Side-by-side specs, scores and live prices. Start over
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✓ WINNER
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SCORE
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| General | ||
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. |
2010 | 2018 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. |
01/10/2010 | 30/08/2018 |
| Camera type | DSLR | DSLR |
| Camera size | 124 x 96 x 75 mm | 124 x 97 x 70 mm |
| Camera weight | 505 g | 615 g |
| Optics | ||
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. |
14.8 MP050 | 24 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 | 6000 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 | 15.6 x 23.5 |
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 | 5 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 |
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 4 |
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 | 256003003280000 |
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 | 256003003280000 |
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 | 1920×1080 |
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 | 60 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 | TFT 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 | 9216001150001500000 |
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 |
| Dual memory card slots | ✗ | ✗ |
| Battery type | EN-EL14 | EN-EL14a |
Battery life ⓘApproximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. |
4500 shots1505000 | 1550 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | ✗ | ✗ |
The Nikon D3500 emerges as the winner with a score of 61/100, compared to the Nikon D3100‘s 41/100. Both cameras are DSLRs and share similar dimensions, with the D3500 being slightly heavier at 615g. Released in 2018, the D3500 is newer and more affordable with a launch price of $499.95, while the D3100 was released in 2010 at $699.
The D3500’s higher score reflects its superior performance and features. Its more recent release ensures updated technology, making it a better choice for photographers. However, the D3100 has a lighter weight, which may be an advantage for those who prioritize portability.
Taking these specifications into account, the Nikon D3500 is the better camera due to its improved performance, affordability, and updated technology. The Nikon D3100 may still appeal to those who prefer a lighter camera, but its lower score and older technology make it less competitive.
The Nikon D3500 outperforms the Nikon D3100 in optics, scoring 65/100 compared to the D3100’s 41/100. Both cameras share common features, such as the CMOS sensor type, APS-C sensor size, Nikon F lens mount, and lack of image stabilization. However, the D3500 has advantages that contribute to its higher score, while the D3100 has a few redeeming qualities.
The D3500 boasts 24 megapixels, a significant increase from the D3100’s 14.8 megapixels. This difference results in sharper, more detailed images. The D3500 also has a faster shooting speed of 5 frames per second, compared to the D3100’s 3 frames per second. This improvement allows for capturing fast-moving subjects more efficiently. The D3500 features an Expeed 4 processor, an upgrade from the D3100’s Expeed 2 processor, which enhances overall performance and image quality. The D3500’s sensor scores an impressive 87 on DXOMARK, outshining the D3100’s score of 67, further proving its superiority in image quality.
Although the D3100 falls short in many aspects, it has one advantage: its Nikon F DX lens mount. This mount is specifically designed for APS-C sensor cameras, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of lenses tailored for the sensor size. The D3500 uses a Nikon F lens mount, which is compatible with both APS-C and full-frame lenses. This difference may be beneficial to those who prefer using lenses specifically designed for APS-C cameras.
Considering the improvements in image quality, shooting speed, and processing power, the Nikon D3500 is the clear winner in optics. The D3100’s advantage in lens compatibility may appeal to some users, but it does not outweigh the D3500’s superior performance.
When it comes to video capabilities, the Nikon D3100 lacks this feature entirely. On the other hand, the Nikon D3500 provides users with video recording options, making it a more versatile choice for those interested in capturing both still images and video footage.
The Nikon D3500 has a video score of 56 out of 100, which, while not exceptional, offers decent video performance for its price range. The camera can record Full HD videos with a maximum resolution of 1920×1080 pixels, providing clear and detailed footage. Additionally, the D3500 can capture videos at a maximum frame rate of 60fps, ensuring smooth motion capture for fast-moving subjects or scenes.
However, it is important to note that the Nikon D3500 does not have built-in time-lapse functionality. This means that users will need to rely on external software or devices to create time-lapse videos if desired.
Considering the absence of video capabilities in the Nikon D3100, the Nikon D3500 stands as the better option for those seeking a camera with video recording features. While its video performance may not be top-of-the-line, the D3500 still offers reliable Full HD video recording at a smooth 60fps, making it a suitable choice for casual videographers and photographers alike.
The Nikon D3500 outperforms the Nikon D3100 with a feature score of 54/100 compared to the D3100’s 36/100. Both cameras share several specifications, such as a 3-inch screen size, lack of touchscreen, flip screen, GPS, and WIFI. However, the D3500 excels in certain aspects, making it the better choice for photographers.
The D3500 boasts a significantly higher screen resolution of 921,600 dots compared to the D3100’s 230,000 dots. This improvement provides photographers with a sharper and clearer image preview, aiding in precise focus and composition. Additionally, the D3500 is equipped with Bluetooth connectivity, allowing for seamless transfer of images to compatible devices. This feature is absent in the D3100, making the image transfer process more cumbersome.
The D3100, on the other hand, does not offer any significant advantages over the D3500. Both cameras lack in certain features, such as a touchscreen, flip screen, GPS, and WIFI, but the D3500 still prevails with its superior screen resolution and Bluetooth connectivity.
Considering the differences in feature scores and specifications, the Nikon D3500 is the clear winner in this comparison. Its higher screen resolution and Bluetooth connectivity provide photographers with a more convenient and efficient shooting experience. The Nikon D3100, while sharing some common features with the D3500, falls short in areas that make a noticeable difference in overall performance. Therefore, the Nikon D3500 is the better choice for photographers seeking a camera with enhanced features.
The Nikon D3100 wins the storage and battery comparison with a score of 53/100, while the Nikon D3500 scores 48/100. Both cameras have one memory card slot, accepting SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards, and neither offers USB charging.
The D3100 surpasses the D3500 in battery life, providing 4500 shots per charge, which is significantly more than the D3500’s 1550 shots. This difference makes the D3100 a more reliable option for extended photography sessions.
On the other hand, the D3500 uses the EN-EL14a battery type, which is an updated version of the D3100’s EN-EL14. However, this advantage does not translate to better performance in this comparison.
Ultimately, the Nikon D3100 proves to be the better choice in terms of storage and battery life, making it ideal for photographers who require longer shooting times. The Nikon D3500, despite having an updated battery type, falls short in comparison due to its lower battery life.
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 D3500:
