Just posted! Our full in-depth review of Nikon’s entry-level zoom Coolpix 3100. This three megapixel three times optical zoom digital camera was announced at PMA earlier this year and is aimed at beginners or those on a budget, it’s pocket sized proportions and cute rounded styling make it a great go anywhere camera which won’t break the bank. Read the full review to see how the Coolpix 3100 performed in our tests.
I would personally advise against purchasing a Nikon Coolpix 3100: It runs on one really expensive, non-rechargable, CR-V3 battery. You of course have the option of purchasing seperately rechargable NiMH AA batteries, but at the $299 price range, a digital camera should include a rechargable Lithium Ion battery.
Using non-rechargable CR-V3’s is a recent trend that doesn’t make me very happy. It screws the consumer while allowing the manufacturer to lower the all-important price point another few bucks. A single CR-V3 battery can cost over $15 here in Washington, DC. For $15 you can get anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour or so of usage.
It’s not just Nikon. Some recent models that I’ve seen from Samsung, Olympus (they make one that requires TWO CR-V3’s!), Kodak, Pentax, and others use this non-rechargable battery.
Make it stop.