Nikon D800 vs Nikon D3100

This is a full comparison between the cameras Nikon D800 and Nikon D3100. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.

Manufacturing

These cameras are both manufactured by Nikon.

Type of camera

Both these cameras are DSLR cameras. No difference there.

Sensors / crop factor

These cameras have different sensors. Nikon D800 has a "Nikon FX"-sensor while Nikon D3100 has a "Nikon DX"-sensor, and their difference in sensors will also affect the crop factor and experience focal length. See the table below.

** 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 D800 has a 36,3 MP (Megapixels) resolution while Nikon D3100 has 14,2 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:

Nikon D800 has a 155 % 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 D800 has a larger ISO-range than Nikon D3100. Nikon D800 has an ISO range that stretches from 100 to 25600 while Nikon D3100 has 100 to 12800.

Autofocus and lens compatibility

There is a big difference between these two cameras. Nikon D800 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 D800
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon D3100

Pictures per second

Depending on what you are shooting the FPS, or frames/pictures per second, can definitely be of interest. Nikon D800 can shoot up to 6 pictures per seconds and Nikon D3100 can shoot up to 3 pictures per seconds.

Ability to record movies

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

In this case, both Nikon D800 and Nikon D3100 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 D800 weighs 900 gr (equal to 1.98 lb) which is 78% heavier than Nikon D3100 and its 505 gr (or 1.11 lb).

Nikon D800 vs Nikon D3100 Specs

Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Nikon D800 and Nikon D3100, 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 D800	Nikon D3100
Name	Nikon D800	Nikon D3100
Manufacturer	Nikon	Nikon
Release Date and Price	Nikon D800	Nikon D3100
Release Year	2012	2010
Release Date	2012-02-07	2010-08-19
MSRP	2999 USD	699 USD
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Camera Type	Nikon D800	Nikon D3100
Camera Type	DSLR	DSLR
Sensor	Nikon D800	Nikon D3100
Sensor Size	Full Frame (approx 36 x 23.9 mm) Also known as "FX"	APS-C (approx 23.7 x 15.5 mm) Also known as "DX"
Sensor Type	CMOS	CMOS
Resolution	7360 x 4912 pixels	4608 x 3072 pixels
Megapixels	36,3 MP	14,2 MP
Image Processor	EXPEED 3	EXPEED 2
Image	Nikon D800	Nikon D3100
ISO Range	100 - 25600	100 - 12800
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 D800	Nikon D3100
Autofocus Motor	Yes	No
Autofocus	Phase Detect Multi Area Selective Single Point Tracking Single Continuous Face Detection LiveView	Contract Detect (sensor) Phase Detect Multi Area Selective Single Point Tracking Single Continuous Face Detection LiveView
Focus Points	51	11
Lens Mount	Nikon F See Compatible Lenses	Nikon F See Compatible Lenses
Focal Length Multiplier	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	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
Screen & Viewfinder	Nikon D800	Nikon D3100
Articulated LCD	Fixed	Fixed
Screen size	3,2”	3”
Screen dots	921000	230000
Touch screen	No	No
Screen type	TFT Color LCD with 170 degrees wide-viewing angle	TFT LCD monitor
Live view	Yes	Yes
Viewfinder Type	Optical (pentaprism)	Optical (pentamirror)
Viewfinder Coverage	100%	95%
Viewfinder Magnification	0.7×	0.8× (0.53× 35mm equiv.)
Viewfinder Resolution	N/A	N/A
Photography features	Nikon D800	Nikon D3100
Frames per second	6 fps	3 fps
Minimum Shutter Speed	30 seconds	30 seconds
Maximum Shutter Speed	1/8000 seconds	1/4000 seconds
Built-in Flash	Yes	Yes
Built-in Flash Range	12 meters	12 meters
External Flash	Yes	Yes
Self-Timer	Yes	Yes
Time-lapse	Yes	No
Metering modes	Multi Center Weighted Spot Average	Multi Center Weighted Average
Exposure Compensation	+/- 5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV, 1 EV steps)	+/- 5 (at 1/3 EV steps)
Videography features	Nikon D800	Nikon D3100
Video recording	Yes	Yes
Video format	MPEG4 H.264	MPEG4
Video resolution	1280 x 720 1920 x 1080	1280 x 720 1920 x 1080
Built-in Microphone	Yes	Yes
Built-in Speakers	Yes	No
Storage	Nikon D800	Nikon D3100
Memory Card	Compact Flash	SD/SDHC
Connectivity	Nikon D800	Nikon D3100
HDMI Output	Yes	Yes
Microphone Port	Yes	No
Headphone Port	Yes	No
Wireless	Yes Optional with Nikon Wireless Transmitter for D800 (WT-4A)	Yes Eye-Fi Connected
Remote Control	Yes (Optional, wired or wireless)	Optional
GPS	Yes Optional with GP-1	Yes Optional
Body & Dimensions	Nikon D800	Nikon D3100
Enviromentally sealed	Yes	No
Battery	Battery Pack	Battery Pack
Battery Details	Lithium-Ion EN-EL15 rechargeable battery & charger	Lithium-Ion EN-EL14 rechargeable battery & charger
Battery Life (CIPA)	900 shots	N/A
Width	146 mm	124 mm
Height	123 mm	96 mm
Depth	82 mm	75 mm
Weight	900 gram	505 gram