Nikon Z5 vs Nikon D3100
This is a full comparison between the cameras Nikon Z5 and Nikon D3100. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.
Manufacturing
These cameras are both manufactured by Nikon.
Nikon Z5 were released 2020 and Nikon D3100 was released 2010. That is a 10 years difference. In tech, this period can be of interest since technology is always improving, etc.| Camera | Released |
| Nikon Z5 | 2020 |
| Nikon D3100 | 2010 |
Type of camera
Nikon Z5 is a Mirrorless camera while Nikon D3100 is a DSLR camera. More information about their differences will come soon.
Sensors / crop factor
These cameras have different sensors. Nikon Z5 has a "FX"-sensor while Nikon D3100 has a "DX"-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 Z5 | 50 mm Full-frame sensor No crop factor/focal length multiplier |
| Nikon D3100 | 75 mm Nikon DX sensor Crop factor/focal length multiplier by * 1.5 |
** 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 Z5 has a 24 MP (Megapixels) resolution while Nikon D3100 has 14,2 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:
| Camera | Megapixels |
| Nikon Z5 |
24 MP
24160256 pixels 6016 x 4016 |
| Nikon D3100 |
14,2 MP
14155776 pixels 4608 x 3072 |
Nikon Z5 has a 71 % 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 Z5 has a larger ISO-range than Nikon D3100. Nikon Z5 has an ISO range that stretches from 100 to 51200 while Nikon D3100 has 100 to 12800.
| Camera | ISO Range |
| Nikon Z5 | 100-51200 |
| Nikon D3100 | 100-12800 |
Autofocus and lens compatibility
There is a big difference between these two cameras. Nikon Z5 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 Z5
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon D3100
Pictures per second
Depending on what you are shooting the FPS, or frames/pictures per second, can definitely be of interest. Nikon Z5 can shoot up to 4,5 pictures per seconds and Nikon D3100 can shoot up to 3 pictures per seconds.
| Camera | FPS (Frames per second) |
| Nikon Z5 | 4,5 |
| Nikon D3100 | 3 |
Ability to record movies
It is becoming more and more popular to record movies with digital cameras.
In this case, both Nikon Z5 and Nikon D3100 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 Z5 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 Z5 | 675 gr 1,49 lb |
| Nikon D3100 | 505 gr 1,11 lb |
