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Nikon D3100 vs D4

The Nikon D3100 and the Nikon D4 are two digital cameras that were officially introduced, respectively, in August 2010 and January 2012. Both are DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) cameras that are based on an APS-C (D3100) and a full frame (D4) sensor. The D3100 has a resolution of 14.2 megapixels, whereas the D4 provides 16.2 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
Nikon D4
Nikon D3100   Nikon D4
Digital single lens reflex Digital single lens reflex
Nikon F mount lenses Nikon F mount lenses
14.2 MP – APS-C sensor 16.2 MP – Full Frame sensor
1080/24p Video 1080/30p Video
ISO 100-3,200 (100 - 12,800) ISO 100-12,800 (50 - 204,800)
Optical viewfinder Optical viewfinder
3.0" LCD – 230k dots 3.2" LCD – 921k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive) Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
3 shutter flaps per second 11 shutter flaps per second
not weather sealedWeathersealed body
550 shots per battery charge2600 shots per battery charge
124 x 96 x 75 mm, 505 g 160 x 157 x 91 mm, 1340 g
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Nikon D3100 and the Nikon D4? 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 Nikon D4 is provided in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are available. All width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The D3100 can be obtained in two different colors (black, red), while the D4 is only available in black.

Size Nikon D3100 vs Nikon D4
Compare D3100 versus D4 top
Comparison D3100 or D4 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Nikon D4 is considerably larger (111 percent) than the Nikon D3100. Moreover, the D4 is substantially heavier (165 percent) than the D3100. It is noteworthy in this context that the D4 is splash and dust-proof, while the D3100 does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing.

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. A larger imaging sensor (as in the D4) will tend to go along with bigger and heavier lenses, while more compact options are available for the smaller-sensor camera (D3100). You can compare the optics available in the Nikon Lens Catalog.

Concerning battery life, the D3100 gets 550 shots out of its Nikon EN-EL14 battery, while the D4 can take 2600 images on a single charge of its Nikon EN-EL18 power pack. As can be seen in the images above, the D4 has a battery grip built in. This facilitates image-taking in portrait orientation and gives it additional battery power. In order to provide similar functionality for the D3100, there are third party battery grips available as optional accessories (see here on ebay).

The adjacent table lists the principal physical characteristics of the two cameras alongside a wider set of alternatives. In case you want to display and compare another camera duo, you can use the CAM-parator app to select your camera combination among a large number of options.

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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.
 
Nikon D4 160 mm 157 mm 91 mm 1340 g 2600 Y Jan 2012 5,999ebay.com
3.
 
Nikon D5 160 mm 159 mm 92 mm 1415 g 3780 Y Jan 2016 6,499ebay.com
4.
 
Nikon D4S 160 mm 157 mm 91 mm 1350 g 3020 Y Feb 2014 6,499ebay.com
5.
 
Nikon Df 144 mm 110 mm 67 mm 760 g 1400 Y Nov 2013 2,749ebay.com
6.
 
Nikon D3200 125 mm 96 mm 77 mm 505 g 540 n Apr 2012 599ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon D5100 128 mm 97 mm 79 mm 560 g 660 n Apr 2011 749ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon D7000 132 mm 105 mm 77 mm 780 g 1050 Y Sep 2010 1,499ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D3S 160 mm 157 mm 88 mm 1240 g 4200 Y Oct 2009 5,199ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D3000 126 mm 97 mm 64 mm 536 g 500 n Jul 2009 599ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D5000 127 mm 104 mm 80 mm 590 g 510 n Apr 2009 749ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon D60 126 mm 94 mm 64 mm 522 g 500 n Jan 2008 629ebay.com
13.
 
Nikon D3 160 mm 157 mm 88 mm 1300 g 4300 Y Aug 2007 4,999ebay.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.
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Any camera decision will naturally be influenced heavily by the price. The retail prices at the time of the camera’s release place the model in the market relative to other models in the producer’s line-up and the competition. The D3100 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 90 percent) than the D4, 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. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

Sensor comparison

The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. A large sensor will tend to have larger individual pixels that provide better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixel-units in a sensor of the same technological generation. Further, a large sensor camera will give the photographer additional creative options when using shallow depth-of-field to isolate a subject from its background. On the downside, larger sensors are more costly to manufacture and tend to lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Nikon D3100 features an APS-C sensor and the Nikon D4 a full frame sensor. The sensor area in the D4 is 142 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.5 and 1.0. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

Technology-wise, the D4 uses a more advanced image processing engine (EXPEED 3) than the D3100 (EXPEED 2), with benefits for noise reduction, color accuracy, and processing speed.

