Nikon D3100 vs Sony A37

Below is a extended assessment of the Nikon D3100 and Sony A37, both Entry-Level DSLR cameras by companies Nikon and Sony. The image resolution of the D3100 (14MP) and the A37 (16MP) is very comparable and both cameras posses the same sensor sizing (APS-C).

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The D3100 was introduced 17 months earlier than the A37 making them a generation apart from each other. Both the cameras have the same body design (Compact SLR).

Before going straight to a thorough comparison, here is a brief summation of how the D3100 grades vs the A37 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Nikon D3100 and Sony SLT-A37. The whole galleries are viewable at Nikon D3100 Gallery and Sony A37 Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to lug around your camera regularly, you will want to take into account its weight and proportions. The Nikon D3100 has outer dimensions of 124mm x 96mm x 75mm (4.9" x 3.8" x 3.0") accompanied by a weight of 505 grams (1.11 lbs) and the Sony A37 has measurements of 124mm x 92mm x 85mm (4.9" x 3.6" x 3.3") with a weight of 506 grams (1.12 lbs).

Examine the Nikon D3100 and Sony A37 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you select during that time. Here is a front view measurements comparison of the D3100 against the A37.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the D3100 and A37 is 68 and 67 respectively.

Generally, it's difficult to envision the gap in sensor measurements just by checking out technical specs. The graphic below might provide you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the D3100 and A37.

As you have seen, both cameras have the same sensor dimensions but not the same megapixels. You should expect to see the Sony A37 to provide extra detail using its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop images a bit more aggressively. The older D3100 will be behind when it comes to sensor tech.