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Nikon D3100 vs Z6

The Nikon D3100 and the Nikon Z6 are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in August 2010 and August 2018. The D3100 is a DSLR, while the Z6 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. The cameras are based on an APS-C (D3100) and a full frame (Z6) sensor. The D3100 has a resolution of 14.2 megapixels, whereas the Z6 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
versus
Nikon Z6
Nikon D3100   Nikon Z6
Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
Nikon F mount lenses Nikon Z 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 Electronic viewfinder (3690k dots)
3.0" LCD – 230k dots 3.2" LCD – 2100k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive) Tilting touchscreen
3 shutter flaps per second 12 shutter flaps per second
Lens stabilization onlyIn-body stabilization
not weather sealedWeathersealed body
550 shots per battery charge310 shots per battery charge
124 x 96 x 75 mm, 505 g 134 x 101 x 67 mm, 675 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 Z6? 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

The physical size and weight of the Nikon D3100 and the Nikon Z6 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 size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The D3100 can be obtained in two different colors (black, red), while the Z6 is only available in black.

Size Nikon D3100 vs Nikon Z6
Compare D3100 versus Z6 top
Comparison D3100 or Z6 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Nikon Z6 is notably larger (14 percent) than the Nikon D3100. Moreover, the Z6 is markedly heavier (34 percent) than the D3100. It is noteworthy in this context that the Z6 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. Hence, you might want to study and compare the specifications of available lenses in order to get the full picture of the size and weight of the two camera systems.

Concerning battery life, the D3100 gets 550 shots out of its Nikon EN-EL14 battery, while the Z6 can take 310 images on a single charge of its Nikon EN-EL15b power pack. The power pack in the Z6 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. 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
  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 n Aug 2010 US$ 599ebay.com
2.
 
Nikon Z6 134 mm 101 mm 67 mm 675 g 310 Y Aug 2018 US$ 1 999ebay.com
3.
 
Nikon D40 124 mm 94 mm 64 mm 522 g 470 n Nov 2006 US$ 499ebay.com
4.
 
Nikon D40X 124 mm 94 mm 64 mm 522 g 520 n Mar 2007 US$ 729ebay.com
5.
 
Nikon D60 126 mm 94 mm 64 mm 522 g 500 n Jan 2008 US$ 629ebay.com
6.
 
Nikon D750 141 mm 113 mm 78 mm 750 g 1230 Y Sep 2014 US$ 2 299ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon D3000 126 mm 97 mm 64 mm 536 g 500 n Jul 2009 US$ 599ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon D3200 125 mm 96 mm 77 mm 505 g 540 n Apr 2012 US$ 599ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D5000 127 mm 104 mm 80 mm 590 g 510 n Apr 2009 US$ 749ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D5100 128 mm 97 mm 79 mm 560 g 660 n Apr 2011 US$ 749ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D7000 132 mm 105 mm 77 mm 780 g 1050 Y Sep 2010 US$ 1 499ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon Z6 II 134 mm 101 mm 70 mm 705 g 410 Y Oct 2020 US$ 1 999 amazon.com
13.
 
Nikon Z7 134 mm 101 mm 67 mm 675 g 330 Y Aug 2018 US$ 3 399ebay.com
14.
 
Nikon Zf 144 mm 103 mm 49 mm 710 g 380 Y Sep 2023 US$ 1 999 amazon.com
15.
 
Sony A7 III 127 mm 96 mm 74 mm 650 g 610 Y Feb 2018 US$ 1 999 amazon.com
16.
 
Sony NEX-5N 111 mm 59 mm 38 mm 269 g 460 n Aug 2011 US$ 699ebay.com
17.
 
Sony NEX-C3 110 mm 60 mm 33 mm 225 g 400 n 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.

Any camera decision will obviously take relative prices into account. 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 Z6, 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 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 Nikon Z6 a full frame sensor. The sensor area in the Z6 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 Z6 uses a more advanced image processing engine (EXPEED 6) than the D3100 (EXPEED 2), with benefits for noise reduction, color accuracy, and processing speed.

Nikon D3100 and Nikon Z6 sensor measures

With 24.3MP, the Z6 offers a higher resolution than the D3100 (14.2MP), but the Z6 nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 5.94μm versus 5.01μm for the D3100) due to its larger sensor. Moreover, the Z6 is a much more recent model (by 8 years) 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 Z6 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the Z6 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 Z6 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 Z6 are ISO 100 to ISO 51200, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 50-204800.

In terms of underlying technology, the D3100 is build around a CMOS sensor, while the Z6 uses a BSI-CMOS imager. 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 Z6 MP

For many cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. This service assesses and scores the color depth ("DXO Portrait"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports") of camera sensors, and also publishes an overall camera score. Of the two cameras under consideration, the Z6 offers substantially better image quality than the D3100 (overall score 28 points higher). The advantage is based on 2.8 bits higher color depth, 3 EV in additional dynamic range, and 1.8 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
  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.
 
