Nikon D3100 vs Pentax K-50
68 Imaging
54 Features
59 Overall
56
63 Imaging
58 Features
65 Overall
60
Nikon D3100 vs Pentax K-50 Key Specs
(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
(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
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).
Apple Innovates by Creating Next-Level Optical Stabilization for iPhoneThe 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.
Nikon D3100 vs Pentax K-50 Gallery
Below is a preview of the gallery images for Nikon D3100 and Pentax K-50. The full galleries are viewable at Nikon D3100 Gallery and Pentax K-50 Gallery.
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 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Revealed | November 2013 | December 2010 | Fresher by 35 months | |
Screen resolution | 921k | 230k | Clearer screen (+691k dot) |
Common features in the Nikon D3100 and Pentax K-50
D3100 | K-50 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Manually focus | More precise focus | |||
Screen type | Fixed | Fixed | Fixed screen | |
Screen dimensions | 3" | 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.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.
Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the D3100 and K-50 is 68 and 63 respectively.
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 Screen and ViewFinder
Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison
Street Comparison
Sports Comparison
Travel Comparison
Landscape Comparison
Vlogging Comparison
Nikon D3100 vs Pentax K-50 Specifications
Nikon D3100 | Pentax 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 |