Nikon D3100 vs Sony A500

Here, we are evaluating the Nikon D3100 and Sony A500, both Entry-Level DSLR digital cameras by manufacturers Nikon and Sony. The sensor resolution of the D3100 (14MP) and the A500 (12MP) is very well matched and both cameras offer the identical sensor sizes (APS-C).

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The D3100 was announced 17 months later than the A500 making them a generation apart from each other. Both of these cameras feature the same body design (Compact SLR).

Before going straight to a full comparison, here is a short summary of how the D3100 matches up against the A500 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Nikon D3100 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A500. The whole galleries are viewable at Nikon D3100 Gallery and Sony A500 Gallery.

If you're looking to lug around your camera often, you should take into account its weight and size. The Nikon D3100 provides exterior measurements 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 A500 has specifications of 137mm x 104mm x 84mm (5.4" x 4.1" x 3.3") having a weight of 630 grams (1.39 lbs).

Examine the Nikon D3100 and Sony A500 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are working with at the time. Here is a front view dimension comparison of the D3100 versus the A500.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the D3100 and A500 is 68 and 63 respectively.

Generally, it's difficult to envision the gap between sensor measurements only by checking specs. The photograph here will give you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the D3100 and A500.

As you can plainly see, both of these cameras come with the identical sensor size but not the same MP. You should expect to see the Nikon D3100 to give more detail with its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also help you crop pics a good deal more aggressively. The younger D3100 is going to have a benefit in sensor technology.