Nikon D3100 Video Settings: A Beginner’s Guide

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The quick answer

For Nikon D3100 video settings, I recommend starting with 1920 × 1080 at 24 fps, Auto white balance and Wide-area autofocus. Turn sound on if you want the camera to record audio, and give your scene plenty of light.

The D3100 can make good-looking Full HD footage, but it gives you limited control over movie exposure. Shutter speed, aperture and sensitivity are largely handled automatically during recording, so do not expect the same manual control you have for still photos.

Watch the full D3100 video settings tutorial and test footage on YouTube

Jump to: Starting settings | Resolution and sound | Light and exposure | Autofocus | Recording | FAQs

My Nikon D3100 video settings

Press MENU and select the Shooting menu, marked with a camera icon. These are the starting choices I walk through in the video:

• Movie settings → Quality: 1920 × 1080; 24 fps.
• Movie settings → Sound: On if you want in-camera sound.
• White balance: Auto for a straightforward starting point.
• AF-area mode → Live view/movie: Wide-area AF, or try Face-priority AF for a person.
• Light: Add light when needed and check your actual footage.

In the walkthrough I also leave auto distortion control and noise reduction off and use matrix metering. Those menu choices should not be confused with having independent manual control over every movie exposure setting. The important thing is to make a short test recording and review the result.

Set movie quality and sound

In the Shooting menu, open Movie settings, then choose Quality → 1920 × 1080; 24 fps. This is the D3100’s Full HD option and my choice in the tutorial for a cinematic frame rate. Nikon specifies the actual rate as 23.976 fps.

The camera also offers 720p settings, including a higher frame rate, but I prefer Full HD for the resolution. If your project needs a different frame rate, look at the available options and decide whether that tradeoff makes sense.

Under Movie settings → Sound, I leave sound on. Even if I plan to replace or mute it during editing, having the original audio can be useful. Turn it off only when you know you do not need the camera’s audio. Make a test clip and listen back before recording anything important.

White balance, light and automatic exposure

I recommend Auto white balance for beginners because it adjusts to the lighting without another setting to manage. If the colors look too warm or cool, try a white balance preset that matches the scene and compare short clips. Keep an eye on changing colors if the light changes during a shot.

In my video I suggest keeping ISO low and adding light when possible. There is an important distinction here: the D3100 controls movie exposure largely automatically, so the ISO number you select for still photography is not a reliable promise that the video will stay at that value. More light is a practical way to help the camera, but always check the recorded clip for brightness and noise.

Likewise, do not assume a shutter speed or aperture selected for photos will remain fixed throughout a movie. This automatic behavior makes the camera approachable, but it can be frustrating if you want precise, consistent exposure.

Choose an autofocus area for video

In AF-area mode, choose the option for Live view/movie. I use Wide-area AF as a versatile starting point. It gives you a larger focus area to position over the subject; it does not guarantee that everything in the frame will be sharp.

If you are filming someone, try Face-priority AF instead. It is designed to detect a face and give it priority. Either way, watch the screen and check a test recording: autofocus can choose the wrong subject or change focus when you do not want it to.

For a controlled shot, you can also use manual focus and check the subject before recording. The best choice depends on whether the subject moves and whether you can keep an eye on focus.

How to start recording

1. Set Movie settings to your chosen quality and sound option.
2. Use the live view lever to show the scene on the rear screen and frame your shot.
3. Focus on the subject, check the light and make sure the microphone is unobstructed if recording sound.
4. Press the movie-record button to start, then press it again to stop.
5. Play the clip back and check focus, brightness and audio before moving on.

The D3100 records individual movie clips up to 10 minutes or 4 GB, whichever limit is reached first. Recording may stop sooner depending on the card and conditions, so plan longer takes accordingly.

Frequently asked questions

Can the Nikon D3100 record 1080p video?

Yes. Choose 1920 × 1080; 24 fps in Movie settings → Quality. This is the Full HD setting I use in the tutorial.

Can I manually set ISO and shutter speed for video?

The D3100 offers limited movie exposure control and handles much of the exposure automatically during recording. Do not rely on still-photo settings as locked movie settings; test the footage in the light you plan to use.

Which autofocus setting should I use for a person?

Try Face-priority AF in the Live view/movie AF-area menu. Check that the camera has found the right face and review a test clip.

Why does my D3100 stop recording?

Each movie file is limited to 10 minutes and 4 GB. A slow card or other recording conditions can end a clip sooner, so check the remaining recording time and test your card.

My verdict

If you already have a D3100, use it to start learning video. Set it to Full HD, give the scene enough light and check a short test clip. The automatic exposure controls are a real limitation, but they do not stop you from practicing and making footage with the camera you have.

Keep reading

• Nikon D3100 review: still worth buying for photography?
• Where to buy used cameras: KEH vs eBay vs MPB
• My Nikon D3100 photo settings tutorial

Watch more camera tutorials on FoxTailWhipz on YouTube.