Sony NEX-3 vs Nikon D100
This is a full comparison between the cameras Sony NEX-3 and Nikon D100. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.
Manufacturing
Sony NEX-3 is manufacturered by Sony but Nikon D100 is from Nikon. Both Sony and Nikon are well known brands though.
Sony NEX-3 were released 2010 and Nikon D100 was released 2002. That is a 8 years difference. In tech, this period can be of interest since technology is always improving, etc.Camera | Released |
Sony NEX-3 | 2010 |
Nikon D100 | 2002 |
Type of camera
Sony NEX-3 is a Mirrorless camera while Nikon D100 is a DSLR camera. More information about their differences will come soon.
Sensors / crop factor
These cameras have different sensors. Sony NEX-3 has a "Sony APS-C"-sensor while Nikon D100 has a "Nikon DX"-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 NEX-3 | 75 mm Sony APS-C sensor Crop factor/focal length multiplier by * 1.5 |
Nikon D100 | 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 (Sony)
Camera selection can affect the focal length (Nikon)
Resolution
Sony NEX-3 has a 14 MP (Megapixels) resolution while Nikon D100 has 6 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:
Camera | Megapixels |
Sony NEX-3 |
14 MP
14033152 pixels 4592 x 3056 |
Nikon D100 |
6 MP
6016000 pixels 3008 x 2000 |
Sony NEX-3 has a 133 % larger resolution than Nikon D100. 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
Sony NEX-3 has a larger ISO-range than Nikon D100. Sony NEX-3 has an ISO range that stretches from 200 to 12800 while Nikon D100 has 200 to 1600.
Camera | ISO Range |
Sony NEX-3 | 200-12800 |
Nikon D100 | 200-1600 |
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 NEX-3
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon D100
Pictures per second
Depending on what you are shooting the FPS, or frames/pictures per second, can definitely be of interest. Sony NEX-3 can shoot up to 7 pictures per seconds and Nikon D100 can shoot up to 3 pictures per seconds.
Camera | FPS (Frames per second) |
Sony NEX-3 | 7 |
Nikon D100 | 3 |
Ability to record movies
It is becoming more and more popular to record movies with digital cameras.
When comparing these two cameras there is only one of them that can shoot movies and that is Sony NEX-3. Unfortunately Nikon D100 does not support recording movies and movie clips.
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 D100 weighs 780 gr (equal to 1.72 lb) which is 163% heavier than Sony NEX-3 and its 297 gr (or 0.65 lb).
Camera | Weight |
Sony NEX-3 | 297 gr 0.65 lb |
Nikon D100 | 780 gr 1.72 lb |
Sony NEX-3 vs Nikon D100 Specs
Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Sony NEX-3 and Nikon D100, 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 NEX-3 |
Nikon D100 |
Name | Sony NEX-3 | Nikon D100 |
Manufacturer | Sony | Nikon |
Release Date and Price |
Sony NEX-3 |
Nikon D100 |
Release Year | 2010 | 2002 |
Release Date | 2010-05-11 | 2002-02-21 |
MSRP | 599 USD | 1999 USD |
Buy it today | ||
Camera Type |
Sony NEX-3 |
Nikon D100 |
Camera Type | Mirrorless | DSLR |
Sensor |
Sony NEX-3 |
Nikon D100 |
Sensor Size | APS-C (approx 23.5 x 15.6 mm) |
APS-C (approx 23.7 x 15.5 mm) Also known as "DX" |
Sensor Type | CMOS | CCD |
Resolution | 4592 x 3056 pixels | 3008 x 2000 pixels |
Megapixels | 14 MP | 6 MP |
Image Processor | Bionz | EXPEED |
Image |
Sony NEX-3 |
Nikon D100 |
ISO Range | 200 - 12800 | 200 - 1600 |
White Balance Presets | 6 | 6 |
Custom White Balance | Yes | Yes |
Image Stabilization | No | No |
Image Stabilization CIPA Rating | 0 stops | 0 stops |
Uncompressed format | RAW | RAW |
Optics & Focus |
Sony NEX-3 |
Nikon D100 |
Autofocus Motor | Yes | Yes |
Autofocus |
Contract Detect (sensor) Multi Area Selective Single Point Single Continuous LiveView |
Contract Detect (sensor) Phase Detect Multi Area Selective Single Point Single Continuous |
Focus Points | 25 | 5 |
Lens Mount |
Sony E 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 |
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 |
Sony NEX-3 |
Nikon D100 |
Articulated LCD | Tilting | Fixed |
Screen size | 3” | 1,8” |
Screen dots | 920000 | 118000 |
Touch screen | No | No |
Screen type | TFT Xtra Fine LCD | N/A |
Live view | Yes | No |
Viewfinder Type | No Viewfinder | Optical (pentaprism) |
Viewfinder Coverage | 95% | |
Viewfinder Magnification | 0.8× (0.53× 35mm equiv.) | |
Viewfinder Resolution | N/A | N/A |
Photography features |
Sony NEX-3 |
Nikon D100 |
Frames per second | 7 fps | 3 fps |
Minimum Shutter Speed | 30 seconds | 30 seconds |
Maximum Shutter Speed | 1/4000 seconds | 1/4000 seconds |
Built-in Flash | No | Yes |
Built-in Flash Range | N/A | 11 meters |
External Flash | Yes | Yes |
Self-Timer | Yes | Yes |
Time-lapse | No | No |
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 steps) |
Videography features |
Sony NEX-3 |
Nikon D100 |
Video recording | Yes | No |
Video format |
MPEG4 |
N/A |
Video resolution |
1280 x 720 |
N/A |
Built-in Microphone | Yes | No |
Built-in Speakers | No | No |
Storage |
Sony NEX-3 |
Nikon D100 |
Memory Card |
Memory Stick Pro Duo SD/SDHC |
Compact Flash |
Connectivity |
Sony NEX-3 |
Nikon D100 |
HDMI Output | Yes | Yes |
Microphone Port | No | No |
Headphone Port | No | No |
Wireless |
Yes Eye-Fi Connected |
No |
Remote Control | No | Yes (Via Optional vertical grip or software) |
GPS | No | No |
Body & Dimensions |
Sony NEX-3 |
Nikon D100 |
Enviromentally sealed | No | No |
Battery | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery Details |
Lithium-Ion NP-FW50 rechargeable battery & charger
|
Nikon EN-EL3 lithium-ion battery
|
Battery Life (CIPA) | 330 shots | N/A |
Width | 117 mm | 144 mm |
Height | 62 mm | 116 mm |
Depth | 33 mm | 81 mm |
Weight | 297 gram | 780 gram |