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Nikon D3000 vs Nikon D3100 Comparison

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Nikon D3000

10 MP | APS-C (23.6 x 15.8 mm) CCD Sensor

Nikon D3000
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Nikon D3100

14 MP | APS-C (23.1 x 15.4 mm) CMOS Sensor

Nikon D3100
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Nikon D3000 vs Nikon D3100 Comparison Overview

In this review, we will be comparing D3000 and D3100, two Entry-Level DSLR cameras by Nikon. Nikon D3000 was introduced to market in December 2009 and Nikon D3100 was launched in December 2010. There is 12 months difference between D3000 and D3100 so we don't expect to see a huge technology difference between these two cameras but it would still give an advantage to younger D3100, especially in sensor tech.

D3000 and D3100 are members of Nikon's D3000 series of cameras. Below you can find the latest models from this series.

Nikon D3000 Series History
Model Release Date Sensor Dimensions Weight
Nikon D3500
  
2018 24.0MP - APS-C 124 x 97 x 70mm 365g
Nikon D3400
  
2016 24.0MP - APS-C 124 x 98 x 76mm 395g
Nikon D3300
  
2014 24.0MP - APS-C 124 x 98 x 76mm 430g
Nikon D3200
  
2012 24.0MP - APS-C 125 x 96 x 77mm 505g
Nikon D3100
2010 14.0MP - APS-C 124 x 96 x 75mm 505g

Here is a brief look at the main features of Nikon D3000 and Nikon D3100 before getting into our more detailed comparison.

Nikon D3000 Key Specs

  • Announcement Date: 2009-12-11
  • 10MP - APS-C CCD Sensor
  • ISO 100 - 1600 ( expands to 3200)
  • Nikon F Mount
  • 3.00" Fixed Type Screen
  • Optical (pentamirror) viewfinder
  • 3.0fps continuous shooting
  • No Video Mode
  • 536g. 126 x 97 x 64 mm
  • Replaced Nikon D40 Compare

Nikon D3100 Key Specs

  • Announcement Date: 2010-12-21
  • 14MP - APS-C CMOS Sensor
  • ISO 100 - 3200 ( expands to 12800)
  • Nikon F Mount
  • 3.00" Fixed Type Screen
  • Optical (pentamirror) viewfinder
  • 3.0fps continuous shooting
  • Full HD - 1920 x 1080 video resolution
  • 505g. 124 x 96 x 75 mm
  • Replaced Nikon D3000 Compare

Nikon D3100 was replaced by Nikon D3200. You may also be interested in these comparisons:
Nikon D3200 vs Nikon D3100
Nikon D3200 vs Nikon D3000

Let's read on the following sections in order to better understand in detail how Nikon D3000 and Nikon D3100 compares and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one is better for you.


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Reasons to choose Nikon D3000 over Nikon D3100
Sensor Pixel Area
37.14µm2 vs 25.12µm2 47% larger pixel area
CHECK D3000 PRICE


Reasons to choose Nikon D3100 over Nikon D3000
Face Detection Focus
Yes vs No very handy for portraits
Sensor Resolution
14 MP vs 10 MP 39% more pixels
Max ISO
3.200 vs 1.600 100% higher Max ISO
Battery Life
550 shots vs 500 shots 50 more frames with a single charge
Weight
505 g vs 536 g 31 g lighter
Color Depth
22.5 vs 22.3 higher color depth
Dynamic Range
11.3 vs 11.1 higher dynamic range
Low Light ISO
919 vs 563 better High ISO performance
Max Video Resolution
1920 x 1080 vs None Higher Resolution Video
Flash Sync Port
Yes vs No Connect off-camera flash
CHECK D3100 PRICE

Common Strengths of Nikon D3000 and Nikon D3100
Built-in Flash
Yes vs Yes Useful in low-light
External Flash Shoe
Yes vs Yes Better for flash photography
Viewfinder
Yes (Optical) vs Yes (Optical) Better framing and control
RAW Support
Yes vs Yes Better image quality
Common Weaknesses of Nikon D3000 and Nikon D3100
In-body Image Stabilization
No vs No No Built-in stabilization
Fixed Screen
Fixed Type vs No Screen tilts or Flips out independently, perfect for both stills and video
LCD Screen Resolution
230k dots vs 230k dots Low resolution screens
Environmental Sealing
No vs No not suitable for tough conditions
AE Bracketing
No vs No Not good for multi-exposure HDR
Optical Viewfinder Type
Pentamirror vs Pentamirror not as bright as Pentaprism Viewfinders
AF Micro Adjustment (Fine Tune)
No vs No no option to fine tune Auto focus
Nikon D3000 vs Nikon D3100: Physical Specs and Body features Comparison

