Nikon D3100 vs Nikon D90

This is a full comparison between the cameras Nikon D3100 and Nikon D90. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.

Nikon D3100

Nikon D90

Manufacturing

These cameras are both manufactured by Nikon.

Nikon D3100 were released 2010 and Nikon D90 was released 2008. That is a 2 years difference. In tech, this period can be of interest since technology is always improving, etc.

Camera	Released
Nikon D3100	2010
Nikon D90	2008

Type of camera

Both these cameras are DSLR cameras. No difference there.

Sensors / crop factor

Both these cameras have the same sorts of sensor (called "Nikon DX") which means that if you compare these cameras side by side the lenses will also have the same experienced focal length. Neither of the cameras has a Full frame sensor which means that you will get a "crop factor" where the camera's sensor size affect the focal length with a multiplier.

Camera	Focal length, 50mm f/1.8 **
Nikon D3100	75 mm Nikon DX sensor Crop factor/focal length multiplier by * 1.5
Nikon D90	75 mm Nikon DX sensor Crop factor/focal length multiplier by * 1.5

** 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 D90 has 12,3 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 D90	12,3 MP 12212224 pixels 4288 x 2848

Nikon D3100 has a 16 % larger resolution than Nikon D90. 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 D3100 has a larger ISO-range than Nikon D90. Nikon D3100 has an ISO range that stretches from 100 to 12800 while Nikon D90 has 200 to 6400.

Camera	ISO Range
Nikon D3100	100-12800
Nikon D90	200-6400

Autofocus and lens compatibility

There is a big difference between these two cameras. Nikon D90 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 D90

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 D90 can shoot up to 4,5 pictures per seconds.

Camera	FPS (Frames per second)
Nikon D3100	3
Nikon D90	4,5

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 D90 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 D90 weighs 703 gr (equal to 1.55 lb) which is 39% heavier than Nikon D3100 and its 505 gr (or 1.11 lb).

Camera	Weight
Nikon D3100	505 gr 1.11 lb
Nikon D90	703 gr 1.55 lb