I didn't realize that the D3100's ADC was 12-bit, and that the D7000's was 14-bit. Still, it would be very interesting to see some comparison video footage someday between the two bodies' D-Movie modes (identical light quantities, focal length, f/stop, etc.). Too bad Nikon doesn't sell the D3100 as a body-only kit. I'd like to have one of these anyway as my carry-with-me-all-the-time DSLR.

Thanks, 'Z!" Appreciate the info!

As far as I'm figuring out, D-Movie is very limited. The aperture depends on the lens itself.

Using the kit lens at 18mm (f/3.5) the image is bright and when I zoom into 55mm (f/5.6), the image goes darker.

I can change the values for ISO, f/stop, & shutter speed but nothing seem to affect the the video recording. When I try to focus, the meter kicks in but it then defaults back to the lens' aperture... Will do more testing and will keep you posted...

Salud!
~Z

Thanks for all your replies and posts, 'Z.'

I would like to know more about how you shoot video on the D3100:

1. If you set the ISO before you go into LiveView, does the selected ISO value seem to "stick?"
2. Is the actual shutter speed or ISO displayed in the LiveView screen while in D-Movie mode?
3. If so, do the displayed shutter speed and ISO data appear to match what you're actually getting in D-Movie mode?

Thanks!

Is there anyone else out there shooting 1080p24 video on their Nikon D3100?

Thanks Studio460! I'm more inclined to stick with the D300s and wait for the D400 next year..

Still, after shooting at ISO1600 and 3200 with my D3100, I'm betting that the D7000's high ISO images will be stunning! As far as DSLR video is concerned, at first, I didn't really like the idea. Now, I'm slowly getting sold into it. I've seen some footage off a Canon 7D and 5D MKII and I must admit, they almost rival film or pro HD video cameras!

Here's a shot I just took off my D3100 - ISO3200 - Nice, clean and sharp! My old D40x and D80 can't even get that much detail and clarity!

Nikon D3100+18-55mm f/3.5-5.6GII ED (non VR) lens @ ISO3200:

Cheers!
~Z

Thank you! On the D300s/D7000 thing, if it were me, and I didn't already own a D300s, I would choose the D7000. But since you're already invested in the D300s, it's an easier bet to say "keep it." Especially if you're not especially interested in the video capability of the D7000.

Manual ISO/Shutter:
>Studio460: As far as my experienc, there are no provisions for changing the ISO and shutter settings with D-Movie. I've been going through the menu lists and the only thing I can find for Movie is Quality and Sound. I tried changing ISO, shutter, and f-stop while shooting video but it really didn't do anything...

D7000 Mic input:
>Doodly: you are correct! DPReview didn't include the mic input on the connectivity section on their specs list so I assumed it didn't have it. I should have gone directly to Nikon's site specs and it does say it has! Error on me! Thanks for your correction! :-)

D300s v. D7000 - What to do?!!!
I recently got a D300s but haven't used it yet because of the D7000. The specs on the D7000 are just staggering for being a mid-range DSLR! On paper, it blows away the competition, including the D300s... Should I seel my D300s and get the D7000 or just stay with it and wait for the D400 or D800 for that matter? I want to go full frame...

What's important to me:
magnesium alloy body, weather sealing
14bit ADC
High ISO, low noise images (usable ISO6400)
1/8000 shutter @ 150K shutter life
16MP sensor

Negligible but a nice feature to have
1080p@24p video
24bit stereo @ 96KHz (max) audio

In a September 5, 2010 NR blog, Admin sourced a German website which claimed to quote a "Nikon press agency," saying that there is no manual control over ISO in D-Movie mode, and that ISO is only selected automatically. Another site, "derived" this same conclusion from a copy of the D3100 user manual.

I would just like to confirm this with a real-world, D3100 owner. Thanks!

thezstation said:
>Studio460: The D3100 has very limited video features. If video is what you're looking for, I'd say go with the D7000. The D3100's video footage is amazing despite the limited features... For low lights, I would suggest f/2.8...

If you're looking for just imagery, both the D3100 and D7000 can hold their own. I find the audio negligible, unless you're using an external stereo microphone. I don't think the D7000 even has an external mic input unlike the D300s...

I'm pretty sure the D7K has input for mic. I saw some videos of it that showed it if i remember correctly.

thezstation said:
The D3100 has very limited video features. If video is what you're looking for, I'd say go with the D7000. The D3100's video footage is amazing despite the limited features... For low lights, I would suggest f/2.8...

If you're looking for just imagery, both the D3100 and D7000 can hold their own. I find the audio negligible, unless you're using an external stereo microphone. I don't think the D7000 even has an external mic input unlike the D300s...

Thanks for your reply, but can you or anyone else confirm or disconfirm that the D3100, in fact, does not have manual control over its ISO or shutter speed in D-Movie mode? Early reports claimed that there was no manual control in LiveView.

