The comparison of Nikon D3000 vs Nikon D3100 needs analysis of body aspects and features. These entry-level cameras have alot of features in common and differ in alot of features as well. Meanwhile, there are features that lacks in both of these cameras.
Sensor, imaging, photography, videography, body, performance, connectivity, weight, dimensions, and other comparisons are a part of this article.
Nikon D3000 vs Nikon D3100, which is better?
Nikon D3100 is better than Nikon D3000 in terms of photography and videography. Furthermore, Nikon D3100 has a wider range of functions, and thus, is more versatile.
You can find every detail in the article, but here is a short Justification:
- Higher Effective Pixels(14MP)
- Higher ISO range(12800)
- Full HD video recording(1920 x 1080)
- Nikon F lens mount
- Lighter in weight(505g)
- Longer battery lasting time(550 Shots)
- Better for Portrait photography
- Better for Street photography
- Better for Sports photography
- Better for Landscape Photography
- Better for Travel Photography
- Better for Videography
- Supports more storage type formats
- Supports Memory cards of sizes up to 64GB
Key specifications
Key specifications include the general information that should be majorly known and most needed in photography or videography.
| Features | Nikon D3000 | Nikon D3100 |
| Release Date | 2009-12-11 | 2010-12-21 |
| Sensor | APS-C ( CCD ) | APS-C ( CMOS ) |
| MP | 10 | 14 |
| ISO Range | 100-3200 | 100-12800 |
| Video Recording | No Video Mode | Full HD Recording |
| Video Resolution | X | 1920 x 1080 |
| Lowest FPS | 3 | 3 |
| Lens Mount | Nikon F Mount | Nikon F Mount |
| Weight | 536g | 505g |
| Dimensions | 126 x 97 x 64 mm | 124 x 96 x 75 mm |
| Viewfinder | Optical ( Pentamirror) | Optical ( Pentamirror) |
| Screen Size | 3.00” | 3.00” |
| Battery Life | 500 | 550 |
Nikon D3000 was released on 2009-12-11 and it has an APS-C sensor and 10MP. ISO ranges from 100 to 3200 and has a Nikon F lens mount. The fixed screen has a size of 3 inches and an optical viewfinder. The weight is 536g and its dimensions are 126 x 97 x 64mm. Nikon D3300 features no video recording.
Nikon D3100 was released on 2010-12-21 and it has an APS-C sensor and 14MP. ISO ranges from 100 to 3200 with an option to extend till 12800 and this camera has a Nikon F lens mount. The fixed screen has a size of 3 inches and an optical viewfinder. The weight is 505g and its dimensions are 124 x 96 x 75 mm. Video can be recorded in Full HD and at 1920 x 1080 resolution.
Nikon D3100 was the second release of the series and the first camera of the series with a video recording option. You can learn about shooting videos with Nikon D3100.
Sensor Comparison
Both cameras have APS-C sensors yet they differ in sensor size and a few more aspects.
The Nikon D3000 is equipped with a 10.0MP APS-C (23.6 x 15.8 mm) CCD sensor and an Expeed processor.
The Nikon D3100, on the other hand, includes a 14.0MP APS-C (23.1 x 15.4 mm) CMOS sensor with the Expeed 2 processor.
| Nikon D3000 | Nikon D3100 | |
| Sensor Type | CCD | CMOS |
| Image Sensor Format | DX | DX |
| Sensor Size | 0.93 Inch ( 23.6 x 15.8mm) | 0.91 Inch ( 23.1 x 15.4mm) |
| Sensor Photo Detectors | 11.0 Mpx | 15.0 Mpx |
| Image Ratio (H:W) | 3:2 | 3:2 |
| Effective Pixels | 10.0 Mpx | 14.0 Mpx |
| Maximum Resolution | 3872 x 2592 px | 4608 x 3072 px |
| Other Resolutions | 2896 x 1944 | 1936 x 1296 | 3456 x 2304 | 2304 x 1536 |
| Processor | Expeed | Expeed 2 |
The Nikon D3100’s higher resolution allows for more cropping options and the possibility of printing larger photographs. The D3100’s maximum print size is 23 x 15.4 inches (58.5 x 39 cm) for good quality output (200 dots per inch), 18.4 x 12.3 inches (46.8 x 31.2 cm) for very good quality (250 dpi), and 15.4 x 10.2 inches (39 x 26 cm) for outstanding quality (300 dpi).
