Nikon D3100 to get special launch day

Nikon's entry-level D3100 DSLR should arrive by August 19, leaked info suggested today. Following a previous leak, it's now believed the camera will be unveiled at or near midnight Eastern time on August 19. Four lenses would accompany it if Nikon Rumors is true.

The D3100 is believed to not only catch up to the features of the D5000 and D90 but to overtake both of them in some areas, even with a lower price. It may have a CMOS sensor instead of the less powerful CCD and would use continuous autofocusing whenever it needs a live view, such as in movie capture. Video itself may scale up to 1080p, and it would have at least the 11-point AF system of the D90. The lenses would involve an 85mm f1.4 prime, a 24-120mm f4 zoom, an 55-300mm f4.5-5.6 telephoto and an 18-200mm f3.5-5.6 intended for full-frame cameras like the D700.

Just two days before, Nikon is expected to update its Coolpix point-and-shoot cameras.

By Electronista Staff