A potelyt.com – Photography & Imaging Resources
ad

When you use links on apotelyt.com to buy products,
the site may earn a commission.

PW

Nikon D3100 vs Panasonic GX9

The Nikon D3100 and the Panasonic Lumix DC-GX9 are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in August 2010 and February 2018. The D3100 is a DSLR, while the GX9 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. The cameras are based on an APS-C (D3100) and a Four Thirds (GX9) sensor. The Nikon has a resolution of 14.2 megapixels, whereas the Panasonic 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
Panasonic GX9
Nikon D3100   Panasonic GX9
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 (2760k dots)
3.0" LCD – 230k dots 3.0" LCD – 1240k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive) Tilting touchscreen
3 shutter flaps per second 9 shutter flaps per second
Lens stabilization onlyIn-body stabilization
550 shots per battery charge260 shots per battery charge
124 x 96 x 75 mm, 505 g 124 x 72 x 47 mm, 407 g
logo
Check D3100 offers at
ebay.com
logo
Check GX9 offers at
ebay.com

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Nikon D3100 and the Panasonic Lumix DC-GX9? 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.

ad

Body comparison

The physical size and weight of the Nikon D3100 and the Panasonic GX9 are illustrated 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 GX9 is also available in two color-versions, but different ones (black, silver).

Size Nikon D3100 vs Panasonic GX9
Compare D3100 versus GX9 top
Comparison D3100 or GX9 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Panasonic GX9 is notably smaller (25 percent) than the Nikon D3100. Moreover, the GX9 is markedly lighter (19 percent) than the D3100. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the D3100 nor the GX9 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. 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 (GX9). Mirrorless cameras, such as the GX9, 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 GX9 can take 260 images on a single charge of its Panasonic DMW-BLG10 power pack. The power pack in the GX9 can be charged via the USB port, which can be very convenient when travelling.

The following table provides a synthesis of the main physical specifications of the two cameras and other similar ones. If you want to switch the focus of the display and review another camera pair, you can move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible camera comparisons there.

scroll hint
Body Specifications
  empty 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.
 
Panasonic GX9 124 mm 72 mm 47 mm 407 g 260 n Feb 2018 849ebay.com
3.
 
Nikon D40 124 mm 94 mm 64 mm 522 g 470 n Nov 2006 499ebay.com
4.
 
Nikon D40X 124 mm 94 mm 64 mm 522 g 520 n Mar 2007 729ebay.com
5.
 
Nikon D60 126 mm 94 mm 64 mm 522 g 500 n Jan 2008 629ebay.com
6.
 
Nikon D3000 126 mm 97 mm 64 mm 536 g 500 n Jul 2009 599ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon D3200 125 mm 96 mm 77 mm 505 g 540 n Apr 2012 599ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon D5000 127 mm 104 mm 80 mm 590 g 510 n Apr 2009 749ebay.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.
 
Panasonic GX7 123 mm 71 mm 55 mm 402 g 350 n Aug 2013 999ebay.com
12.
 
Panasonic GX8 133 mm 78 mm 63 mm 487 g 330 Y Jul 2015 1,199ebay.com
13.
 
Panasonic GX85 122 mm 71 mm 44 mm 426 g 290 n Apr 2016 799 amazon.com
14.
 
Panasonic LX100 II 115 mm 66 mm 65 mm 392 g 300 n Aug 2018 999ebay.com
15.
 
Panasonic ZS200 111 mm 65 mm 45 mm 340 g 370 n Feb 2018 799 amazon.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.

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 29 percent) than the GX9, 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 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. 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 Panasonic GX9 a Four Thirds sensor. The sensor area in the GX9 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 GX9 offers a 4:3 aspect.

Nikon D3100 and Panasonic GX9 sensor measures

Despite having a smaller sensor, the GX9 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 GX9 is much more recent (by 7 years and 5 months) 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 GX9 has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Panasonic GX9 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the GX9 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 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 Panasonic Lumix DC-GX9 are ISO 200 to ISO 25600, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 100-25600.

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 GX9 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"). The adjacent table reports on the physical sensor characteristics and the outcomes of the DXO sensor quality tests for a sample of comparator-cameras.

scroll hint
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.
 
Panasonic GX9 Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38884K/30p23.112.8116374
3.
 
Nikon D40 APS-C 6.0 3008 2000none21.011.056156
4.
 
Nikon D40X APS-C 10.0 3872 2592none22.411.451663
5.
 