Size and weight is a big decision factor when you are trying to find the ideal camera for your needs. In this section, We are going to illustrate Nikon D3000 and Nikon D3100 side-by-side from the front, back and top in their relative dimensions. Nikon D3000 has external dimensions of 126 x 97 x 64 mm (4.96 x 3.82 x 2.52″) and weighs 536 g (1.18 lb / 18.91 oz) (including batteries). Nikon D3100 has external dimensions of 124 x 96 x 75 mm (4.88 x 3.78 x 2.95″) and weighs 505 g (1.11 lb / 17.81 oz) (including batteries).

Below you can see the front view size comparison of Nikon D3000 and Nikon D3100. Nikon D3100 is 2mm narrower and 1mm shorter than Nikon D3000 but it is also 11mm thicker.

Nikon D3000 vs Nikon D3100 Camera Size Comparison - Front View
Comparison image of Nikon D3000 and Nikon D3100 Size, Weight and External Dimensions - Front View

Now lets look at the top view comparison of Nikon D3000 and Nikon D3100.
Nikon D3000 vs Nikon D3100 Camera Size Comparison - Top View
Top View Comparison image of Nikon D3000 and Nikon D3100 Size

Weight is another important factor especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day. Nikon D3100 is 31g lighter than the Nikon D3000 but we don't think this will make a significant difference.

Also keep in mind that body weight is not the only deciding factor when comparing two interchangeable camera bodies, you have to also take into account the lenses that you will be using with these bodies. Since both Nikon D3000 and Nikon D3100 have the same Nikon F lens mount and APS-C sized sensors, lenses will not be a differentiator on total size of the system.

Weight Comparison

DSLR Cameras

D3000
D3100
Min
Average
Max
Thickness Comparison

DSLR Cameras

D3000
D3100
Min
Average
Max

Weather Sealing

Unfortunately neither Nikon D3000 nor Nikon D3100 provides any type of weather sealing in their body, so you have to give extra care especially when you are shooting outdoors. If weather sealing is a must-have feature for you, check these sections:
Top DSLR Cameras with Weather Sealing

LCD Screen Size and Features

Nikon D3000 and Nikon D3100's LCD screens has the same diagonal size of 3.00".

Unfortunately, both cameras has fixed screens so they don't tilt or flip in directions.


Nikon D3000 vs Nikon D3100: Sensor Comparison

Nikon D3000 has a 10.0MP APS-C (23.6 x 15.8 mm ) sized CCD sensor and features Expeed processor. On the other hand, Nikon D3100 has a 14.0MP APS-C (23.1 x 15.4 mm ) sized CMOS sensor and features Expeed 2 processor.

Below you can see the D3000 and D3100 sensor size comparison.

Nikon D3000 vs Nikon D3100 Sensor Size Comparison
Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Nikon D3000 and Nikon D3100 Cameras


Nikon D3000 and Nikon D3100 have almost the same sensor size so none of them has any significant advantage over other in providing control over depth of field when used with same focal length and aperture.

DxOMark Sensor Scores

DxOMark is a benchmark that scientifically assesses image quality of camera sensors. It scores camera sensors for color depth (DXO Portrait), dynamic range (DXO Landscape) and low-light sensitivity (DXO Sports), and also gives them an overall score. Nikon D3000 and Nikon D3100 sensors have been tested by DxO and the results show that D3100 has a better overall score of 67, 5 points higher compared to D3000's score of 62.

Model Overall Color Depth Dynamic Range Low-light ISO
Nikon D3000 62 22.3 bits 11.1 Evs 563 ISO
Nikon D3100 67 22.5 bits 11.3 Evs 919 ISO
Nikon D3000 vs Nikon D3100 Comparison of Available Lenses
Which camera has more lenses?

