Nikon D3100 vs D780

The Nikon D3100 and the Nikon D780 are two digital cameras that were officially introduced, respectively, in August 2010 and January 2020. Both are DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) cameras that are based on an APS-C (D3100) and a full frame (D780) sensor. The D3100 has a resolution of 14.2 megapixels, whereas the D780 provides 24.3 MP.

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

Headline Specifications

Nikon D3100		Nikon D780
Digital single lens reflex		Digital single lens reflex
Nikon F mount lenses		Nikon F mount lenses
14.2 MP, APS-C Sensor		24.3 MP, Full Frame Sensor
1080/24p Video		4K/30p Video
ISO 100-3,200 (100 - 12,800)		ISO 100-51,200 (50 - 204,800)
Optical viewfinder		Optical viewfinder
3.0 LCD, 230k dots		3.2 LCD, 2359k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)		Tilting touchscreen
3 shutter flaps per second		12 shutter flaps per second
not weather sealed		Weathersealed body
550 shots per battery charge		2260 shots per battery charge
124 x 96 x 75 mm, 505 g		144 x 116 x 76 mm, 840 g

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Nikon D3100 and the Nikon D780? 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.

Body comparison

The physical size and weight of the Nikon D3100 and the Nikon D780 are illustrated 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 D780 is only available in black.

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Nikon D780 is notably larger (40 percent) than the Nikon D3100. Moreover, the D780 is substantially heavier (66 percent) than the D3100. It is noteworthy in this context that the D780 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 D780) 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 EN-EL14 battery, while the D780 can take 2260 images on a single charge of its EN-EL15b power pack. The power pack in the D780 can be charged via the USB port, which can be very convenient when travelling.

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.

Body Specifications

		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	599
2.		Nikon D780	144 mm	116 mm	76 mm	840 g	2260	Y	Jan 2020	2,299
3.		Canon 6D Mark II	144 mm	111 mm	75 mm	765 g	1200	Y	Jun 2017	1,999
4.		Nikon D6	160 mm	163 mm	92 mm	1270 g	3580	Y	Feb 2020	6,499
5.		Nikon Z6 II	134 mm	101 mm	70 mm	705 g	410	Y	Oct 2020	1,999
6.		Nikon D5	160 mm	159 mm	92 mm	1415 g	3780	Y	Jan 2016	6,499
7.		Nikon D750	141 mm	113 mm	78 mm	750 g	1230	Y	Sep 2014	2,299
8.		Nikon D3200	125 mm	96 mm	77 mm	505 g	540	n	Apr 2012	599
9.		Nikon D5100	128 mm	97 mm	79 mm	560 g	660	n	Apr 2011	749
10.		Nikon D7000	132 mm	105 mm	77 mm	780 g	1050	Y	Sep 2010	1,499
11.		Nikon D3000	126 mm	97 mm	64 mm	536 g	500	n	Jul 2009	599
12.		Nikon D5000	127 mm	104 mm	80 mm	590 g	510	n	Apr 2009	749
13.		Nikon D60	126 mm	94 mm	64 mm	522 g	500	n	Jan 2008	629
14.		Nikon D40X	124 mm	94 mm	64 mm	522 g	520	n	Mar 2007	729
15.		Nikon D40	124 mm	94 mm	64 mm	522 g	470	n	Nov 2006	499
16.		Sony NEX-5N	111 mm	59 mm	38 mm	269 g	460	n	Aug 2011	699
17.		Sony NEX-C3	110 mm	60 mm	33 mm	225 g	400	n	Jun 2011	599
Notes: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
Convert to Imperial

The price is, of course, an important factor in any camera decision. The listed launch prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The D3100 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 74 percent) than the D780, which puts it into a different market segment. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. 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 sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants 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 tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Nikon D3100 features an APS-C sensor and the Nikon D780 a full frame sensor. The sensor area in the D780 is 141 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 D780 uses a more advanced image processing engine (EXPEED 6) than the D3100 (EXPEED 2), with benefits for noise reduction, color accuracy, and processing speed.

With 24.3MP, the D780 offers a higher resolution than the D3100 (14.2MP), but the D780 nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 5.94μm versus 5.01μm for the D3100) due to its larger sensor. Moreover, the D780 is a much more recent model (by 9 years and 4 months) than the D3100, and its sensor will 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 D780 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the D780 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 30.2 x 20.1 inches or 76.8 x 51.1 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 24.2 x 16.1 inches or 61.4 x 40.9 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 20.2 x 13.4 inches or 51.2 x 34.1 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 D780 has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.

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 D780 are ISO 100 to ISO 51200, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 50-204800.

For many cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. 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"). The adjacent table reports on the physical sensor characteristics and the outcomes of the DXO sensor quality tests for a sample of comparator-cameras.

