• APS-C 355.7mm2
  • 14.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 3200
  • 4/3 226.2mm2
  • 20.4 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600

Buy From

Differences

Nikon D3100 advantages over Olympus E-M1X

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 4/3
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.01 vs 3.36 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Fast startup
    ~0.40 vs 0.8 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    100 vs 49 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

Olympus E-M1X advantages over Nikon D3100

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs none
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (DCI) vs 1080p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • High resolution composite
    Yes vs No
    Combine multiple shots to form a super hi-res version
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 870 vs 550 shots
    Capture more photos
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Newer
    5 years vs 14 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • More dots on screen
    1037k vs 230k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Less shutter lag
    0.09 vs 0.28 sec
    Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
  • More viewfinder magnification
    0.83x vs 0.53x
    Get a bigger view of the scene through the eye-level viewfinder
  • More pixels
    20.4 vs 14.2 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Dual card slots
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Yes vs No
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    60.7 fps vs 2.9 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/32000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    25600 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
  • 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

  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon D3100

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Olympus E-M1X
Body Only
All E-M1X Deals

Review Excerpt

  • Terrific overall image quality for a 20MP 4/3" sensor; Very good high ISO performance this sensor size; Very impressive & improved AF performance; Extremely fast, responsive overall performance; New Intelligent Subject Detection AF feature works well; More video features; Outstanding IBIS.

  • Image quality not improved from (updated) E-M1 II; Faces tough competition with image quality at this price point, especially at higher ISOs; EVF feels somewhat outdated; Expensive for a Micro Four Thirds camera.

  • Read our Olympus E-M1X Review

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

Olympus E-M1X
Sony DSLR-A380
  • $2133
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Lens selection
  • $849
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Olympus E-M1X 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

Olympus E-M1X
Sony A33
  • $2133
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Focus peaking
  • $540
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Olympus E-M1X 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

Olympus E-M1X
Pentax K-r
  • $2133
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $850
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Olympus E-M1X vs Pentax K-r

Compared to Panasonic GH5

Nikon D3100
Panasonic GH5
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $1348
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Tilt-swivel screen

Compare Nikon D3100 vs Panasonic GH5

Olympus E-M1X
Panasonic GH5
  • $2133
  • 4/3
  • High resolution composite
  • Built-in GPS
  • $1348
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Slower slow-motion

Compare Olympus E-M1X vs Panasonic GH5

Compared to Panasonic GH6

Nikon D3100
Panasonic GH6
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor
  • $2200
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Focus peaking

Compare Nikon D3100 vs Panasonic GH6

Olympus E-M1X
Panasonic GH6
  • $2133
  • 4/3
  • Built-in GPS
  • Longer video battery life
  • $2200
  • 4/3
  • Slower slow-motion
  • Newer

Compare Olympus E-M1X vs Panasonic GH6

Compare Other Cameras?