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Nikon D3100 vs Olympus E-M1 II

The Nikon D3100 and the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II are two digital cameras that were officially introduced, respectively, in August 2010 and September 2016. The D3100 is a DSLR, while the E-M1 II is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. The cameras are based on an APS-C (D3100) and a Four Thirds (E-M1 II) sensor. The Nikon has a resolution of 14.2 megapixels, whereas the Olympus provides 20.2 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
Olympus E-M1 II
Nikon D3100   Olympus E-M1 II
Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
Nikon F mount lenses Micro Four Thirds lenses
14.2 MP – APS-C sensor 20.2 MP – Four Thirds sensor
1080/24p Video 4K/30p Video
ISO 100-3,200 (100 - 12,800) ISO 200-25,600
Optical viewfinder Electronic viewfinder (2360k dots)
3.0" LCD – 230k dots 3.0" LCD – 1037k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive) Swivel touchscreen
3 shutter flaps per second 18 shutter flaps per second
Lens stabilization onlyIn-body stabilization
not weather sealedWeathersealed body
550 shots per battery charge440 shots per battery charge
124 x 96 x 75 mm, 505 g 134 x 91 x 67 mm, 574 g
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Check D3100 offers at
ebay.com
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Check E-M1 II offers at
ebay.com

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Nikon D3100 and the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II? 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 Olympus E-M1 II 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 size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The D3100 can be obtained in two different colors (black, red), while the E-M1 II is only available in black.

Size Nikon D3100 vs Olympus E-M1 II
Compare D3100 versus E-M1 II top
Comparison D3100 or E-M1 II rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Olympus E-M1 II is somewhat larger (2 percent) than the Nikon D3100. Moreover, the E-M1 II is markedly heavier (14 percent) than the D3100. It is noteworthy in this context that the E-M1 II 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 will tend to go along with bigger and heavier lenses, although exceptions exist. You can compare the optics available for the two cameras in the Nikon Lens Catalog (D3100) and the Micro Four Thirds Lens Catalog (E-M1 II). Mirrorless cameras, such as the E-M1 II, have moreover the advantage that they can use many lenses from other systems via adapters, as they have a relatively short flange to focal plane distance.

Concerning battery life, the D3100 gets 550 shots out of its Nikon EN-EL14 battery, while the E-M1 II can take 440 images on a single charge of its Olympus BLH-1 power pack.

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the two cameras alongside a broader set of comparators. 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
  empty Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Nikon D3100 124 mm 96 mm 75 mm 505 g 550 i Aug 2010 US$ 599ebay.com
2.
 
Olympus E-M1 II 134 mm 91 mm 67 mm 574 g 440 i Sep 2016 US$ 1 999ebay.com
3.
 
Nikon D40 124 mm 94 mm 64 mm 522 g 470 i Nov 2006 US$ 499ebay.com
4.
 
Nikon D40X 124 mm 94 mm 64 mm 522 g 520 i Mar 2007 US$ 729ebay.com
5.
 
Nikon D60 126 mm 94 mm 64 mm 522 g 500 i Jan 2008 US$ 629ebay.com
6.
 
Nikon D3000 126 mm 97 mm 64 mm 536 g 500 i Jul 2009 US$ 599ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon D3200 125 mm 96 mm 77 mm 505 g 540 i Apr 2012 US$ 599ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon D5000 127 mm 104 mm 80 mm 590 g 510 i Apr 2009 US$ 749ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D5100 128 mm 97 mm 79 mm 560 g 660 i Apr 2011 US$ 749ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D7000 132 mm 105 mm 77 mm 780 g 1050 i Sep 2010 US$ 1 499ebay.com
11.
 
Olympus E-M1 130 mm 94 mm 63 mm 497 g 350 i Sep 2013 US$ 1 399ebay.com
12.
 
Olympus E-M1 III 134 mm 91 mm 69 mm 580 g 420 i Feb 2020 US$ 1 799ebay.com
13.
 
Olympus PEN-F 125 mm 72 mm 37 mm 427 g 330 i Jan 2016 US$ 1 199ebay.com
14.
 
