Side-by-side specs, scores and live prices. Start over
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✓ WINNER
 54
SCORE
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| General | ||
| Brand | Nikon | Nikon |
| Model | D3100 | D3200 |
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. |
2010 | 2012 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. |
01/10/2010 | 19/04/2012 |
| Camera type | DSLR | DSLR |
| Camera size | 124 x 96 x 75 mm | 125 x 96 x 77 mm |
| Camera weight | 505 g | 505 g |
| Optics | ||
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. |
14.8 MP050 | 24.2 MP050 |
Image resolution ⓘImage resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. |
4608 x 3072 | 6016 x 4000 |
Sensor type ⓘThe camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. |
CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor size ⓘThe sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. |
15.4 x 23.1 | 15.4 x 23.2 |
Sensor format ⓘRefers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |
APS-C | APS-C |
Continuous shooting ⓘThe number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. |
3 fps045 | 4 fps045 |
Lens mount ⓘThe lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. |
Nikon F DX | Nikon F DX |
Image processor ⓘThe image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. |
Expeed 2 | Expeed 3 |
Aspect ratio ⓘThe aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3. |
3:2 | 3:2 |
Min ISO ⓘRefers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. |
10030200 | 10030200 |
Max ISO ⓘRefers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise. |
32003003280000 | 64003003280000 |
Min ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. |
10030200 | 10030200 |
Max ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. |
128003003280000 | 128003003280000 |
Minimum shutter speed ⓘThe minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. |
3044080 | 3044080 |
Max shutter speed ⓘThe maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries. |
400080032000 | 400080032000 |
Autofocus points ⓘAutofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. |
110300 | 110300 |
In-body stabilisation ⓘIn-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. |
✗ | ✗ |
Viewfinder type ⓘThe viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens. |
Optical (pentamirror) | Optical (pentamirror) |
| Viewfinder dots | N/A | N/A |
| Video | ||
Video ⓘIndicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |
✗ | ✓ |
Max video resolution ⓘThe best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. |
N/A | Full HD |
Max video format ⓘVideo resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video. |
N/A | 1920 x 1080 |
Max video frame rate ⓘHow many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect. |
N/A | 30 fps |
Timelapse built in ⓘA built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video. |
✗ | ✗ |
Video file format ⓘDifferent cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files. |
N/A | MOV |
| Features | ||
Builtin flash ⓘA built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. |
✓ | ✓ |
External flash ⓘExternal flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera. |
✓ | ✓ |
GPS ⓘGPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. |
✗ | ✗ |
Weather sealing ⓘWeather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. |
✗ | ✗ |
| Screen type | LCD | LCD |
Touch screen ⓘTouchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. |
✗ | ✗ |
| Screen size | 3" | 3" |
Screen dots ⓘScreen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. |
2300001150001500000 | 9210001150001500000 |
Flip screen ⓘA flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles. |
✗ | ✗ |
Live view ⓘLive View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. |
✓ | ✓ |
Wi-Fi ⓘBuilt-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly. |
✗ | ✗ |
Bluetooth ⓘBluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |
✗ | ✗ |
| Storage & battery | ||
| Memory card | SD / SDHC / SDXC | SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-I compatible) |
| Dual memory card slots | ✗ | ✗ |
| Battery type | EN-EL14 | EN-EL14 |
Battery life ⓘApproximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. |
4500 shots1505000 | 540 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | ✗ | ✗ |
The Nikon D3200 emerges as the winner with a score of 54/100, while the Nikon D3100 trails behind with a score of 41/100. Both cameras are DSLRs, announced in 2012 and 2010 respectively, and share the same launch price of $699. They also have identical dimensions (124/125 x 96 x 75/77mm) and weight (505g / 1.11lbs).
The Nikon D3200’s higher score represents its superior performance in certain aspects. However, the Nikon D3100 may still have some advantages over the D3200. Careful consideration of each camera’s specifications is crucial when deciding which one best fits your needs.