Nikon D3100 and Nikon D4 sensor measures

With 16.2MP, the D4 offers a higher resolution than the D3100 (14.2MP), but the D4 nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 7.29μm versus 5.01μm for the D3100) due to its larger sensor. Moreover, the D4 is a somewhat more recent model (by 1 year and 4 months) than the D3100, and its sensor might have benefitted from technological advances during this time that further enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixel-units.

The resolution advantage of the Nikon D4 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the D4 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 24.6 x 16.4 inches or 62.6 x 41.7 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 19.7 x 13.1 inches or 50.1 x 33.3 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 16.4 x 10.9 inches or 41.7 x 27.8 cm. The corresponding values for the Nikon D3100 are 23 x 15.4 inches or 58.5 x 39 cm for good quality, 18.4 x 12.3 inches or 46.8 x 31.2 cm for very good quality, and 15.4 x 10.2 inches or 39 x 26 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 Nikon D4 are ISO 100 to ISO 12800, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 50-204800.

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 D4 MP

Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for many cameras. This service is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), color depth ("DXO Portrait"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"). Of the two cameras under consideration, the D4 offers substantially better image quality than the D3100 (overall score 22 points higher). The advantage is based on 2.2 bits higher color depth, 1.8 EV in additional dynamic range, and 1.7 stops in additional low light sensitivity. The adjacent table reports on the physical sensor characteristics and the outcomes of the DXO sensor quality tests for a sample of comparator-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.
 
Nikon D4 Full Frame 16.2 4928 32801080/30p24.713.1296589
3.
 
Nikon D5 Full Frame 20.7 5588 37124K/30p25.112.3234388
4.
 
Nikon D4S Full Frame 16.2 4928 32801080/60p24.413.3307489
5.
 
Nikon Df Full Frame 16.2 4928 3280none24.613.1327989
6.
 
Nikon D3200 APS-C 24.1 6016 40001080/30p24.113.2113181
7.
 
Nikon D5100 APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/30p23.513.6118380
8.
 
Nikon D7000 APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/24p23.513.9116780
9.
 
Nikon D3S Full Frame 12.1 4256 2832720/24p23.512.0325382
10.
 
Nikon D3000 APS-C 10.0 3872 2592none22.311.156362
11.
 
Nikon D5000 APS-C 12.2 4288 2848720/24p22.712.586872
12.
 
Nikon D60 APS-C 10.0 3872 2592none22.511.456265
13.
 
Nikon D3 Full Frame 12.1 4256 2832none23.512.2229081
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 are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. The two cameras under consideration both have sensors whose read-out speed is fast enough to capture moving pictures, but the D4 provides a faster frame rate than the D3100. It can shoot movie footage at 1080/30p, while the D3100 is limited to 1080/24p.

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Feature comparison

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The D3100 and the D4 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 viewfinder in the D4 offers a wider field of view (100%) than the one in the D3100 (95%), so that a larger proportion of the captured image is visible in the finder. In addition, the viewfinder of the D4 has a higher magnification (0.70x vs 0.53x), so that the size of the image transmitted appears closer to the size seen with the naked human eye. The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Nikon D3100 and Nikon D4 in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar 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.
 
Nikon D4optical Y3.2 / 921 fixed n 1/8000s 11.0/s n n
3.
 
Nikon D5optical Y3.2 / 2359 fixed Y 1/8000s 14.0/s n n
4.
 
Nikon D4Soptical Y3.2 / 921 fixed n 1/8000s 11.0/s n n
5.
 
Nikon Dfoptical Y3.2 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 5.5/s n n
6.
 
Nikon D3200optical n3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 4.0/s Y n
7.
 
Nikon D5100optical n3.0 / 921 swivel n 1/4000s 4.0/s Y n
8.
 
Nikon D7000optical Y3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/8000s 6.0/s Y n
9.
 
Nikon D3Soptical Y3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/8000s 11.0/s n n
10.
 
Nikon D3000optical n3.0 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
11.
 