Panasonic G85 128 mm 89 mm 74 mm 505 g 330 i Sep 2016 US$ 899ebay.com
15.
 
Panasonic GH5 139 mm 98 mm 87 mm 725 g 410 i Jan 2017 US$ 1 999ebay.com
16.
 
Sony NEX-5N 111 mm 59 mm 38 mm 269 g 460 i Aug 2011 US$ 699ebay.com
17.
 
Sony NEX-C3 110 mm 60 mm 33 mm 225 g 400 i Jun 2011 US$ 599ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
  empty Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
  empty Camera
Model

The price is, of course, an important factor in any camera decision. 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 70 percent) than the E-M1 II, 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 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 tend to be more expensive and lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Nikon D3100 features an APS-C sensor and the Olympus E-M1 II a Four Thirds sensor. The sensor area in the E-M1 II is 37 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.5 and 2.0. The sensor in the D3100 has a native 3:2 aspect ratio, while the one in the E-M1 II offers a 4:3 aspect.

Nikon D3100 and Olympus E-M1 II sensor measures

Despite having a smaller sensor, the E-M1 II offers a higher resolution of 20.2 megapixels, compared with 14.2 MP of the D3100. This megapixels advantage comes at the cost of a higher pixel density and a smaller size of the individual pixel (with a pixel pitch of 3.34μm versus 5.01μm for the D3100). However, it should be noted that the E-M1 II is much more recent (by 6 years and 1 month) than the D3100, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that make it possible to gather light more efficiently. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the E-M1 II has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Olympus E-M1 II implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the E-M1 II for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 25.9 x 19.4 inches or 65.8 x 49.4 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 20.7 x 15.6 inches or 52.7 x 39.5 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 17.3 x 13 inches or 43.9 x 32.9 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 E-M1 II has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.

Unlike the D3100, the E-M1 II has the capacity to capture high quality composite images (50MP) by combining multiple shots after shifting its sensor by miniscule distances. This multi-shot, pixel-shift mode is most suitable for photography of stationary objects (landscapes, studio scenes).

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 Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II are ISO 200 to ISO 25600, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 64-25600.

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 E-M1 II 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 E-M1 II offers substantially better image quality than the D3100 (overall score 13 points higher). The advantage is based on 1.2 bits higher color depth, 1.5 EV in additional dynamic range, and 0.5 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
  empty 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.
 
Olympus E-M1 II Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38884K/30p23.712.8131280
3.
 
Nikon D40 APS-C 6.0 3008 2000i21.011.056156
4.
 
Nikon D40X APS-C 10.0 3872 2592i22.411.451663
5.
 
Nikon D60 APS-C 10.0 3872 2592i22.511.456265
6.
 
Nikon D3000 APS-C 10.0 3872 2592i22.311.156362
7.
 
Nikon D3200 APS-C 24.1 6016 40001080/30p24.113.2113181
8.
 
Nikon D5000 APS-C 12.2 4288 2848720/24p22.712.586872
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.
 
Olympus E-M1 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/30p23.012.775773
12.
 
Olympus E-M1 III Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38884K/30p23.313.1135676
13.
 
Olympus PEN-F Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38881080/60p23.112.489474
14.
 
Panasonic G85 Four Thirds 15.8 4592 34484K/30p22.812.565671
15.
 
Panasonic GH5 Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38884K/60p23.913.080777
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
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.
  empty Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
  empty Camera
Model

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. The two cameras under consideration both have sensors whose read-out speed is fast enough to capture moving pictures, but the E-M1 II provides a better video resolution than the D3100. It can shoot movie footage at 4K/30p, while the Nikon is limited to 1080/24p.

Feature comparison

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the E-M1 II has an electronic viewfinder (2360k dots), while the D3100 has an optical one. Both systems have their advantages, with the electronic viewfinder making it possible to project supplementary shooting information into the framing view, whereas the optical viewfinder offers lag-free viewing and a very clear framing image. The viewfinder in the E-M1 II 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 E-M1 II has a higher magnification (0.74x 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 Olympus E-M1 II in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.

