- Conclusion Get the lowdown
- Features How it compares
- Performance Real world benchmarks
- Differences Technical showdown
- Reviews Word on the street
- Competition Others to consider
- Discussion Answers and opinions
Nikon D3100
- 14.2 MP
- APS-C CMOS
- 3" LCD
Rated 90% by by Photography Blog (Nov, 2010)At the highest resolution setting, the camera can record movies at cine standard 24fps; while at 1280x720 pixels you can choose from 24, 25 or 30 frames per second.
Conclusion Check out the Nikon D3100
Features Key features of the Nikon D3100
14.2 MP
APS-C
Rated 72% by by DPReview (Dec, 2010)Being the newest camera in this group it's no surprise that it offers the highest specification, and its Full HD movie recording (albeit at 24 fps) and 14.2MP sensor makes it look pretty impressive.
megapixels
| 0 MP | 24.4 MP    | 30 MP |
D3100 by RBQ7LX (Sep, 2011)I like the 14 megapixels because I crop alot of my images and that is where more megapixels matter to me.
sensor size
D3100 by Hector (May, 2012)I could indeed see, with time, that a lot of pictures could be stunning, and after looking a while I saw that Full Frame dSLR can give me that.
D3100 by Continental-OpI used to think that I needed a full frame DSLR to get the definition and texture I expected in my large prints.
viewfinder size
D3100 by Jess (Nov, 2010)Live view is also cool to have- but you'll find yourself wanting to use the viewfinder because it's faster and more accurate.
body size
124 x 97 x 74 mm
156 x 117 x 82 mm
143 x 104 x 81 mm
D3100 by nana2lrja (May, 2012)The D3100 camera picture quality is excellent, it is light weight, has a larger screen to view photos and is very easy to use.
D3100 by B.-Rutkin (Jun, 2011)That notwithstanding, I love the camera for it's great (to me anyway) optics, it's light weight, the placement of its controls, its acceptably quick shutter release delay and great picture quality.
focus points
| 0 | 19  | 40 |
D3100 by eha1990 (Oct, 2010)The N75 has a separate button just for adjusting the focus points on it.
D3100 by Photography Blog (Nov, 2010)Focus accuracy left a bit to be desired, especially when using one of the off-centre focus points.
Performance Real world tests of Nikon D3100
DxOMark image quality
D3100 by Amazon_JimWe are very pleased with the picture quality, including the creation of portrait size shots.
D3100 by Satisfied-Customer--Tiffany (Jun, 2012)One night I took a picture of my baby on Auto in a completely dark room, and it came out very clear and clean looking.
DxOMark low light performance
D3100 by Lisa-Kearns--Lisa-Kearns (Feb, 2012)It takes great action shots and video, and does well in low light even without the flash (which pops up automatically).
D3100 by Trunnto (Sep, 2012)The quality of the pictures taken with this camera when outdoors is phenomenal but what is just as impressive is the low light capability as well.
shutter lag
| 0 ms | 110 ms  | 200 ms |
D3100 by TrustedReviews (May, 2011)For shooting stills though the D3100's response times are impressively swift.
continuous shooting
D3100 by DPReview (Dec, 2010)At around 3 fps, continuous shooting is quite respectable without being class-leading - we suspect it will keep the vast majority of users perfectly happy, although if you're looking for a really fast-shooting entry-level camera there are better options available.
battery life
550 photos
880 photos
800 photos
D3100 by D.-Gary-Lerude (Aug, 2011)I love this camera: it's easy to use, the exposure in high or low light situations is excellent, the colors are vibrant,and battery life is very good.
D3100 by Steven-I.-Toth (Aug, 2011)Its small size excellent battery life and simple use are makes it all the best.
