That is just the difference between your old system and new. The D3100 had only the back panel to share the information and you had to look there to see it. You also had to make a lot of your adjustments in the menus. With the D7100 or 7200, which is what I have, you do not need to do that. The window on top allows you to check your shot settings, and use the buttons to make adjustments.
It takes a little getting used to. I came from a D3200 and had to change the way I did things. But once you get used to it you will see it saves time. I shoot manual and a lot of times I only look in the view finder now and adjust for the next shot.
It is just part of learning a new system, and in time you find that it is much faster and easier.