If youve always fancided a DSLR camera but youve felt a little daunted by the amount of controls then the D3100 is the camera for you. Nikon have designed this with ease of use in mind. To this end it features a very clever and very comprehensive Intelligent Guide mode. Select this and the camera guides you along the process of taking photos. When you want to become more creative it features all the usual shooting modes including full manual for those who have gotten to grips with the camera.While the D3100 does feature quite a few buttons most of the time youll use the large 3 screen to adjust the camera. It also has Liveview which allows you to use the screen rather than the viewfinder to compose your images. This can be easpecially handy when light is low. An 11 point autofocus system and Nikons Expeed 2 processor let you snap away without a care in the world. As mentioned the Intelligent Guide mode along with multiple scene settings, a Picture Control System and extensive image retouching within the camera make it perfect for the first time user.When you do get up and running youll be delighted with the D3100. A 14.2 megapixel sensor lets you take highly detailed photos which will look perfect on your computer or fantastic if you decide to print and frame them. High ISO sensitivity up to 3200 expandable to 12800 means you can take detailed images with minimal noise in low light situations. Battery life is good for about 550 images assuming you use flash 50 of the time which is quite astonishing.When you tire of taking photos how could you the D3100 lets you capture video in glorious full HD. Unlike some other DSLR cameras this baby has full autofocus while shooting video which makes life an awful lot easier.Unlike a lot of other entry level cameras the 1855mm and 55200mm lens that ships with the camera are image stabilised. This reduces the chance of blurry images and is perfect for fast moving images such as snapping the kids, motorsport and anything else you can think of. Again unlike most other kit lens the 1855mm and 55200mm are actually very good and should meet most peoples needs.One of the biggest problems a digital photographer faces is dirt on the sensor. In the past you had to wet clean the sensor and it was possible to do this incorrectly and damage the camera. Thankfully though this is a thing of the past as the D3100 automatically cleans its sensor on startup and shut down. It also uses a very clever airflow system that attracts any stray particles of dust or dirt to a special sticky pad located near the sensor.As youd expect with a DSLR the D3100 supports many addons. As you grow in confidence you can add new lenses, dedicated flash units, remote controls and more. As you increase your abilities the camera can grow with you.FeaturesIncredibly easy to use thanks to the Intelligent Guide mode11 Point autofocus system and speedy Nikon Expeed 2 image processorMultiple scene modes, Picture Control SystemRecord full HD video with continual autofocus14.2 Megapixel sensor lets you take highly detailed imagesLarge 3 display supports LiveviewHigh 3200 ISO expandable to 12800 sensitivity lets you take detailed images in low lightHigh quality 1855mm and 55200mm image stabilised lens includedStunning battery life. Up to 550 images per charge assuming 50 flash useSelf cleaning works on startup and shut down. Nikon airflow system attracts dust particles away from the sensorHDMI output for connection to a compatible television