Nikon D3100 vs Nikon D3000

The Nikon D3100

If you're looking for an entry-level DSLR camera, both the Nikon D3100 and the Nikon D3000 are both very attractive options. They both make taking high-quality, professional looking photos easy and enjoyable. These cameras offer an impressive feature set and deliver superb pictures for both the hobbyist and the professional. If you're thinking that one of these cameras would be right for you, you should be aware of their differences. I'll highlight all of the significant differences between the Nikon D3100 vs Nikon D3000.

The Nikon D3100 is the updated and refreshed version of Nikon's previous entry-level DSLR camera, the Nikon D3000 which itself is a slight update of the Nikon D40X. The jump from the D3000 to the D3100 is siginificant, this isn't a mild upgrade. Let's look at each one more closely.

Updated body

This is the least significant difference between the D3100 and the D3000, but it's worth mentioning. The D3000 inherits its design from the 4-year old body of the D40. The D3100 basically keeps this same design, but adds a few buttons for its additional features. There is an extra button to the left side of the screen, an added drive mode switch right under the mode dial, a spring-loaded lever to activate "live view" (which we discuss later on) and a button to start recording video. Right away you can tell that the D3100 packs in more features in the same space.

Higher Resolution Sensor

The Nikon D3100 has a 14MP CMOS sensor, a significant upgrade from the 10MP CCD sensor of the Nikon D3000. The D3100 has 14.2 million effective pixels and a CMOS sensor size of 23.1 x 15.4 mm in DX-format, whereas the D3000 has only 10.2 million effective pixels with a CCD sensor size of 23.6 x 15.8 mm in DX format. The increase in sensor resolution gives the D3100 the ability to shoot images with a maximum size of 4608x3072 using the full 14MP while the D3000 has a maximum image size of 3872x2592. If you're looking for greater resolution and clarity, the D3100 definitely wins.

Nikon GP-1 GPS Unit

If you're looking to add geotags to your photos, you'll have to go with the Nikon D3100. Geotags let you add latitude, longitude, altitude and time information to your photos. The D3100 has a socket for connecting the Nikon GP-1 GPS Unit to the camera that will let you do just that. You won't find this socket on the older D3000.

The Nikon D3000

Remote Options

The Nikon D3000 lets you use this wireless remote to take your pictures and control the camera. On the other hand, you wont have the ability to control the D3100 with a wireless remote, however, you do the have the option of using a wired remote that connects to the GP-1 socket discussed above. The lack of wireless remote is one area where the D3100 lacks a feature of the D3000.

Live view

The Nikon D3000 lacks the live view feature but you will find this feature on the D3100. You'll be able to use the display screen of the D3100 as a larger, enhanced viewfinder. This is an incredibly useful feature. The D3100 also has full time AF mode, or AF-F mode in live view.

HD Video

The Nikon D3000 lacks the ability to record video whereas you can take 1080p HD video with the Nikon D3100. The D3100 can record video clips of around 10 minutes long. This restriction is due to the 4Gb file size limit that all DLSR's currently have. If you need video capability, you'll have no choice but to go with the D3100.

HDMI output

The D3100 has the ability to output via HDMI. You won't find this feature on the D3000.

ISO Range

Finally, the last significant change between the D3100 and D3000 is the wider ISO range enjoyed by the D3100. With the D3100 you'll get ISO 100 - 3200 with ISO 12800 with boost, and the D3000 has ISO 100 - 1600 with ISO 3200 with boost. This is another feature where the clear winner is the D3100.

Conclusion

The Nikon D3100 is a drastic refresh of the D3000 with a lot of new and useful features. However, if you're not interested in the ability to shoot videos or the higher specs of the D3100, you can comfortably choose to go with the D3000 for a reduced price, yet superb performing camera.

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