Make no mistake, the Nikon D3000 was a seriously good entry-level camera, fully justifying its position as Europe's top-selling DSLR for the first half of this year. But all good things come to an end and, more recently, the D3000 was showing its age with a complete lack of Live View, video capture...

A year after releasing the D3000, the last SLR to use the ageing 10-Megapixel CCD, Nikon has revamped its entry-level model with the updated D3100.

Impeccable image quality up to 1600 ISO and very good up to 3200 ISO; 1080p Full HD video; Well-made and pleasant to handle; General responsiveness

Screen displays just 230,000 dots; ISO Auto: confusing handling; Autofocus only with AF-S lenses; Very warm white balance under halogen lighting

The 14.2 megapixel Nikon D3100 digital SLR is the upgrade of the chunkier Nikon D3000, Europe's best selling DSLR, according to its manufacturer, so expectations are high of its compact and lightweight successor.

Falling into line just above Nikon's other entry-level Nikon D3000 DSLR, the Nikon D3100 has some fresh features that make it a very attractive DSLR option for photographers who are starting out.

Shoots HD video; Autofocus in movie and live view modes; Good image quality for the price; Intuitive controls and guide menu for beginners; Good low light abilites

Autofocus makes noise in movie mode; Fixed LCD screen; No exposure bracketing

The D3100 is a good all-rounder but lacks the spark to set it aside from the crowded entry-level DSLR bracket.

Small and light; Quick autofocus; Good photo quality

No stereo sound or manual controls for video

In summation then, the D3100 feels solidly constructed when gripped in the palm, is fast and responsive, and is capable of some sharp and colourful results thanks to combination of sensor and supplied 18-55mm test lens and is fairly priced.

A well-rounded DSLR that offers a large set of features for beginners and more advanced enthusiasts.

Though the 100-3200 ISO range of the Nikon D3100 appears conservative on paper, there's the option of expanding this to Hi1 (ISO 6400) and Hi2 (ISO 12800) if required.  Fitted with the 18-55mm image stabilised kit lens, it offers a focal length range that's equivalent to 27-82.5mm in film terms.

The D3100 is the latest incarnation of a line of cameras that – if we're brutally honest – we find a bit annoying. In an effort not to bamboozle first-time SLR users, it presents most photographic options via the LCD screen and navigation pad.

Absolutely superb image quality, a top video mode and great handling make this a deserving award winner