Our analysis How does it stack up against its top 10 competitors
pros
-
Contrast detection focusing system -
HD video -
Generic -
Gives you more flexibility when framing your shot -
Opaque -
400 ms -
For that film look -
505 g -
124 x 97 x 74 mm
cons
-
230 k dots -
3 fps -
67.0 -
12,800 ISO -
None -
Aug, 2010 -
HD video -
None -
1 -
11.3 ev -
14.2 MP -
The screen is fixed in place -
No automatic HDR -
95% -
0.51x -
Use buttons to access features and menus -
No automatic 3D -
279 ms -
You'll have to protect your camera from the elements -
No automatic stitching -
1/4000 s
Reviews Word on the street
 |   
|
|---|---|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 | Rated by 755 users at amazon.com Rated 100% by by Christopher-R.-Djunaedi--CRDJ Rated 100% by by G.-Meisner (Sep, 2011) |
Lens
Nikon D3100 | Rated 100% by by Esh (Aug, 2012)The 18-55mm lens it came with was just too restrictive for the photos I wanted so I bought the 18-105mm lens and the pictures are truly amazing.
Nikon D3100 | Rated 100% by by Sarah-Bishop (Mar, 2011)The 18-55mm lens that is included is an excellent starter lens, and the entire set is a very good value.
Nikon D3100 | Rated 100% by by jantirak (May, 2011)The 18-55 is a fantastic lens and goes great with this camera, as does the Nikon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 G ED-IF AF-S VR DX Zoom-Nikkor Lens which is what is currently on mine.
Photography
Nikon D3100 | Rated 100% by by H.-Erickson-Sander--Heather (Apr, 2011)If you're a beginner photographer, or simply wanting a really nice camera for home/personal/business photography, the Nikon D3100 comes highly recommended by this family!
Nikon D3100 | Rated 100% by by Michelle (Mar, 2013)I am am mom who has always been interested in taking photos, and wanted to buy a dslr to get better pictures and get more creative with photos of my children and family.
Nikon D3100 | Rated 80% by by Jorge-Alaniz (May, 2012)This camera is good enough to take familiar pictures with a good nice quality, its also a great camera if you want to start learning photography.
Video
Nikon D3100 | Rated 100% by by J.-Micah-Abbott (Sep, 2011)The ability to shoot 1080p video is fantastic.
Nikon D3100 | Rated 100% by by Computer-Nut (Dec, 2010)Full 1080p video is a nice feature to have in a still camera.
Nikon D3100 | Rated 80% by by Bradly-Minton (Feb, 2011)One other nice feature was the full 1080p video.
Focus
Nikon D3100 | Rated 100% by by Richard-French (Mar, 2011)The auto focusing gives you many options, and when used correctly, the focusing is perfect and sharp.
Nikon D3100 | Rated 80% by by M---Speaker (Jul, 2012)I thought I would be able to take faster pictures but it's like now I have to wait longer for the camera to come into focus so I end up with more shots out of focus or missed shots because it didn't focus in time.
Nikon D3100 | Rated 90% by by Photography Blog (Nov, 2010)Autofocus (AF): Single-servo AF (AF-S); continuous-servo AF (AF-C); auto AF-S/AF-C selection (AF-A); predictive focus tracking activated automatically according to subject status.
Sensor
Nikon D3100 | Rated 74% by by c|net (Oct, 2010)It produces exceptionally clean JPEGs up through ISO 800 and very usable ones through ISO 3200.
Nikon D3100 | Rated 72% by by DPReview (Dec, 2010)Like many other recent APS-C SLRS its high ISO image quality is very impressive too, delivering results which are excellent at up to ISO 800 at least, and perfectly useable for most purposes even at ISO 3200.
Nikon D3100 | Rated 100% by by Michael-Allebach--Tattooed-Bride-Photographer-Guy (Sep, 2010)* Sensor size = D700 (Much more important than megapixels but I won't get into this).
Competition What else you should consider
 | 1 | Sony SLT A77 Fastest rapid fire mode Sony SLT A77 vs Nikon D3100 |
 | 2 | Nikon D5100 4-way tie: Highest ISO D5100 vs D3100 |
 | 3 | Nikon D3200 6-way tie: Has an external mic jack D3200 vs D3100 |
 | 4 | Sony SLT-A37 2-way tie: Most detailed video recording mode Sony SLT-A37 vs Nikon D3100 |
 | 5 | Nikon D5200 Best image quality as rated by DXOMark D5200 vs D3100 |
 | 6 | Canon Rebel T3i Highest resolution screen Canon Rebel T3i vs Nikon D3100 |
 | 7 | Sony Alpha DSLR-A850 Largest sensor Sony Alpha DSLR-A850 vs Nikon D3100 |
 | 8 | Canon EOS 1100D Fastest to start up Canon EOS 1100D vs Nikon D3100 |
New duel?
