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 | ||
| Brand | Nikon | Nikon |
| Model | D3100 | D600 |
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 | 13/09/2012 |
| Camera type | DSLR | DSLR |
| Camera size | 124 x 96 x 75 mm | 141 x 113 x 82 mm |
| Camera weight | 505 g | 850 g |
| Optics | ||
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. |
14.8 MP050 | 24.3 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 4016 |
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 | 24 x 35.9 |
Sensor format ⓘRefers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |
APS-C | Full Frame |
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 | 5.5 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 FX |
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 | 5030200 |
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 | 390300 |
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 (pentaprism) |
| 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" | 3.2" |
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 |
| Dual memory card slots | ✗ | ✓ |
| Battery type | EN-EL14 | EN-EL15 |
Battery life ⓘApproximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. |
4500 shots1505000 | 900 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | ✗ | ✗ |
The Nikon D600 emerges as the clear winner with a score of 66/100, while the Nikon D3100 trails behind at 41/100. Both cameras are DSLRs and were released in 2010 and 2012, respectively. They share similarities in being DSLRs and having similar camera sizes, with the D3100 measuring 124 x 96 x 75mm and the D600 at 141 x 113 x 82mm.
The D600 outshines the D3100 with its higher score, indicating a better overall performance. However, the D3100 has its advantages, such as being lighter at 505g compared to the D600’s 850g and having a more affordable launch price of $699 compared to the D600’s $2100.
Taking into account the scores, specifications, and prices, the Nikon D600 is the superior camera, but the Nikon D3100 may be a more suitable option for those prioritizing weight and affordability.
The Nikon D600 outperforms the Nikon D3100 in optics, scoring 70/100 compared to the D3100’s 41/100. Both cameras share some common specifications, such as the CMOS sensor type, Nikon F lens mount, and the absence of image stabilization. However, the D600 surpasses the D3100 in several aspects, making it the superior choice for those prioritizing optical performance.
The D600 boasts a higher megapixel count at 24.3 compared to the D3100’s 14.8, providing greater detail and resolution in images. It also has a faster shooting speed of 5.5 frames per second, allowing for better capture of fast-moving subjects or action shots. The D600 is equipped with the Expeed 3 processor, an upgrade from the D3100’s Expeed 2, resulting in improved image processing and overall performance. Furthermore, the D600 has a higher DXOMARK sensor score of 94, indicating better image quality, dynamic range, and low-light performance. Additionally, the D600 features a full-frame sensor, which offers a larger sensor size than the D3100’s APS-C sensor, contributing to enhanced image quality and better low-light performance.
While the D3100 does not surpass the D600 in any specific optical aspect, it still provides decent image quality and performance for its class, making it a suitable option for beginners or those on a tighter budget.
Given these points, the Nikon D600 emerges as the clear winner in terms of optical performance. Its higher megapixel count, faster shooting speed, upgraded processor, superior sensor score, and full-frame sensor size all contribute to its advantage over the Nikon D3100. However, the D3100 remains a viable option for those seeking a more budget-friendly camera with acceptable performance.
When comparing the video capabilities of the Nikon D3100 and the Nikon D600, it is important to note that the Nikon D3100 does not have any video functionality. This means that if video recording is a priority for you, the Nikon D3100 may not be the best choice.
On the other hand, the Nikon D600 has a video score of 57 out of 100, offering Full HD video recording with a maximum resolution of 1920 x 1080. This camera can record video at a frame rate of up to 30fps, providing smooth and detailed footage. Additionally, the Nikon D600 has built-in time-lapse functionality, allowing for creative video options and features.
Given this information, it is clear that the Nikon D600 is the better choice for those who require video capabilities in their camera. While the Nikon D3100 lacks video functionality, the Nikon D600 offers Full HD video recording, a high frame rate, and time-lapse features, making it a more versatile and well-rounded option.
The Nikon D600 emerges as the winner with a feature score of 57/100, compared to the Nikon D3100’s score of 36/100. Both cameras share some common specifications, such as the lack of a touchscreen, flip screen, GPS, and Bluetooth. However, the D600 outshines the D3100 in certain aspects, while the D3100 has minimal advantages over the D600.
The D600’s superior features include a larger screen size of 3.2 inches, compared to the D3100’s 3-inch screen. The screen resolution on the D600 is significantly higher at 921,000 dots, providing better image preview and menu navigation. Furthermore, the D600 offers built-in WiFi connectivity, making it convenient to transfer images and control the camera remotely.
On the other hand, the D3100 does not have any notable advantages over the D600, given that both cameras lack a touchscreen, flip screen, GPS, and Bluetooth. The only advantage the D3100 holds is its lower price point, making it a more affordable option for beginner photographers.
Taking these points into consideration, the Nikon D600 is the clear winner in terms of features, providing a larger and higher-resolution screen as well as WiFi connectivity. The Nikon D3100 does not present any significant advantages, other than being a more budget-friendly option. Therefore, photographers seeking better features and improved usability should opt for the Nikon D600, while those looking for a more affordable option may consider the Nikon D3100.
The Nikon D600 outperforms the Nikon D3100 in storage and battery, with a score of 71/100 compared to the D3100’s 53/100. Both cameras have compatibility with SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory cards. However, the D600 has two memory card slots, while the D3100 has only one, providing more storage flexibility for the D600.
In terms of battery life, the D3100 surprisingly has a longer life with 4,500 shots per charge, whereas the D600 offers 900 shots. The D3100 uses an EN-EL14 battery, while the D600 uses an EN-EL15 battery. Neither camera has USB charging capabilities.
Despite the D3100’s superior battery life, the D600 still prevails in overall storage and battery performance due to its dual memory card slots. The D3100’s longer battery life, though noteworthy, does not compensate for its lack of storage flexibility.
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 D600:
