Nikon D3100

    61
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    Highlights

    • 14 MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
    • 100 - 3,200 Native ISO
    • 11 Focus Points (11 Cross-type)
    • 3.0" 230k dot Fixed Screen
    • Optical (pentamirror) Viewfinder
    • 3.0 fps Continuous Shooting
    • 1920 x 1080 Video Shooting
    • Built-in Flash
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    Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

    Overview

    Nikon D3100 was announced in 2010 and is an APS-C (23.1 x 15.4 mm) DSLR camera with 14 Megapixel CMOS sensor. Its native ISO ranges from 100 to 3,200 and expands to 100 - 12,800 in boosted mode. The camera has a Fixed 3.0" screen with 230k dot resolution and built-in Optical (pentamirror) viewfinder.

    Nikon D3100 can capture video up to 1920 x 1080 resolution.

    Table of Contents
    1. Overview
    2. Pros and Cons
    3. Predecessor
    4. Successor
    5. Screen and Viewfinder
    6. Sensor
    7. Photography Features
    8. Connectivity, Battery and Storage
    9. Other Features
    10. Physical Parameters
    11. For Different Types of Photography
    12. Evaluation
    13. Specifications  

    Here is the Nikon D3xxx series lineup, where you can view and compare the main specifications of the cameras within the same series.

    Nikon D3xxx series lineup
    Model Date Sensor Native ISO Screen Price
    Image cannot be found Nikon D3500
    Compare
    		August
    2018    		 24.2 MP
    APS-C    		 100 - 25,600 Fixed 3.0"
    921k dot
    Image cannot be found Nikon D3400
    Compare
    		August
    2016    		 24.2 MP
    APS-C    		 100 - 25,600 Fixed 3.0"
    921k dot
    Image cannot be found Nikon D3300
    Compare
    		April
    2014    		 24.2 MP
    APS-C    		 100 - 12,800 Fixed 3.0"
    921k dot
    Image cannot be found Nikon D3200
    Compare
    		July
    2012    		 24.2 MP
    APS-C    		 100 - 6,400 Fixed 3.0"
    921k dot
    Image cannot be found Nikon D3100 December
    2010    		 14 MP
    APS-C    		 100 - 3,200 Fixed 3.0"
    230k dot
    Image cannot be found Nikon D3000
    Compare
    		December
    2009    		 10.2 MP
    APS-C    		 100 - 1,600 Fixed 3.0"
    230k dot

    You can view their side-by-side comparison here: Nikon D3500 vs D3400 vs D3300 vs D3200 vs D3100 vs D3000.

    Pros and Cons

    In this section we present pros and cons of Nikon D3100.

    PROS

    •   Video Capture
    •   Face Detection
    •   Live View Autofocus
    •   Built-in Flash
    •   HDMI Output
    •   Orientation Sensor

    CONS

    •   Low Resolution Sensor - 14 Megapixel
    •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
    •   Timelapse Recording
    •   11 Focus Points
    •   1 Cross-type Focus Points
    •   No Image Stabilization
    •   Fixed Screen
    •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
    •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.0 fps
    •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
    •   No Microphone Input
    •   No Headphone Output
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
    •   No Built-In Bluetooth
    •   No Environmental Sealing
    •   Short Battery Life - 550 shots

    And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

    AVERAGE

    •   100 Lowest Native ISO
    •   -1 EV Min AF Detection
    •   Screen Size - 3.0"
    •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
    •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/200 sec
    •   DxO Overall Score - 67
    •   Weight - 505 g (1.11 lb / 17.81 oz)

    Predecessor

    Here we are comparing Nikon D3100 to its predecessor D3000 and displaying the major changes.

    UPGRADES Nikon D3100 vs Nikon D3000
    Video Capture vs
    Higher Sensor Resolution 14 Megapixel vs 10.2 Megapixel
    Higher Native ISO 3,200 vs 1,600
    Higher Boosted ISO 12,800 vs 3,200
    More Powerful Processor EXPEED 2 vs EXPEED
    Max Image Resolution 4608 x 3072 vs 3872 x 2592
    Tracking Autofocus vs
    Face Detection vs
    Live View Autofocus vs
    Live View vs
    Average Metering vs
    Higher DxO Low Light ISO 919 vs 563
    Higher DxO Color Depth 22.5 vs 22.3
    Higher DxO Dynamic Range 11.3 vs 11.1
    Higher DxO Overall Score 67 vs 62
    HDMI Output Mini Type C vs
    Built-in Microphone Mono vs
    Lighter 505 g (1.11 lb / 17.81 oz) vs 536 g (1.18 lb / 18.91 oz)
    Longer Battery Life 550 shots vs 500 shots
    DOWNGRADES Nikon D3100 vs Nikon D3000
    Spot Metering vs

    For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Nikon D3100 vs D3000.

    Successor

    In 2012 Nikon D3100 was replaced by Nikon D3200. Let us now have a look at some important differences between Nikon D3100 and its successor.

    UPGRADES Nikon D3200 vs Nikon D3100
    Higher Sensor Resolution 24.2 Megapixel vs 14 Megapixel
    Higher Native ISO 6,400 vs 3,200
    More Powerful Processor EXPEED 3 vs EXPEED 2
    Max Image Resolution 6016 x 4000 vs 4608 x 3072
    Higher Resolution Screen 921k dot vs 230k dot
    Higher Max Continuous Shooting 4.0 fps vs 3.0 fps
    Spot Metering vs
    AF-Area Metering vs
    Higher DxO Low Light ISO 1131 vs 919
    Higher DxO Color Depth 24.1 vs 22.5
    Higher DxO Dynamic Range 13.2 vs 11.3
    Higher DxO Overall Score 81 vs 67
    Speaker Mono vs
    Microphone Input vs
    DOWNGRADES Nikon D3200 vs Nikon D3100
    Shorter Battery Life 540 shots vs 550 shots

    For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Nikon D3100 vs D3200.

    Screen and Viewfinder

    Fixed screen

    Nikon D3100 has a 3.0" Fixed screen with 230k dot resolution which is quite low by today's standards.


    Optical (pentamirror) Viewfinder

    Camera has a built-in Optical (pentamirror) viewfinder. It has a 95% coverage and 0.80x (0.53x 35mm equivalent) magnification.

    Sensor

    Nikon D3100 features a 14 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor with dimensions of 23.1 x 15.4 mm and a total area of 355.7 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 3,200 and expands to 100 - 12,800 in boosted mode.


    Here is a sensor size comparison chart where you can see how Nikon D3100's APS-C sensor compares with other types of sensors:

    Sensor size chart
    Sensor Dimensions Area Aspect Ratio Crop Factor
    Image cannot be displayedMedium Format44 x 33 mm1452 mm24:30.79x
    Image cannot be displayedFull Frame36 x 24 mm864 mm23:21x
    Image cannot be displayedAPS-H27 x 18 mm486 mm23:21.3x
    Image cannot be displayedAPS-C23.1 x 15.4 mm355.7 mm23:21.5x
    Image cannot be displayedAPS-C (Canon)22.3 x 14.9 mm332.3 mm23:21.6x
    Image cannot be displayedMicro Four Thirds17.4 x 13 mm226.2 mm24:32x
    Image cannot be displayed1-inch13.2 x 8.8 mm116.2 mm23:22.7x
    Image cannot be displayed1/1.7-inch7.44 x 5.58 mm41.5 mm24:34.7x
    Image cannot be displayed1/2.3-inch6.17 x 4.55 mm28.1 mm24:35.6x

    Photography Features

    Camera is equipped with EXPEED 2 processor and can take pictures up to 4608 x 3072 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolutions like 3456 x 2304, 2304 x 1536 with 3:2 aspect ratios.


    Lens Mount

    Nikon D3100 has Nikon F lens mount. Due to APS-C sensor its crop factor (also called lens multiplier) is 1.5x. This means that a 35mm equivalent focal length of the mounted lens will be equal to its actual focal length times 1.5.


    No In-Body Image Stabilization

    The camera does not have in-body image stabilization (IBIS) so it needs lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction.

    Check out the cameras which are frequently compared to Nikon D3100.

    Nikon D3500
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    24.2 MP

    Nikon D3300
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    24.2 MP

    Nikon D3000
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    10.2 MP

    Nikon D3400
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    24.2 MP

    Nikon D3200
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    24.2 MP

    Canon SX530 HS
    Image cannot be found

    1/2.3-inch

    16 MP

    Nikon Z7 II
    Image cannot be found

    Full Frame

    45.7 MP

    Pentax WG-3 GPS
    Image cannot be found

    1/2.3-inch

    16 MP

    Canon SX150 IS
    Image cannot be found

    1/2.3-inch

    14.1 MP

    Pentax K100D Super
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    6.1 MP

    Canon 5DS
    Image cannot be found

    Full Frame

    50.6 MP

    Nikon L610
    Image cannot be found

    1/2.3-inch

    16 MP

    Connectivity, Battery and Storage

    USB Input and HDMI Output

    Nikon D3100 has a USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) input for data transfer. There is a Mini Type C HDMI connector for video signal output.


    Battery

    Nikon D3100 comes with EN-EL14 battery pack with battery life of 550 shots.


    External Storage Slots

    The camera has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot.

    Other Features

    Shutter

    Nikon D3100 has Electronically controlled vertical-travel focal-plane shutter. Shutter speed can go up to 1/4000 sec. Camera can shoot continuously up to 3.0 fps.


    Focusing

    Nikon D3100 has 11 (1 cross-type) focusing points and from -1 to +19 EV detection range There is also face detection feature which automatically finds and focuses on faces.