For the Nikon D3000, good quality prints are 19.4 x 13 inches or 49.2 x 32.9 cm, very good quality prints are 15.5 x 10.4 inches or 39.3 x 26.3 cm, and outstanding quality prints are 12.9 x 8.6 inches or 32.8 x 21.9 cm.
Result
Because the Nikon D3000 and Nikon D3100 have almost identical sensor sizes, neither has a substantial advantage over the other in terms of depth of field control when utilized with the same focal length and aperture. But, cropping images more sharply will be easier with the higher resolution of the Nikon D3100
Image Features Comparison
Here is a table that mentions the image features that each camera has.
| Nikon D3000 | Nikon D3100 | |
| ISO | 100 | 1600 | 3200 | 100 | 200 | 400 | 800 | 1600 | 3200 | Auto |
| Minimum ISO | 100 | 100 |
| Maximum ISO | 3200 | 12800 |
| ISO Auto | YES | YES |
| Extended ISO | 3200 | 12800 |
| Maximum Image Resolution | 3872 x 2592 px | 4608 x 3072 px |
| White Balance Modes | Auto | Cloudy | Auto | Manual |
| White Balance Presets | 12 | 12 |
| Custom White Balance | YES | YES |
| Supported Image File Formats | JPG | RAW | JPG | NEF | RAW |
| Image Stabilizer | NO | NO |
| Image Stabilization Type | NO | NO |
| Photo Effects | BnW | Neutral | Vivid | BnW (Black n White) |
| Supported Aspect Ratio | 1:1 | 3:2 | 4:3 | 5:4 | 16:9 | 16:9 |
| Uncompressed Format | RAW | RAW |
| AEB/HDR Support | NO | NO |
The Nikon D3000′s base sensitivity range is ISO 100 to ISO 1600, with an ISO 100-3200 range available as an option.
The Nikon D3100 has ISO settings ranging from 100 to 3200, with the option of increasing the ISO range to 100-12800.
Result
Nikon D3100 is superior to Nikon D3000 in terms of photography. Different and higher available options of ISO, more image file formats, and a better resolution makes this camera more versatile than Nikon D3000.
Photography Features Comparison
| Nikon D3000 | Nikon D3100 | |
| Camera Shutter Type | Electronic | Electronic | Mechanical |
| Minimum Shutter Speed | 30.0s | 30.0s |
| Maximum Shutter Speed | 1.0s | 1.0s |
| Aperture Priority | YES | YES |
| Shutter Priority | YES | YES |
| Manual Exposure Mode | YES | YES |
| Exposure Compensation Steps | ⅓ | ½ | ⅓ |
| Exposure Compensation Plus | 5 | 5 |
| Exposure Compensation Minus | -5 | -5 |
| Continuous Shooting | YES | YES |
| Auto Exposure Lock | YES | YES |
| Self-timer Delay | 2s / 10s | 2s /10s |
| WB Bracketing | NO | NO |
| Histogram | YES | YES |
| Subject / Scene Mode | YES | YES |
| Continuous Drive | 3.0 FPS | 3.0 FPS |
| Scene Modes | Children | Close-up | Portrait | Night portrait | Sports | Landscape | Children | Close-up | Portrait |
| Metering Modes | Multi | Centre-weighted | Spot | Multi | Centre-weighted | Average |
| Self-timer | YES | YES |
| Manual Settings | YES | YES |
| Self-timer Options | 2 | 5 | 10 | 20 | 2 | 5 | 10 | 20 |
| Speed ( RAW) | 3.0 FPS | 3.0 FPS |
| Speed ( JPEG) | 3.0 FPS | 3.0 FPS |
| Shooting Modes | N/A | Auto | Manual | Movie |
These are complete details for the photography with these cameras, except the flash details that are mentioned in the next segment. Now, let’s see how do these cameras perform in each type of photography.
