How many Megapixels does the Nikon D3100 have?
The Nikon D3100 is equipped with a an APS-C sensor that offers an image resolution of 14.2 megapixels (MP), or 14.2 million pixels. With its native aspect ratio of 3:2, the sensor has 4 608 horizontal pixels and 3 072 vertical pixels.
A high megapixel count makes it possible to crop any captured image substantially or to make very large prints from the image file. On the downside, large megapixel files are slower to transfer and take up more storage space on the computer harddisk. Also, high-resolution imaging requires sharper, more expensive lenses than low-res picture taking.
How large can I print with 14.2 MP?
The maximum print size of the Nikon D3100 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 23 x 15.4 inches or 58.5 x 39 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 18.4 x 12.3 inches or 46.8 x 31.2 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 15.4 x 10.2 inches or 39 x 26 cm. Few people actually print their images that large on a regular basis, but it is nice to have the option to make very large prints of exceptional shots. Also, as mentioned earlier, a key advantage of high-MP cameras is that it is possible to crop an image ex-post and thereby, for example, change the composition of the capture or zoom in on some detail.
Sensor specs and performance
The table below compares the sensor specs of the Nikon D3100 to those of several similar cameras. In addition to sensor class and megapixel count, DXO values are reported as indicators of the sensor's imaging quality (higher is better). Three aspects are covered: color depth (DXO Portrait), dynamic range (DXO Landscape), and high-ISO noise (DXO Sports). Larger sensor cameras tend to outperform cameras of the same generation that are equipped with a smaller imager. On the other hand, larger sensors are more expensive and require bigger and heavier lenses than smaller light receptors.
# | Camera Model |
Sensor Class |
Resolution (MP) |
Horiz. Pixels |
Vert. Pixels |
Video Format |
DXO Portrait |
DXO Landscape |
DXO Sports |
DXO Overall |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Nikon D3100 | APS-C | 14.2 | 4608 | 3072 | 1080/24p | 22.5 | 11.3 | 919 | 67 | |
2. | Nikon D3200 | APS-C | 24.1 | 6016 | 4000 | 1080/30p | 24.1 | 13.2 | 1131 | 81 | |
3. | Nikon D5100 | APS-C | 16.1 | 4928 | 3264 | 1080/30p | 23.5 | 13.6 | 1183 | 80 | |
4. | Nikon D7000 | APS-C | 16.1 | 4928 | 3264 | 1080/24p | 23.5 | 13.9 | 1167 | 80 | |
5. | Nikon D3000 | APS-C | 10.0 | 3872 | 2592 | none | 22.3 | 11.1 | 563 | 62 | |
6. | Nikon D5000 | APS-C | 12.2 | 4288 | 2848 | 720/24p | 22.7 | 12.5 | 868 | 72 | |
7. | Nikon D60 | APS-C | 10.0 | 3872 | 2592 | none | 22.5 | 11.4 | 562 | 65 | |
8. | Nikon D40X | APS-C | 10.0 | 3872 | 2592 | none | 22.4 | 11.4 | 516 | 63 | |
9. | Nikon D40 | APS-C | 6.0 | 3008 | 2000 | none | 21.0 | 11.0 | 561 | 56 | |
10. | Sony NEX-5N | APS-C | 16.0 | 4912 | 3264 | 1080/60i | 23.6 | 12.7 | 1079 | 77 | |
11. | Sony NEX-C3 | APS-C | 16.0 | 4912 | 3264 | 720/30p | 22.7 | 12.2 | 1083 | 73 |
In the United States, the D3100 was initially launched in August 2010 at a price of $599.
Camera to camera comparisons
If you would like to see a side-by-side review with another camera, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. An an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool.
- Canon 5DS R vs Nikon D3100
- Canon T5 vs Nikon D3100
- Leica D-LUX 7 vs Nikon Z6
- Nikon D3100 vs Nikon D7100
- Nikon D3100 vs Panasonic GX9
- Nikon D3100 vs Pentax 645D
- Nikon D3100 vs Sony RX100 III
- Nikon Z6 vs Olympus E-330
- Nikon Z6 vs Panasonic FZ82
- Nikon Z6 vs Panasonic GF5
- Nikon Z6 vs Pentax K-1
- Nikon Z6 vs Ricoh WG-60
Camera Model | Nikon D3100 | |
---|---|---|
Camera Type | Digital single lens reflex | |
Camera Lens | Nikon F mount lenses | |
Launch Date | August 2010 | |
Launch Price | USD 599 | |
Sensor Specs | ||
Sensor Technology | CMOS | |
Sensor Format | APS-C Sensor | |
Sensor Size | 23.1 x 15.4 mm | |
Sensor Area | 356 mm2 | |
Sensor Diagonal | 27.8 mm | |
Crop Factor | 1.5x | |
Sensor Resolution | 14.2 Megapixels | |
Image Resolution | 4 608 x 3 072 pixels | |
Pixel Pitch | 5.01 μm | |
Pixel Density | 3.98 MP/cm2 | |
Moiré control | Anti-Alias filter | |
Movie Capability | 1080/24p Video | |
ISO Setting | 100 - 3 200 ISO | |
ISO Boost | 100 - 12 800 ISO | |
Image Processor | EXPEED 2 | |
DXO Sensor Quality (score) | 67 | |
DXO Color Depth (bits) | 22.5 | |
DXO Dynamic Range (EV) | 11.3 | |
DXO Low Light (ISO) | 919 | |
Screen Specs | ||
Viewfinder Type | Optical viewfinder | |
Viewfinder Field of View | 95% | |
Viewfinder Magnification | 0.53x | |
Top-Level Screen | no Top Display | |
LCD Framing | Live View | |
LCD Size | 3.0 inch | |
LCD Resolution | 230k dots | |
LCD Attachment | Fixed screen | |
Touch Input | No touchscreen | |
Shooting Specs | ||
Focus System | Phase-detect AF | |
Manual Focusing Aid | no Peaking Feature | |
Maximum Shutter Speed | 1/4000s | |
Continuous Shooting | 3 shutter flaps/s | |
Shutter Life Expectancy | 100 000 actuations | |
Silent Shooting | no E-Shutter | |
Time Lapse Photography | no Intervalometer | |
Fill Flash | Built-in Flash | |
Storage Medium | SDXC cards | |
Single or Dual Card Slots | Single card slot | |
UHS card support | no | |
Connectivity Specs | ||
External Flash | Hotshoe | |
USB Connector | USB 2.0 | |
HDMI Port | mini HDMI | |
Wifi Support | no Wifi | |
Body Specs | ||
Battery Type | Nikon EN-EL14 power pack | |
Battery Life (CIPA) | 550 shots per charge | |
Body Dimensions |
124 x 96 x 75 mm (4.9 x 3.8 x 3.0 in) |
|
Camera Weight | 505 g (17.8 oz) |
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