    Exposure

    Camera's exposure metering ranges from 0 to +20 EV and you can set the exposure compensation within the ±5 EV range. You can also do exposure lock and manual exposure adjustment.


    Flash

    Nikon D3100 has a built-in flash with maximum range of 12.00 m at ISO 100 and also accepts external flash which can be connected via Hot Shoe with sync and data contacts and safety lock. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/200 sec. Flash compensation can be set from -3 to +1 EV with 1/3 EV step increments.

    Physical Parameters

    Nikon D3100 has dimensions of 124 x 96 x 75 mm (4.88 x 3.78 x 2.95"). It weighs 505 g (1.11 lb / 17.81 oz) which is neither heavy nor lightweight.

    124 mm (4.88")

    96 mm (3.78")

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    96 mm (3.78")

    Image cannot be displayed


    75 mm (2.95")

    Image cannot be displayed

    Nikon D3100 dimensions

    Nikon D3100 for Different Types of Photography

    We give scores to the camera for different type of photography based on its features and specifications. Let us see how Nikon D3100 is suitable for six different types of photography.


    Landscape Photography

    AVERAGE
    69

    Nikon D3100 gets a score of 69 and is AVERAGE choice for Landscape photography.

    •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   No Environmental Sealing

    Sports Photography

    AVERAGE
    66

    Nikon D3100 gets a score of 66 and is AVERAGE choice for Sports photography.

    •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
    •   11 Focus Points
    •   1 Cross-type Focus Points
    •   Face Detection
    •   No Image Stabilization
    •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
    •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.0 fps
    •   Short Battery Life - 550 shots
    •   Orientation Sensor

    Wildlife Photography

    AVERAGE
    58

    Nikon D3100 gets a score of 58 and is AVERAGE choice for Wildlife photography.

    •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
    •   11 Focus Points
    •   1 Cross-type Focus Points
    •   No Image Stabilization
    •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
    •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.0 fps
    •   No Environmental Sealing
    •   Short Battery Life - 550 shots
    •   Orientation Sensor

    Portrait Photography

    GOOD
    78

    Nikon D3100 gets a score of 78 and is GOOD choice for Portrait photography.

    •   11 Focus Points
    •   1 Cross-type Focus Points
    •   Face Detection
    •   No Image Stabilization
    •   Screen Size - 3.0"
    •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
    •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/200 sec
    •   Orientation Sensor

    Street Photography

    GOOD
    78

    Nikon D3100 gets a score of 78 and is GOOD choice for Street photography.

    •   11 Focus Points
    •   1 Cross-type Focus Points
    •   No Image Stabilization
    •   Fixed Screen
    •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   No Environmental Sealing
    •   Weight - 505 g (1.11 lb / 17.81 oz)

    Travel Photography

    GOOD
    79

    Nikon D3100 gets a score of 79 and is GOOD choice for Travel photography.

    •   No Image Stabilization
    •   Fixed Screen
    •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
    •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   No Environmental Sealing
    •   Weight - 505 g (1.11 lb / 17.81 oz)
    •   Short Battery Life - 550 shots

    Nikon D3100 Evaluation

    We evaluate Nikon D3100 and give score of 61 out of 100. We also give separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new camera is added to the database.


    OVERALL
    61

    Sensor

    AVERAGE
    67

    We give Nikon D3100 a score of 67 for Sensor parameters.

    •   Low Resolution Sensor - 14 Megapixel
    •   100 Lowest Native ISO
    •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
    •   DxO Overall Score - 67

    Photo

    AVERAGE
    59

    We give Nikon D3100 a score of 59 for Photo parameters.

    •   Timelapse Recording
    •   No Image Stabilization
    •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
    •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.0 fps
    •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/200 sec

    Video

    BAD
    14

    We give Nikon D3100 a score of 14 for Video parameters.

    •   No Image Stabilization
    •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080

    Focusing

    GOOD
    82

    We give Nikon D3100 a score of 82 for Focusing parameters.

    •   -1 EV Min AF Detection
    •   11 Focus Points
    •   1 Cross-type Focus Points
    •   Face Detection
    •   Live View Autofocus

    Screen and Viewfinder

    AVERAGE
    66

    We give Nikon D3100 a score of 66 for Screen and Viewfinder parameters.

    •   Fixed Screen
    •   Screen Size - 3.0"
    •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot

    Connectivity

    AVERAGE
    61

    We give Nikon D3100 a score of 61 for Connectivity parameters.

    •   HDMI Output
    •   No Microphone Input
    •   No Headphone Output
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
    •   No Built-In Bluetooth

    Battery, Storage and Physical

    POOR
    43

    We give Nikon D3100 a score of 43 for Battery, Storage and Physical parameters.

    •   No Environmental Sealing
    •   Weight - 505 g (1.11 lb / 17.81 oz)
    •   Short Battery Life - 550 shots


    For a full specification list please go to the specifications page:

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