Canon A3100 IS vs Nikon P7100

Here is a thorough assessment of the Canon A3100 IS versus Nikon P7100, both Small Sensor Compact digital cameras by competitors Canon and Nikon. The resolution of the A3100 IS (12MP) and the P7100 (10MP) is relatively well matched but the A3100 IS (1/2.3") and P7100 (1/1.7") have totally different sensor dimensions.

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The A3100 IS was manufactured 3 years before the P7100 and that is quite a significant gap as far as tech is concerned. Both the cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before going into a in depth comparison, here is a concise summation of how the A3100 IS scores vs the P7100 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Canon PowerShot A3100 IS and Nikon Coolpix P7100. The entire galleries are provided at Canon A3100 IS Gallery and Nikon P7100 Gallery.

If you are intending to carry your camera regularly, you should take into account its weight and proportions. The Canon A3100 IS provides physical measurements of 97mm x 58mm x 28mm (3.8" x 2.3" x 1.1") along with a weight of 165 grams (0.36 lbs) while the Nikon P7100 has measurements of 116mm x 77mm x 48mm (4.6" x 3.0" x 1.9") and a weight of 395 grams (0.87 lbs).

Take a look at the Canon A3100 IS versus Nikon P7100 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are working with at the time. Following is a front view dimensions comparison of the A3100 IS compared to the P7100.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the A3100 IS and P7100 is 94 and 82 respectively.

Generally, it's difficult to envision the difference between sensor sizing simply by reading through specs. The visual below will give you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the A3100 IS and P7100.

As you can plainly see, both cameras have different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The A3100 IS because of its tinier sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field harder and the Canon A3100 IS will give greater detail due to its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop shots a bit more aggressively. The older A3100 IS is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.