I picked up a D3100 today and ran a few tests. Unfortunately, LR3 cannot process the RAW files at this time, so I had to shoot in JPEG. I already have a D700 and wanted a small backup camera to use as a walk around. For the price, the D3100 is a sweet little camera. I attached a JPEG at ISO 1600 with the 35 1.8G lens. I am super impressed with the JPEG quality.
I cannot wait until I can process the RAW files, as those will be even better!
While the D3100 is compact, the added grip feels solid. The image quality is far superior to the D3000. I would even say that the D3100 has about a stop advantage in noise than the D90 after initial testing (and the D90 was no slouch!). The AF is pretty snappy and the layout is very similar to the D3000. Of course, the D3100 cannot AF with non AF-S lenses, so take that into consideration. Overall, after initial testing, I am extremely pleased with this camera. It has excellent image quality in a compact and affordable package!
I am still in the process of testing the 1080p video with AF
Not bad, not bad at all, especially if that's JPEG SOOC.
If you want to do RAW, just use Adobe's DNG converter. It should be able to go through the RAWs and convert to DNG, then you can import into LR3. PITA I know, but you can get the "RAW" experience before Adobe updates LR3.
Jeebus-- My D700 would have a really hard time competing with this. It's no worse, but I don't know if it's appreciably better.
What I really would like to see (both from the D3100 and D7000) are situations that reveal a sensor's true capabilities and shortcomings, like concert photography. Show me crazy lights and a lot of contrasting light and darkness.
A year to go until the D4 and we're already seeing hints of it.
