• APS-C 355.7mm2
  • 14.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 3200
  • APS-C 332.3mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 12,800

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Differences

Nikon D3100 advantages over Canon T6i

  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.01 vs 3.72 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Fast startup
    ~0.40 vs 0.9 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 550 vs 440 shots
    Capture more photos

Canon T6i advantages over Nikon D3100

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs none
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Yes vs No
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • More cross-type AF points
    19 vs 1
    Cross-type AF points improve autofocus performance
  • Newer
    10 years vs 14 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • More dots on screen
    1040k vs 230k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Less shutter lag
    0.09 vs 0.28 sec
    Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
  • More pixels
    24.2 vs 14.2 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • More AF points
    19 vs 11
    More AF points improve autofocus
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    4.8 fps vs 2.9 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 100 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    25600 vs 12800 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • 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
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Neither provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Pentaprism viewfinder
    Neither provide
    Much better viewfinder picture fidelity
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

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Buy the Nikon D3100

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Buy the Canon T6i
Body Only
  • Body Only
  • Kit with 18-135mm STM lens
  • Kit with 18-55mm STM lens
All T6i Deals

Review Excerpt

  • Highest resolution Canon APS-C camera yet; Improved dynamic range over T5i; Good high ISO performance for its class; Very fast autofocus; Built-in Wi-Fi with NFC; Touchscreen tilt/swivel LCD.

  • Shallow buffer depth with RAW files; Below average battery life; No Servo AF in Live View; No 60p video frame rate.

  • Read our Canon T6i Review

The Competition

Compared to Nikon D3400

Nikon D3100
Nikon D3400
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Bigger pixels
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
  • $497
  • APS-C
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • Better color depth

Compare Nikon D3100 vs Nikon D3400

Canon T6i
Nikon D3400
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen
  • $497
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compare Canon T6i vs Nikon D3400

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

Compare Nikon D3100 vs Sony DSLR-A380

Canon T6i
Sony DSLR-A380
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $849
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Canon T6i vs Sony DSLR-A380

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

Compare Nikon D3100 vs Sony A33

Canon T6i
Sony A33
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $540
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Canon T6i vs Sony A33

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

Compare Nikon D3100 vs Pentax K-r

Canon T6i
Pentax K-r
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen
  • $850
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Canon T6i vs Pentax K-r

Compared to Pentax K-3 II

Nikon D3100
Pentax K-3 II
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Bigger pixels
  • Fast startup
  • $830
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon D3100 vs Pentax K-3 II

Canon T6i
Pentax K-3 II
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $830
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor

Compare Canon T6i vs Pentax K-3 II

Compare Other Cameras?