The rumors were not too far off: Nikon launch the D3100 with the 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6G VR.

Again, as predicted by Nikon Rumors, today Nikon launched its new entry level D3100 DSLR with almost exactly the same core specs as rumored, including the fact that it features a 14,2 Mp. CMOS sensor instead of CCD, making it Nikon's first entry-level with a CMOS chip.
It also has standard 100-3.200 ISO, expandible to 12.800 (+2 EV).

In addition, it is the world's first DSLR with continous AF in both live-view and movie mode, as well as the first Nikon DSLR to shoot full-hd 1080p videos, with a maximum length of no less than 10 minutes.
The surprise for me, however, is that the D3100 includes GPS support, a novelty in entry level DSLR's and a feature which is – coincidentally – generously supported in the new Nikon View NX2 software with its outstanding Google Maps integration.

Key features:
• 14.2 Megapixel DX-format CMOS Image Sensor. This is the first entry-level Nikon DSLR with CMOS, not CCD.
• 1080p/24, 720p/30 (full)-HD video with full-time autofocus and (mono) sound.  Max. duration: 10 min.
• AF: Nikon Multi-CAM 1000 with TTL phase detection, 11 points. AF-modes: AF-S, AF-C, AF-A, MF. Face-priority, wide - & normal area, 3D subject-tracking
• 3-inch 230 K-dot monitor with one-touch live-view shooting and movie capture
• EXPEED-2 image processing engine
• Standard ISO sensitivity: 100-3.200, expandable to ISO 6.400 (hi-1) and 12.800 (Hi-2)
• Shutter speed: 1/4000 - 30 sec. in steps of 1/3 or 1/2 EV + bulb
• Metering: 3D color matrix metering II (G and D lenses); color matrix metering II (other CPU lenses), center-weighted, spot. AI and AI-S manual focus lenses can be mounted, but do not meter.
• Frame advance rate: up to 3 fps. (frames per second)
• Built-in CLS compatible pop-up flash with commander mode.
GN: 39/12. Flash sync: up to 1/200 sec.
• Compatible Speedlights: SB-400, SB-600, SB-800 and SB-900 with auto-zoom and auto aperture (i-TTL balanced fill-flash and standard i-TTL flash for digital)
Non-TTL auto: SB-900, SB-800, SB-80DX, SB-28DX, SB-28, SB-27 and SB-22S
• File Formats: NEF (RAW), JPEG, NEF+JPEG
• 6 Scene modes, Scene Recognition System
• Active D-Lighting
• Automatic sensor cleaning with air-flow control
• In-camera image editing
• GPS support!! (sometimes they listen to us...)

• Nikon Guide Mode with intuitive controls and on-board assistance with photographic examples
• HDMI output: type C mini-pin HDMI connector
• Kit lens: AF-S DX 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6G VR
• Storage: SD, SDHC, SDXC
• RAW supported in View NX2
• Weight: 455 g (16 oz.), body alone.
• Battery: EN-EL14
• Included software: Nikon View NX2
• ESP: $ 699.95

Dpreview D3100 in-depth review
For the product brochure, click here
For more information, visit the Nikon USA D3100 page
About the new Nikon D3100, a Nikon news page, contains more interesting insights about this new camera.
D3100 ISO 1600 & 3200 samples
DxO Mark Sensor Score: 67, Ranking 33
The Nikon D3100 is supported in Adobe Camera RAW (ACR) since version 6.3 (CS5 ONLY). If you don't have the lastest version of Photoshop, you might want to get the DNG Converter v.6.3 instead.
For more information, take a look at this article.

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