Beginner's help question.

Hi all, new here.
I am in the market for a new camera and am thinking about getting the D3100. However, one thing puzzles me in an area that I know nothing about. I hope someone can help?
Basically, one thing I want to do is try and do portraits in a home studio environment with 1 strobe light and large softbox attached.
My question is: what sort of device do I need to attach to the camera and strobe so that it flashes wirelessly? And does it connect to the hot shoe and back of the strobe, or is this something the D3100 can’t do?
If so, I am willing to get the D90 or D5100, but really would like to do this if possible with the D3100.
Many thanks.

For your application, I would advice you to go with the D90. It does come with the flash Commander function. This will allow you to control a remote flash with the camera. Plus it's a great camera that will allow you to use lenses with the screw focus (AFD I think).

If you buy the D3100, you will need to buy the SU-800 commander unit as well, unless you want to go with wireless radio triggers. The body and commander total the same price as the 5100 or 90.

The 3100 with radio triggers and non Nikon flashes is a cheaper way to go, but you will not have the CLS.

Oh I see.

If I bought 2 x sb-700 or 2 x sb-900, put one of them on the hotshoe and the other on a stand, would the one on the hotshoe fire off the other?

Yup, that would work, as the 700, 800, and 900 will work as commander. I use a 700 on camera or off with an SC-28 cable and the 600 as slave.

Hi Pavement Pilot.

Thanks for the help. Could you break that down for me, I am following, just not quite understanding everything.

The SB 700, 800 and 900 can be put into Commander (master) mode and it controls the slave (remote) flashes (600, 700, 800, 900). You can remove the commander flash from the body and have it off camera too if you use an iTTL cord, such as the SC-28. I currently have a 3 meter SC-28 and am looking into getting a 10 meter one as well.

Thanks PP I got it now....

That actually sets my mind a rest because where I am (the UK) a leading company told me that can't be done. They said every other camera in the Nikon line up can do it but not the D3100. Go figure......

I love the Creative Lighting System (CLS) on the Nikon. I have reservations about using the radio triggers, as you need to manually set each flash, and in changing light, that would mean missed shots, or incorrect exposure. I would go Pocket Wizard or Radio Popper in the future if I see a need for longer range flash settings. I am on the hunt for a deal on an SU-800, if one every presents itself, and the funds are available.