Nikon D5000optical n2.7 / 230 full-flex n 1/4000s 4.0/s Y n
12.
 
Nikon D60optical n2.5 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
13.
 
Nikon D3optical Y3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/8000s 11.0/s n 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.
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One difference between the cameras concerns the presence of an on-board flash. The D3100 has one, while the D4 does not. While the built-in flash of the D3100 is not very powerful, it can at times be useful as a fill-in light.

The Nikon D4 has an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

The D3100 writes its imaging data to SDXC cards, while the D4 uses Compact Flash or XQD cards. The D4 features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the D3100 only has one slot.

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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 Nikon D4 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.
 
Nikon D4Ymono / monoYYmicro2.0---
3.
 
Nikon D5Ystereo / monoYYmini3.0---
4.
 
Nikon D4SYmono / monoYYmini2.0---
5.
 
Nikon DfY- / ---mini2.0---
6.
 
Nikon D3200Ymono / monoY-mini2.0---
7.
 
Nikon D5100Ymono / monoY-mini2.0---
8.
 
Nikon D7000Ymono / monoY-mini2.0---
9.
 
Nikon D3SYstereo / ---mini2.0---
10.
 
Nikon D3000Y- / ----2.0---
11.
 
Nikon D5000Ymono / mono--mini2.0---
12.
 
Nikon D60Y- / ----2.0---
13.
 
Nikon D3Y- / ---mini2.0---
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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It is notable that the D4 has a headphone jack, which makes it possible to attach external headphones and monitor the quality of sound during the recording process. The D3100 lacks such a headphone port.

Studio photographers will appreciate that the Nikon D4 (unlike the D3100) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

Both the D3100 and the D4 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The D3100 was replaced by the Nikon D3200, while the D4 was followed by the Nikon D4S. Further information on the features and operation of the D3100 and D4 can be found, respectively, in the Nikon D3100 Manual (free pdf) or the online Nikon D4 Manual.

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Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Which of the two cameras – the Nikon D3100 or the Nikon D4 – has the upper hand? Is one clearly better than the other? Below is a summary of the relative strengths of each of the two contestants.


Advantages of the Nikon D3100:

  • More compact: Is smaller (124x96mm vs 160x157mm) and thus needs less room in the bag.
  • Less heavy: Is lighter (by 835g or 62 percent) and hence easier to carry around.
  • Easier fill-in: Is equipped with a small onboard flash to brighten deep shadow areas.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (90 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More heavily discounted: Has been on the market for longer (launched in August 2010).


Reasons to prefer the Nikon D4:

  • More detail: Has more megapixels (16.2 vs 14.2MP), which boosts linear resolution by 7%.
  • Better image quality: Scores substantially higher (22 points) in the DXO overall evaluation.
  • Richer colors: Generates noticeably more natural colors (2.2 bits more color depth).
  • More dynamic range: Captures a broader range of light and dark details (1.8 EV of extra DR).
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Can shoot in dim conditions (1.7 stops ISO advantage).
  • Better jpgs: Has a more modern image processing engine (EXPEED 3 vs EXPEED 2).
  • Better video: Provides higher movie framerates (1080/30p versus 1080/24p).
  • Better sound: Can connect to an external microphone for higher quality sound recording.
  • Better sound control: Has a headphone port that enables audio monitoring while recording.
  • More complete view: Has a viewfinder with a larger field of view (100% vs 95%).
  • Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.70x vs 0.53x).
  • Easier setting verification: Features a control panel on top to check shooting parameters.
  • Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.2" vs 3.0") for image review and settings control.
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (921k vs 230k dots).
  • Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/8000s vs 1/4000s) to freeze action.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (11 vs 3 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
  • More portrait friendly: Features an integrated vertical grip for easier portrait shooting.
  • Longer lasting: Gets more shots (2600 versus 550) out of a single battery charge.
  • Better sealing: Is splash and dust sealed for shooting in inclement weather conditions.
  • Better studio light control: Has a PC Sync socket to connect to professional strobe lights.
  • Greater peace of mind: Features a second card slot as a backup in case of memory card failure.
  • More modern: Was introduced somewhat (1 year and 4 months) more recently.