Nikon D60 APS-C 10.0 3872 2592none22.511.456265
6.
 
Nikon D3000 APS-C 10.0 3872 2592none22.311.156362
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.
 
Panasonic GX7 Four Thirds 15.8 4592 34481080/60p22.612.271870
12.
 
Panasonic GX8 Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38884K/30p23.512.680675
13.
 
Panasonic GX85 Four Thirds 15.8 4592 34484K/30p22.912.666271
14.
 
Panasonic LX100 II Four Thirds 16.8 4736 35524K/30p22.812.797972
15.
 
Panasonic ZS200 1-inch 20.0 5472 36484K/30p22.012.244964
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.

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 GX9 provides a better video resolution than the D3100. It can shoot movie footage at 4K/30p, while the Nikon is limited to 1080/24p.

ad

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. For example, the GX9 has an electronic viewfinder (2760k 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 GX9 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 GX9 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 Panasonic GX9, and comparable cameras.

scroll hint
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 n3.0 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
2.
 
Panasonic GX92760 n3.0 / 1240 tilting Y 1/4000s 9.0/s Y Y
3.
 
Nikon D40optical n2.5 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 2.5/s Y n
4.
 
Nikon D40Xoptical n2.5 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
5.
 
Nikon D60optical n2.5 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
6.
 
Nikon D3000optical n3.0 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
7.
 
Nikon D3200optical n3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 4.0/s Y n
8.
 
Nikon D5000optical n2.7 / 230 full-flex 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.
 
Panasonic GX72760 n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/8000s 5.0/s Y Y
12.
 
Panasonic GX82360 n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
13.
 
Panasonic GX852765 n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 8.0/s Y Y
14.
 
Panasonic LX100 II2764 n3.0 / 1240 fixed Y 1/4000s 11.0/s n Y
15.
 
Panasonic ZS2002330 n3.0 / 1240 fixed Y 1/2000s 10.0/s Y Y
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.

One differentiating feature between the two cameras concerns the touch sensitivity of the rear screen. The GX9 has a touchscreen, while the D3100 has a conventional panel. Touch control can be particularly helpful, for example, for setting the focus point.

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 GX9 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 Panasonic GX9 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 GX9 write their files to SDXC cards. The GX9 supports UHS-I cards (Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 104 MB/s), while the D3100 cannot take advantage of Ultra High Speed SD cards.

ad

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 Panasonic Lumix DC-GX9 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

scroll hint
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 D3100Ymono / mono--mini2.0---
2.
 
Panasonic GX9Ystereo / mono--micro2.0Y-Y
3.
 
Nikon D40Y- / ----2.0---
4.
 
Nikon D40XY- / ----2.0---
5.
 
Nikon D60Y- / ----2.0---
6.
 
Nikon D3000Y- / ----2.0---
7.
 
Nikon D3200Ymono / monoY-mini2.0---
8.
 
Nikon D5000Ymono / mono--mini2.0---
9.
 
Nikon D5100Ymono / monoY-mini2.0---
10.
 
Nikon D7000Ymono / monoY-mini2.0---
11.
 
Panasonic GX7Ystereo / mono--mini2.0YY-
12.
 
Panasonic GX8Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0YY-
13.
 
Panasonic GX85Ystereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
14.
 
Panasonic LX100 IIYstereo / mono--micro2.0Y-Y
15.
 
Panasonic ZS200-stereo / mono--micro2.0Y-Y
16.
 
Sony NEX-5NYstereo / mono--mini2.0---
17.
 
Sony NEX-C3Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---

It is notable that the GX9 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.

Both the D3100 and the GX9 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The D3100 was replaced by the Nikon D3200, while the GX9 does not have a direct successor. Further information on the features and operation of the D3100 and GX9 can be found, respectively, in the Nikon D3100 Manual (free pdf) or the online Panasonic GX9 Manual.

ad

Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Is there a clear favorite between the Nikon D3100 and the Panasonic GX9? Which camera is better? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.

ilogo

Reasons to prefer 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.
  • Longer lasting: Can take more shots (550 versus 260) on a single battery charge.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (29 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in August 2010).

ilogo

Arguments in favor of the Panasonic Lumix DC-GX9:

  • 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.
  • Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (4K/30p vs 1080/24p).
  • 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 (0.70x vs 0.53x).
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1240k 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 burst: Shoots at higher frequency (9 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.
  • More compact: Is smaller (124x72mm vs 124x96mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
  • Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 98g or 19 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
  • Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Faster buffer clearing: Has an SD card interface that supports the UHS-I standard.
  • More modern: Reflects 7 years and 5 months of technical progress since the D3100 launch.

