Sony a100 vs Nikon D3x
This is a full comparison between the cameras Sony a100 and Nikon D3x. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.
Manufacturing
Sony a100 is manufacturered by Sony but Nikon D3x is from Nikon. Both Sony and Nikon are well known brands though.
Sony a100 were released 2006 and Nikon D3x 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 |
Sony a100 | 2006 |
Nikon D3x | 2008 |
Type of camera
Both these cameras are DSLR cameras. No difference there.
Sensors / crop factor
These cameras have different sensors. Sony a100 has a "Sony APS-C"-sensor while Nikon D3x 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 ** |
Sony a100 | 75 mm Sony APS-C sensor Crop factor/focal length multiplier by * 1.5 |
Nikon D3x | 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 (Sony)
Camera selection can affect the focal length (Nikon)
Resolution
Sony a100 has a 10 MP (Megapixels) resolution while Nikon D3x has 24,5 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:
Camera | Megapixels |
Sony a100 |
10 MP
10036224 pixels 3872 x 2592 |
Nikon D3x |
24,5 MP
24385536 pixels 6048 x 4032 |
Nikon D3x has a 143 % larger resolution than Sony a100. 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 D3x has a larger ISO-range than Sony a100. Nikon D3x has an ISO range that stretches from 100 to 6400 while Sony a100 has 100 to 1600.
Camera | ISO Range |
Sony a100 | 100-1600 |
Nikon D3x | 100-6400 |
Autofocus and lens compatibility
Both of these cameras have a built-in autofocus motor. Some lenses, that support autofocus, do not have an autofocus motor of their own but this won't cause any problems with these two cameras.
Here is a complete overview of which lenses work with each camera:
Lens compatibility chart for Sony a100
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon D3x
Pictures per second
Depending on what you are shooting the FPS, or frames/pictures per second, can definitely be of interest. Sony a100 can shoot up to 3 pictures per seconds and Nikon D3x can shoot up to 5 pictures per seconds.
Camera | FPS (Frames per second) |
Sony a100 | 3 |
Nikon D3x | 5 |
Ability to record movies
It is becoming more and more popular to record movies with digital cameras.
Though, neither Sony a100 or Nikon D3x can shoot movies so if that is a functionality that you are really looking for you should look elsewhere.
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 D3x weighs 1260 gr (equal to 2.78 lb) which is 97% heavier than Sony a100 and its 638 gr (or 1.41 lb).
Camera | Weight |
Sony a100 | 638 gr 1.41 lb |
Nikon D3x | 1260 gr 2.78 lb |
Sony a100 vs Nikon D3x Specs
Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Sony a100 and Nikon D3x, 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 |
Sony a100 |
Nikon D3x |
Name | Sony a100 | Nikon D3x |
Manufacturer | Sony | Nikon |
Release Date and Price |
Sony a100 |
Nikon D3x |
Release Year | 2006 | 2008 |
Release Date | 2006-06-05 | 2008-12-01 |
MSRP | 899 USD | 7470 USD |
Buy it today | ||
Camera Type |
Sony a100 |
Nikon D3x |
Camera Type | DSLR | DSLR |
Sensor |
Sony a100 |
Nikon D3x |
Sensor Size | APS-C (approx 23.5 x 15.6 mm) |
Full Frame (approx 36 x 23.9 mm) Also known as "FX" |
Sensor Type | CCD | CMOS |
Resolution | 3872 x 2592 pixels | 6048 x 4032 pixels |
Megapixels | 10 MP | 24,5 MP |
Image Processor | Bionz | EXPEED |
Image |
Sony a100 |
Nikon D3x |
ISO Range | 100 - 1600 | 100 - 6400 |
White Balance Presets | 7 | 12 |
Custom White Balance | Yes | Yes |
Image Stabilization |
Yes (Sensor-Shift) |
No |
Image Stabilization CIPA Rating | 0 stops | 0 stops |
Uncompressed format | RAW | RAW + TIFF |
Optics & Focus |
Sony a100 |
Nikon D3x |
Autofocus Motor | Yes | Yes |
Autofocus |
Phase Detect Multi Area Selective Single Point Single Continuous |
Contract Detect (sensor) Phase Detect Multi Area Selective Single Point Single Continuous LiveView |
Focus Points | 9 | 51 |
Lens Mount |
Sony A See Compatible Lenses |
Nikon F See Compatible Lenses |
Focal Length Multiplier |
APS-C Sensor (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 |
Sony a100 |
Nikon D3x |
Articulated LCD | No | Fixed |
Screen size | 2.5” | 3” |
Screen dots | 230000 | 920000 |
Touch screen | No | No |
Screen type | N/A | Super Density TFT color LCD with wide-viewing angle |
Live view | No | Yes |
Viewfinder Type | Optical (pentamirror) | Optical (pentaprism) |
Viewfinder Coverage | 95% | 100% |
Viewfinder Magnification | 0.83× (0.55× 35mm equiv.) | 0.7× |
Viewfinder Resolution | N/A | N/A |
Photography features |
Sony a100 |
Nikon D3x |
Frames per second | 3 fps | 5 fps |
Minimum Shutter Speed | 30 seconds | 30 seconds |
Maximum Shutter Speed | 1/4000 seconds | 1/8000 seconds |
Built-in Flash | Yes | No |
Built-in Flash Range | N/A | N/A |
External Flash | Yes | Yes |
Self-Timer | Yes | Yes |
Time-lapse | No | Yes |
Metering modes |
Multi Center Weighted Spot |
Multi Center Weighted Spot |
Exposure Compensation | +/- 2 (at 1/3 EV steps) | +/- 5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV, 1 EV steps) |
Videography features |
Sony a100 |
Nikon D3x |
Video recording | No | No |
Video format | N/A | N/A |
Video resolution | N/A | N/A |
Built-in Microphone | No | No |
Built-in Speakers | No | No |
Storage |
Sony a100 |
Nikon D3x |
Memory Card |
Compact Flash |
Compact Flash |
Connectivity |
Sony a100 |
Nikon D3x |
HDMI Output | No | Yes |
Microphone Port | No | No |
Headphone Port | No | No |
Wireless | No | No |
Remote Control | Yes (Wire (Optional)) | Yes |
GPS | No |
Yes Optional through GP-1 |
Body & Dimensions |
Sony a100 |
Nikon D3x |
Enviromentally sealed | No | Yes |
Battery | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery Details |
Lithium-Ion (NP-FM55H) & charger
|
Lithium-Ion EN-EL4a rechargeable battery & charger
|
Battery Life (CIPA) | 750 shots | 4400 shots |
Width | 133 mm | 160 mm |
Height | 95 mm | 157 mm |
Depth | 71 mm | 88 mm |
Weight | 638 gram | 1260 gram |