Nikon D3100 Digital Field Guide

Appendix A. Accessories

There are a number of accessories as well as a variety of additional equipment available for the Nikon D3100. These accessories range from batteries and flashes to tripods and camera bags. They can enhance your shooting experience by providing you with options that aren't immediately available with the purchase of the camera alone.

MC-DC2 Remote Release Cord

This handy little device allows you to remotely trigger the D3100 shutter without pressing the Shutter Release button. This can be an asset when doing timed exposures with a tripod so that your images don't suffer from blur caused by camera shake from the vibration of pressing the Shutter Release button manually.

You can also use this device for the Bulb setting on the camera. This allows you to keep the shutter open for periods longer than 30 seconds. Press and hold the button to open the shutter and release the button to close the shutter. The MC-DC2 also features a lock mechanism to lock the button down, keeping the shutter open.

Figure A.1. The MC-DC2 Remote release cable

Tripods

One of the most important accessories you can have for your camera, whether you're a professional or just a hobbyist, is a tripod. The tripod allows you to get sharper images by eliminating the shake caused by handholding the camera in low-light situations. A tripod can also allow you to use a lower ISO, a longer shutter speed, and ...