Nikon D3 vs Nikon D3100

Let's look a bit more closely at the Nikon D3 and Nikon D3100, former being a Pro DSLR while the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR and both of them are created by Nikon. The resolution of the D3 (12MP) and the D3100 (14MP) is relatively well matched but the D3 (Full frame) and D3100 (APS-C) come with different sensor size.

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The D3 was launched 3 years prior to the D3100 and that is quite a significant difference as far as technology is concerned. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Nikon D3 being a Large SLR camera and the Nikon D3100 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before delving in to a thorough comparison, below is a short summary of how the D3 grades against the D3100 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Nikon D3 & Nikon D3100. The complete galleries are provided at Nikon D3 Gallery & Nikon D3100 Gallery.

When you are looking to carry your camera frequently, you are going to need to factor its weight and volume. The Nikon D3 provides exterior measurements of 160mm x 157mm x 88mm (6.3" x 6.2" x 3.5") having a weight of 1300 grams (2.87 lbs) whilst the Nikon D3100 has sizing of 124mm x 96mm x 75mm (4.9" x 3.8" x 3.0") with a weight of 505 grams (1.11 lbs).

Compare the Nikon D3 and Nikon D3100 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you are working with during that time. Below is the front view proportions comparison of the D3 compared to the D3100.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the D3 and D3100 is 50 and 68 respectively.

Quite often, it is very tough to visualize the gap between sensor sizing purely by reading through a spec sheet. The graphic underneath will help give you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the D3 and D3100.

Clearly, both the cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The D3 due to its bigger sensor is going to make shooting bokeh less difficult and the Nikon D3100 will resolve greater detail utilizing its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop photographs far more aggressively. The older D3 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor innovation.