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Nikon D3100 vs Pentax K-50

Portability
68
Imaging
54
Features
59
Overall
56
Nikon D3100 front
 
Pentax K-50 front
Portability
63
Imaging
58
Features
65
Overall
60

Nikon D3100 vs Pentax K-50 Key Specs

Nikon D3100
(Full Review)
  • 14MP - APS-C Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 100 - 3200 (Boost to 12800)
  • 1920 x 1080 video
  • Nikon F Mount
  • 505g - 124 x 96 x 75mm
  • Introduced December 2010
  • Succeeded the Nikon D3000
  • Renewed by Nikon D3200
Pentax K-50
(Full Review)
  • 16MP - APS-C Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 100 - 51600
  • Sensor based Image Stabilization
  • 1/6000s Max Shutter
  • 1920 x 1080 video
  • Pentax KAF2 Mount
  • 650g - 130 x 97 x 71mm
  • Revealed November 2013
  • Succeeded the Pentax K-30
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Nikon D3100 vs Pentax K-50 Overview

Here is a extended comparison of the Nikon D3100 versus Pentax K-50, both Entry-Level DSLR cameras by brands Nikon and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the D3100 (14MP) and the K-50 (16MP) is pretty comparable and both cameras offer the same sensor sizes (APS-C).

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The D3100 was unveiled 3 years earlier than the K-50 and that is a fairly large gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both cameras have the same body design (Compact SLR).

Before diving into a thorough comparison, here is a short highlight of how the D3100 scores vs the K-50 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

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Reasons to pick Nikon D3100 over the Pentax K-50

 D3100 K-50 

Reasons to pick Pentax K-50 over the Nikon D3100

 K-50 D3100 
RevealedNovember 2013December 2010Fresher by 35 months
Screen resolution921k230kClearer screen (+691k dot)

Common features in the Nikon D3100 and Pentax K-50

 D3100 K-50 
Manually focus More precise focus
Screen typeFixed Fixed Fixed screen
Screen dimensions3"3"Equal screen dimensions
Selfie screen Neither contains selfie screen
Touch friendly screen Absent Touch friendly screen

Nikon D3100 vs Pentax K-50 Physical Comparison

In case you're looking to carry your camera frequently, you have to consider its weight and volume. The Nikon D3100 has got external dimensions of 124mm x 96mm x 75mm (4.9" x 3.8" x 3.0") along with a weight of 505 grams (1.11 lbs) while the Pentax K-50 has sizing of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") along with a weight of 650 grams (1.43 lbs).

Take a look at the Nikon D3100 versus Pentax K-50 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool. Camera Size Comparison with Lenses

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are employing at that time. Underneath is a front view scale comparison of the D3100 and the K-50.

Nikon D3100 vs Pentax K-50 size comparison

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the D3100 and K-50 is 68 and 63 respectively.

Nikon D3100 vs Pentax K-50 top view buttons comparison

Nikon D3100 vs Pentax K-50 Sensor Comparison

Often, its difficult to see the contrast in sensor sizing simply by checking out specs. The visual below should give you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the D3100 and K-50.

All in all, the 2 cameras provide the same sensor dimensions albeit not the same MP. You should expect the Pentax K-50 to provide extra detail having an extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop photographs more aggressively. The older D3100 will be behind in sensor tech.

Nikon D3100 vs Pentax K-50 sensor size comparison

Nikon D3100 vs Pentax K-50 Screen and ViewFinder

Nikon D3100 vs Pentax K-50 Screen and Viewfinder comparison
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Photography Type Scores

Portrait Comparison

Nikon D3100 Portrait photography factors
Pentax K-50 Portrait photography factors
72
manual focus
good MP (14 megapixels)
sensor size is nice (APS-C)
supports face detect autofocus
delivers RAW files
74
focusing manually
decent MP (16 megapixels)
decent sensor size (APS-C)
comes with face detect focusing
exports RAW formats
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Street Comparison

Nikon D3100 Street photography factors
Pentax K-50 Street photography factors
58
sensor size is nice (APS-C)
delivers RAW files
screen does not articulate
lack of image stabilization
65
built in image stabilization (Sensor based)
decent sensor size (APS-C)
exports RAW formats
environment proofing
above average high ISO (51,600)
screen does not articulate
heavier than competition (650 grams)
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Sports Comparison

Nikon D3100 as a Sports photography camera
Pentax K-50 as a Sports photography camera
60
good MP (14MP)
sensor size is nice (APS-C)
supports tracking focus
has phase detect autofocus
max fps low (3.0 fps)
lack of image stabilization
67
high shutter speed (1/6,000 seconds)
built in image stabilization (Sensor based)
decent MP (16 megapixels)
decent sensor size (APS-C)
comes with tracking focus
environment proofing
has phase detect AF
low fps (6.0 frames per second)
not so great battery power (410 per charge)
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Travel Comparison

Nikon D3100 Travel photography features
Pentax K-50 Travel photography features
58
good MP (14MP)
has built in flash
lack of Time Lapse recording
display isn't selfie friendly
56
environment proofing
decent MP (16 megapixels)
has built in flash
not so great battery power (410 per charge)
heavier than competition (650 grams)
doesn't have a selfie friendly screen
Photography Glossary

