Nikon D3100 vs Sony A55

Following is a detailed review of the Nikon D3100 and Sony A55, both Entry-Level DSLR cameras by companies Nikon and Sony. The resolution of the D3100 (14MP) and the A55 (16MP) is very close and both cameras provide the same sensor size (APS-C).

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The D3100 was manufactured 4 months after the A55 which means that they are of a similar generation. Both cameras have the same body design (Compact SLR).

Before diving into a step-by-step comparison, here is a brief highlight of how the D3100 matches up against the A55 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Nikon D3100 and Sony SLT-A55. The entire galleries are available at Nikon D3100 Gallery and Sony A55 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to carry around your camera often, you will want to factor its weight and proportions. The Nikon D3100 provides external measurements of 124mm x 96mm x 75mm (4.9" x 3.8" x 3.0") having a weight of 505 grams (1.11 lbs) and the Sony A55 has measurements of 124mm x 92mm x 85mm (4.9" x 3.6" x 3.3") and a weight of 500 grams (1.10 lbs).

Compare the Nikon D3100 and Sony A55 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are employing at the time. Following is a front view scale comparison of the D3100 versus the A55.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the D3100 and A55 is 68 and 67 respectively.

Often, it is very tough to visualize the difference in sensor sizes only by researching a spec sheet. The pic underneath will provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the D3100 and A55.

Clearly, both the cameras provide the same sensor dimensions but different megapixels. You should expect to see the Sony A55 to render extra detail due to its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will allow you to crop images more aggressively.