If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the GX9 is the clear winner of the contest (21 : 5 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 wildlife photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a family photog, and a person interested in architecture has distinct needs from a sports shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

D3100 05:21 GX9

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Nikon D3100 and the Panasonic GX9 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 comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it remains partial and cannot reveal, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance when actually working with the D3100 or the GX9. 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.

scroll hint
Expert Camera Reviews
  empty  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.
 
Panasonic GX94/5+4/584/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2018 849ebay.com
3.
 
Nikon D40..81/100..+ +o4.5/5 Nov 2006 499ebay.com
4.
 
Nikon D40X..79/100..+ +4/54/5 Mar 2007 729ebay.com
5.
 
Nikon D60..80/100..+ +4/54.5/5 Jan 2008 629ebay.com
6.
 
Nikon D3000..+..72/1004/54.5/5 Jul 2009 599ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon D32005/5+ +..73/1004.5/54.5/5 Apr 2012 599ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon D5000..+ +..75/1004/54.5/5 Apr 2009 749ebay.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.
 
Panasonic GX74/5+..79/1005/55/5 Aug 2013 999ebay.com
12.
 
Panasonic GX85/5+..82/1004.5/54.5/5 Jul 2015 1,199ebay.com
13.
 
Panasonic GX854.5/5+ +..82/1005/55/5 Apr 2016 799 amazon.com
14.
 
Panasonic LX100 II4.5/5+4.2/582/1004.5/54.5/5 Aug 2018 999ebay.com
15.
 
Panasonic ZS200..+ +4.5/581/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2018 799 amazon.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.

The above review scores should be interpreted 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. Also, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.

logo
Check D3100 offers at
ebay.com
logo
Check GX9 offers at
ebay.com

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 make your choice using the following search menu. There is also a set of direct links to comparison reviews that other users of the CAM-parator app explored.

~
    loader
    ad

    Specifications: Nikon D3100 vs Panasonic GX9

    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 Panasonic GX9
    Camera Type Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
    Camera Lens Nikon F mount lenses Micro Four Thirds lenses
    Launch Date August 2010 February 2018
    Launch Price USD 599 USD 849
    Sensor Specs Nikon D3100 Panasonic GX9
    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 100 - 25,600 ISO
    Image Processor EXPEED 2 Venus
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 67 ..
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 22.5 ..
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 11.3 ..
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 919 ..
    Screen Specs Nikon D3100 Panasonic GX9
    Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder Electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 95% 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.53x 0.70x
    Viewfinder Resolution 2760k dots
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 230k dots 1240k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen Tilting screen
    Touch Input no Touchscreen Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Nikon D3100 Panasonic GX9
    Focus System Phase-detect AF Contrast-detect AF
    Manual Focusing Aidno Peaking FeatureFocus Peaking
    Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) 1/4000s 1/4000s
    Continuous Shooting 3 shutter flaps/s 9 shutter flaps/s
    Electronic Shutterno E-Shutterup to 1/16000s
    Time-Lapse Photographyno IntervalometerIntervalometer built-in
    Image StabilizationLens stabilization onlyIn-body stabilization
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot Single card slot
    UHS card support no UHS-I
    Connectivity Specs Nikon D3100 Panasonic GX9
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port mini HDMI micro HDMI
    Wifi Support no Wifi Wifi built-in
    Bluetooth Support no Bluetooth Bluetooth built-in
    Body Specs Nikon D3100 Panasonic GX9
    Battery Type Nikon EN-EL14 Panasonic DMW-BLG10
    Battery Life (CIPA)550 shots per charge260 shots per charge
    In-Camera Charging no USB charging USB charging
    Body Dimensions 124 x 96 x 75 mm
    (4.9 x 3.8 x 3.0 in)
    124 x 72 x 47 mm
    (4.9 x 2.8 x 1.9 in)
    Camera Weight 505 g (17.8 oz) 407 g (14.4 oz)
    logo
    Check D3100 offers at
    ebay.com
    logo
    Check GX9 offers at
    ebay.com

    Did you notice an error on this page? If so, please get in touch, so that we can correct the information.

    You are here Home  »  CAM-parator  »  Nikon D3100 vs Panasonic GX9