Nikon D3100 vs Sony A100
68 Imaging
54 Features
59 Overall
56


64 Imaging
48 Features
38 Overall
44
Nikon D3100 vs Sony A100 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 14MP - APS-C Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 100 - 3200 (Expand to 12800)
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Nikon F Mount
- 505g - 124 x 96 x 75mm
- Introduced December 2010
- Earlier Model is Nikon D3000
- New Model is Nikon D3200
(Full Review)
- 10MP - APS-C Sensor
- 2.5" Fixed Display
- ISO 100 - 1600
- Sensor based Image Stabilization
- No Video
- Sony/Minolta Alpha Mount
- 638g - 133 x 95 x 71mm
- Revealed July 2006
- Earlier Model is Konica Minolta 5D
- Refreshed by Sony A550

Nikon D3100 vs Sony A100 Overview
In this write-up, we are contrasting the Nikon D3100 versus Sony A100, both Entry-Level DSLR digital cameras by rivals Nikon and Sony. There is a sizeable difference between the image resolutions of the D3100 (14MP) and A100 (10MP) but they come with the same exact sensor size (APS-C).

The D3100 was introduced 4 years later than the A100 and that is quite a large gap as far as tech is concerned. Both cameras offer the identical body type (Compact SLR).
Before getting through a full comparison, below is a concise overview of how the D3100 scores versus the A100 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Nikon D3100 vs Sony A100 Gallery
Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Nikon D3100 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A100. The whole galleries are available at Nikon D3100 Gallery and Sony A100 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Nikon D3100 over the Sony A100
D3100 | A100 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Revealed | December 2010 | ![]() | July 2006 | More recent by 54 months |
Display sizing | 3" | ![]() | 2.5" | Larger display (+0.5") |
Reasons to pick Sony A100 over the Nikon D3100
A100 | D3100 |
---|
Common features in the Nikon D3100 and Sony A100
D3100 | A100 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Focus manually | ![]() | Dial precise focus | ||
Display type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed display |
Display resolution | 230k | ![]() | 230k | The same display resolution |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Neither has selfie screen | ||
Touch display | ![]() | Neither has Touch display |
Nikon D3100 vs Sony A100 Physical Comparison
For anyone who is going to lug around your camera frequently, you will want to factor its weight and size. The Nikon D3100 has external dimensions of 124mm x 96mm x 75mm (4.9" x 3.8" x 3.0") with a weight of 505 grams (1.11 lbs) while the Sony A100 has specifications of 133mm x 95mm x 71mm (5.2" x 3.7" x 2.8") along with a weight of 638 grams (1.41 lbs).
Check the Nikon D3100 versus Sony A100 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are utilizing during that time. Underneath is the front view dimensions comparison of the D3100 vs the A100.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the D3100 and A100 is 68 and 64 respectively.

Nikon D3100 vs Sony A100 Sensor Comparison
In many cases, its difficult to see the gap between sensor measurements merely by going over specifications. The graphic here should offer you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the D3100 and A100.
Plainly, both of the cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing but not the same MP. You should expect to see the Nikon D3100 to offer you extra detail using its extra 4MP. Greater resolution can also make it easier to crop pics far more aggressively. The newer D3100 is going to have a benefit in sensor tech.

Nikon D3100 vs Sony A100 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Nikon D3100 vs Sony A100 Specifications
Nikon D3100 | Sony Alpha DSLR-A100 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Company | Nikon | Sony |
Model type | Nikon D3100 | Sony Alpha DSLR-A100 |
Category | Entry-Level DSLR | Entry-Level DSLR |
Introduced | 2010-12-21 | 2006-07-31 |
Physical type | Compact SLR | Compact SLR |
Sensor Information | ||
Processor Chip | Expeed 2 | - |
Sensor type | CMOS | CCD |
Sensor size | APS-C | APS-C |
Sensor dimensions | 23.1 x 15.4mm | 23.6 x 15.8mm |
Sensor surface area | 355.7mm² | 372.9mm² |
Sensor resolution | 14MP | 10MP |
Anti alias filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 3:2 | 3:2 |
Full resolution | 4608 x 3072 | 3872 x 2592 |
Max native ISO | 3200 | 1600 |
Max boosted ISO | 12800 | - |
Lowest native ISO | 100 | 100 |
RAW support | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Focus manually | ||
Touch to focus | ||
Autofocus continuous | ||
Single autofocus | ||
Tracking autofocus | ||
Selective autofocus | ||
Autofocus center weighted | ||
Multi area autofocus | ||
Autofocus live view | ||
Face detection autofocus | ||
Contract detection autofocus | ||
Phase detection autofocus | ||
Total focus points | 11 | 9 |
Cross type focus points | 1 | - |
Lens | ||
Lens mount type | Nikon F | Sony/Minolta Alpha |
Total lenses | 309 | 143 |
Focal length multiplier | 1.6 | 1.5 |
Screen | ||
Screen type | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Screen diagonal | 3 inches | 2.5 inches |
Screen resolution | 230 thousand dots | 230 thousand dots |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch operation | ||
Screen technology | TFT LCD monitor | - |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | Optical (pentamirror) | Optical (pentamirror) |
Viewfinder coverage | 95% | 95% |
Viewfinder magnification | 0.53x | 0.55x |
Features | ||
Slowest shutter speed | 30 seconds | 30 seconds |
Maximum shutter speed | 1/4000 seconds | 1/4000 seconds |
Continuous shooting rate | 3.0 frames per sec | 3.0 frames per sec |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manually set exposure | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Custom white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Built-in flash | ||
Flash distance | 12.00 m (at ISO 100) | - |
Flash options | Auto, Red-Eye, Slow, Red-Eye Slow, Rear curtain | Auto, Fill-in, Red-Eye reduction, Slow Sync, Off |
External flash | ||
Auto exposure bracketing | ||
WB bracketing | ||
Maximum flash synchronize | 1/200 seconds | 1/160 seconds |
Exposure | ||
Multisegment | ||
Average | ||
Spot | ||
Partial | ||
AF area | ||
Center weighted | ||
Video features | ||
Video resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (24 fps), 1280 x 720 (30, 25, 24 fps), 640 x 424 (24 fps) | - |
Max video resolution | 1920x1080 | None |
Video format | MPEG-4 | - |
Mic support | ||
Headphone support | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | Eye-Fi Connected | None |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | Optional | None |
Physical | ||
Environmental sealing | ||
Water proofing | ||
Dust proofing | ||
Shock proofing | ||
Crush proofing | ||
Freeze proofing | ||
Weight | 505g (1.11 pounds) | 638g (1.41 pounds) |
Dimensions | 124 x 96 x 75mm (4.9" x 3.8" x 3.0") | 133 x 95 x 71mm (5.2" x 3.7" x 2.8") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO All around rating | 67 | 61 |
DXO Color Depth rating | 22.5 | 22.0 |
DXO Dynamic range rating | 11.3 | 11.2 |
DXO Low light rating | 919 | 476 |
Other | ||
Battery life | 550 images | - |
Type of battery | Battery Pack | - |
Battery ID | EN-EL14 | NP-FM55H |
Self timer | Yes | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
Time lapse recording | ||
Type of storage | SD/SDHC/SDXC | Compact Flash (Type I or II) |
Card slots | 1 | 1 |
Launch cost | $565 | $1,000 |