Portrait Photography
Nikon D3100 has better performance for portrait photography due to the better features.
| Nikon D3000 | Nikon D3100 |
| 👍🏻Large sensor size | 👍🏻 Large sensor size |
| 👍🏻 Optical viewfinder | 👍🏻 Optical built-in viewfinder |
| 👍🏻 Good Handling and ergonomics | 👍🏻 Good Handling and ergonomics |
| 👍🏻 Manual Focus | 👍🏻 Manual Focus |
| 👍🏻 Averagely good resolution sensor(14MP) | |
| 👍🏻Provides face detection focusing | |
| 👎🏻 No image stabilisation | 👎🏻No image stabilisation |
| 👎🏻 No live view | |
| 👎🏻 Poor resolution sensor (10MP) |
Street Photography
Nikon D3100 is recommended for street photography.
| Nikon D3000 | Nikon D3100 |
| 👍🏻 Large sensor | 👍🏻 Large sensor |
| 👍🏻 Save RAW files | 👍🏻 Save RAW files |
| 👍🏻 Live view | |
| 👍🏻 Face-detection focusing | |
| 👎🏻 Fixed screen | 👎🏻 Fixed screen |
| 👎🏻No image stabilisation | 👎🏻No image stabilisation |
| 👎🏻 No live view |
Sports Photography
Nikon D3100 is recommended for Sports Photography.
| Nikon D3000 | Nikon D3100 |
| 👍🏻 Good ergonomics and handling | 👍🏻 God ergonomics and handling |
| 👍🏻 Fast and maximum shutter speed: 1/4000 | 👍🏻 Fast and maximum shutter speed: 1/4000 |
| 👍🏻 11 Focus point | 👍🏻 11 Focus point |
| 👍🏻 Optical built-in viewfinder | 👍🏻 Optical built-in viewfinder |
| 👍🏻 1 cross type focus sensor | |
| 👍🏻 550 Shots battery life | |
| 👎🏻 Slow continuous shooting: 3.0fps | 👎🏻 Slow continuous shooting: 3.0fps |
| 👎🏻 No environment sealings | 👎🏻 No environment sealings |
| 👎🏻 10MP sensor resolution |
Landscape Photography
Nikon D3100 is recommended for landscape photography.
| Nikon D3000 | Nikon D3100 |
| 👍🏻 Large APS-C sensor | 👍🏻 Large APS-C sensor |
| 👍🏻 Save RAW files | 👍🏻 Save RAW files |
| 👍🏻 Nikon F mount lenses | 👍🏻 Nikon F mount lenses |
| 👍🏻 Live view | |
| 👎🏻 No environment sealings | 👎🏻 No environment sealings |
| 👎🏻 No live view | 👎🏻 No time-lapse recording |
| 👎🏻 No time-lapse recording |
Travel Photography
Nikon D3100 is recommended for travel photography.
| Nikon D3000 | Nikon D3100 |
| 👍🏻 Good ergonomics and handling | 👍🏻 Good ergonomics and handling |
| 👍🏻 Phase detect AF | 👍🏻 Phase detect AF |
| 👍🏻 14MP sensor resolution | |
| 👎🏻 No environment sealings | 👎🏻 No environment sealings |
| 👎🏻 Do not possess selfie-friendly screen | 👎🏻 Do not possess selfie-friendly screen |
| 👎🏻 10MP sensor resolution | |
| 👎🏻 No live view |
Videography features Comparison
The videography features include details about video recording resolution, frame rate, and other features.
| Nikon D3000 | Nikon D3100 | |
| Video Recording | NO | YES |
| HD Type | N/A | Full HD |
| Supported Video File Formats | N/A | MOV(MPEG-4) |
| Analog Signal Format system | N/A | NTSC | PAL |
| Camera Playback | N/A | Highlights | Movie | Single Image | Slideshow | Thumbnails |
| Motion JPEG Frame Rate | N/A | 3.0FPS |
| Recording Resolutions | N/A | 1920 x 1080 (24 fps), 1280 x 720 (30, 25, 24 fps), 640 x 424 (24 fps) |
| Maximum Resolution | N/A | 1920 x 1080 px |
| Maximum Resolution(Highest Frame Rate) | N/A | 1280 x 720 px |
| Maximum Frame Rate(Highest Resolution) | N/A | 24.0 FPS |
| Maximum Frame Rate(Regardless of Reso.) | N/A | 30.0 FPS |
| Timelapse | NO | NO |
Vlogging and Youtube videos comparison
It is a straightforwardly inclined decision towards Nikon D3100 as Nikon D3000 do not have video recording mode.
