Nikon D3100 vs D90

		NikonD3100		vs		NikonD90


Uses		Travel On holiday or vacation	331		194
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		Sports Fast action, sometimes indoors	211		261
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Features		Color accuracy White balance in varied lighting	219		255
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		Still image focusing Speed and accuracy	245		219
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		Video focusing Speed and accuracy	347		120
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		Manual settings How quickly and easily you can change settings	211		261
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		Build quality Is it sturdy, well made, plastic or metal	212		273
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Showing 25 comments

NTIL

(0:46 PM, October 18, 2011)

That may be all good and well, to save money if you do not intend to shoot in the magnification ranges of the kit lenses. Nikon lenses are definitely a cut above the budget off brand lenses out there, so I would not say buy a cheep off brand lens instead of the nikon lenses normally available in the kit. Also, in the evaluation of the D3100 it said there was no image stabilization. This is true, if the VR switch is turned off on the lense. If VR is turned on, (vibration reduction) it stabilizes the image for shakey old folks like me. For half the price of a D-90, with virtually all the features, AND image stabilazion, AND autofocus video, the D-3100 is a superior camera for most hobby enthusiasts. IF you are a professional, and need to advertise that you have the latest and greatest, buy the D-90 for the marginal improvement in picture quality. Most people cannot see the difference in the image, though, and the higher MP of the D-3100 still blows up to a larger print at higher quality!

Frankie

(9:40 PM, September 15, 2011)

i want one but i dunno what its like ( d90 ) would you recommend ...

Chris L

(3:24 PM, July 18, 2011)

Can anyone help me get my head around this? I was given some money for my first dSLR to see if it's a hobby I enjoy. The D3100 has "Higher true resolution", but the D90 has "Better image quality". I do not think megapixels mean what I think they do. If the only thing I care about is picture quality (I don't understanding using a dSLR as a video recorder, but that's me), do I ignore the megapixels of the D3100 and buy the D90? Have megapixels became a camera marketing ploy like refresh rates on HDTVs?

Irrelevant

(11:10 PM, July 12, 2011)

A pointless comparison IMO. The D3100 is a modern camera for budget-limited enthusiasts, not for professionals that make their living shooting pictures on the go. I just happen to own one and I don't know what everybody's problem with this camera is. I've been comparing images from many other dslr's and as long as you keep a good aperture like 8 at the smallest with the kit 18-55 lens, you get brilliantly clean and sharp pictures up to ISO 800 that aren't lacking anything compared to competition plus you still get decent DOF. If people don't like limited DOF, they should get a compact. You'd really have to be a perfectionist pixel-peeker to find anything wrong with d3100 images. They look as natural as any pro camera pictures. Also compared to Canon's massive purple fringing with kit lenses the d3100 is clearly on the winning side at a lower cost. And what's that with the ISO noise? Even at 3200 the detail is perfectly acceptable and completely unnoticeable on a 6"x4" photo printout. Not to mention that Photoshop can make your pictures printable at 6"x4" throughout the ISO range except maybe 12800, which is admittedly a gimmick.

That aside, what more functionality would you expect from an entry level dslr? If you're serious about HDR pictures, you're using a tripod. How hard is it to change the exposure then? It takes like 3 button clicks or 5 seconds.

Yes, d3100 has some unexpected functionality limitations (all are firmware based, so a fix is possible, although improbable), but that's just normal considering Nikon are in the business of selling cameras and other optics. They wouldn't want to put out the perfect camera, because nobody would want to ever upgrade. So to anybody out there reading this, if you're not planning to become a pro paparazzo, and you are on a budget, this camera will do you just fine and better. There's nothing wrong with the video either. How many people are shooting videos of vertically geometrical objects while slowly moving from side to side? I don't know, but I surely aren't one of them, so I'm not seeing any jello effect. And honestly, if you want to shoot decent videos, buy a camcorder and you won't have to complain about the AF noise picked up by the built-in mic either. What's this sudden hype abou dslr's shooting videos anyway?

Robson de Souza

(4:24 AM, July 09, 2011)

Tenho uma d3100 não me arrependo pois cada uma tem suas vantagens e desvantagens, pretendo comprar uma d 90 mas não vou despensar a d3100 afinal nem tudo que reluz é ouro. ou seja amba são exelentes cameras e a câmera não faz o fotografo as máquinas podem ser boas, mas o que faz a foto boa ou ruim é o fotográfo.