Number of available lenses is a big decision factor while choosing your interchangeable lens camera. Nikon D3000 and Nikon D3100 have the same Nikon F lens mount and currently there are 316 native lenses available for these cameras.

Another important factor is the availability of image stabilization. None of these bodies have sensor based image stabilization so you have to buy lenses with Optical stabilization feature. Currently there are 107 lenses with Image stabilization for Nikon F mount.

Lens Type # of Nikon D3000 Lenses # of Nikon D3100 Lenses
Standard Zoom 32 32
Standard Prime 22 22
Wideangle Zoom 33 33
Wideangle Prime 50 50
Telephoto Zoom 55 55
Telephoto Prime 46 46
SuperZoom 30 30
Wideangle Fisheye Prime 8 8
Macro Prime 26 26
Perspective Control Prime 11 11
Telephoto Mirror Prime 1 1
TOTAL 316 316

Here are some of the most popular Nikon F Mount Lenses on Camera Decision:

Popular Nikon F Mount Lenses for D3000 and D3100
Model Coverage Weight Focusing Street Price
Nikon AF Nikkor 70-300mm f4-5.6G Lens Nikon AF Nikkor 70-300mm f4-5.6G
35mm FF 425gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Nikon AF Nikkor 80-400mm f4.5-5.6D ED VR Lens Nikon AF Nikkor 80-400mm f4.5-5.6D ED VR
35mm FF 1340gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-300mm f4.5-5.6G VR Lens Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-300mm f4.5-5.6G VR
35mm FF 745gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Tamron SP 150-600mm F5-6.3 Di VC USD Lens Tamron SP 150-600mm F5-6.3 Di VC USD
35mm FF 1951gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 200-500mm F5.6E ED VR Lens Nikon AF-S Nikkor 200-500mm F5.6E ED VR
35mm FF 2300gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Nikon AF-S Micro-Nikkor 105mm f2.8G IF-ED VR Lens Nikon AF-S Micro-Nikkor 105mm f2.8G IF-ED VR
35mm FF 720gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Sigma 300-800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM Lens Sigma 300-800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM
35mm FF 5880gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm f1.8G Lens Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm f1.8G
APS-C / DX 200gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
What types of Photography are Nikon D3000 and Nikon D3100 Good for?
In this section, we rank and compare Nikon D3000 and Nikon D3100 for five different photography types in order to make your decision process easier in case you are specifically interested in one or more of these areas.

Nikon D3000 for Portrait Photography

AVERAGE

Nikon D3100 for Portrait Photography

AVERAGE
Large APS-C (23.6 x 15.8 mm) sensor
Optical Built-in Viewfinder
Good Ergonomics&Handling
Very Low Resolution Sensor: 10.0MP
No Image Stabilization
Read the details
Large APS-C (23.1 x 15.4 mm) sensor
Optical Built-in Viewfinder
Good Ergonomics&Handling
Average Resolution Sensor: 14.0MP
No Image Stabilization
Read the details

Nikon D3000 for Street Photography

AVERAGE

Nikon D3100 for Street Photography

AVERAGE
Large APS-C (23.6 x 15.8 mm) sensor
Optical Built-in Viewfinder
No Image Stabilization
No Live-view
Large Body
Read the details
Large APS-C (23.1 x 15.4 mm) sensor
Optical Built-in Viewfinder
Live-view
Face-Detection Focusing
No Image Stabilization
Large Body
Read the details

Nikon D3000 for Sports Photography

GOOD

Nikon D3100 for Sports Photography

GOOD
Optical Built-in Viewfinder
Good Ergonomics&Handling
Fast Max shutter speed: 1/4000s
11 Focus Points
No Image Stabilization
Slow Continuous Shooting: 3.0fps
Environmental Sealings
Read the details
Optical Built-in Viewfinder
Good Ergonomics&Handling
Fast Max shutter speed: 1/4000s
1 Cross Type Focus sensors
11 Focus Points
Good Battery Life: 550 shots
No Image Stabilization
Slow Continuous Shooting: 3.0fps
Environmental Sealings
Read the details

Nikon D3000 for Daily Photography

AVERAGE

Nikon D3100 for Daily Photography

AVERAGE
Large APS-C (23.6 x 15.8 mm) sensor
Large Body
536g
Body Thickness 64mm
Read the details
Large APS-C (23.1 x 15.4 mm) sensor
Large Body
505g
Body Thickness 75mm
Read the details