| Nikon D3000 | Nikon D3100 |
| 👍🏻 Face detection focusing | |
| 👍🏻 High Video Resolution (1920 x 1080 px) | |
| 👍🏻 HD Recording | |
| 👎🏻 No Video Recording Mode | |
| 👎🏻 Fixed screen | 👎🏻 Fixed screen |
Audio Features Comparison
| Nikon D3000 | Nikon D3100 | |
| Built-in Microphone | NO | YES |
| Microphone Type | N/A | Mono |
| Noise Reduction | YES | NO |
| Voice Recording | NO | YES |
| Audio System | N/A | Mono |
| Supported Audio File Formats | N/A | PCM |
Flash comparison(Built-in and External)
| Built-in Flash | YES | YES |
| Flash Sync Speed | 1/200 s | 1/200 s |
| Flash Range | 12 | 12 |
| Flash modes | Auto | Flash Off | Red-Eye Reduction | Auto | Flash Off | Red-Eye Reduction | Slow Sync |
| External Flash Connection | Hot shoe | Hot shoe |
| Flash Metering System | i-TTL | i-TTL |
| External Flash | YES | YES |
Optics and Focus Comparison
| Nikon D3000 | Nikon D3100 | |
| Lens Mount | Nikon F | Nikon F |
| Digital Zoom | 1.0 x | NO |
| Optical Zoom | 3.0 x | 3.0x |
| Magnification ( Crop Factor) | 1.5 x | 1.5 x |
| Maximum Aperture | 22 | 2.8 |
| Focus Adjustment | Auto / Manual | Auto / Manual |
| Auto Focus Assist Light | Lamp | Lamp |
| Contrast Autofocus | YES | YES |
| Brightness Adjustment | YES | YES |
| Focal Length multiplier | 1.5 x | 1.5 x |
| Autofocus (AF) | Continuous AF | Servo AF | Single AF | Single AF | Multi-area | Tracking | Single | Selective single-point | Continuous | Face Detection |
| Autofocus Lock | YES | YES |
| Autofocus Point Selection | Auto | Manual | Auto | Manual |
| Autofocus Assist Beam | YES | YES |
| Manual Focus | YES | YES |
| Number of Focus Points | 11 | 11 |
| Filter Diameter | 2.64 in | 2.64 in |
| Image Stabilizer | YES(Only lens-based) | YES(Only lens-based) |
| Autofocus in Recording Mode | N/A | YES |
| Phase Detection Autofocus | YES | YES |
Design Comparison
| Nikon D3000 | Nikon D3100 | |
| Body Type | DSLR | DSLR |
| Body Material | Plastic | Plastic |
| Anti-dust System | YES | YES |
| Weather Sealing | NO | NO |
| Colors | Black | Black | Red |
Dimensions Comparison
| Nikon D3000 | Nikon D3100 | |
| Weight | 17.11oz(536 g)(1.11 lb) | 17.81 oz(505g)(1.11 lb) |
| Height | 3.7in | 2.95in |
| Width | 4.92 in | 4.88 in |
| Depth | 2.56 in | 3.78 in |
Screen and Viewfinder Comparison
| Nikon D3000 | Nikon D3100 | |
| Screen Size | 3.00” | 3.00” |
| Scree Technology | LCD | LCD TFT |
| Screen Dots | 230,000 | 230,000 |
| Touch Screen | NO | NO |
| Articulated LCD | NO | NO |
| Live VIEW | NO | YES |
| Viewfinder | Optical (Pentamirror) | Optical (Pentamirror) |
| Viewfinder magnification | 0.8x | 0.8 x |
| Viewfinder Coverage | 95.0% | 95.0 % |
| Diopter Adjustment (D-D) | 1.7-0.5 | 1.7-0.5 |
| Diopter Correction | N/A | YES |
| Eye Relief | 0.71 in | 0.71in |
| Field of View | N/A | 95.0% |
| Separate Info Display | NO | NO |
| Flip-out Screen | NO | NO |
Nikon D3000 has an LCD screen of 3.0’’ with 230,000 screen dots. This screen can not be flipped or adjusted, because it is fixed.