Alex

(7:07 AM, June 01, 2011)

I had D3100 but upgraded to D90 shortly, primarily for autofocus motor & higher resolution screen. The motor is very useful for moving subjects like babies, kids & animals using fast affordable primes

geek

(5:12 PM, April 15, 2011)

AF-S lenses has build in motor for autofocus while AF-D lenses has no motor. D90 has motor which can auto focos AF-D lenses as well which can be big savings as AF-S lense are more expensive (Heavy) then AF-D lenses.

If you take D3100 you can use AF-D lenses but only with manual focous

Nikon has very small number of AF-S lenses.

geek

(1:59 PM, April 15, 2011)

I think the comparison Reasons needs to be changed from "Image Sensor size" to "Pixel Density" which is more accurate.

Pixel Density = portion of image sensor is available per pixel

In D3100 image sensor is a bit smaller (23.1x15.4mm = 355.74) and storing 2MP more.
So Pixel Density (355.74 / 14.4MP = 0.025052)
While in D90 image sensor is a bit larger (23.6x15.8mm = 372.88) and storing 2MP less.
So Pixel Density (372.88 / 12.2MP = 0.030564)

Pixel Density is 22 % more on D90 which allows it to work with almost 22% less light than D3100 which is very big advantage but just the image sensor size comparison hides this fact as it seems almost same

Even if D3100 would have same image sensor size still it would be at disadvantage on its side

Snapsort

(2:35 AM, April 13, 2011)

The AF-D lenses are older design lenses, generally AF-S lenses are better. But, there are some incredible AF-D lenses, which are often inexpensive compared to other lenses. For example, the Nikon 50mm f/1.4D, 50mm f/1.8D, 85mm f/1.8D and 85mm f/1.4D are all amazing, very sharp, shallow depth of field etc. Btw, have you seen our sister site http://lenshero.com, you can explore Nikon D90 lenses for example.

If you're serious about photography, and plan to buy several lenses, and keep your body for a while, I'd recommend the D90. The D90 also has more features and more controls available on the body, giving you more room to grow.

NevelN

(2:05 AM, April 13, 2011)

Which would be a better investment though (D3100 vs D90) for a first time DSLR user? For me, I'm wondering about the AF motor in the D90. Are the lenses that require an AF motor (such as AF-D) better or similar to AF-S lenses by Nikon? I'm considering this since I don't want to buy another body in the next few years, and would rather save up on a variety of lenses.

Snapsort

(2:16 PM, March 29, 2011)

Hi Jai, yes, the D3100 replaces the D3000, you can see that on our page about the Nikon D3000. Yes the D90 is still an awesome camera, but the D7000 is even better, see our comparison of the Nikon D7000 vs D90.

Jai

(7:56 AM, March 29, 2011)

D3100 replaces D3000 not D90. D90 is still superb photography aside. even though it was released 4 years ago it still matches the photographers itch and a very good pro level cam.

on the other hand D7000 replaces D90 which definitely will beat D90. Agree?

Tingchuy, Wilson

(5:10 AM, March 14, 2011)

hi everyone! i have d3100 and it is 3 months old already and i'm planing to buy a new d90. Do you it's worth it to sell my d3100 and buy a d90?

Snapsort

(10:57 PM, March 01, 2011)

If you are looking for a lens then you can check out our sister site LensHero.com, you should be able to find some great lenses that work with both the D90 or the D3100.

I own the D90 and love it! The D3100 and it is also a great camera, the biggest difference is that the D3100 doesn’t have a focus motor. This means you will need to spend more on lenses, because you will have to buy lenses with a motor built in if you would like to have your camera autofocus.

Piyush_bond007

(6:42 PM, March 01, 2011)

hi...i am a beginner...i don't know which lens will be more appropriate for me .Can you tell me which DSLR will be sufficient for me whether d3100 or d90.And suppose if i take d3100 , is there any scope for making a better camera?

Pras

(5:10 AM, February 13, 2011)

Buying the 3100 with 55-300 mm lens makes more sesnse than the D90 for an amateur.

Snapsort

(11:24 PM, February 09, 2011)

Hi April, check out the comparison above, it shows the Nikon D90 has a slight edge in image quality over the D3100. The D3100 is a lot cheaper though, and its just about as good (I doubt you'd notice any difference).

April

(6:54 PM, February 09, 2011)

My bad it has the new sensor. I'm not sure if thats the same as a processor ( I guess I'm thinking computer hear) Like I said I'm a newbie.

April

(6:41 PM, February 09, 2011)

I'm getting the Nikon D 3100. Its in my price range and I have heard that the upgraded prosseser is better and will make better quality pictures then the D 90. I'm a newbie so mabey I don't know what I'm talking about. It's my first DLSR. So I think the Nikon D 3100 would be the best camera to learn on. Hopefully once I get the hang of using a DLSR I will be able to up grade in a few years.

Snapsort

(6:18 PM, February 08, 2011)

Hi Clag77, I think many people just use the kit lens. The kit lenses are good all-round lenses. If you know which lenses you want, then I'd suggest skipping the kit lens to save $.

Clag77

(5:53 PM, February 08, 2011)

Me again...newbie :). There are offers here in south africa where you buy the camera and there are lenses in the set. Is it better to buy the camera on its own and go for a certain lens seperately? As i say i am a beginner, wouldnt know if the lenses in the set are up to standard.

Clag77

(5:48 PM, February 08, 2011)

Hi alex.. i;m new here and would like to find out. As a beginner would u recommend the Nikon d3100 or d90. Which lens would you suggest to the camera of choice? You see, i would like to have one good buy from start off,then move on from there. Any advice would be greatly appreciated

Androsce

(7:58 PM, February 05, 2011)

fisrt of all i decide to upgrade my gear! i was shooting with canon 350d Rebel xt ! and i made up my mind for the new nikon d3100 and when i get it at the first time i wass happy but when i saw that lacks the options that the 350d has i was starting to disapoint because the 350 d for such an old model was at the higher category rather then d 3100! Dissadvantiges of the D3100 it lacks bracketing,i shoot HDR :) has no built in focus motor,the crop factor is 1.6,bad ergonomics,slo0w shutterspeed,it`s low end category the image quality i think ther is not any big differnece its simmilar to the d90! but the d90 offers many options rather the d3100! there is no battery grip for the d3100! there is no infrared! im much happier with the d90 :)

Snapsort

(11:04 PM, February 02, 2011)

Glad to hear you're happy with the D90, we'd love to hear what specifically disappointed you about the D3100 and what you like about the D90!

Androsce

(11:02 PM, February 02, 2011)

D3100 cant beat the d90 in no way i bought d3100 and i was disapointed with it...i sold it and now i am proud owner of the d90

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Nikon
D3100
vs
Nikon
D90

Nikon D90

Reasons to buy the Nikon D90

Nikon D3100

Reasons to buy the Nikon D3100

recommendations

Relative to the best recent entry-level DSLRs, and ignoring price

differences

Advantages of the Nikon D3100

Advantages of the Nikon D90

recommendations

Relative to the best recent entry-level DSLRs, and ignoring price

performance Which camera has better performance? Cast your vote!

similarities

Compared to recent entry-level DSLRs

dxomark

competitors

Shared Competitors

Advantages

Disadvantages

Nikon D5100

Canon Rebel T2i

Canon Rebel T3

Nikon D7000

Canon Rebel T3i

Canon EOS 60D

Nikon D5000

Nikon D3100 Competitors

Advantages

Disadvantages

Nikon D90 Competitors

Advantages

Disadvantages

Nikon D300S

appearance

Find similar cameras

discussion Which do you think is better?

Showing 25 comments

NikonD3100 vs NikonD90

Nikon D90

Reasons to buy the Nikon D90

Nikon D3100

Reasons to buy the Nikon D3100

recommendations

Relative to the best recent entry-level DSLRs, and ignoring price

differences

Advantages of the Nikon D3100

Advantages of the Nikon D90

recommendations

Relative to the best recent entry-level DSLRs, and ignoring price

performance Which camera has better performance? Cast your vote!

similarities

Compared to recent entry-level DSLRs

dxomark

competitors

Shared Competitors

Advantages

Disadvantages

Nikon D5100

Canon Rebel T2i

Canon Rebel T3

Nikon D7000

Canon Rebel T3i

Canon EOS 60D

Nikon D5000

Nikon D3100 Competitors

Advantages

Disadvantages

Nikon D90 Competitors

Advantages

Disadvantages

Nikon D300S

appearance

Find similar cameras

discussion Which do you think is better?

Showing 25 comments

Nikon
D3100
vs
Nikon
D90