• APS-C 355.7mm2
  • 14.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 3200
  • 35mm 864.0mm2
  • 50.6 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 6400

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Differences

Nikon D3100 advantages over Canon 5DS

  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.01 vs 4.14 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    100 vs 28 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

Canon 5DS advantages over Nikon D3100

  • Larger sensor
    35mm vs APS-C
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Higher effective ISO
    2,381 vs 919 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • More dynamic range
    12.4 vs 11.2 evs
    Retain detail in highlight and shadows
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 700 vs 550 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • More cross-type AF points
    41 vs 1
    Cross-type AF points improve autofocus performance
  • Pentaprism viewfinder
    Pentaprism vs Pentamirror
    Much better viewfinder picture fidelity
  • Newer
    10 years vs 14 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • More dots on screen
    1044k vs 230k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • More viewfinder magnification
    0.71x vs 0.53x
    Get a bigger view of the scene through the eye-level viewfinder
  • More pixels
    50.6 vs 14.2 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Dual card slots
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • More AF points
    61 vs 11
    More AF points improve autofocus
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    4.8 fps vs 2.9 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/8000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Neither provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

Buy From

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Sony DSLR-A380

Nikon D3100
Sony DSLR-A380
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
  • $849
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Tiltable Screen
Canon 5DS
Sony DSLR-A380
  • $1549
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor
  • $849
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Sony A33

Nikon D3100
Sony A33
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
  • $540
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • In-camera panoramas
Canon 5DS
Sony A33
  • $1549
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor
  • $540
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Pentax K-r

Nikon D3100
Pentax K-r
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $850
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Fast startup
Canon 5DS
Pentax K-r
  • $1549
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $850
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Canon 5DS R

Nikon D3100
Canon 5DS R
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Bigger pixels
  • Internal flash
  • $1849
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Higher effective ISO
Canon 5DS
Canon 5DS R
  • $1549
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
  • $1849
  • 35mm
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter

Compared to Pentax K-1

Nikon D3100
Pentax K-1
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup
  • $1800
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
Canon 5DS
Pentax K-1
  • $1549
  • 35mm
  • Fast startup
  • More cross-type AF points
  • $1800
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
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