Nikon Z6 Full Frame 24.3 6048 40244K/30p25.314.3329995
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 D750 Full Frame 24.2 6016 40161080/60p24.814.5295693
7.
 
Nikon D3000 APS-C 10.0 3872 2592none22.311.156362
8.
 
Nikon D3200 APS-C 24.1 6016 40001080/30p24.113.2113181
9.
 
Nikon D5000 APS-C 12.2 4288 2848720/24p22.712.586872
10.
 
Nikon D5100 APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/30p23.513.6118380
11.
 
Nikon D7000 APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/24p23.513.9116780
12.
 
Nikon Z6 II Full Frame 24.3 6048 40244K/60p25.014.4330394
13.
 
Nikon Z7 Full Frame 45.4 8256 55044K/30p26.314.6266899
14.
 
Nikon Zf Full Frame 24.3 6048 40244K/60p25.414.7324396
15.
 
Sony A7 III Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/30p25.014.7373096
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 cannot only take still pictures, but also record videos. Both cameras under consideration have a sensor with sufficiently fast read-out times for moving pictures, but the Z6 provides a better video resolution than the D3100. It can shoot movie footage at 4K/30p, while the D3100 is limited to 1080/24p.

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Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. For example, the Z6 has an electronic viewfinder (3690k 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 Z6 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 Z6 has a higher magnification (0.80x vs 0.53x), so that the size of the image transmitted appears closer to the size seen with the naked human eye. The adjacent table lists some of the other core features of the Nikon D3100 and Nikon Z6 along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

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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 n3.0 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
2.
 
Nikon Z63690 Y3.2 / 2100 tilting Y 1/8000s 12.0/s n 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 D750optical Y3.2 / 1229 tilting n 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n
7.
 
Nikon D3000optical n3.0 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
8.
 
Nikon D3200optical n3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 4.0/s Y n
9.
 
Nikon D5000optical n2.7 / 230 full-flex n 1/4000s 4.0/s Y n
10.
 
Nikon D5100optical n3.0 / 921 swivel n 1/4000s 4.0/s Y n
11.
 
Nikon D7000optical Y3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/8000s 6.0/s Y n
12.
 
Nikon Z6 II3690 Y3.2 / 2100 tilting Y 1/8000s 14.0/s n Y
13.
 
Nikon Z73690 Y3.2 / 2100 tilting Y 1/8000s 9.0/s n Y
14.
 
Nikon Zf3690 n3.2 / 2100 swivel Y 1/8000s 14.0/s n Y
15.
 
Sony A7 III2359 n3.0 / 922 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n 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 difference between the cameras concerns the presence of an on-board flash. The D3100 has one, while the Z6 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 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 Z6 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 Nikon Z6 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 Z6 uses XQD cards.

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Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Nikon D3100 and Nikon Z6 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 D3100Ymono / mono--mini2.0---
2.
 
Nikon Z6Ystereo / monoYYmicro3.1Y-Y
3.
 
Nikon D40Y- / ----2.0---
4.
 
Nikon D40XY- / ----2.0---
5.
 
Nikon D60Y- / ----2.0---
6.
 
Nikon D750Ystereo / monoYYmini2.0Y--
7.
 
Nikon D3000Y- / ----2.0---
8.
 
Nikon D3200Ymono / monoY-mini2.0---
9.
 
Nikon D5000Ymono / mono--mini2.0---
10.
 
Nikon D5100Ymono / monoY-mini2.0---
11.
 
Nikon D7000Ymono / monoY-mini2.0---
12.
 
Nikon Z6 IIYstereo / monoYYmicro3.2Y-Y
13.
 
Nikon Z7Ystereo / monoYYmicro3.1Y-Y
14.
 
Nikon ZfYstereo / monoYYmicro3.2Y-Y
15.
 
Sony A7 IIIYstereo / monoYYmicro3.1YYY
16.
 
Sony NEX-5NYstereo / mono--mini2.0---
17.
 
Sony NEX-C3Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---

It is notable that the Z6 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 Z6 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The D3100 was replaced by the Nikon D3200, while the Z6 was followed by the Nikon Z6 II. Further information on the features and operation of the D3100 and Z6 can be found, respectively, in the Nikon D3100 Manual (free pdf) or the online Nikon Z6 Manual.

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Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Is there a clear favorite between the Nikon D3100 and the Nikon Z6? Which camera is better? Below is a summary of the relative strengths of each of the two contestants.