Ultimately, the choice between the Nikon D3100 and D3200 comes down to personal preference and the specific requirements of the user.
The Nikon D3200 outperforms the Nikon D3100 in optics, with a score of 63/100 compared to the D3100’s 41/100. Both cameras share some common specifications, such as the CMOS sensor type, APS-C sensor size, Nikon F DX lens mount, and the absence of image stabilization.
The D3200 boasts a higher megapixel count at 24.2, compared to the D3100’s 14.8, resulting in higher image resolution and detail. Additionally, the D3200 has a faster shooting speed of 4 frames per second, making it better suited for capturing fast-paced action. The Expeed 3 processor in the D3200 also contributes to improved image processing and overall performance. Furthermore, the D3200 has a significantly higher DXOMARK score for its sensor (81) compared to the D3100 (67), indicating better image quality and low-light performance.
Although the Nikon D3100 has a lower score in optics, it still offers decent image quality for its price range. With a 14.8 megapixel sensor and Expeed 2 processor, the D3100 can capture good-quality images, though not as detailed or vibrant as the D3200. Its shooting speed of 3 frames per second may not be as fast as the D3200, but it is still capable of capturing some action shots.
Taking these factors into account, the Nikon D3200 is the clear winner in terms of optics, offering higher image quality, better low-light performance, and faster shooting speed. However, the Nikon D3100 remains a viable option for those on a budget or just starting out in photography, providing satisfactory image quality and performance for its price range.
When comparing the Nikon D3100 and the Nikon D3200, it is important to note that the Nikon D3100 does not have video functionality. This means that users looking for a camera with video capabilities should consider the Nikon D3200 instead.
The Nikon D3200 offers a video score of 43 out of 100. Its maximum video resolution is Full HD, with video dimensions of 1920 x 1080. This camera also supports a maximum video frame rate of 30fps. However, it does not have built-in time-lapse functionality.
Considering the video capabilities of the Nikon D3200 and the lack of video functionality in the Nikon D3100, the Nikon D3200 is the better option for users who require video recording features in their camera.
The Nikon D3200 outperforms the Nikon D3100 in features, earning a score of 41/100 compared to the D3100’s 36/100. Despite this difference, both cameras share several specifications, including a 3-inch screen size, absence of a touchscreen, flip screen, GPS, WiFi, and Bluetooth.
The D3200’s superiority lies in its screen resolution, which stands at 921,000 dots, a significant improvement over the D3100’s 230,000 dots. This higher resolution provides the D3200 with a clearer and sharper display, allowing for better image review and menu navigation. Consequently, the D3200 offers a more enjoyable and efficient user experience.
On the other hand, the D3100 does not surpass the D3200 in any specific feature. However, its lower score does not imply that it is a poor choice for a camera. It still boasts a decent set of features that cater to various photography needs. The D3100 remains a reliable option for those who prioritize affordability and do not require advanced display capabilities.
Considering these points, the Nikon D3200 stands out as the better camera in terms of features. Its enhanced screen resolution significantly improves the user experience, making it a more attractive option for photographers. The Nikon D3100, while not as advanced, remains a viable choice for budget-conscious users who can compromise on display quality. Ultimately, the choice between these two cameras depends on individual preferences and requirements.
The Nikon D3100 outperforms the Nikon D3200 in storage and battery, scoring 53/100 compared to the D3200’s 27/100. Both cameras possess a single memory card slot, accepting SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards. Additionally, neither camera has USB charging capabilities.
The D3100’s battery life surpasses the D3200, offering 4,500 shots as opposed to the D3200’s 540 shots. They both use the EN-EL14 battery type. The D3200, however, is compatible with UHS-I memory cards, allowing for faster data transfer rates compared to the D3100.
Despite the D3200’s faster memory card compatibility, the D3100’s significantly superior battery life makes it the better option in terms of storage and battery performance.
Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Nikon D3100 or the Nikon D3200:
