Nikon Coolpix 3100 review updated with results from full production model!
By
Dave Etchells
(Saturday, April 5, 2003 - 04:38 EST)
This is the "big brother" to the Coolpix 2100 that I just completed the review for.
Pretty much identical, except for a 3.2 megapixel sensor instead of the 2100's 2MP CCD. Image quality was nearly identical to that of the 2100, the main differences being higher resolution (no surprise there), and somewhat higher image noise, most visible in my low light test shots. - This is pretty much what you'd expect when looking at two CCDs with the same physical size but different pixel counts: The higher-resolution chip will invariably show more noise than the lower-res one, due to its smaller pixels. The noise level isn't too objectionable in the low light shots, and you probably won't notice it at all in brighter lighting, but I thought it wise to mention.
All in all though, the Coolpix 3100 is every bit as much of a nice package here for novice photographers on a budget as is the 2100. Unique features like its "scene assist" mode (that helps you frame your shots to take maximum advantage of the camera's preprogrammed scene exposure modes) make it easy for even rank beginners to bring back great-looking photos from what would otherwise be challenging situations.
Read my review for the full details and a complete set of test photos!
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