Nikon D3100 vs Nikon Z6

This is a full comparison between the cameras Nikon D3100 and Nikon Z6. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.

Nikon D3100

Nikon Z6

Manufacturing

These cameras are both manufactured by Nikon.

Nikon D3100 were released 2010 and Nikon Z6 was released 2018. That is a 8 years difference. In tech, this period can be of interest since technology is always improving, etc.

Camera	Released
Nikon D3100	2010
Nikon Z6	2018

Type of camera

Nikon D3100 is a DSLR camera while Nikon Z6 is a Mirrorless camera. More information about their differences will come soon.

Sensors / crop factor

These cameras have different sensors. Nikon D3100 has a "Nikon DX"-sensor while Nikon Z6 has a "Nikon FX"-sensor, and their difference in sensors will also affect the crop factor and experience focal length. See the table below.

Camera	Focal length, 50mm f/1.8 **
Nikon D3100	75 mm Nikon DX sensor Crop factor/focal length multiplier by * 1.5
Nikon Z6	50 mm Full-frame sensor No crop factor/focal length multiplier

** 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)

Resolution

Nikon D3100 has a 14,2 MP (Megapixels) resolution while Nikon Z6 has 25 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:

Camera	Megapixels
Nikon D3100	14,2 MP 14155776 pixels 4608 x 3072
Nikon Z6	25 MP 24337152 pixels 6048 x 4024

Nikon Z6 has a 72 % larger resolution than Nikon D3100. 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 Z6 has a larger ISO-range than Nikon D3100. Nikon Z6 has an ISO range that stretches from 100 to 51200 while Nikon D3100 has 100 to 12800.

Camera	ISO Range
Nikon D3100	100-12800
Nikon Z6	100-51200

Autofocus and lens compatibility

There is a big difference between these two cameras. Nikon Z6 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 Nikon Z6

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 Nikon Z6 can shoot up to 12 pictures per seconds.

Camera	FPS (Frames per second)
Nikon D3100	3
Nikon Z6	12

Ability to record movies

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

In this case, both Nikon D3100 and Nikon Z6 can shoot movies.

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.

Nikon Z6 weighs 675 gr (equal to 1.49 lb) which is 34% heavier than Nikon D3100 and its 505 gr (or 1.11 lb).

Camera	Weight
Nikon D3100	505 gr 1.11 lb
Nikon Z6	675 gr 1.49 lb