• APS-C 355.7mm2
  • 14.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 3200
  • APS-C 369.0mm2
  • 20.9 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 51,200

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Differences

Nikon D3100 advantages over Nikon Z50

  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.01 vs 4.22 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 550 vs 320 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos

Nikon Z50 advantages over Nikon D3100

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (UHD) vs 1080p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Newer
    4 years vs 14 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Lighter weight
    533g vs 777g
    Lighter weight
  • More dots on screen
    1037k vs 230k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • More viewfinder magnification
    0.68x vs 0.53x
    Get a bigger view of the scene through the eye-level viewfinder
  • More pixels
    20.9 vs 14.2 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos
  • Wider angle kit lens
    24 mm vs 27 mm
    Capture more of the scene with the included lens
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    11.0 fps vs 2.9 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Higher extended ISO
    204800 vs 12800 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Neither provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video

User reviews

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Buy the Nikon D3100

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Buy the Nikon Z50
Body Only
  • Body Only
  • Kit with 16-50mm and 50-250mm Lenses
  • Kit with 16-50mm Lens
All Z50 Deals

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Sony DSLR-A380

Nikon D3100
Sony DSLR-A380
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
  • $849
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Tiltable Screen

Compare Nikon D3100 vs Sony DSLR-A380

Nikon Z50
Sony DSLR-A380
  • $857
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $849
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Nikon Z50 vs Sony DSLR-A380

Compared to Sony A33

Nikon D3100
Sony A33
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
  • $540
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • In-camera panoramas

Compare Nikon D3100 vs Sony A33

Nikon Z50
Sony A33
  • $857
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $540
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Nikon Z50 vs Sony A33

Compared to Pentax K-r

Nikon D3100
Pentax K-r
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $850
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Fast startup

Compare Nikon D3100 vs Pentax K-r

Nikon Z50
Pentax K-r
  • $857
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $850
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Nikon Z50 vs Pentax K-r

Compared to Canon EOS M50

Nikon D3100
Canon EOS M50
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Bigger pixels
  • $579
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Tilt-swivel screen

Compare Nikon D3100 vs Canon EOS M50

Nikon Z50
Canon EOS M50
  • $857
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $579
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen

Compare Nikon Z50 vs Canon EOS M50

Compared to Fujifilm X-S10

Nikon D3100
Fujifilm X-S10
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Bigger pixels
  • $949
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Focus peaking

Compare Nikon D3100 vs Fujifilm X-S10

Nikon Z50
Fujifilm X-S10
  • $857
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Wider angle kit lens
  • $949
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Slower slow-motion

Compare Nikon Z50 vs Fujifilm X-S10

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