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Core Features
  empty 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 i3.0 / 230 fixed i 1/4000s 3.0/s i i
2.
 
Olympus E-M1 II2360 i3.0 / 1037 swivel i 1/8000s 18.0/s i i
3.
 
Nikon D40optical i2.5 / 230 fixed i 1/4000s 2.5/s i i
4.
 
Nikon D40Xoptical i2.5 / 230 fixed i 1/4000s 3.0/s i i
5.
 
Nikon D60optical i2.5 / 230 fixed i 1/4000s 3.0/s i i
6.
 
Nikon D3000optical i3.0 / 230 fixed i 1/4000s 3.0/s i i
7.
 
Nikon D3200optical i3.0 / 921 fixed i 1/4000s 4.0/s i i
8.
 
Nikon D5000optical i2.7 / 230 full-flex i 1/4000s 4.0/s i i
9.
 
Nikon D5100optical i3.0 / 921 swivel i 1/4000s 4.0/s i i
10.
 
Nikon D7000optical i3.0 / 921 fixed i 1/8000s 6.0/s i i
11.
 
Olympus E-M12360 i3.0 / 1037 tilting i 1/8000s 10.0/s i i
12.
 
Olympus E-M1 III2360 i3.0 / 1037 swivel i 1/8000s 18.0/s i i
13.
 
Olympus PEN-F2360 i3.0 / 1037 swivel i 1/8000s 10.0/s i i
14.
 
Panasonic G852360 i3.0 / 1040 swivel i 1/4000s 9.0/s i i
15.
 
Panasonic GH53680 i3.2 / 1620 swivel i 1/8000s 12.0/s i i
16.
 
Sony NEX-5Noptional i3.0 / 920 tilting i 1/4000s 10.0/s i i
17.
 
Sony NEX-C3optional i3.0 / 920 tilting i 1/4000s 5.5/s i i
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
  empty 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
  empty Camera
Model

One difference between the cameras concerns the presence of an on-board flash. The D3100 has one, while the E-M1 II 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 E-M1 II has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing. This characteristic will be appreciated by vloggers and photographers who are interested in taking selfies. In contrast, the D3100 does not have a selfie-screen.

The reported shutter speed information refers to the use of the mechanical shutter. Yet, some cameras only have an electronic shutter, while others have an electronic shutter in addition to a mechanical one. In fact, the E-M1 II is one of those camera that have an additional electronic shutter, which makes completely silent shooting possible. However, this mode is less suitable for photographing moving objects (risk of rolling shutter) or shooting under artificial light sources (risk of flickering).

The Olympus E-M1 II 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 E-M1 II write their files to SDXC cards. The E-M1 II features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the D3100 only has one slot. The E-M1 II supports UHS-II cards on its first slot and UHS-I on its second one, 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 Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
  empty Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Nikon D3100imono / monoiimini2.0iii
2.
 
Olympus E-M1 IIistereo / monoiimicro3.0iii
3.
 
Nikon D40ii / iiii2.0iii
4.
 
Nikon D40Xii / iiii2.0iii
5.
 
Nikon D60ii / iiii2.0iii
6.
 
Nikon D3000ii / iiii2.0iii
7.
 
Nikon D3200imono / monoiimini2.0iii
8.
 
Nikon D5000imono / monoiimini2.0iii
9.
 
Nikon D5100imono / monoiimini2.0iii
10.
 
Nikon D7000imono / monoiimini2.0iii
11.
 
Olympus E-M1istereo / monoiimicro2.0iii
12.
 
Olympus E-M1 IIIistereo / monoiimicro3.1iii
13.
 
Olympus PEN-Fistereo / monoiimicro2.0iii
14.
 
Panasonic G85istereo / monoiimicro2.0iii
15.
 
Panasonic GH5istereo / monoiifull3.1iii
16.
 
Sony NEX-5Nistereo / monoiimini2.0iii
17.
 