As to your other suggestions, I own a bunch of fast glass, and would be operating the camera completely in manual mode, so many advanced features of the D7000 would go unused. Plus, I would only be shooting video with this particular body. For audio, I would be using double-system sound (separate audio recorder), so in-camera audio quality isn't an issue. The only feature I need from the D7000, in the D3100, for my (limited) purposes, is its 1080p24 video recording capability, and the ability to manually control ISO and shutter speed.

>Studio460: The D3100 has very limited video features. If video is what you're looking for, I'd say go with the D7000. The D3100's video footage is amazing despite the limited features... For low lights, I would suggest f/2.8...

If you're looking for just imagery, both the D3100 and D7000 can hold their own. I find the audio negligible, unless you're using an external stereo microphone. I don't think the D7000 even has an external mic input unlike the D300s...

I was initially planning to buy a D3100, and not a D7000, just for shooting video, until I read somewhere here (I think, on the NR blog) that you do not have manual control over the ISO and shutter speed on the D3100 when in D-Movie mode. Can anyone here confirm or deny this? Thanks!

Thanks Doodly! Well, if budget permits, I'd go with the D7000 - a $500USD difference (D7000 - body only).

When I was using my 50mm f/1.8 with the D40x, I quickly got used to focusing manually but it does make a difference when the camera does the the focusing for you; there's one less thing to worry about. I also use the 50mm prime lens with my D80 and D300s and it's quite fast

Other than a missing in-body focus drive, the D3100 is a fantastic camera! It's a great everyday camera to carry around everywhere. The D7000 is really tempting though, I must admit...

Any1 have any recommendations for me, I'm considering both the D3100 and D7000 but am worried that the lack of an autofocus motor in the body of the 3100 will bother me, this is my first DSLR so havent tried my hands at autofocusing yet, but on a lens likethe 50mm 1.8 I wold need to bcuz i wouldn't want to put in the extra money for AF-S, so is manual focusing tough? would you recommend the D3100, D90 or D7k .. I have the money to spend if need be, but i'd rather onlyspend what i must :) so lemme kno what u think, btw thezstation nice shots @ 1600ISO

I just got mine a couple of weeks ago on account of my old D40x was could not be fixed any longer. It's a good thing I bought the 4year extended damage warranty when I bought it at Best Buy almost 4 years ago. My D40x was my best friend. Got some great shots with it. As much as I miss it, I'm glad I got the D3100! The high ISO images are stunning! My old D40x and D80 can't get that much detail, clarity, & vivid colours at ISO1600! - and going at 60MPH!

Samples:
Seattle Night Skyline @ 60mph (Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR lens)-

Space Needle Cascade Sunset (Nikon 55-200mm f/4-5.6G VR lens) -

Testing ISO1600 (kit lens) -

I love the D3100! I can't believe I under estimated that camera. I've been so focused on the D7000 and the upcoming D400 & D800...

Let me know what you think!

Skoal!
~Z

I have to say my conclusion on the D3100 after having shot still and video it is a great small entry level camera but I would not use one much except for dangerous situations where I thought losing the camera and size were an issue. But it does make a great camera for me to recommend to others getting started that are very worried about cost. Later if their photographing matured they would want for higher level features. When the D5100 come out it will solve some of these problems. My personal purchase start at D7000 level. I do know if I owned a D5000 I sure would not think that the D3100 is in any way an upgrade. The video though is way better than the video on D5000. In fact I think the video on the D3100 is quite a bit better than the video on my own D90 (which at times is very useful, but never sharp enough).

Why sell the D5000 to get the D3100 unless you just want the video focusing? I don't think there is any quality gain to have by getting the D3100. Honestly the D5000 has more options then the D3100.

I have now photographed and taken video on the Nikon D3100. It is an amazing camera for the price. It's size is practically identical to my D40X but it is a way better camera. There are a number of features which have changed and are improvements. The way the images slide of the LCD alone is a surprise and very nice, the controls on the video mode are very changed and way better. The video on the D3100 is superior to the D90 by quite a bit. It is the single nicest camera at the price in the world. I would first try to get a 18-105VR lens instead of the 18-55VR for my own use but to get someone started this is a COMPLETE homerun!!

I went to best buy today. I would have picked it up but if I purchase online I do not need to pay tax. Feels pretty good. The 5000 may have felt a little stronger more pro like but overall I liked the 3100 and think it will be a great all around camera. Especially with the Nikon 18-105 lens.

You did well on your D5000 body. I myself am waiting to take photos with the D3100, not to buy but to see if I really should be recommending it to those who want a very good 35mm DSLR and not ready to take a deeper plunge. I'm going several hundred miles to a Best Buy that is supposed to have some.

Just sold the body of my d5000 for $435. Now I want to get the 3100. Anyone try it yet?