New D3100 user having issues!

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miked3100

New member
Hey everyone, thanks for having me on the site, As of yesterday, I just purchased the Nikon D3100. This is my first time owning a dlsr camera, so everything seems to be in Greek when it comes to using this camera.. So I snapped a few pics yesterday and a video. I wanted to upload them to my mac. I'm using an I-Mac. When I plugged in the usb to the Mac..... nothing happened. (do I need to install the disc that came with the D3100??)

Next question; my main goal while having this camera is to shoot action sports videos and photos, (bmxing skateboarding etc...) What is the best way to shoot video with the D3100 setting wise?? and photos as well...

Also, if there are any other tips anyone has for this camera, please just post it because it can only help. I'm looking to get the most out of this camera. Thank you.
 
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fotojack

Senior Member
Hi Mike. Welcome to Nikonites. Congrats on the new camera. Yes..........install the cd that came with it to your computer. The camera has to know who it's talking to. :) Your camera comes with default settings so you can start taking pictures right away. Leave it there while you read the manual for setting suggestions. It would just take too long to list all the setting required for different shooting situations. It will mostly be a learning curve for you as you try different settings later on. Just take it slow, don't rush it, practice practice and practice some more. You won't learn everything overnight, bud. :) The idea is to have fun with this. Read what others are doing with their D3100's. Eventually, before you know it, you WILL get the hang of it. Seriously.........read the manual, a bit at a time (as you need it). Happy clicking. :)
 
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miked3100

New member
fotojack said:
Hi Mike. Welcome to Nikonites. Congrats on the new camera. Yes..........install the cd that came with it to your computer. The camera has to know who it's talking to. :) Your camera comes with default settings so you can start taking pictures right away. Leave it there while you read the manual for setting suggestions. It would just take too long to list all the setting required for different shooting situations. It will mostly be a learning curve for you as you try different settings later on. Just take it slow, don't rush it, practice practice and practice some more. You won't learn everything overnight, bud. :) The idea is to have fun with this. Read what others are doing with their D3100's. Eventually, before you know it, you WILL get the hang of it. Seriously.........read the manual, a bit at a time (as you need it). Happy clicking. :)
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Thank you very much for taking the time to let me know, one other question, so it seems as ive looked through what ppl have said about the video on the d3100 is a common noise of the af or focusing while taking video, is there a way i can connect an extrenal mic to my camera, i looked but didnt see a port that said mic? thanks again
 
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fotojack

Senior Member
miked3100 said:
Thank you very much for taking the time to let me know. One other question: it seems as I've looked through what people have said about the video on the D3100 is a common noise of the AF or focusing while taking video. Is there a way I can connect an external mic to my camera? I've looked but didn't see a port that said mic. Thanks again.
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Taking the time to answer questions is no trouble at all. It's what I do. :)
As for the mic thing, I've heard the same complaint from D3100 owners. That's a question another D3100 owner will have to answer, though, as I don't own one myself.

As a side note here; there's no rush in typing your questions to the forum. Take the time to check your spelling before you hit the Reply key. :) We'll still be here when you finish. :) Makes it easier for everyone to be able to read it. :)
 
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PavementPilot

New member
Welcome to the board. The video recording capabilities of the D3100 are good, but not great. Sports action may be pushing its ability too far. You will find that you will get jello legs and pan smear. You will get some lens focus noise, as the mike is set right beside the lens. If you are looking for studio quality sound for your video, you will be disappointed. If you are looking at just recording the moment or event and can live with some sound, you will be happy.

Set the focus to AF-C for sports action stills. This will keep the lens focusing constantly for better focus, and set to S mode for shutter priority. I do not suggest using the Auto ISO setting, as it has a tendency to be funky at times. I would set to 100 outdoors sun, and 200 for cloudy, and 800 for indoor. Experiment from there.
 
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