Sony NEX-C3istereo / monoiimini2.0iii
  empty Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
  empty Camera
Model

It is notable that the E-M1 II 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 Olympus E-M1 II (unlike the D3100) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

Both the D3100 and the E-M1 II have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The D3100 was replaced by the Nikon D3200, while the E-M1 II was followed by the Olympus E-M1 III. Further information on the features and operation of the D3100 and E-M1 II can be found, respectively, in the Nikon D3100 Manual (free pdf) or the online Olympus E-M1 II Manual.

Review summary

So what is the bottom line? Is there a clear favorite between the Nikon D3100 and the Olympus E-M1 II? Which camera is better? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.

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Advantages of the Nikon D3100:

  • Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
  • Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
  • Less heavy: Is lighter (by 69g or 12 percent) and hence easier to carry around.
  • Longer lasting: Can take more shots (550 versus 440) on a single battery charge.
  • Easier fill-in: Is equipped with a small onboard flash to brighten deep shadow areas.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (70 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in August 2010).

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Reasons to prefer the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II:

  • More detail: Has more megapixels (20.2 vs 14.2MP), which boosts linear resolution by 17%.
  • Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
  • High quality composites: Can combine several shots after pixel-shifting its sensor.
  • Better image quality: Scores substantially higher (13 points) in the DXO overall evaluation.
  • Richer colors: Generates noticeably more natural colors (1.2 bits more color depth).
  • More dynamic range: Captures a broader range of light and dark details (1.5 EV of extra DR).
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Can shoot in dim conditions (0.5 stops ISO advantage).
  • 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 framing info: Has an electronic viewfinder that displays shooting data.
  • 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 (0.74x vs 0.53x).
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1037k vs 230k dots).
  • More flexible LCD: Has a swivel screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.
  • Fewer buttons to press: Has a touchscreen to facilitate handling and shooting adjustments.
  • More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.
  • Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/8000s vs 1/4000s) to freeze action.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (18 vs 3 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
  • Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
  • Better sealing: Is splash and dust sealed for shooting in inclement weather conditions.
  • Sharper images: Has stabilization technology built-in to reduce the impact of hand-shake.
  • More legacy lens friendly: Can use many non-native lenses via adapters.
  • Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (3.0 vs 2.0).
  • Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
  • 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 and UHS-I) SDXC cards.
  • More modern: Reflects 6 years and 1 month of technical progress since the D3100 launch.

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the E-M1 II is the clear winner of the contest (31 : 7 points). However, the relevance of individual strengths will vary across photographers, so that you might want to apply your own weighing scheme to the summary points when reflecting and deciding 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.

D3100 07:31 E-M1 II

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Nikon D3100 and the Olympus E-M1 II place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best DSLR Camera and Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera listings 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 remains partial and cannot reveal, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance when actually working with the D3100 or the E-M1 II. At times, user reviews, such as those published at amazon, address these issues in a useful manner, but such feedback is on many occasions incomplete, inconsistent, and unreliable.

Expert reviews

This is why hands-on reviews by experts are important. 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
  empty  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Nikon D31005/5+ +..72/1004.5/54.5/5 Aug 2010 US$ 599ebay.com
2.
 
Olympus E-M1 II5/5+ +5/585/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2016 US$ 1 999ebay.com
3.
 
Nikon D40..81/100..+ +o4.5/5 Nov 2006 US$ 499ebay.com
4.
 
Nikon D40X..79/100..+ +4/54/5 Mar 2007 US$ 729ebay.com
5.
 
Nikon D60..80/100..+ +4/54.5/5 Jan 2008 US$ 629ebay.com
6.
 
Nikon D3000..+..72/1004/54.5/5 Jul 2009 US$ 599ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon D32005/5+ +..73/1004.5/54.5/5 Apr 2012 US$ 599ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon D5000..+ +..75/1004/54.5/5 Apr 2009 US$ 749ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D51005/5+ +..76/1004.5/54.5/5 Apr 2011 US$ 749ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D70004/5....80/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2010 US$ 1 499ebay.com
11.
 
Olympus E-M15/5+ +..84/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2013 US$ 1 399ebay.com
12.
 
Olympus E-M1 III5/5..5/583/1004.5/54/5 Feb 2020 US$ 1 799ebay.com
13.
 
