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Nikon D3100
41
SCORE
Nikon · DSLR · 14.8 MP · APS-C

Nikon D3100

General 41Optics 41Features and Benefits 36Storage and Battery 53
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KEY FACTS
BrandNikon
ModelD3100
Released2010
Announcement date01/10/2010
Camera typeDSLR

General 41

Brand
Nikon
Model
D3100
Released
ⓘ
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
2010
Announcement date
ⓘ
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
01/10/2010
Camera type
DSLR
Camera size
124 x 96 x 75 mm
Camera weight
505 g

Optics 41

Megapixels
ⓘ
The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture.
14.8 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
Sensor type
ⓘ
The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality.
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
Sensor format
ⓘ
Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes.
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
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
Image processor
ⓘ
The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card.
Expeed 2
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
Min ISO
ⓘ
Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image.
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
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
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
Minimum shutter speed
ⓘ
The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory.
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
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
In-body stabilisation
ⓘ
In-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake.
No
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)
Viewfinder dots
N/A
Read our notes on optics

The Nikon D3100 receives a score of 41/100. Launched in October 2010, this DSLR camera initially sold for $699. Measuring 124 x 96 x 75mm and weighing 505g or 1.11lbs, the D3100 is a compact and lightweight option. However, considering the advancements in camera technology since its release, the D3100 may not be the most competitive choice in today’s market. Despite this, it remains a viable option for beginners or those looking for an affordable DSLR camera.

Nikon D3100 Overview and Optics

The Nikon D3100’s optics receive a score of 41 out of 100. With 14.8 megapixels, a shooting speed of 3 frames per second, and a CMOS sensor, the camera provides decent image quality. The Expeed 2 processor and DXOMARK sensor score of 67 contribute to its overall performance. However, the APS-C sensor size and Nikon F DX lens mount are standard features found in similar cameras on the market.

The absence of image stabilization may result in less sharp images when shooting handheld, and the 3:2 aspect ratio is a common format for most DSLRs. Comparing these specifications to other cameras available today, the Nikon D3100 falls short of providing cutting-edge technology or exceptional performance in the optics department.

The Nikon D3100 is a reliable option for beginner photographers, but those seeking advanced features and superior optics may want to explore other cameras in the market.

Nikon D3100 Video Performance

Video
ⓘ
Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video.
No
Max video resolution
ⓘ
The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video.
N/A
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
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
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.
No
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
Read our notes on nikon d3100 video performance

The Nikon D3100 lacks video capabilities. This camera is good for still photography only.

Nikon D3100 Features and Benefits 36

Builtin flash
ⓘ
A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it.
Yes
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.
Yes
GPS
ⓘ
GPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs.
No
Weather sealing
ⓘ
Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions.
No
Screen type
LCD
Touch screen
ⓘ
Touchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons.
No
Screen size
3"
Screen dots
ⓘ
Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel.
2300001150001500000
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.
No
Live view
ⓘ
Live View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens.
Yes
Wi-Fi
ⓘ
Built-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly.
No
Bluetooth
ⓘ
Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices.
No
Read our notes on nikon d3100 features and benefits

The Nikon D3100’s features score is 36/100. The camera possesses a 3-inch screen with a resolution of 230,000 dots. However, it lacks modern features such as a touchscreen, flip screen, GPS, WiFi, and Bluetooth.

In comparison to today’s market, the D3100’s specifications are outdated. Many current cameras offer touchscreens and flip screens, enhancing user experience and flexibility. Additionally, the absence of GPS, WiFi, and Bluetooth limits the camera’s connectivity options, making it less convenient for sharing and transferring photos.

The Nikon D3100 is a reliable camera but falls short in terms of features when compared to contemporary models. Its lack of modern amenities may deter potential buyers searching for a more advanced and user-friendly camera.

Nikon D3100 Storage and Battery 53

Memory card
SD / SDHC / SDXC
Dual memory card slots
No
Battery type
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
USB charging
No
Read our notes on nikon d3100 storage and battery

The Nikon D3100 receives a storage and battery score of 53/100. This camera has a single memory card slot, compatible with SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards. In the current market, multiple memory card slots are preferred for flexibility and increased storage capacity. However, the single slot may suffice for casual photographers.

The battery life offers an impressive 4500 shots per charge, utilizing the EN-EL14 battery type. This surpasses many competitors, providing extended shooting time for users. Unfortunately, the camera lacks USB charging capabilities, which limits convenience compared to modern cameras with this feature.

Considering these specifications, the Nikon D3100 has a decent storage and battery performance, yet falls short in some aspects when compared to current market standards.