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Nikon D3100 vs Canon 300D

The Nikon D3100 and the Canon EOS 300D (labelled Canon Rebel in some countries) are two digital cameras that were announced, respectively, in August 2010 and August 2003. Both are DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) cameras that are equipped with an APS-C sensor. The Nikon has a resolution of 14.2 megapixels, whereas the Canon provides 6.3 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications
Nikon D3100
versus
Canon 300D
Nikon D3100   Canon 300D
Digital single lens reflex Digital single lens reflex
Nikon F mount lenses Canon EF mount lenses
14.2 MP – APS-C sensor 6.3 MP – APS-C sensor
1080/24p Video no Video
ISO 100-3,200 (100 - 12,800) ISO 100-1,600
Optical viewfinder Optical viewfinder
3.0" LCD – 230k dots 1.8" LCD – 118k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive) Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
3 shutter flaps per second 2.5 shutter flaps per second
550 shots per battery charge400 shots per battery charge
124 x 96 x 75 mm, 505 g 142 x 99 x 72 mm, 649 g
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Nikon D3100 and the Canon EOS 300D? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

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Body comparison

An illustration of the physical size and weight of the Nikon D3100 and the Canon 300D is provided in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three successive views from the front, the top, and the rear are shown. All width, height and depth dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The D3100 can be obtained in two different colors (black, red), while the 300D is only available in silver.

Size Nikon D3100 vs Canon 300D
Compare D3100 versus 300D top
Comparison D3100 or 300D rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Canon 300D is notably larger (18 percent) than the Nikon D3100. Moreover, the 300D is markedly heavier (29 percent) than the D3100. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the D3100 nor the 300D are weather-sealed.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete since they do not consider the interchangeable lenses that both of these cameras require. Yet, since both cameras are based around an APS-C sensor, their respective lenses will tend to have similar dimensions and heft. You can compare the optics available for the two cameras in the Nikon Lens Catalog (D3100) and the Canon EF Lens Catalog (300D).

Concerning battery life, the D3100 gets 550 shots out of its Nikon EN-EL14 battery, while the 300D can take 400 images on a single charge of its Canon BP-511 power pack.

The following table provides a synthesis of the main physical specifications of the two cameras and other similar ones. If you would like to visualize and compare a different camera combination, you can navigate to the CAM-parator app and make your selection from a broad list of cameras there.

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Body Specifications
# image Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Nikon D3100 124 mm 96 mm 75 mm 505 g 550 n Aug 2010 599ebay.com
2.
 
Canon 300D 142 mm 99 mm 72 mm 649 g 400 n Aug 2003 899ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 650D 133 mm 100 mm 79 mm 575 g 440 n Jun 2012 849ebay.com
4.
 
Canon 400D 127 mm 84 mm 65 mm 556 g 370 n Aug 2006 799ebay.com
5.
 
Canon 350D 127 mm 94 mm 64 mm 540 g 400 n Feb 2005 899ebay.com
6.
 
Canon 20D 144 mm 106 mm 72 mm 770 g 700 n Aug 2004 1,499ebay.com
7.
 
Canon 10D 150 mm 107 mm 75 mm 850 g 500 n Feb 2003 1,999ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon D3200 125 mm 96 mm 77 mm 505 g 540 n Apr 2012 599ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D5100 128 mm 97 mm 79 mm 560 g 660 n Apr 2011 749ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D7000 132 mm 105 mm 77 mm 780 g 1050 Y Sep 2010 1,499ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D3000 126 mm 97 mm 64 mm 536 g 500 n Jul 2009 599ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon D5000 127 mm 104 mm 80 mm 590 g 510 n Apr 2009 749ebay.com
13.
 
Nikon D60 126 mm 94 mm 64 mm 522 g 500 n Jan 2008 629ebay.com
14.
 
Nikon D40X 124 mm 94 mm 64 mm 522 g 520 n Mar 2007 729ebay.com
15.
 
Nikon D40 124 mm 94 mm 64 mm 522 g 470 n Nov 2006 499ebay.com
16.
 
Sony NEX-5N 111 mm 59 mm 38 mm 269 g 460 n Aug 2011 699ebay.com
17.
 
Sony NEX-C3 110 mm 60 mm 33 mm 225 g 400 n Jun 2011 599ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
padding

Any camera decision will obviously take relative prices into account. The manufacturer’s suggested retail prices give an idea on the placement of the camera in the maker’s lineup and the broader market. The D3100 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 33 percent) than the 300D, which puts it into a different market segment. Normally, street prices remain initially close to the MSRP, but after a couple of months, the first discounts appear. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down.

Sensor comparison

The imaging sensor is at the core of digital cameras and its size is one of the main determining factors of image quality. A large sensor will generally have larger individual pixels that offer better low-light sensitivity, provide wider dynamic range, and have richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Furthermore, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more possibilities to use shallow depth-of-field in order to isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors are more costly to manufacture and tend to lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Both cameras under consideration feature an APS-C sensor, but their sensors differ slightly in size. The sensor area in the 300D is 4 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have format factors, respectively, of 1.5 (D3100) and 1.6. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

Nikon D3100 and Canon 300D sensor measures

With 14.2MP, the D3100 offers a higher resolution than the 300D (6.3MP), but the D3100 has smaller individual pixels (pixel pitch of 5.01μm versus 7.38μm for the 300D). However, the D3100 is a much more recent model (by 7 years) than the 300D, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixels.

The resolution advantage of the Nikon D3100 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the 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. The corresponding values for the Canon 300D are 15.4 x 10.2 inches or 39 x 26 cm for good quality, 12.3 x 8.2 inches or 31.2 x 20.8 cm for very good quality, and 10.2 x 6.8 inches or 26 x 17.3 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Nikon D3100 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 3200, which can be extended to ISO 100-12800. The corresponding ISO settings for the Canon EOS 300D are ISO 100 to ISO 1600 (no boost).

Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensors. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

D3100 versus 300D MP

Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for many cameras. This service assesses and scores the color depth ("DXO Portrait"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports") of camera sensors, and also publishes an overall camera score. Of the two cameras under review, the D3100 provides substantially higher image quality than the 300D, with an overall score that is 12 points higher. This advantage is based on 1.5 bits higher color depth, 0.5 EV in additional dynamic range, and 0.8 stops in additional low light sensitivity. The table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar cameras.

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Sensor Characteristics
# image 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 30721080/24p22.511.391967
2.
 
Canon 300D APS-C 6.3 3072 2048none21.010.854455
3.
 
Canon 650D APS-C 17.9 5184 34561080/30p21.711.272262
4.
 
Canon 400D APS-C 10.1 3888 2592none22.111.066462
5.
 
Canon 350D APS-C 8.0 3456 2304none21.810.863760
6.
 
Canon 20D APS-C 8.2 3504 2336none21.911.072162
7.
 
Canon 10D APS-C 6.3 3072 2048none21.110.957157
8.
 
Nikon D3200 APS-C 24.1 6016 40001080/30p24.113.2113181
9.
 
Nikon D5100 APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/30p23.513.6118380
10.
 
Nikon D7000 APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/24p23.513.9116780
11.
 
Nikon D3000 APS-C 10.0 3872 2592none22.311.156362
12.
 
Nikon D5000 APS-C 12.2 4288 2848720/24p22.712.586872
13.
 
Nikon D60 APS-C 10.0 3872 2592none22.511.456265
14.
 
Nikon D40X APS-C 10.0 3872 2592none22.411.451663
15.
 
Nikon D40 APS-C 6.0 3008 2000none21.011.056156
16.
 
Sony NEX-5N APS-C 16.0 4912 32641080/60i23.612.7107977
17.
 
Sony NEX-C3 APS-C 16.0 4912 3264720/30p22.712.2108373
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Many modern cameras cannot only take still pictures, but also record videos. The D3100 indeed provides movie recording capabilities, while the 300D does not. The highest resolution format that the D3100 can use is 1080/24p.

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Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The D3100 and the 300D are similar in the sense that both have an optical viewfinder. The latter is useful for getting a clear image for framing even in brightly lit environments. The viewfinders of both cameras offer the same field of view (95%), but the viewfinder of the 300D has a higher magnification than the one of the D3100 (0.55x vs 0.53x), so that the size of the image transmitted appears closer to the size seen with the naked human eye. The following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Nikon D3100, the Canon 300D, and comparable cameras.

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Core Features
# image Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Nikon D3100optical n3.0 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
2.
 
Canon 300Doptical n1.8 / 118 fixed n 1/4000s 2.5/s Y n
3.
 
Canon 650Doptical n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
4.
 
Canon 400Doptical n2.5 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
5.
 
Canon 350Doptical n1.8 / 115 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
6.
 
Canon 20Doptical Y1.8 / 118 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s Y n
7.
 
Canon 10Doptical Y1.8 / 118 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
8.
 
Nikon D3200optical n3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 4.0/s Y n
9.
 
Nikon D5100optical n3.0 / 921 swivel n 1/4000s 4.0/s Y n
10.
 
Nikon D7000optical Y3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/8000s 6.0/s Y n
11.
 
Nikon D3000optical n3.0 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
12.
 
Nikon D5000optical n2.7 / 230 full-flex n 1/4000s 4.0/s Y n
13.
 
Nikon D60optical n2.5 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
14.
 
Nikon D40Xoptical n2.5 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
15.
 
Nikon D40optical n2.5 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 2.5/s Y n
16.
 
Sony NEX-5Noptional n3.0 / 920 tilting Y 1/4000s 10.0/s n n
17.
 
Sony NEX-C3optional n3.0 / 920 tilting n 1/4000s 5.5/s n n
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
padding

The D3100 writes its imaging data to SDXC cards, while the 300D uses Compact Flash cards.

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Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Nikon D3100 and Canon EOS 300D and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
# image Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Nikon D3100Ymono / mono--mini2.0---
2.
 
Canon 300DY- / ----1.1---
3.
 
Canon 650DYstereo / monoY-mini2.0---
4.
 
Canon 400DY- / ----2.0---
5.
 
Canon 350DY- / ----2.0---
6.
 
Canon 20DY- / ----1.1---
7.
 
Canon 10DY- / ----1.1---
8.
 
Nikon D3200Ymono / monoY-mini2.0---
9.
 
Nikon D5100Ymono / monoY-mini2.0---
10.
 
Nikon D7000Ymono / monoY-mini2.0---
11.
 
Nikon D3000Y- / ----2.0---
12.
 
Nikon D5000Ymono / mono--mini2.0---
13.
 
Nikon D60Y- / ----2.0---
14.
 
Nikon D40XY- / ----2.0---
15.
 
Nikon D40Y- / ----2.0---
16.
 
Sony NEX-5NYstereo / mono--mini2.0---
17.
 
Sony NEX-C3Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
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Both the D3100 and the 300D have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The 300D was replaced by the Canon 350D, while the D3100 was followed by the Nikon D3200. Further information on the features and operation of the D3100 and 300D can be found, respectively, in the Nikon D3100 Manual (free pdf) or the online Canon 300D Manual.

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Review summary

So how do things add up? Is the Nikon D3100 better than the Canon 300D or vice versa? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.

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Reasons to prefer the Nikon D3100:

  • More detail: Offers more megapixels (14.2 vs 6.3MP) with a 50% higher linear resolution.
  • Better image quality: Scores substantially higher (12 points) in the DXO overall assessment.
  • Richer colors: Generates images with noticeably better colors (1.5 bits more color depth).
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Requires less light for good images (0.8 stops ISO advantage).
  • Broader imaging potential: Can record not only still images but also 1080/24p movies.
  • Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.0" vs 1.8") for image review and settings control.
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (230k vs 118k dots).
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (3 vs 2.5 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • More compact: Is smaller (124x96mm vs 142x99mm) and thus needs less room in the bag.
  • Less heavy: Is lighter (by 144g or 22 percent) and hence easier to carry around.
  • Longer lasting: Can take more shots (550 versus 400) on a single battery charge.
  • Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (2.0 vs 1.1).
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (33 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More modern: Reflects 7 years of technical progress since the 300D launch.

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Arguments in favor of the Canon EOS 300D:

  • Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.55x vs 0.53x).
  • More heavily discounted: Has been around for much longer (launched in August 2003).

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the D3100 is the clear winner of the match-up (14 : 2 points). However, the pertinence of the various camera strengths will differ across photographers, so that you might want to weigh individual camera traits according to their importance for your own imaging needs before making a camera decision. A professional sports photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a street photog, and a person interested in family portraits has distinct needs from a landscape shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

D3100 14:02 300D

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Nikon D3100 and the Canon 300D place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best DSLR Camera listing whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the D3100 and the 300D in practical situations. User reviews that are available, for instance, at amazon can sometimes shed light on these issues, but such feedback is all too often partial, inconsistent, and inaccurate.

