Nikon D3100 Key Features
- 14.2 megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor
- 3.0" LCD monitor (230,000 dots)
- Image sensor cleaning (sensor shake)
- 11 AF points (with 3D tracking)
- IS0 100-3200 range (12,800 expanded)
- HD movies (1080, 720p or WVGA)
Nikon D3100 vs D3000: Key Differences
The D3100 substantially refreshes the D3000, taking a rather outdated-looking specification and turning it into one of the most competitive in its sector.
- Higher resolution sensor (14.2MP vs. 10MP)
- Ability to shoot Raw + Fine JPEG
- Socket for connecting Nikon GP1 GPS unit
- Optional wired remote via GPS socket
- No wireless remote option
- Live view
- 1080 HD movies
- HDMI output
- Wider ISO range
- Full-time AF mode (AF-F in live view)
- Revised focus screen (different AF point illumination)
Compared to the Nikon D3000 and D5000: major feature and specification differences
As you can see from the table below the D3100's specification not only exceeds that of its predecessor, but also in some respects that of its more expensive bigger brother. Nikon D3100 |  Nikon D3000 |  Nikon D5000 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sensor | • 14.2 million effective pixels • 23.1 x 15.4 mm CMOS (DX format) | • 10.2 million effective pixels • 23.6 x 15.8 mm CCD (DX format) | • 12.3 million effective pixels • 23.6 x 15.8 mm CMOS (DX format) | ||||
| Image sizes | • 4608 x 3072 (14.2 MP) • 3456 x 2304 • 2304 x 1536 | • 3872 x 2592 (10.0 MP) • 2896 x 1944 • 1936 x 1296 | • 4288 x 2848 (12 MP) • 3216 x 2136 • 2144 x 1424 | ||||
| Movie mode | Yes 1080p24 720p30/25/24 424p24 | No | Yes 720p24 | ||||
| Live View | Yes | No | Yes | ||||
| Sensor cleaning | • Image Sensor Cleaning • Airflow control system • Image Dust Off reference data (optional Capture NX 2 software required) | • Image Sensor Cleaning • Airflow control system • Image Dust Off reference data (optional Capture NX 2 software required) | • Image Sensor Cleaning • Airflow control system • Image Dust Off reference data (optional Capture NX 2 software required) | ||||
| Autofocus | • 11 area TTL • Nikon Multi-CAM1000 | • 11 area TTL • Nikon Multi-CAM1000 | • 11 area TTL • Nikon Multi-CAM1000 | ||||
| In-body focus motor | • No | • No | • No | ||||
| AF area modes | • Single point • Dynamic area • Auto area • 3D Tracking (11-points) | • Single point • Dynamic area • Auto area >• 3D Tracking (11-points) | • Single point • Dynamic area • Auto area • 3D Tracking (11-points) | ||||
| AF drive mode | • AF-A • AF-S • AF-C • MF • AF-F (Live view only) | • AF-A • AF-S • AF-C • MF | • AF-A • AF-S • AF-C • MF | ||||
| Live view AF modes | • Face priority • Wide area • Normal area • Subject tracking | N/A | • Face priority • Wide area • Normal area • Subject tracking | ||||
| Sensitivity | • ISO 100 - 3200 • To ISO 12800 with boost | • ISO 100 - 1600 • To ISO 3200 with boost | • ISO 200 - 3200 • ISO 100-6400 with boost | ||||
| Continuous | • 3 fps | • 3 fps • 25 / 7 frames (Fine JPEG / RAW) | • 4 fps • 63 / 11 frames (Fine JPEG / RAW) | ||||
| Viewfinder magnification | • 0.8x | • 0.8x | • 0.78x | ||||
| Viewfinder Frame coverage | • Approx. 95% | • Approx. 95% | • Approx. 95% | ||||
| LCD monitor | • 3.0" TFT LCD • 230,000 pixel TFT | • 3.0" TFT LCD • 230,000 pixel TFT | • 2.7" TFT LCD • 230,000 pixel TFT • Articulated | ||||
| Dimensions | 124 x 96 x 74.5 mm (4.9 x 3.7 x 3.0 in) | 126 x 94 x 64 mm (5.0 x 3.7 x 2.5 in) | 127 x 104 x 80 mm (5.0 x 4.1 x 3.1 in) | ||||
| Weight | • No battery: 455 g (1.0 lb) • With battery: 505 g (1.1 lb) | • No battery: 484 g (1.1 lb) • With battery: 534 g (1.2 lb) | • No battery: 560 g (1.2 lb) • With battery: 611 g (1.3 lb) | ||||
| Image processing engine | • Expeed 2 • 12 bit | • Expeed • 12 bit | • Expeed • 12 bit | ||||
| Active D-lighting | On/Off | On/Off | Auto, Extra high, High, Normal, Low, or Off | ||||
| Automatic chromatic aberration correction | Yes | No | Yes | ||||
| In-camera retouching | • D-Lighting • Red-eye reduction • Trimming • Monochrome & filter effects • Color balance • Small picture • Image overlay • NEF (RAW) processing • Quick retouch • Straighten • Distortion control • Fisheye • Color outline • Perspective control • Miniature effect • Edit movie | • D-Lighting • Red-eye reduction • Trimming • Monochrome & filter effects • Color balance • Small picture • Image overlay • NEF (RAW) processing • Quick retouch • Color outline • Miniature effect • Stop-motion movie | • D-Lighting • Red-eye reduction • Trimming • Monochrome & filter effects • Color balance • Small picture • Image overlay • NEF (RAW) processing • Quick retouch • Straighten • Distortion control • Fisheye • Color outline • Perspective control | ||||
| Bracketing | No | No | Yes |