Let the battle continue or dare to compare.
Popular Questions
Which camera is better for a 13 year old who wants to take classes
My daughter wants to start taking photo classes, which camera is better for a beginning student. thanks
I'm a beginner but I'm starting fast.
This will be my first purchase of a dslr. I want to buy the best available camera that I can use for many years until I truly need another one. I really do want great VIDEO as well as photo...
Ease of use and great family photos
I am a beginner. I want to take great family photos and pictures of my kids. I need to be able to take pictures of moving objects. I like a camera that is simple to use and can take black and am...
Latest Questions
Fasion photography?
I'm searching for better resolution, and my photos to look more profesional. I already have the nikon D3100, but I certainly don't know if buying the D3200 is the best option, or if it is best...
For normal photography as a hobbie, I havent used any other DSLR camera before s
Am a beginner. Want to get a camera for my wedding and honeymoon pictures. Preferably camera that has amazing results plus can take pics in evening as well.
Pictures of my grandkids, garden and vacation shots
Total beginner. Have only used "point and shoot" cameras before. Looking for something that will be easy for me to use and figure out. but will still get good "zoom" shots and good quality I a...
Unanswered Questions
- 75 discussions
- View more
Weight of ultra zoom vs. a dslr + zoom lens
I want to upgrade from my lumix fz-35. The fz 200 looks great. I'm just unsure about the merits of a nikon 3100 with a 28/105 zoom. Would the weight be a bummer?
Low light.
I like my Canon SX110 IS, but indoors with flash the colors seem a little washed out. Without flash, for example a Christmas tree, just about impossible. My smartphone takes a better picture.
Community Find out what the Sortable community is saying about the Nikon D3100
81
people have recommended the
Nikon D3100Top Nikon D3100 experts at Sortable
- 17.9 MP
- APS-C CMOS
- 3" LCD
I would suggest you stick with Nikon, although depending on how the age of your SLR you might not be able to use the older lenses with the D3100.
- 0 comments
- October 11, 2012
- Reply to: Thirteen & searching for a dslr
Better camera, easy to use settings and cheaper than the Rebel, with better image quality.
- 6 comments
- May 9, 2012
- Reply to: Which camera is better for a 13 year old who wants to take classes
Nikon have better cheaper lenses and some of them even don't have a Canon version, for example the 18-105mm and 35mm f/1.8.
- 0 comments
- May 9, 2012
- Reply to: I'm a beginner but I'm starting fast.
- 24.1 MP
- APS-C CMOS
- 3" LCD
Go with the D3100 because you'll likely be able to find it for a cheaper price. Both these cameras will be great for a beginner. I understand they both have guides to help people new to DSLRs.
- 0 comments
- July 26, 2012
- Reply to: Help me in my first cam
How is your resolution bad with a D3100? More mega pixels won't get you a better picture, better lenses will. I use my D50 and D3100 more than my D90. Smaller is better and I never shoot above to...
- 0 comments
- January 14, 2013
- Reply to: Fasion photography?
Save some money and go with the more affordable camera. These two are so similar that you won't notice any difference.
- 0 comments
- December 3, 2012
- Reply to: Night photos, vacations-interior photos (ex. hotel room)
- 16.1 MP
- APS-C CMOS
- 3" LCD
My advice is to go for the cheaper camera at first. And then, if you out-grow it, set your sights higher. (higher than the D5100).
- 0 comments
- May 3, 2012
- Reply to: Street and landscape
Both of these cameras will do just fine. I recommend the D3100 because it's a bit cheaper. If you really want sparkles in your photos, make sure the light is coming straight into the top face...
- 0 comments
- August 20, 2012
- Reply to: Which nikon is better for shooting jewelry like glittering diamonds?
The D3100 is great for beginners, it has an easy to use guide which will help you set up the camera for different shooting situations. I am not sure about the date on the photos, I know that is I...
- 0 comments
- April 27, 2012
- Reply to: I need an all round camera...There is so much on the market???????
