Nikon D3100 vs Canon EOS 450D

This is a full comparison between the cameras Nikon D3100 and Canon EOS 450D. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.

Manufacturing

Nikon D3100 is manufacturered by Nikon but Canon EOS 450D is from Canon. Both Nikon and Canon are well known brands though.

Type of camera

Both these cameras are DSLR cameras. No difference there.

Sensors / crop factor

These cameras have different sensors. Nikon D3100 has a "DX"-sensor while Canon EOS 450D has a "APSC"-sensor, and their difference in sensors will also affect the crop factor and experience focal length. See the table below.

** Experienced focal length when using a lens such as a common "50mm f/1.8"

Learn more about crop factor and focal length multiplier here:
Camera selection can affect the focal length (Nikon)
Camera selection can affect the focal length (Canon)

Resolution

Nikon D3100 has a 14,2 MP (Megapixels) resolution while Canon EOS 450D has 12,2 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:

Nikon D3100 has a 16 % larger resolution than Canon EOS 450D. This could give you more details in the picture but also a possibility to crop more in the pictures, afterward while editing the pictures, if needed that is.

ISO range

Nikon D3100 has a larger ISO-range than Canon EOS 450D. Nikon D3100 has an ISO range that stretches from 100 to 12800 while Canon EOS 450D has 100 to 1600.

Autofocus and lens compatibility

There is a big difference between these two cameras. Canon EOS 450D has a built-in autofocus motor but Nikon D3100 does not. If you want to be able to use autofocus on Nikon D3100 there is a need for having an autofocus motor inside the lens. We really encourage you to look closely at our lens compatibility charts at the links below.

Here is a complete overview of which lenses work with each camera:
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon D3100
Lens compatibility chart for Canon EOS 450D

Pictures per second

Depending on what you are shooting the FPS, or frames/pictures per second, can definitely be of interest. Nikon D3100 can shoot up to 3 pictures per seconds and Canon EOS 450D can shoot up to 3,5 pictures per seconds.

Ability to record movies

It is becoming more and more popular to record movies with digital cameras.

When comparing these two cameras there is only one of them that can shoot movies and that is Nikon D3100. Unfortunately Canon EOS 450D does not support recording movies and movie clips.

Weight

The weight of the camera can be an extremely important factor, especially if the camera is about to be used, or carried around, for several hours at a time.

Canon EOS 450D weighs 524 gr (equal to 1,16 lb) which is 4% heavier than Nikon D3100 and its 505 gr (or 1,11 lb).