Expert reviews

This is why hands-on reviews by experts are important. The adjacent summary-table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

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Expert Camera Reviews
# image  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Nikon D31005/5+ +..72/1004.5/54.5/5 Aug 2010 599ebay.com
2.
 
Canon 300D......+ +.... Aug 2003 899ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 650D4/5+ +..77/1004.5/54.5/5 Jun 2012 849ebay.com
4.
 
Canon 400D..+ +..+ +o4/5 Aug 2006 799ebay.com
5.
 
Canon 350D..80/100..+ +o.. Feb 2005 899ebay.com
6.
 
Canon 20D......+ +.... Aug 2004 1,499ebay.com
7.
 
Canon 10D......+ +.... Feb 2003 1,999ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon D32005/5+ +..73/1004.5/54.5/5 Apr 2012 599ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D51005/5+ +..76/1004.5/54.5/5 Apr 2011 749ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D70004/5....80/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2010 1,499ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D3000..+..72/1004/54.5/5 Jul 2009 599ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon D5000..+ +..75/1004/54.5/5 Apr 2009 749ebay.com
13.
 
Nikon D60..80/100..+ +4/54.5/5 Jan 2008 629ebay.com
14.
 
Nikon D40X..79/100..+ +4/54/5 Mar 2007 729ebay.com
15.
 
Nikon D40..81/100..+ +o4.5/5 Nov 2006 499ebay.com
16.
 
Sony NEX-5N3/5+ +..79/1004.5/54.5/5 Aug 2011 699ebay.com
17.
 
Sony NEX-C33/5+ +..74/1004.5/54/5 Jun 2011 599ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
padding

The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and comparing ratings of very distinct cameras or ones that are far apart in terms of their release date have little meaning. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.

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Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you are interested in seeing how other cameras pair up, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. There is also a set of direct links to comparison reviews that other users of the CAM-parator app explored.

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    Specifications: Nikon D3100 vs Canon 300D

    Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

    Camera Specifications
    Camera Model Nikon D3100 Canon 300D
    Camera Type Digital single lens reflex Digital single lens reflex
    Camera Lens Nikon F mount lenses Canon EF mount lenses
    Launch Date August 2010 August 2003
    Launch Price USD 599 USD 899
    Sensor Specs Nikon D3100 Canon 300D
    Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format APS-C Sensor APS-C Sensor
    Sensor Size 23.1 x 15.4 mm 22.7 x 15.1 mm
    Sensor Area 355.74 mm2 342.77 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 27.8 mm 27.3 mm
    Crop Factor 1.5x 1.6x
    Sensor Resolution 14.2 Megapixels 6.3 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 4608 x 3072 pixels 3072 x 2048 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 5.01 μm 7.38 μm
    Pixel Density 3.98 MP/cm2 1.84 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability 1080/24p Video no Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 3,200 ISO 100 - 1,600 ISO
    ISO Boost 100 - 12,800 ISO no Enhancement
    Image Processor EXPEED 2 DIGIC
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 67 55
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 22.5 21.0
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 11.3 10.8
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 919 544
    Screen Specs Nikon D3100 Canon 300D
    Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder Optical viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 95% 95%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.53x 0.55x
    LCD Framing Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 1.8inch
    LCD Resolution 230k dots 118k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen Fixed screen
    Shooting Specs Nikon D3100 Canon 300D
    Focus System Phase-detect AF Phase-detect AF
    Continuous Shooting 3 shutter flaps/s 2.5 shutter flaps/s
    Shutter Life Expectancy100 000 actuations50 000 actuations
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards CF cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot Single card slot
    Connectivity Specs Nikon D3100 Canon 300D
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 1.1
    HDMI Port mini HDMI no HDMI
    Wifi Support no Wifi no Wifi
    Body Specs Nikon D3100 Canon 300D
    Battery Type Nikon EN-EL14 Canon BP-511
    Battery Life (CIPA)550 shots per charge400 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 124 x 96 x 75 mm
    (4.9 x 3.8 x 3.0 in)
    142 x 99 x 72 mm
    (5.6 x 3.9 x 2.8 in)
    Camera Weight 505 g (17.8 oz) 649 g (22.9 oz)
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    Check 300D offers at
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