controls that are customizeable.
One of the most impressive features of the Nikon 3100 is its size. From the online pictures we originally viewed, we imagined it to be large and a bit clunky. And while itÕs a bit chunkier than other sleeker cameras, the 3100 is surprisingly small. Plus, the rounded ergonomic hand grip rested comfortably and securely in our hand.
The Nikon 3100 offers a whopping 14 scene modes that automatically set the cameraÕs white balance, exposure, and focusing point for different situations. The easy-to-learn software system features large icons and text to guide you through your choices. And some of the modes even provide an 'assist' feature, with outlines of figures or landscapes to help line up the shot.
We had fun playing around with the scene modes and snapping pictures that made the most out of the shooting environment. However, we felt we lost some spontaneity if we relied too much on switching through the modes.
The 3.2-megapixel CCD sensor captures bright images that can be printed up to 11 x 14 inches. The movie mode captures smooth video up to 640 x 480 pixels for 20 seconds (or a more jaggy 40-second, 320 x 240-pixel videos), but it doesnÕt offer any sound.
The Nikon 3100 is an affordable choice for a point-and-shoot camera that offers sharp, bright images and brings a lot of flexibility to the party. It comes with a starter 16 MB memory card and alkaline batteries, and we recommend a higher-capacity Compactflash card and rechargeable AA-size NiMH batteries.
--Agen G.N. Schmitz Pros: - Compact size, comfortable in the hand
- Customizeable scene modes
- 3.2-megapixel resolution for prints up to 11 x 14 inches
Cons: - Scene modes can be a bit too customizeable, and distract you from the shot
Accessories:
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Customer Reviews
Average Rating:
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Junk -- not up to Nikon remanufacturing or Amazon (customer service) standards -- get the 4600 new instead
While my past experience is that Nikon reconditioned/remanufactured products are impeccable and great values (I have a 2500 and love it), this camera is to be AVOIDED. I originally bought this for a friend, as I had alot of the necessary compactflash-related accessories that the camera uses.
The issue is that, while Nikon represents the camera to be "like new" after its inspection, the one I ordered was missing the metal bar that holds the included carrying strap....sounds like a petty detail but if you think about it -- especially with such a delicate and mobile piece of electronics -- a secure carrying strap is essential. (I mean, it aint like a toaster is going on vacation with you.) Adding to insult -- so far -- is that Amazon arbitrarily decided to issue a partial refund (perhaps recouping its shipping and return-shipping costs???) despite this issue being clearly noted and the return being well within the return time-period guidelines; in the past Amazon customer service has been excellent, so hopefully this issue will be resolved.
Even if this item does become available again, AVOID it because, unlike usual Nikon remanufactured quality, this item cannot be trusted (and then you may have to go through the same refund hassle that I'm going through). My friend ended up instead ordering the Nikon 4600 brand-new from Amazon (only $20 more now was only $10 more at the holidays vs. this camera's price) -- and loves it. So a good ending as far as the friend and his gift camera and a (so far) bad ending as far as my good-faith return of an obviously defective camera.
Rating: -
Camera stopped working after 1 day: save your time and money
A Nikon 3 megapixel camera for $129? Too good to be true? You bet. The camera worked fine for a day, but then started to turning off intermittently. It refused to take photos and would not play back images. It also eats through batteries. I'm currently returning it via Amazon's excellent 30 day return policy.
Rating: -
Battery and battery box issue
I bought two of this camera. I like it although there are issues.
I bought one 2 years ago. But recently, the lid for the battery box broke down. There is a small plastic parts which hold the lid when it is closed and that part is broken. I did some internet search and I see a couple of other people who have the same issue. So this part may be a weak point of this camera. I got estimate for repair and I was told it will cost $30 for parts and $75 for labor. We have to replace all front part of the camera.
Then I decided to buy another one of this because I do not want to waiste the memory card and rechargeabel batteries (and I also liked this camera). For that, Amazon's refurbished one gives a reasonable price. But somehow it comes with just two alkaline battery, which cannot be used with this camera. According to the accessory list, a Li battery should be supplied. I tried the supplied alikaline battery but with a few shoot, it ran out. I do not know why Amazon supplies such battery. I called Nikon and after a hold a while, the rep I talked was happy to give me Li battery and in fact they supplied two of them and with a calculator with Nikon logo.
Overall, I am happy with this camera but you may want to be careful about the battery lid. Also, if you buy refurbished one from Amazon, you should get Li battery from Nikon. The supplied one cannot be used.
Rating: 
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Digital Pics for Dummies
I was never one to take pictures until I got the CoolPix. Now I can't stop! I take it everywhere. It is easy to use and takes great pictures. On my vacation through the Pacific northwest, we visited all the volcanos in the area and took some phenomenal shots of all of them as well as a gorgeous waterfall and the Redwoods. My friends commented that my pictures look like something you'd see on a postcard! It is important to get the rechargeable batteries because you'll blow through AAs like water. I also chose a 128 CF card and it gave me enough memory for my entire 2 weeks worth of pictures. If you get a case for it, be careful not to inadvertantly turn the mode dial while taking it in and out. If you aren't aware what happened you'll wonder why you're in set up mode. My only frustration is that it has a long delay from when you turn it on to when it is ready to take pictures. But if you know that and are allowing for it, you'll never miss a great shot. This camera is top notch and even a novice like me can take great pictures with it!
Rating: 
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Great for the price!
I just love my Nikon Coolpix 3100! It does everything it says it should and I have had no problems with it. I was able to buy a large memory card for fairly cheap and have been taking tons of pictures ever since the day I bought it. We used to have a Kodak Easyshare, and to tell you the truth, my husband never saw what was easy about it. Perhaps it was too easy!! This little camera takes great pictures, the zoom is just right. I would suggest this camera to anyone who just wants it for nice family and friends candids.