Olympus PEN-F....4/582/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2016 US$ 1 199ebay.com
14.
 
Panasonic G85..+ +..84/1005/54.5/5 Sep 2016 US$ 899ebay.com
15.
 
Panasonic GH54.5/5+ +..85/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2017 US$ 1 999ebay.com
16.
 
Sony NEX-5N3/5+ +..79/1004.5/54.5/5 Aug 2011 US$ 699ebay.com
17.
 
Sony NEX-C33/5+ +..74/1004.5/54/5 Jun 2011 US$ 599ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
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 Model 
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 score 
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 score 
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Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
  empty  Camera 
 Model 

The review scores listed above should be treated with care, though. The assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and comparisons of ratings among very different cameras or across long time periods 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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Specifications: Nikon D3100 vs Olympus E-M1 II

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 Olympus E-M1 II
Camera Type Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
Camera Lens Nikon F mount lenses Micro Four Thirds lenses
Launch Date August 2010 September 2016
Launch Price USD 599 USD 1,999
Sensor Specs Nikon D3100 Olympus E-M1 II
Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
Sensor Format APS-C Sensor Four Thirds Sensor
Sensor Size 23.1 x 15.4 mm 17.3 x 13.0 mm
Sensor Area 355.74 mm2 224.9 mm2
Sensor Diagonal 27.8 mm 21.6 mm
Crop Factor 1.5x 2.0x
Sensor Resolution 14.2 Megapixels 20.2 Megapixels
Image Resolution 4608 x 3072 pixels 5184 x 3888 pixels
Pixel Pitch 5.01 μm 3.34 μm
Pixel Density 3.98 MP/cm2 8.96 MP/cm2
Moiré control Anti-Alias filter no AA filter
Movie Capability 1080/24p Video 4K/30p Video
ISO Setting 100 - 3,200 ISO 200 - 25,600 ISO
ISO Boost 100 - 12,800 ISO 64 - 25,600 ISO
Image Processor EXPEED 2 TruePic VIII
DXO Sensor Quality (score) 67 80
DXO Color Depth (bits) 22.5 23.7
DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 11.3 12.8
DXO Low Light (ISO) 919 1312
Screen Specs Nikon D3100 Olympus E-M1 II
Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder Electronic viewfinder
Viewfinder Field of View 95% 100%
Viewfinder Magnification 0.53x 0.74x
Viewfinder Resolution 2360k dots
LCD Framing Live View Live View
Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 3.0inch
LCD Resolution 230k dots 1037k dots
LCD Attachment Fixed screen Swivel screen
Touch Input no Touchscreen Touchscreen
Shooting Specs Nikon D3100 Olympus E-M1 II
Focus System Phase-detect AF On-Sensor Phase-detect
Manual Focusing Aidno Peaking FeatureFocus Peaking
Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) 1/4000s 1/8000s
Continuous Shooting 3 shutter flaps/s 18 shutter flaps/s
Shutter Life Expectancy100 000 actuations200 000 actuations
Electronic Shutterno E-Shutterup to 1/32000s
Time-Lapse Photographyno IntervalometerIntervalometer built-in
Image StabilizationLens stabilization onlyIn-body stabilization
Fill Flash Built-in Flash no On-Board Flash
Storage Medium SDXC cards SDXC cards
Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot Dual card slots
UHS card support no Single UHS-II
Connectivity Specs Nikon D3100 Olympus E-M1 II
External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
Studio Flash no PC Sync PC Sync socket
USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 3.0
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 Wifi built-in
Body Specs Nikon D3100 Olympus E-M1 II
Environmental Sealingnot weather sealedWeathersealed body
Battery Type Nikon EN-EL14 Olympus BLH-1
Battery Life (CIPA)550 shots per charge440 shots per charge
Body Dimensions 124 x 96 x 75 mm
(4.9 x 3.8 x 3.0 in)
134 x 91 x 67 mm
(5.3 x 3.6 x 2.6 in)
Camera Weight 505 g (17.8 oz) 574 g (20.2 oz)
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