Sensor Characteristics

		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 D780	Full Frame	24.3	6048	4024	4K/30p	..	..	..	..
3.		Canon 6D Mark II	Full Frame	26.0	6240	4160	1080/60p	24.4	11.9	2862	85
4.		Nikon D6	Full Frame	20.7	5568	3712	4K/30p	..	..	..	..
5.		Nikon Z6 II	Full Frame	24.3	6048	4024	4K/60p	..	..	..	..
6.		Nikon D5	Full Frame	20.7	5588	3712	4K/30p	25.1	12.3	2343	88
7.		Nikon D750	Full Frame	24.2	6016	4016	1080/60p	24.8	14.5	2956	93
8.		Nikon D3200	APS-C	24.1	6016	4000	1080/30p	24.1	13.2	1131	81
9.		Nikon D5100	APS-C	16.1	4928	3264	1080/30p	23.5	13.6	1183	80
10.		Nikon D7000	APS-C	16.1	4928	3264	10800/24p	23.5	13.9	1167	80
11.		Nikon D3000	APS-C	10.0	3872	2592	none	22.3	11.1	563	62
12.		Nikon D5000	APS-C	12.2	4288	2848	720/24p	22.7	12.5	868	72
13.		Nikon D60	APS-C	10.0	3872	2592	none	22.5	11.4	562	65
14.		Nikon D40X	APS-C	10.0	3872	2592	none	22.4	11.4	516	63
15.		Nikon D40	APS-C	6.0	3008	2000	none	21.0	11.0	561	56
16.		Sony NEX-5N	APS-C	16.0	4912	3264	1080/60i	23.6	12.7	1079	77
17.		Sony NEX-C3	APS-C	16.0	4912	3264	720/30p	22.7	12.2	1083	73

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. Both cameras under consideration have a sensor with sufficiently fast read-out times for moving pictures, but the D780 provides a better video resolution than the D3100. It can shoot movie footage at 4K/30p, while the D3100 is limited to 1080/24p.

Feature comparison

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The D3100 and the D780 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 D780 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 D780 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 following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Nikon D3100, the Nikon D780, and comparable cameras.

Core Features

		Camera Model	Viewfinder (Type or 000 dots)	Control Panel (yes/no)	LCD Size (inch)	LCD Resolution (000 dots)	LCD Attach- ment	Touch Screen (yes/no)	Mech Shutter Speed	Shutter Flaps (1/sec)	Built-in Flash (yes/no)	Built-in Image Stab
1.		Nikon D3100	optical	n	3.0	230	fixed	n	1/4000s	3.0	Y	n
2.		Nikon D780	optical	Y	3.2	2359	tilting	Y	1/8000s	12.0	n	n
3.		Canon 6D Mark II	optical	Y	3.0	1040	swivel	Y	1/4000s	6.5	n	n
4.		Nikon D6	optical	Y	3.2	2359	fixed	Y	1/8000s	14.0	n	n
5.		Nikon Z6 II	3690	Y	3.2	2100	tilting	Y	1/8000s	14.0	n	Y
6.		Nikon D5	optical	Y	3.2	2359	fixed	Y	1/8000s	14.0	n	n
7.		Nikon D750	optical	Y	3.2	1229	tilting	n	1/4000s	6.0	Y	n
8.		Nikon D3200	optical	n	3.0	921	fixed	n	1/4000s	4.0	Y	n
9.		Nikon D5100	optical	n	3.0	921	swivel	n	1/4000s	4.0	Y	n
10.		Nikon D7000	optical	Y	3.0	921	fixed	n	1/8000s	6.0	Y	n
11.		Nikon D3000	optical	n	3.0	230	fixed	n	1/4000s	3.0	Y	n
12.		Nikon D5000	optical	n	2.7	230	full-flex	n	1/4000s	4.0	Y	n
13.		Nikon D60	optical	n	2.5	230	fixed	n	1/4000s	3.0	Y	n
14.		Nikon D40X	optical	n	2.5	230	fixed	n	1/4000s	3.0	Y	n
15.		Nikon D40	optical	n	2.5	230	fixed	n	1/4000s	2.5	Y	n
16.		Sony NEX-5N	optional	n	3.0	920	tilting	Y	1/4000s	10.0	n	n
17.		Sony NEX-C3	optional	n	3.0	920	tilting	n	1/4000s	5.5	n	n

One difference between the cameras concerns the presence of an on-board flash. The D3100 has one, while the D780 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 D780 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.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the D3100 and the D780 write their files to SDXC cards. The D780 features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the D3100 only has one slot. The D780 supports UHS-II cards (on both slots), while the D3100 cannot take advantage of Ultra High Speed SD cards.

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 D780 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

Input-Output Connections

		Camera Model	Hotshoe Port	Internal Microphone	Internal Speaker	Microphone Port	Headphone Port	HDMI Port	USB Port	WiFi Support	NFC Support	Bluetooth Support
1.		Nikon D3100	Y	mono	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
2.		Nikon D780	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	mini	3.1	Y	-	Y
3.		Canon 6D Mark II	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	Y	Y	Y
4.		Nikon D6	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	mini	3.1	Y	-	Y
5.		Nikon Z6 II	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	micro	3.2	Y	-	Y
6.		Nikon D5	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	mini	3.0	-	-	-
7.		Nikon D750	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	mini	2.0	Y	-	-
8.		Nikon D3200	Y	mono	mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
9.		Nikon D5100	Y	mono	mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
10.		Nikon D7000	Y	mono	mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
11.		Nikon D3000	Y	-	-	-	-	-	2.0	-	-	-
12.		Nikon D5000	Y	mono	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
13.		Nikon D60	Y	-	-	-	-	-	2.0	-	-	-
14.		Nikon D40X	Y	-	-	-	-	-	2.0	-	-	-
15.		Nikon D40	Y	-	-	-	-	-	2.0	-	-	-
16.		Sony NEX-5N	Y	stereo	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
17.		Sony NEX-C3	Y	stereo	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-

It is notable that the D780 offers wifi support, which can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location. In contrast, the D3100 does not provide wifi capability.

