My first "real" camera

After years of Compact Digicams and some holidays and excursions where rather the memories were more beautiful than the pictures, I was somehow too often reminiscent of the limited possibilities of a "normal" digicam. Then I was on the verge of buying a BridgeCam. But the advantages over SLRs (size, weight, high-definition video, simplicity) were refuted by me reading, advice in stores and by other amateur photographers. So SLR. I'm an absolute novice in the field of photography, have so completely rely on recommendations, advice and Co. and bought this camera. The main argument for a DSLR (for me): I want to grow on the device and am always willing to learn. In addition, I was attracted by the possibility that one thanks to many lenses one's own actions are no limits. But the D3100 finally:

Feel:
I had D5000, EOS1000D, D3000, a Sony Alpha and a couple Bridge cams in hand. D90 and up I was not comparable way equal. Striking: subjectively perceived me comes this SLR still extremely small! The body is really come very handy and you can not really take wrong. Of course prevails plastic, but the 500 grams are very good in the hand and it looks thanks to the matt-rough texture also very valuable from.

Photographing with Guide mode:
My biggest fear as a beginner before SLR cameras: This expensive piece of technology for lack of knowledge does not bring about a decent picture. But thanks to fully automatic and especially the Guide mode I have already shot pictures that I previously only have dreamed about. So one imagines easily the desired effect, eg "blurred background", the camera performs the settings and to see, pull the trigger only through the viewfinder - great! Explains key a text what the setting does and what effect such as aperture and shutter speed - with one touch of the: Especially as a beginner interesting "?". After about 100 photos with this camera and the Guide mode after about 2 weeks I have learned more about photography than I could imagine. Meanwhile, I dare even to the aperture and aperture priority ran and got even in manual mode already usable images shot.
And that is the big plus for me, if time is of essence, is a resort with all the aids under the arms. If one really wants to deal with it, you have the chance.

Menus / Imaging / Connectivity:
The menus are quite clear. Again and again you can by "?" - Button read about what is just cause. In ">" - mode, you can edit the images "onboard". I've already used this function softens details drübergelegt sepia filter or enhances the red of Portraits. I realize that this is not a Photoshop replacement, but for a layman is a great way with a few clicks aufzuhübschen an image and the results can at least convince me on the PC monitor.
Is connected via USB or directly via (mini) HMDI to TV. The cam also supports EyeFi SD cards, so cards with an integrated wireless transmitter and GeoTagging with suitable accessories go.

Live View and HD movies:
Originally a reason not to resort to D3000: lack of Live View and movies. While I really do not want to miss the opportunity to shoot, LV is actually superfluous. I wanted as many years "Display photographer" not admit, but if you are used to the auto focus when photographing viewfinder and then activated LV, it soon becomes clear why this all deem unnecessary - the AF is noticeably slower! Filming works quite well - but this does not work with the focus so really great and the length of each clip is limited to 10 minutes - that can be avoided by cutting, but still annoying. Replaces probably nothing a "real" camcorder; really exhausted I have this function, however, not yet ...

Delivery: What (NOT) where:
1. Scandals: No USB cable! Because you can buy for several hundred euros a camera and you get a USB cable? What the T ...? The thing costs too much outrageous. The Nikon probably thought well and put Ferrum in brackets, "if you use a USB cable from a third party". Absolutely incomprehensible - something's got to be in there ...
2. Scandals: No detailed operating instructions - just a "Quick Start Guide". There the reference: The "Reference Guide" is included in the CD. None - there is only the image transfer and editing program that you lack USB cable can not be used ... shake of the head .. The homepage also `s still nothing more detailed than the" Quick Start Guide ". Thankfully, the camera is so self-explanatory ...
Otherwise: kit lens, strap, battery, battery connector, lens cover (front and rear), warranty, advertising, the usual.

What else you need:
It was clear that it is not done in a digital SLR camera with the camera. Keyword lenses and memory.
- Memory: Here I have resorted to the following: SanDisk Secure Digital High Capacity (SDHC) Card Extreme Video HD Memory Card 8GB (original commercial packaging). With 20MB / s you get the Full HD video or 3 frames per second in continuous shooting mode on the map.
- Screen Protector: Because you are constantly stuck with the jaw on the display, it smeared very quickly. I've brought this fitted sheet: Savvies Crystal-Clear screen protector for Nikon D3100, D 3100, protector, clear screen protection Pleasantly firmly and significantly less dirty.
- Lenspen: Quick I had some dust on the lens and somehow you dare not quite, because to go with NEM "perfectly ordinary" cloth over it: Hama Lenspen
- Bellows: Unfortunately I `s already the first touchdown of the lens managed to get some dust inside. Since I have no compressed air socket available and there also am skeptical, I have resorted to: Hama Bellow "Dust Ex"
- Bag: Here I have resorted to a very reasonable case where only the camera with kit lens fits in. Waterproof is also: Lowepro Toploader Zoom 50 AW

CONCLUSION:
I am very happy with my first "real" camera. It is more compact and easier than I thought and is good both for simple-and-shoot "as well as for serious photographing Although I realized quickly that there are quite coming soon bear great costs on me, I just say lenses.:
- Nikon AF-S DX Zoom Nikkor 55-200mm 1: 4-5.6 G IF-ED VR lens (image bar.) Incl HB-37.
- Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm 1: 1.8 g Lens
But first I want time to exhaust the kit lens for me, which is quite suitable for everyday use thanks to 3x zoom. In December, the first books come to D3100 on the market - because I'll probably strike too.
Overall I see the device for me personally as a big win and great entry into the realm of photography. The very first images did much to inspire their friends and I will still have extremely much to learn, but it is also a lot of joy in it. The one or other drawback (10min video, facilities incomplete: BDA, USB cable, relatively high price) must ise Although put up, but I do not regret the purchase date. Only the swiveling display of the D5000 in conjunction with the HD video would have been the icing on the cake, but you can not have everything. For beginners like me surely a great device and it makes me not mind that I'm probably gone the Nikon-PR campaign on the glue with "the easiest-to-use DSLR" ...