Nikon Coolpix 3100 Review: Page 2

Controls and Scene Modes

On the top of the camera is the main control dial and the on/off switch. The main control dial allows you to select the desired mode. The available modes are: Setup, Movie, Manual Record, Auto, Scene, Portrait, Landscape, Sports and Night Portrait.

Multiselector Button
The multi selector on the back of the camera is used to navigate through the camera menus.

• Push the selector up: Moves cursor displayed on cameras LCD up
• Push selector to the left: Cancel, and return to previous menu, or move cursor left
• Push selector to the right: Makes selection or moves cursor right
• Push selector down: Moves cursor down

14 Scene Modes and Scene Assistance function
The general-purpose Auto Mode and 14 Scene Modes offer users flexibility and creative control. Just select the mode appropriate to the scene you are taking a picture of, and the Coolpix 3100 will handle all the adjustments automatically.

Each of 14 Scene Modes automatically controls exposure, focus, white balance, and other settings for optimal results based on conditions in the scene.

Four of the Scene Modes (selected by turning the mode dial on top of the camera to the icon representing the desired mode) have a Scene Assistance function that optimizes picture composition, focus and exposure, through a fast and easy process.

The Four Scene Assist Modes

Portrait Assist Mode can be selected for portraits in which the main subject stands out clearly while the background details are softened. A framing assist menu helps you frame off-center subjects and compose horizontal or vertical shots and two person portraits.

The Portrait Assist menu options include;

• Portrait: No guides are displayed in the monitor. Camera focuses on subject in the centre of the frame. Focus lock can be used to focus on off-center subjects.

• Portrait right: Used to compose images wih the subject centered in the right half of the frame. The camera will focus on the subject outlined in the framing guide displayed on the cameras monitor.

• Portrait left: Used to compose shots with the subject centered in the left half of the frame. The camera will focus on the subject outlined in the framing guide.

• Portrait couple: Camera will focus on closest subject.

• Portrait close-up: Used to compose shots wih your subject's face positioned in the top half of the frame. The camera will focus in the face area outlined in the frame guide displayed on the LCD monitor.

• Portrait figure: Used to compose vertical portrait shots wih your subject's face positioned in the top half of the frame. The camera will focus in the face area outlined in the vertical frame guide displayed on the LCD monitor.

Landscape Assist Mode: A framing assist menu helps the user frame natural landscapes, cityscapes and portrait shots featuring a landmark in the background. The menu options include;

• Landscape: No guides are displayed in the monitor. Used to focus on distant subjects through foreground objects such as windows or a screen or branches. Focus is fixed at infinity.

• Scenic View: Used to compose landscapes with sky in the top third of the frame, distant object in the middle third, and closer object in the bottom third. Match top of skyline with wavy yellow guide displayed on the LCD monitor.

• Architecture: Used to photograph buildings. A fgrid overlay is displayed in the monitor to help keep verticals and horizontals aligned in the frame (similar to Nikon F80 and D100 SLR feature).

• Group right: Used to compose portraits with portrait subjects to right and landmark or other object in background at left of frame. Both portrait subjects and background object will be in focus.

• Group left: Used to compose portraits wih subjects to left and the landmark or other object in background at the right of the frame. Both portrait subjects and background object will be in focus.

Sports Assist Mode: Used for action shots that capture moving subjects. The assist menu lets the user 'freeze' the action in a single shot or record motion in a series of pictures. The menu options include;

• Sports: While the shutter release button is held down, pictures are recorded at a rate of about 3 frames every 2 seconds. Focus, exposure, and white balance are determined by the first shot in each series. Camera focuses continuously, even when shutter release button is not pressed.

• Sport spectator: Shutter release button can be pressed in one motion without pausing haway to check focus. Can be used at ranges of 3m (9'10") or more when the subject is moving unpredictably, leaving no time to compose pictures. Camera focuses continuously, even when shutter release button is not pressed.

• Sport composite: Each time shutter release button is pressed, the camera takes 16 shots in about two seconds and arranges them in four rows to form a single picture. Focus, exposure, and white balance are determined by the first shot in each series.

Night Portait Assist Mode: Used for taking portrait shots at night, when it provides a natural balance between the main subject and the background. Pictures taken at slow shutter speeds are adjusted to improve image quality, slightly increasing processing time. When using this feature it is best to mount the camera on a tripod or rest it on a flat stable surface to prevent blurring. The same selection options are available as in the standard portrait assist menu. (Portait, Portrait right, Portrait left etc.)

The 10 Standard Scene Modes

The 'Scene' Mode on the Coolpix 3100 (selected by rotating the mode dial on top of the camera to "SCENE") offers a menu of ten 'scenes', each corresponding to a common situation, such as a backlit subject, sunset, or interior shot.

The camera settings are automatically adjusted to suit the selected scene, sparing the user the necessity of adjusting each setting separately. The ten 'scene' modes that can be selected from the menu include;

Party/Indoor
Captures the details of dimly lit scenes. The Speedlight fires automatically (with red-eye reduction mode) in extremely low-light situations.

Beach/Snow
Vividly captures the brightness of subjects such as snowy fields, beaches and sunlit water surfaces.

Landscape
Captures distant scenes with exceptional sharpness and clarity.

Sunset
Captures the natural beauty of sunsets.

Night Landscape
Employs slow shutter speeds to capture stunning night landscapes.

Museum*
Produces clear indoor pictures without triggering the flash.

* Note: In some museums and exhibitions, photography is prohibited, even without flash. Be sure to obtain permission before taking any pictures.

Fireworks Show
Priority is given to rapid-reaction shutter release to capture fireworks at the ideal moment.

Close Up
Takes up-close pictures (up to 4cm/1.6 in.) with an artistically blurred background.

Copy
Renders clear black and white reproductions of text or drawings from a whiteboard or printed matter.

Back Light
Fires the flash automatically to brighten areas of interest that are darkened by shadows cast by light originating from behind the subject.