Nikon D3100 Photo Settings: A Beginner’s Guide

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The quick answer

For Nikon D3100 photo settings, I start with Standard Picture Control, Auto white balance and matrix metering. I shoot NEF (RAW) when I plan to edit, and I recommend JPEG Fine with Large image size for photos that are easy to share.

Start at a low ISO when the light allows, use single-point autofocus for a stationary subject, and adjust for the scene. These are starting points, not settings that guarantee a good photo in every situation.

Watch my Nikon D3100 photo settings walkthrough on YouTube

In this guide: Starting settings | RAW and JPEG | Color and white balance | ISO | Focus | FAQs

Nikon D3100 photo settings to start with

Press MENU and open the Shooting menu, marked with a camera icon. Here is the setup I discuss in the video:

• Picture Control: Standard.
• Image quality: NEF (RAW) for editing, JPEG Fine for sharing, or NEF (RAW) + JPEG Fine for both.
• Image size: Large when shooting JPEG only.
• White balance: Auto.
• ISO: Start around 100 to 400 when light permits; raise it when needed.
• Active D-Lighting: Off for my editing workflow; compare On for difficult contrast.
• Auto distortion control: On when available with a compatible lens.
• Color space: sRGB for an uncomplicated sharing workflow.
• Noise reduction: Off for my editing workflow.
• Viewfinder AF-area mode: Single-point for a still subject; try 3D-tracking for movement.
• Metering: Matrix.
• Built-in flash: TTL if using the flash.

Menu availability depends on the exposure mode, lens and other settings. You do not need to reset the camera to follow this guide.

Choose RAW, JPEG or both

I shoot NEF (RAW) because I import my photos into Lightroom and edit them. RAW gives me more room to adjust things such as color and white balance, but files take more space and need compatible software for processing.

For photos you want to share straight from the camera, choose JPEG Fine. It produces a processed image that is easier to send or post. In the Image size menu, I recommend Large for the full 4,608 × 3,072-pixel JPEG. Medium and Small are options if saving space matters more than the full dimensions.

NEF (RAW) + JPEG Fine saves both files for each shot, using more card space. On the D3100 the Image size choice does not change the dimensions of NEF or NEF + JPEG images; the JPEG paired with RAW is recorded at Large size. That explains why the size setting can be unavailable when you select RAW.

Picture Control and white balance

I use Standard Picture Control for a natural starting look. Vivid adds more punch, Neutral is more subdued, and Monochrome gives a black-and-white rendering. Try them on the same scene to see what you prefer for JPEGs.

I leave white balance on Auto in the D3100 video. It works well for my photos, and my RAW workflow lets me adjust the color later. Auto is a useful starting point for JPEGs too, but check the result under unusual or mixed lighting because large color corrections are less flexible afterward.

Set ISO for the light

I like ISO 100, 200 or 400 when there is enough light. Higher ISO can make noise more visible, but a blurry or badly underexposed photo is not the goal either. Raise ISO when you need a shutter speed fast enough for your subject and a usable exposure.

Check the photo at a useful viewing size instead of treating ISO 400 as a hard limit. Indoor light, moving subjects and longer lenses can require a higher setting.

Active D-Lighting, distortion and noise reduction

I leave Active D-Lighting off for my RAW editing workflow. If you shoot JPEGs in a scene with bright highlights and deep shadows, try On and compare the result. Unlike a simple removable filter, Active D-Lighting can affect the exposure the camera chooses, including for a RAW capture.

I recommend enabling Auto distortion control when it is available for your lens. It corrects certain geometric distortion, such as curved lines; it is not a general fix for dark corners. The option was grayed out with the lens in my video, so check your own setup.

I keep Noise reduction off and handle noise in editing. If you prefer JPEGs straight from the camera, try it on at higher ISO and compare both the grain and fine detail. Smoothing can make an image look softer.

Choose the focus area

I usually use the viewfinder for photos and switch between single-point AF and 3D-tracking. Single-point lets you choose a focus point and put it on your subject, which is a good place to start for someone sitting still or an object that is not moving.

Try 3D-tracking for a moving subject, but check that your focus mode and exposure mode make it available and review the result. In Live View, face-priority AF can help when photographing people; it still needs a check that the intended face is sharp.

I turn the AF-assist illuminator off because I find it distracting. It can help the camera focus in some low-light situations, so leave it on if it helps you. Adding light or carefully focusing manually are other options.

Metering and the built-in flash

I use matrix metering as an everyday starting point. It considers a broad area of the scene, but strong backlighting or dark backgrounds can still fool the camera. Review your exposure and adjust exposure compensation where the selected mode permits it.

I usually avoid the built-in flash because I find its direct light can look harsh. If you do use it, TTL lets the camera control flash output automatically; review the result and adjust your approach as needed.

For video, see my separate Nikon D3100 video settings tutorial. If a menu option is confusing, highlight it and hold the camera's ? button for help.

Frequently asked questions

Should I shoot RAW or JPEG on the Nikon D3100?

Choose RAW if you want flexibility in editing. JPEG Fine is convenient for sharing, and NEF (RAW) + JPEG Fine saves both at the cost of more storage.

Why is Image size grayed out?

NEF files are recorded at full size, and the JPEG paired with NEF is Large. Choose a JPEG-only quality setting if you want to select a different JPEG size.

What ISO should I use indoors?

Start as low as the light allows, then raise ISO when needed for a usable exposure and a shutter speed that keeps your subject sharp. A higher-ISO photo can be more useful than a blurry low-ISO one.

Why is Auto distortion control unavailable?

Check the lens and camera settings. In my walkthrough the option was grayed out because the attached lens was not compatible with that correction.

My verdict

Start with the file format that matches your workflow, Auto white balance and matrix metering. Then concentrate on focus and exposure, changing settings as the light and subject demand.

Keep reading

• My Nikon D3100 review
• Where to buy used cameras: KEH vs eBay vs MPB

Watch more camera tutorials on FoxTailWhipz on YouTube.