Nikon D3100 is a new DSLR camera from the company. It is the most user-friendly SLR model aimed at those who want to get high-quality photos without much effort. It succeeds the D3000 camera and would be a perfect DSLR for the whole family.

The camera features 14.2-megapixel SMOS sensor, 3-inch LCD screen, Live View shooting and full High Definition (HD) video capture. It offers an array of creative automatic functions alongside with manual exposure controls. There’s also a Guide Mode that will help you learn how to get exactly what you want.

The D3100 offers the Scene Auto Selector and Scene Recognition functions to identify the scene being shot and select the most appropriate setting for it. The Active D-Lighting function, in its turn, provides for evenly exposed light and shade areas. You can also choose from lots of photo effects and pre-set scenes stored in the camera.

The camera’s Face Detection feature can detect up to 35 faces in a frame and optimize focus and exposure for them. The 11-point autofocus system ensures quick and precise focusing while AF tracking function helps keep moving subjects in focus.

The camera utilizes the effective dual integrated Dust Reduction System that includes Image Sensor Cleaning and Airflow Control systems to protect the sensor from dust and ensure clear spotless images.

Nikon D3100 - Specifications:

• 23.1 x 15.4 mm CMOS Sensor
• 14.2 Megapixels
• Optical Viewfinder: Pentamirror, 18 mm Eye OPoint, 95% Frame Coverage, Dioptre Adjustment
• 3.0″ TFT LCD Monitor with 230,000 pixels
• 11 area TTL phase detection Autofocus
• AF Area mode: Single, Dynamic, Auto, 3D Tracking (11 points) Closest Subject Priority Dynamic
• Focus tracking
• Metering: Matrix, Center-weighted, Spot
• Sensitivity: ISO 100 - 12800
• Shutter Speed: 30 to 1/4000 sec, Bulb
• Exposure Modes: Programmed auto (P), Shutter-priority (S), Aperture priority, (A) Manual (M), GUIDE mode
• Scene Modes: Portrait, Landscape, Child, Sports, Close up, Night portrait
• Easy Operation Modes: Auto, No flash, Distant subjects, Close ups, Sleeping faces, Moving subjects, Landscapes, Portraits, Night portrait
• Advanced Auto Modes: Soften backgrounds, Bring more into focus, Freeze motion (for people or vehicles), Show water flowing
• Movie Mode: 1920 x 1080 24p Full HD; MOV, H.264
• SD / SD HC / SDXC Memory Cards
• Nikon F Lens Mount
• Price (Body + 18-55mm VR Lens): US $699

Alongside with the A390 model Sony has launched the new DSLR-A290 camera. Both of them belong to the company’s line-up of low-end entry-level cameras. The A290 features the same 14.2 megapixels of resolution, CCD image sensor and 2.7-inch tilt LCD monitor.

The camera doesn’t have a Live view system seen in the A390, that’s why it is more affordable and comes at nearly $500.

The camera is ideal for first-time users as it has a friendly on-screen Help Guide and Graphic Display, which helps newbies get acquainted with camera settings and understand the relation between shutter speed and aperture.

At the same time, the A290 is a nice step-up from compacts in terms of picture quality and creative options. It has all the necessary manual controls, as well as offer fully automatic shooting and 7 pre-set scene modes. There’s also sensor-shift image stabilization to minimize blurring caused by camera shake.

The camera includes a mini-HDMI terminal for direct connection to any HD Ready TV (requires optional cable), supports PhotoTV HD, as well as BRAVIA™ Sync. It comes in a stylish body with new grip design and revised button layout and will be available already this summer.

Sony Alpha 290 – Specifications:

• 14.2 Megapixels
• 23.5 x 15.7 mm CCD sensor
• Maximum Image Size: 4592 x 3056
• File Format: JPEG (Fine, Normal), RAW, RAW + JPEG
• Sensor shake system
• Static-free anti-dust coating
• Viewfinder: Pentamirror type, 95% Frame coverage
• 2.7″ tilting TFT LCD Monitor with 230,400 dots
• 9-point Autofocus
• AF modes: Single-shot, Automatic, Continuous AF
• SteadyShot in-camera stabilization
• Exposure mode s: Auto, Programmed (P), Shutter-priority (S), Aperture priority, (A) Manual (M), Scenes (7)
• Metering: Multi-pattern metering; 40 Segment, Center weighted, Spot
• Sensitivity: ISO 100-3200
• Shutter Speed: 30 to 1/4000 sec
• D-Range Optimizer
• Continuous shooting: 2.5 fps
• Dimensions: 128.1 x 97.1 x 79.6 mm
• Weight: 456 g

Sony has released the new DSLR-A390 to replace their A380 previous model. The new camera features 14.2 megapixels of resolution, CCD image sensor and 2.7-inch tilt LCD monitor with the company’s fast liveview system.

The A390 features the sensor-shift image stabilization seen in the A380 to minimize blurring caused by camera shake.

The camera is ideal for first-time users as it has a friendly on-screen Help Guide and Graphic Display, which helps newbies get acquainted with camera settings and understand the relation between shutter speed and aperture.

At the same time, the A390 is a nice step-up from compacts in terms of picture quality and creative options. It has all the necessary manual controls, as well as offer fully automatic shooting and 7 pre-set scene modes.

The camera includes a mini-HDMI terminal for direct connection to any HD Ready TV (requires optional cable), supports PhotoTV HD, as well as BRAVIA™ Sync. It comes in a stylish body with new grip design and revised button layout and will be available already this summer for approximately $600.

Sony DSLR-A390 – Specifications:

• 14.2 Megapixels
• 23.5 x 15.7 mm CCD sensor
• Maximum Image Size: 4592 x 3056
• File Format: JPEG (Fine, Normal), RAW, RAW + JPEG
• Sensor shake system
• Static-free anti-dust coating
• Viewfinder: Pentamirror type, 95% Frame coverage
• 2.7″ tilting TFT LCD Monitor with 230,400 dots
• Live View: 1200-Zone Evaluative Metering, 90% Frame Coverage
• 9-point Autofocus
• AF modes: Single-shot, Automatic, Continuous AF
• SteadyShot in-camera stabilization
• Exposure mode s: Auto, Programmed (P), Shutter-priority (S), Aperture priority, (A) Manual (M)
• 7 Scene Modes
• Metering: Multi-pattern metering; 40 Segment, Center weighted, Spot
• Sensitivity: ISO 100-3200
• Shutter Speed: 30 to 1/4000 sec
• D-Range Optimizer
• Continuous shooting: 2.5 fps
• Dimensions: 128.1 x 97.1 x 83.5mm
• Weight: 497 g