Nikon D3100 has an LCD TFT screen of 3.0’’ with 230,000 screen dots. This screen can not be flipped or adjusted, because it is fixed.
Storage Comparison
| Nikon D3000 | Nikon D3100 | |
| Compatible Memory Cards | SD | SDHC | SD | SDHC | SDXC |
| Storage Type | SD | SDHC | SD | SDHC |SDXC |
| Memory Slots | 1 | 1 |
| Camera File system | DCF 2.0 | EXIF 2.21 | DCF 2.0 | EXIF 2.21 | DPOF 1.1 |
| Internal Storage | no | NO |
| Maximum Memory card Size | 32 GB | 64 GB |
| Dual Memory Card Slots | NO | NO |
Nikon D3000 has only one memory card slot that is compatible with SD and SDHC memory cards. The maximum card size can be up to 32GB. Furthermore, Nikon D3000 does not possess any internal storage.
Nikon D3100 has only one memory card slot that is compatible with SD, SDXC, and SDHC memory cards. The maximum card size can be up to 64GB. Furthermore, Nikon D3000 does not possess any internal storage.
Power Comparison
Nikon D3100 has an advantage over Nikon D3000 in terms of battery/power comparison.
| Nikon D3000 | Nikon D3100 | |
| Power Source Type | Battery | AC | Battery |
| Battery Life (CIPO) | 500 | 550 |
| Battery Technology | Lithium-Ion(Li-ion) | Lithium-Ion(Li-ion) |
| Number of Batteries Supported | 1 | 1 |
| AC adapter Included | YES | YES |
Nikon D3000 supports a Li-ion battery and the battery life is up to 500 shots each charge. At the moment, Nikon D3000 can have only 1 battery inside it.
Nikon D3100 supports a Li-ion battery and the battery life is up to 550 shots each charge. At the moment, Nikon D3100 can have only 1 battery inside it.
Connectivity Comparison
| Nikon D3000 | Nikon D3100 | |
| Built-in WIFI | NO | NO |
| GPS | NO | YES |
| Bluetooth | NO | NO |
| HDMI | NO | YES |
| HDMI ports quantity | 0 | 1 |
| HDMI connector Type | NO | Mini |
| USB port | YES | YES |
| USB Version | 2.0 | 2.0 |
| Wireless | Eye-Fi connected | Eye-Fi connected |
| Remote Control | YES | YES |
| PictBridge | YES | NO |
| NFC | NO | NO |
| AV Output | YES | NO |
| Firewire | NO | NO |
| Microphone Port | NO | YES |
| DC-in jack | YES | YES |
| Tripod Mounting Support | YES | YES |
Nikon D3000 has no built-in WIFI, microphone port, Bluetooth, and HDMI port. Thus, the camera cannot be connected wirelessly to other devices. Only video out and a micro USB port are available on the D3000.
Nikon D3100 has no built-in WIFI, and Bluetooth, rather it has an HDMI port. Thus, the camera cannot be connected wirelessly to other devices. It can be connected only with a USB.
Conclusion
In Nikon D3000 vs Nikon D3100, it is now obvious that Nikon D3100 is better than Nikon D3000 in almost every aspect. It has a lower weight than its other competitor and still has more features like video recording and more ISO range. Furthermore, its versatility makes it superior as well.
FAQs
Is Nikon D3100 a good 2022 camera?
YES. For individuals who wish to get into photography, the Nikon D3100 is an entry-level DSLR with plenty of capabilities and functionality. The D3100 is a wonderful camera to consider because of its superb 14.2 MP DX CMOS sensor, which is capable of great image quality, full HD video recording capabilities, and a solid autofocus system.
