Nikon D3100 vs Sony A390
68 Imaging
54 Features
59 Overall
56
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66 Imaging
54 Features
54 Overall
54
Nikon D3100 vs Sony A390 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 14MP - APS-C Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 100 - 3200 (Raise to 12800)
- 1920 x 1080 video
- Nikon F Mount
- 505g - 124 x 96 x 75mm
- Introduced December 2010
- Replaced the Nikon D3000
- Renewed by Nikon D3200
(Full Review)
- 14MP - APS-C Sensor
- 2.7" Tilting Screen
- ISO 100 - 3200
- Sensor based Image Stabilization
- No Video
- Sony/Minolta Alpha Mount
- 549g - 128 x 97 x 86mm
- Revealed July 2010
- Older Model is Sony A380
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Nikon D3100 vs Sony A390 Overview
Here, we will be looking at the Nikon D3100 vs Sony A390, both Entry-Level DSLR digital cameras by rivals Nikon and Sony. The image resolution of the D3100 (14MP) and the A390 (14MP) is pretty similar and both cameras provide the identical sensor sizes (APS-C).
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The D3100 was introduced 5 months later than the A390 so they are both of a similar age. Both of the cameras feature the same body design (Compact SLR).
Before going into a step-by-step comparison, here is a simple summation of how the D3100 grades versus the A390 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.
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Nikon D3100 vs Sony A390 Gallery
This is a preview of the gallery images for Nikon D3100 & Sony Alpha DSLR-A390. The whole galleries are available at Nikon D3100 Gallery & Sony A390 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Nikon D3100 over the Sony A390
D3100 | A390 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Screen size | 3" | ![]() | 2.7" | Bigger screen (+0.3") |
Reasons to pick Sony A390 over the Nikon D3100
A390 | D3100 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Screen type | Tilting | ![]() | Fixed | Tilting screen |
Common features in the Nikon D3100 and Sony A390
D3100 | A390 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Revealed | December 2010 | ![]() | July 2010 | Similar age |
Manually focus | ![]() | More precise focus | ||
Screen resolution | 230k | ![]() | 230k | Same screen resolution |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Neither comes with selfie screen | ||
Touch screen | ![]() | Neither comes with Touch screen |
Nikon D3100 vs Sony A390 Physical Comparison
In case you're intending to carry your camera frequently, you will have to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Nikon D3100 comes with exterior 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) and the Sony A390 has dimensions of 128mm x 97mm x 86mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 3.4") accompanied by a weight of 549 grams (1.21 lbs).
Look at the Nikon D3100 vs Sony A390 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Remember, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you are utilizing at that time. Following is a front view physical size comparison of the D3100 vs the A390.
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Considering size and weight, the portability score of the D3100 and A390 is 68 and 66 respectively.
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Nikon D3100 vs Sony A390 Sensor Comparison
Oftentimes, it is very difficult to see the gap between sensor sizing only by reading technical specs. The visual here will provide you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the D3100 and A390.
As you can tell, each of the cameras feature the identical sensor size and the exact same megapixels so you can expect similar quality of files but you really should factor the age of the products into consideration.
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Nikon D3100 vs Sony A390 Screen and ViewFinder
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Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison
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Street Comparison
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Sports Comparison
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Travel Comparison
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Landscape Comparison
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Vlogging Comparison
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Nikon D3100 vs Sony A390 Specifications
Nikon D3100 | Sony Alpha DSLR-A390 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Manufacturer | Nikon | Sony |
Model | Nikon D3100 | Sony Alpha DSLR-A390 |
Class | Entry-Level DSLR | Entry-Level DSLR |
Introduced | 2010-12-21 | 2010-07-28 |
Body design | Compact SLR | Compact SLR |
Sensor Information | ||
Processor Chip | Expeed 2 | Bionz |
Sensor type | CMOS | CCD |
Sensor size | APS-C | APS-C |
Sensor measurements | 23.1 x 15.4mm | 23.5 x 15.7mm |
Sensor surface area | 355.7mm² | 369.0mm² |
Sensor resolution | 14 megapixels | 14 megapixels |
Anti aliasing filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 3:2 | 3:2 and 16:9 |
Peak resolution | 4608 x 3072 | 4592 x 3056 |
Highest native ISO | 3200 | 3200 |
Highest enhanced ISO | 12800 | - |
Min native ISO | 100 | 100 |
RAW photos | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Focus manually | ||
Autofocus touch | ||
Autofocus continuous | ||
Single autofocus | ||
Autofocus tracking | ||
Autofocus selectice | ||
Autofocus center weighted | ||
Multi area autofocus | ||
Live view autofocus | ||
Face detection focus | ||
Contract detection focus | ||
Phase detection focus | ||
Number of focus points | 11 | 9 |
Cross focus points | 1 | - |
Lens | ||
Lens mount | Nikon F | Sony/Minolta Alpha |
Total lenses | 309 | 143 |
Crop factor | 1.6 | 1.5 |
Screen | ||
Screen type | Fixed Type | Tilting |
Screen diagonal | 3 inch | 2.7 inch |
Resolution of screen | 230k dot | 230k dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch functionality | ||
Screen tech | TFT LCD monitor | - |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | Optical (pentamirror) | Optical (pentamirror) |
Viewfinder coverage | 95 percent | 95 percent |
Viewfinder magnification | 0.53x | 0.49x |
Features | ||
Min shutter speed | 30s | 30s |
Max shutter speed | 1/4000s | 1/4000s |
Continuous shutter speed | 3.0 frames per sec | 3.0 frames per sec |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manually set exposure | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Set white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Built-in flash | ||
Flash range | 12.00 m (at ISO 100) | 10.00 m (at ISO 100) |
Flash modes | Auto, Red-Eye, Slow, Red-Eye Slow, Rear curtain | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync, Rear Curtain, Wireless |
Hot shoe | ||
AEB | ||
White balance bracketing | ||
Max flash sync | 1/200s | 1/160s |
Exposure | ||
Multisegment exposure | ||
Average exposure | ||
Spot exposure | ||
Partial exposure | ||
AF area exposure | ||
Center weighted exposure | ||
Video features | ||
Video resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (24 fps), 1280 x 720 (30, 25, 24 fps), 640 x 424 (24 fps) | - |
Highest video resolution | 1920x1080 | None |
Video data format | MPEG-4 | - |
Microphone input | ||
Headphone input | ||
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 | ||
Environment seal | ||
Water proof | ||
Dust proof | ||
Shock proof | ||
Crush proof | ||
Freeze proof | ||
Weight | 505 grams (1.11 lbs) | 549 grams (1.21 lbs) |
Physical dimensions | 124 x 96 x 75mm (4.9" x 3.8" x 3.0") | 128 x 97 x 86mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 3.4") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO Overall score | 67 | 66 |
DXO Color Depth score | 22.5 | 22.5 |
DXO Dynamic range score | 11.3 | 11.5 |
DXO Low light score | 919 | 607 |
Other | ||
Battery life | 550 shots | 230 shots |
Type of battery | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery model | EN-EL14 | NP-FH50 |
Self timer | Yes | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
Time lapse recording | ||
Type of storage | SD/SDHC/SDXC | SD/ SDHC, Memory Stick Pro Duo |
Storage slots | Single | Single |
Cost at release | $565 | $500 |