Landscape Comparison

Nikon D3100 Landscape photography factors
Pentax K-50 Landscape photography factors
65
manual focus
interchangeable lenses (Nikon F mount)
good sized screen (3 inches)
good MP (14MP)
sensor size is nice (APS-C)
delivers RAW files
lack of image stabilization
lack of Time Lapse recording
74
focusing manually
swap lenses (Pentax KAF2 mount)
screen is a decent size (3 inches)
built in image stabilization (Sensor based)
decent MP (16MP)
decent sensor size (APS-C)
above average high ISO (51,600)
exports RAW formats
environment proofing
not so great battery power (410 CIPA)
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Vlogging Comparison

Nikon D3100 as a Vlogging camera
Pentax K-50 as a Vlogging camera
27
supports face detect autofocus
high res video (1920 x 1080 pixels)
display isn't selfie friendly
lack of image stabilization
lack of mic port
28
built in image stabilization (Sensor based)
comes with face detect focusing
high res video (1920 x 1080 pxls)
doesn't have a selfie friendly screen
does not have mic socket
heavier than competition (650 grams)
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Nikon D3100 vs Pentax K-50 Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Nikon D3100 and Pentax K-50
 Nikon D3100Pentax K-50
General Information
Manufacturer Nikon Pentax
Model type Nikon D3100 Pentax K-50
Class Entry-Level DSLR Entry-Level DSLR
Introduced 2010-12-21 2013-11-27
Physical type Compact SLR Compact SLR
Sensor Information
Processor Expeed 2 PRIME M
Sensor type CMOS CMOS
Sensor size APS-C APS-C
Sensor dimensions 23.1 x 15.4mm 23.7 x 15.7mm
Sensor surface area 355.7mm² 372.1mm²
Sensor resolution 14 megapixel 16 megapixel
Anti alias filter
Aspect ratio 3:2 3:2
Maximum resolution 4608 x 3072 4928 x 3264
Maximum native ISO 3200 51600
Maximum boosted ISO 12800 -
Minimum native ISO 100 100
RAW files
Autofocusing
Focus manually
Autofocus touch
Autofocus continuous
Single autofocus
Tracking autofocus
Autofocus selectice
Autofocus center weighted
Multi area autofocus
Live view autofocus
Face detection autofocus
Contract detection autofocus
Phase detection autofocus
Total focus points 11 11
Cross type focus points 1 9
Lens
Lens mount type Nikon F Pentax KAF2
Available lenses 309 151
Focal length multiplier 1.6 1.5
Screen
Screen type Fixed Type Fixed Type
Screen size 3 inches 3 inches
Screen resolution 230k dots 921k dots
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch screen
Screen technology TFT LCD monitor TFT LCD monitor with brightness/color adjustment and AR coating
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder Optical (pentamirror) Optical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder coverage 95 percent 100 percent
Viewfinder magnification 0.53x 0.61x
Features
Lowest shutter speed 30 seconds 30 seconds
Highest shutter speed 1/4000 seconds 1/6000 seconds
Continuous shooting rate 3.0fps 6.0fps
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Expose Manually
Exposure compensation Yes Yes
Change white balance
Image stabilization
Built-in flash
Flash distance 12.00 m (at ISO 100) 12.00 m (at ISO 100)
Flash settings Auto, Red-Eye, Slow, Red-Eye Slow, Rear curtain Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow Sync, Slow Sync+Redeye, Trailing Curtain Sync, Wireless
External flash
AEB
White balance bracketing
Highest flash synchronize 1/200 seconds 1/180 seconds
Exposure
Multisegment metering
Average metering
Spot metering
Partial metering
AF area metering
Center weighted metering
Video features
Video resolutions 1920 x 1080 (24 fps), 1280 x 720 (30, 25, 24 fps), 640 x 424 (24 fps) 1920 x 1080 (30,25,24 fps), 1280 x 720 (60,50,30,25,24 fps), 640 x 424 (30,25,24 fps)
Maximum video resolution 1920x1080 1920x1080
Video format MPEG-4 MPEG-4, H.264
Mic port
Headphone port
Connectivity
Wireless Eye-Fi Connected None
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS Optional Optional
Physical
Environmental sealing
Water proofing
Dust proofing
Shock proofing
Crush proofing
Freeze proofing
Weight 505 grams (1.11 pounds) 650 grams (1.43 pounds)
Physical dimensions 124 x 96 x 75mm (4.9" x 3.8" x 3.0") 130 x 97 x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8")
DXO scores
DXO All around rating 67 79
DXO Color Depth rating 22.5 23.7
DXO Dynamic range rating 11.3 13.0
DXO Low light rating 919 1120
Other
Battery life 550 photographs 410 photographs
Battery type Battery Pack Battery Pack
Battery ID EN-EL14 D-LI109
Self timer Yes Yes ( 2 or 12 seconds)
Time lapse feature
Type of storage SD/SDHC/SDXC SD/SDHC/SDXC
Card slots 1 1
Pricing at launch $565 $610