• APS-C 355.7mm2
  • 14.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 3200
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 600.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Nikon D3100 advantages over Leica V-LUX 4

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 1/2.3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.01 vs 1.54 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Thinner
    74 mm vs 110 mm
    Thinner
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • More pixels
    14.2 vs 12.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Higher extended ISO
    12800 vs 6400 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Leica V-LUX 4 advantages over Nikon D3100

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • More dots on screen
    460k vs 230k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Headphone jack
    Yes vs No
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • RAW file ability
    Both provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities

Common Weaknesses

  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • 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
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility

User reviews

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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

Compare Nikon D3100 vs Sony DSLR-A380

Leica V-LUX 4
Sony DSLR-A380
  • $1300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • External Mic Jack
  • $849
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Leica V-LUX 4 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

Leica V-LUX 4
Sony A33
  • $1300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $540
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Leica V-LUX 4 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

Leica V-LUX 4
Pentax K-r
  • $1300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $850
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Leica V-LUX 4 vs Pentax K-r

Compared to Leica V-LUX 3

Nikon D3100
Leica V-LUX 3
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $1700
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Tiltable Screen

Compare Nikon D3100 vs Leica V-LUX 3

Leica V-LUX 4
Leica V-LUX 3
  • $1300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Slower slow-motion
  • $1700
  • 1/2.3 inch

Compare Leica V-LUX 4 vs Leica V-LUX 3

Compared to Panasonic FZ200

Nikon D3100
Panasonic FZ200
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $890
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen

Compare Nikon D3100 vs Panasonic FZ200

Leica V-LUX 4
Panasonic FZ200
  • $1300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Headphone jack
  • $890
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • In-camera panoramas

Compare Leica V-LUX 4 vs Panasonic FZ200

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