Nikon D3000 for Landscape Photography

POOR

Nikon D3100 for Landscape Photography

POOR
Large APS-C (23.6 x 15.8 mm) sensor
Very Low Resolution Sensor: 10.0MP
No Environmental Sealings
No Live-view
Read the details
Large APS-C (23.1 x 15.4 mm) sensor
Live-view
Average Resolution Sensor: 14.0MP
No Environmental Sealings
Read the details

Nikon D3000 vs Nikon D3100: OUR DECISION

You may have already made your decision about which camera suits better for your needs and your budget so far but in case you wonder how we rated Nikon D3000 and Nikon D3100, below you can find their scores in five different aspects. Our Decision Algorithm dynamically scores cameras using 69 different specs, current price and DxO Mark scores (where possible) in order to make a more objective and consistent comparison.

Here is a summary of how Nikon D3000 and Nikon D3100 scores compare:

Nikon D3000
Imaging
Features
Value
Portability
Overall
Ranked #68 out of 80 in Compact SLR cameras
Ranked #586 out of 1259 in all Cameras
Nikon D3100
Imaging
Features
Value
Portability
Overall
Ranked #53 out of 80 in Compact SLR cameras
Ranked #410 out of 1259 in all Cameras

Nikon D3100 has a higher Overall Score than the Nikon D3000 and would be our choice if we have to decide between these two cameras.

Nikon D3000
Nikon D3000
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Nikon D3100
Nikon D3100
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Nikon D3100 vs Nikon D3000 Specs Table
Detailed comparison of specifications
General Nikon D3000 Nikon D3100
Brand Nikon Nikon
Announced 2009-12-11 2010-12-21
Body Type Compact SLR Compact SLR
Sensor
Type CCD CMOS
Size APS-C APS-C
Dimensions 23.6 x 15.8 mm 23.1 x 15.4 mm
Area 372.88mm2 355.74mm2
Megapixels 10 megapixels 14 megapixels
Max Resolution 3872 x 2592 4608 x 3072
Max Native Light sensitivity 1,600 ISO 3,200 ISO
Max Boosted Light Sensitivity 3200 ISO 12800 ISO
Min Native Light sensitivity 100 ISO 100 ISO
RAW Support
Autofocus
AF Touch
AF Continuous
AF Single
AF Tracking
AF Selective
AF Center
AF Multi Area
AF Live View
AF Face Detection
AF Contrast Detection
AF Phase Detection
Number of Focus Points 11 11
Lens
Manual Focus
Lens Mount Nikon F Nikon F
Number of Available Lenses 316 316
Screen
Type Fixed type Fixed type
Size 3.00" 3.00"
Resolution 230k dots 230k dots
Touch Screen
Viewfinder
Viewfinder Optical (pentamirror) Optical (pentamirror)
Viewfinder Coverage 95% 95%
Viewfinder Magnification 0.53x 0.53x
Photography Features
Max Mechanical Shutter 1/4000s 1/4000s
Shutter Priority
Aperture Priority
Manual Exposure Mode
Custom White Balance
Built-in Image Stabilization No No
Built-in Flash
Flash Range 12.00 m (at ISO 100) 12.00 m (at ISO 100)
Max Flash Sync 1/200s 1/200s
External Flash
Continuous Shooting 3.0 fps 3.0 fps
Multi-Segment Metering
Average Metering
Spot Metering
Partial Metering
AF-Area Metering
Center Weighted Metering
AE Bracketing
WB Bracketing
Video Features
Max Video Resolution None 1920 x 1080
Video Formats n/a MPEG-4
Microphone Port
Headphone Port
Connectivity
Wireless Connectivity Eye-Fi Connected Eye-Fi Connected
HDMI
Physical
Environmental Sealing
Weight 536g 505g
Dimensions 126 x 97 x 64mm 124 x 96 x 75mm
Battery Life 500 shots 550 shots
Other Features
Timelapse Recording
GPS None Optional
DxO Sensor Scores
DxO Overall Score 62 67
DxO Color Depth 22.3 22.5
DxO Dynamic Range 11.1 11.3
DxO Low Light ISO 563 919
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