• APS-C 355.7mm2
  • 14.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 3200
  • 35mm 864.0mm2
  • 61.0 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600

Buy From

Differences

Nikon D3100 advantages over Sigma fp L

  • Less expensive
    $700 vs $2499 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.01 vs 3.78 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 550 vs 240 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Higher max flash sync
    1/200 vs 1/15 sec
    Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    100 vs 12 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

Sigma fp L advantages over Nikon D3100

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Larger sensor
    35mm vs APS-C
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (UHD) vs 1080p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Thinner
    45 mm vs 74 mm
    Thinner
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Newer
    4 years vs 14 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • More dots on screen
    2100k vs 230k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • More pixels
    61.0 vs 14.2 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    10.0 fps vs 2.9 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/8000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    102400 vs 12800 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • 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

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • 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
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Your purchases support this site

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
Sigma fp L
Sony DSLR-A380
  • $2499
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $849
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Eye-level viewfinder

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
Sigma fp L
Sony A33
  • $2499
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $540
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Eye-level viewfinder

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
Sigma fp L
Pentax K-r
  • $2499
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $850
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Sigma fp

Nikon D3100
Sigma fp
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Internal flash
  • $1699
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
Sigma fp L
Sigma fp
  • $2499
  • 35mm
  • Newer
  • More pixels
  • $1699
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Higher max flash sync

Compared to Sony A7C

Nikon D3100
Sony A7C
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $1598
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Focus peaking
Sigma fp L
Sony A7C
  • $2499
  • 35mm
  • Thinner
  • More dots on screen
  • $1598
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Eye-level viewfinder
Compare Other Cameras?