Arguments in favor of the Nikon D3100:

  • Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
  • More compact: Is smaller (124x96mm vs 134x101mm) and thus needs less room in the bag.
  • Less heavy: Is lighter (by 170g or 25 percent) and hence easier to carry around.
  • Longer lasting: Can take more shots (550 versus 310) 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).


Advantages of the Nikon Z6:

  • More detail: Has more megapixels (24.3 vs 14.2MP), which boosts linear resolution by 31%.
  • Better image quality: Scores substantially higher (28 points) in the DXO overall evaluation.
  • Richer colors: Generates noticeably more natural colors (2.8 bits more color depth).
  • More dynamic range: Captures a broader range of light and dark details (3 EV of extra DR).
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Can shoot in dim conditions (1.8 stops ISO advantage).
  • 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 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 (0.80x 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 (2100k 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.
  • Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
  • Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
  • Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
  • 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 (3.1 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.
  • More modern: Reflects 8 years of technical progress since the D3100 launch.

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the Z6 is the clear winner of the contest (30 : 7 points). However, the pertinence of the various camera strengths will differ across photographers, so that you might want to weigh individual camera traits according to their importance for your own imaging needs before making a camera decision. A professional sports photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a street photog, and a person interested in family portraits has distinct needs from a landscape shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

D3100 07:30 Z6

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Nikon D3100 and the Nikon Z6 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 says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the D3100 and the Z6 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 following table reports the overall ratings of the cameras as published by some of the major camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

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Expert Camera Reviews
  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.
 
Nikon Z65/5..5/589/1004.5/55/5 Aug 2018 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 D7505/5+ +4/590/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2014 US$ 2 299ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon D3000..+..72/1004/54.5/5 Jul 2009 US$ 599ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon D32005/5+ +..73/1004.5/54.5/5 Apr 2012 US$ 599ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D5000..+ +..75/1004/54.5/5 Apr 2009 US$ 749ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D51005/5+ +..76/1004.5/54.5/5 Apr 2011 US$ 749ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D70004/5....80/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2010 US$ 1 499ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon Z6 II4.5/5..4/589/1004.5/54.5/5 Oct 2020 US$ 1 999 amazon.com
13.
 
Nikon Z75/5+4.8/589/1004.5/55/5 Aug 2018 US$ 3 399ebay.com
14.
 
Nikon Zf4.5/5..4.5/590/1004.5/55/5 Sep 2023 US$ 1 999 amazon.com
15.
 
Sony A7 III..+ +4.5/589/1005/55/5 Feb 2018 US$ 1 999 amazon.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.

Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time 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? If you would like to see a different side-by-side camera review, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.

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    Specifications: Nikon D3100 vs Nikon Z6

    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 Z6
    Camera Type Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
    Camera Lens Nikon F mount lenses Nikon Z mount lenses
    Launch Date August 2010 August 2018
    Launch Price USD 599 USD 1,999
    Sensor Specs Nikon D3100 Nikon Z6
    Sensor Technology CMOS BSI-CMOS
    Sensor Format APS-C Sensor Full Frame Sensor
    Sensor Size 23.1 x 15.4 mm 35.9 x 23.9 mm
    Sensor Area 355.74 mm2 858.01 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 27.8 mm 43.1 mm
    Crop Factor 1.5x 1.0x
    Sensor Resolution 14.2 Megapixels 24.3 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 4608 x 3072 pixels 6048 x 4024 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 5.01 μm 5.94 μm
    Pixel Density 3.98 MP/cm2 2.84 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability 1080/24p Video 4K/30p Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 3,200 ISO 100 - 51,200 ISO
    ISO Boost 100 - 12,800 ISO 50 - 204,800 ISO
    Image Processor EXPEED 2 EXPEED 6
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 67 95
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 22.5 25.3
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 11.3 14.3
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 919 3299
    Screen Specs Nikon D3100 Nikon Z6
    Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder Electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 95% 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.53x 0.80x
    Viewfinder Resolution 3690k dots
    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 2100k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen Tilting screen
    Touch Input no Touchscreen Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Nikon D3100 Nikon Z6
    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 12 shutter flaps/s
    Shutter Life Expectancy100 000 actuations200 000 actuations
    Electronic Shutterno E-Shutterup to 1/8000s
    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 XQD cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot Single card slot
    Connectivity Specs Nikon D3100 Nikon Z6
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 3.1
    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
    Bluetooth Support no Bluetooth Bluetooth built-in
    Body Specs Nikon D3100 Nikon Z6
    Environmental Sealingnot weather sealedWeathersealed body
    Battery Type Nikon EN-EL14 Nikon EN-EL15b
    Battery Life (CIPA)550 shots per charge310 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)
    134 x 101 x 67 mm
    (5.3 x 4.0 x 2.6 in)
    Camera Weight 505 g (17.8 oz) 675 g (23.8 oz)
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