Nikon D3100 vs Nikon D6

This is a full comparison between the cameras Nikon D3100 and Nikon D6. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.

Manufacturing

These cameras are both manufactured by Nikon.

Nikon D3100 were released 2010 and Nikon D6 was released 2020. That is a 10 years difference. In tech, this period can be of interest since technology is always improving, etc.

Camera Released
Nikon D3100 2010
Nikon D6 2020

Type of camera

Both these cameras are DSLR cameras. No difference there.

Sensors / crop factor

These cameras have different sensors. Nikon D3100 has a "Nikon DX"-sensor while Nikon D6 has a "Nikon FX"-sensor, and their difference in sensors will also affect the crop factor and experience focal length. See the table below.

Camera Focal length, 50mm f/1.8 **
Nikon D3100 75 mm
Nikon DX sensor
Crop factor/focal length multiplier by * 1.5
Nikon D6 50 mm
Full-frame sensor
No crop factor/focal length multiplier

** Experienced focal length when using a lens such as a common "50mm f/1.8"

Learn more about crop factor and focal length multiplier here:
Camera selection can affect the focal length (Nikon)

Resolution

Nikon D3100 has a 14,2 MP (Megapixels) resolution while Nikon D6 has 21 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:

Camera Megapixels
Nikon D3100 14,2 MP
14155776 pixels
4608 x 3072
Nikon D6 21 MP
20668416 pixels
5568 x 3712

Nikon D6 has a 46 % larger resolution than Nikon D3100. This could give you more details in the picture but also a possibility to crop more in the pictures, afterward while editing the pictures, if needed that is.

ISO range

Nikon D6 has a larger ISO-range than Nikon D3100. Nikon D6 has an ISO range that stretches from 100 to 102400 while Nikon D3100 has 100 to 12800.

Camera ISO Range
Nikon D3100 100-12800
Nikon D6 100-102400

Autofocus and lens compatibility

There is a big difference between these two cameras. Nikon D6 has a built-in autofocus motor but Nikon D3100 does not. If you want to be able to use autofocus on Nikon D3100 there is a need for having an autofocus motor inside the lens. We really encourage you to look closely at our lens compatibility charts at the links below.

Here is a complete overview of which lenses work with each camera:
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon D3100
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon D6

Pictures per second

Depending on what you are shooting the FPS, or frames/pictures per second, can definitely be of interest. Nikon D3100 can shoot up to 3 pictures per seconds and Nikon D6 can shoot up to 14 pictures per seconds.

Camera FPS (Frames per second)
Nikon D3100 3
Nikon D6 14

Ability to record movies

It is becoming more and more popular to record movies with digital cameras.

In this case, both Nikon D3100 and Nikon D6 can shoot movies.

Weight

The weight of the camera can be an extremely important factor, especially if the camera is about to be used, or carried around, for several hours at a time.

Nikon D6 weighs 1270 gr (equal to 2.8 lb) which is 151% heavier than Nikon D3100 and its 505 gr (or 1.11 lb).

Camera Weight
Nikon D3100 505 gr
1.11 lb
Nikon D6 1270 gr
2.8 lb

Nikon D3100 vs Nikon D6 Specs

Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Nikon D3100 and Nikon D6, next to each other. Each category of data is a link to an article covering the subject, giving you a deeper understanding so you can better understand the strengths and weaknesses of the two camera models.

Product
Nikon D3100
Nikon D6
Name Nikon D3100 Nikon D6
Manufacturer Nikon Nikon
Release Date and Price
Nikon D3100
Nikon D6
Release Year 2010 2020
Release Date 2010-08-19 2019-09-04
MSRP 699 USD 6499 USD
Buy it today
Camera Type
Nikon D3100
Nikon D6
Camera Type DSLR DSLR
Sensor
Nikon D3100
Nikon D6
Sensor Size APS-C (approx 23.7 x 15.5 mm)
Also known as "DX"
Full Frame (approx 36 x 23.9 mm)
Also known as "FX"
Sensor Type CMOS CMOS
Resolution 4608 x 3072 pixels 5568 x 3712 pixels
Megapixels 14,2 MP 21 MP
Image Processor EXPEED 2 EXPEED 6
Image
Nikon D3100
Nikon D6
ISO Range 100 - 12800 100 - 102400
White Balance Presets 12 12
Custom White Balance Yes Yes
Image Stabilization No No
Image Stabilization CIPA Rating 0 stops 0 stops
Uncompressed format RAW RAW
Optics & Focus
Nikon D3100
Nikon D6
Autofocus Motor No Yes
Autofocus Contract Detect (sensor)
Phase Detect
Multi Area
Selective Single Point
Tracking
Single
Continuous
Face Detection
LiveView
Contract Detect (sensor)
Phase Detect
Multi Area
Center
Selective Single Point
Tracking
Single
Continuous
Touch
Face Detection
LiveView
Focus Points 11 105
Lens Mount Nikon F

See Compatible Lenses
Nikon F

See Compatible Lenses
Focal Length Multiplier DX / APS-C (1.5x)
1.5x multiplier
Example:
24 mm becomes 36 mm
50 mm becomes 75 mm
100 mm becomes 150 mm
200 mm becomes 300 mm
FX (Full frame)
No multiplier
Example:
24 mm remains 24 mm
50 mm remains 50 mm
100 mm remains 100 mm
200 mm remains 200 mm
Screen & Viewfinder
Nikon D3100
Nikon D6
Articulated LCD Fixed Fixed
Screen size 3” 3.2”
Screen dots 230000 2359000
Touch screen No Yes
Screen type TFT LCD monitor TFT LCD
Live view Yes Yes
Viewfinder Type Optical (pentamirror) Optical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder Coverage 95% 100%
Viewfinder Magnification 0.8× (0.53× 35mm equiv.) 0.72x
Viewfinder Resolution N/A 0
Photography features
Nikon D3100
Nikon D6
Frames per second 3 fps 14 fps
Minimum Shutter Speed 30 seconds 900 seconds
Maximum Shutter Speed 1/4000 seconds 1/8000 seconds
Built-in Flash Yes No
Built-in Flash Range 12 meters N/A
External Flash Yes Yes
Self-Timer Yes Yes
Time-lapse No Yes
Metering modes Multi
Center Weighted
Average
Multi
Center Weighted
Highlight Weighted
Spot
Exposure Compensation +/- 5 (at 1/3 EV steps) +/- 5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV, 1 EV steps)
Videography features
Nikon D3100
Nikon D6
Video recording Yes Yes
Video format MPEG4
MPEG4
H.264
Video resolution 1280 x 720
1920 x 1080
1920 x 1080
3840 x 2160
Built-in Microphone Yes Yes
Built-in Speakers No Yes
Storage
Nikon D3100
Nikon D6
Memory Card SD/SDHC
Compact Flash Express
XQD
Connectivity
Nikon D3100
Nikon D6
HDMI Output Yes Yes
Microphone Port No Yes
Headphone Port No Yes
Wireless Yes
Eye-Fi Connected
Yes
Built-in (802.11ac + Bluetooth)
Remote Control Optional
Yes (Wired or smartphone)
GPS Yes
Optional
Yes
Built-in
Body & Dimensions
Nikon D3100
Nikon D6
Enviromentally sealed No Yes
Battery Battery Pack Battery Pack
Battery Details Lithium-Ion EN-EL14 rechargeable battery & charger
EN-EL18c lithium-ion battery & charager
Battery Life (CIPA) N/A 3580 shots
Width 124 mm 160 mm
Height 96 mm 163 mm
Depth 75 mm 92 mm
Weight 505 gram 1270 gram