Nikon P1000 vs Nikon D3100

In this article, we are matching up the Nikon P1000 vs Nikon D3100, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR and both are produced by Nikon. The resolution of the P1000 (16MP) and the D3100 (14MP) is very close but the P1000 (1/2.3") and D3100 (APS-C) feature different sensor dimensions.

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The P1000 was introduced 7 years after the D3100 which is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Nikon P1000 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Nikon D3100 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before diving in to a step-by-step comparison, below is a short summary of how the P1000 matches up versus the D3100 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Nikon Coolpix P1000 and Nikon D3100. The whole galleries are provided at Nikon P1000 Gallery and Nikon D3100 Gallery.

If you are intending to travel with your camera regularly, you're going to have to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Nikon P1000 has external dimensions of 146mm x 119mm x 181mm (5.7" x 4.7" x 7.1") and a weight of 1415 grams (3.12 lbs) while the Nikon D3100 has dimensions of 124mm x 96mm x 75mm (4.9" x 3.8" x 3.0") having a weight of 505 grams (1.11 lbs).

Take a look at the Nikon P1000 vs Nikon D3100 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are using at that time. Here is the front view proportions comparison of the P1000 compared to the D3100.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the P1000 and D3100 is 49 and 68 respectively.

Sometimes, it is hard to imagine the gap in sensor dimensions only by researching specifications. The picture underneath may offer you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the P1000 and D3100.

To sum up, each of these cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The P1000 having a smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallower depth of field more challenging and the Nikon P1000 will render greater detail using its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also let you crop images far more aggressively. The newer P1000 should have an advantage when it comes to sensor innovation.