Studio photographers will appreciate that the Nikon D780 (unlike the D3100) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

The D780 is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Nikon. In contrast, the D3100 has been discontinued (but can be found pre-owned on eBay). As a replacement in the same line of cameras, the D3100 was succeeded by the Nikon D3200. Further information on the two cameras (e.g. user guides, manuals), as well as related accessories, can be found on the official Nikon website.

Review summary

So how do things add up? Which of the two cameras – the Nikon D3100 or the Nikon D780 – 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.

Reasons to prefer the Nikon D3100:

• More compact: Is smaller (124x96mm vs 144x116mm) and thus needs less room in the bag.
• Less heavy: Is lighter (by 335g or 40 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 (74 percent cheaper at launch).
• More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in August 2010).

Arguments in favor of the Nikon D780:

• More detail: Has more megapixels (24.3 vs 14.2MP), which boosts linear resolution by 31%.
• Better image quality: Is equipped with a larger and more technologically advanced sensor.
• Richer colors: The sensor size advantage translates into images with better, more accurate colors.
• More dynamic range: Larger sensor captures a wider spectrum of light and dark details.
• Better low-light sensitivity: Larger sensor produces good images even in poorly lit environments.
• Better jpgs: Has a more modern image processing engine (EXPEED 6 vs EXPEED 2).
• Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (4K/30p vs 1080/24p).
• Better live-view autofocus: Features on-sensor phase-detection for more confident autofocus.
• 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 (2359k vs 230k dots).
• More flexible LCD: Has a tilting screen for odd-angle shots in landscape orientation.
• Fewer buttons to press: Has a touchscreen to facilitate handling and shooting adjustments.
• Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/8000s vs 1/4000s) to freeze action.
• Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (12 vs 3 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
• Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
• Longer lasting: Gets more shots (2260 versus 550) out of a single battery charge.
• Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
• Better sealing: Is splash and dust sealed for shooting in inclement weather conditions.
• Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (3.1 vs 2.0).
• Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
• Easier wireless transfer: Supports Bluetooth for image sharing without cables.
• 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.
• Faster buffer clearing: Supports Ultra High Speed (UHS-II) SDXC cards on both slots.
• More modern: Reflects 9 years and 4 months of technical progress since the D3100 launch.

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the D780 is the clear winner of the contest (30 : 5 points). However, the relative importance of the various individual camera aspects will vary according to personal preferences and needs, so that you might like to apply corresponding weights to the particular features before making a decision on a new camera. 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.

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Nikon D3100 and the Nikon D780 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 remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the D3100 or the D780 perform in practice. 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], 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.

Expert Camera Reviews

		Camera   Model	AP   score	CL   score	DPR   score	EPZ   score	PB   score	Camera Launch	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price
1.		Nikon D3100	5/5	+ +	72/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Aug 2010	599
2.		Nikon D780	5/5	..	87/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jan 2020	2,299
3.		Canon 6D Mark II	4/5	+	80/100	4.5/5	4/5	Jun 2017	1,999
4.		Nikon D6	..	..	..	4.5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2020	6,499
5.		Nikon Z6 II	4.5/5	..	89/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Oct 2020	1,999
6.		Nikon D5	..	..	89/100	4.5/5	5/5	Jan 2016	6,499
7.		Nikon D750	5/5	+ +	90/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2014	2,299
8.		Nikon D3200	5/5	+ +	73/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Apr 2012	599
9.		Nikon D5100	5/5	+ +	76/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Apr 2011	749
10.		Nikon D7000	4/5	..	80/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2010	1,499
11.		Nikon D3000	..	+	72/100	4/5	4.5/5	Jul 2009	599
12.		Nikon D5000	..	+ +	75/100	4/5	4.5/5	Apr 2009	749
13.		Nikon D60	..	80/100	+ +	4/5	4.5/5	Jan 2008	629
14.		Nikon D40X	..	79/100	+ +	4/5	4/5	Mar 2007	729
15.		Nikon D40	..	81/100	+ +	o	4.5/5	Nov 2006	499
16.		Sony NEX-5N	3/5	+ +	79/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Aug 2011	699
17.		Sony NEX-C3	3/5	+ +	74/100	4.5/5	4/5	Jun 2011	599
Notes: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. Hence, a score should always be seen in the context of the camera's market launch date and its price, and comparisons of ratings among very different cameras or across long time periods have little meaning. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.

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 Nikon D780

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.

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