If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the D4 is the clear winner of the contest (23 : 5 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 wedding photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a travel photog, and a person interested in cityscapes has distinct needs from a macro shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

D3100 05:23 D4

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Nikon D3100 and the Nikon D4 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 specs-based evaluation of cameras can be instructive in revealing their potential as photographic tools, it says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the D3100 and the D4 in practical situations. User reviews, such as those found at amazon, can sometimes inform about these issues, but such feedback is often incomplete, inconsistent, and biased.

Expert reviews

This is where reviews by experts come in. The table below provides a synthesis of the camera assessments of some of the best known photo-gear 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.
 
Nikon D4........4.5/54.5/5 Jan 2012 5,999ebay.com
3.
 
Nikon D5....4/589/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2016 6,499ebay.com
4.
 
Nikon D4S5/5......4.5/54.5/5 Feb 2014 6,499ebay.com
5.
 
Nikon Df4/5....81/1004/54/5 Nov 2013 2,749ebay.com
6.
 
Nikon D32005/5+ +..73/1004.5/54.5/5 Apr 2012 599ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon D51005/5+ +..76/1004.5/54.5/5 Apr 2011 749ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon D70004/5....80/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2010 1,499ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D3S5/5....89/1004.5/55/5 Oct 2009 5,199ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D3000..+..72/1004/54.5/5 Jul 2009 599ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D5000..+ +..75/1004/54.5/5 Apr 2009 749ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon D60..80/100..+ +4/54.5/5 Jan 2008 629ebay.com
13.
 
Nikon D3......+ +5/54.5/5 Aug 2007 4,999ebay.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 review scores listed above should be treated 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. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.

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Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you would like to check on the differences and similarities of other camera models, just use the search menu below. As an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool.

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    Specifications: Nikon D3100 vs Nikon D4

    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 Nikon D4
    Camera Type Digital single lens reflex Digital single lens reflex
    Camera Lens Nikon F mount lenses Nikon F mount lenses
    Launch Date August 2010 January 2012
    Launch Price USD 599 USD 5,999
    Sensor Specs Nikon D3100 Nikon D4
    Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format APS-C Sensor Full Frame Sensor
    Sensor Size 23.1 x 15.4 mm 36.0 x 23.9 mm
    Sensor Area 355.74 mm2 860.4 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 27.8 mm 43.2 mm
    Crop Factor 1.5x 1.0x
    Sensor Resolution 14.2 Megapixels 16.2 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 4608 x 3072 pixels 4928 x 3280 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 5.01 μm 7.29 μm
    Pixel Density 3.98 MP/cm2 1.88 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability 1080/24p Video 1080/30p Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 3,200 ISO 100 - 12,800 ISO
    ISO Boost 100 - 12,800 ISO 50 - 204,800 ISO
    Image Processor EXPEED 2 EXPEED 3
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 67 89
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 22.5 24.7
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 11.3 13.1
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 919 2965
    Screen Specs Nikon D3100 Nikon D4
    Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder Optical viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 95% 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.53x 0.70x
    Top-Level Screen no Top Display Control Panel
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 3.2inch
    LCD Resolution 230k dots 921k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen Fixed screen
    Shooting Specs Nikon D3100 Nikon D4
    Focus System Phase-detect AF Phase-detect AF
    Continuous Shooting 3 shutter flaps/s 11 shutter flaps/s
    Shutter Life Expectancy100 000 actuations400 000 actuations
    Time-Lapse Photographyno IntervalometerIntervalometer built-in
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash no On-Board Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards CF or XQD cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot Dual card slots
    Connectivity Specs Nikon D3100 Nikon D4
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    Studio Flash no PC Sync PC Sync socket
    USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port mini HDMI micro HDMI
    Microphone Port no MIC socket External MIC port
    Headphone Socket no Headphone port Headphone port
    Wifi Support no Wifi no Wifi
    Body Specs Nikon D3100 Nikon D4
    Environmental Sealingnot weather sealedWeathersealed body
    Battery Type Nikon EN-EL14 Nikon EN-EL18
    Battery Life (CIPA)550 shots per charge2600 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 124 x 96 x 75 mm
    (4.9 x 3.8 x 3.0 in)
    160 x 157 x 91 mm
    (6.3 x 6.2 x 3.6 in)
    Camera Weight 505 g (17.8 oz) 1340 g (47.3 oz)
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    Check D3100 offers at
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    Check D4 offers at
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