Nikon D3100 vs D7000 | Nikon D7000 vs Nikon D3100 Features, Performance Compared
Nikon is a giant name in the camera industry. It has some excellent DSLR and compact cameras lined up. The Nikon D3100 is an entry level DSLR, while D7000 is a semi-professional DSLR camera. This article will try to compare the features of discuss the difference between the Nikon D3100 and D7000.
Tips to select a Digital Camera
Resolution of the Camera
Resolution of the camera is one of the main features a user must look into when buying a camera. This is also known as the megapixel value. The Nikon D7000 features a 16.2 megapixel sensor with 14 bit A/D conversion, and the Nikon D3100 features a 14.2 megapixel sensor with 12 bit A/D conversion. This means the D7000 is faster and has more resolution than the D3100.
ISO Performance
ISO value range is also an important feature. The ISO value of the sensor means, how much sensitive the sensor is to a given quantum of light. This feature is very important in night shots and sports and action photography. But increasing the ISO value causes a noise in the photograph. The D3100 has an ISO range of 100 to 6400 “standard” ISO, and can be expanded up to 12800 ISO. Meanwhile, the D7000 has an ISO range of 100 to 6400 ISO, but can be expanded up to 25600 ISO.
Frames Per Second Rate
Frames per second rate or more commonly known as the FPS rate is also an important aspect when it comes to sports, wildlife and action photography. FPS rate means the mean number of photos the camera can shoot per second on a certain setting. This is where the massive difference comes. The D3100 has an almost acceptable frame rate of 3 frames per second. But D7000 has 6 frames per second rate, which is really impressive for its class.
Shutter Lag and Recovery Time
A DSLR would not take the picture as soon as the shutter release is pressed. In most conditions the auto focusing and auto white balancing would take place after the button is pressed. Therefore, there is a time gap between the press and the actual photo taken. This is known as the shutter lag of the camera. Both of these cameras have very little shutter lag.
Number of Autofocus Points
Autofocus points or AF points are the points, which are built into the memory of the camera. If priority is given to an AF point, camera will use its autofocus ability to focus the lens to the object in the given AF point. The D3100 has a 11 point autofocus system, which is typical in entry level cameras. But D7000 has a 39 point autofocus system with 9 cross type sets.
High Definition Movie Recording
High definition movies or HD movies correspond to movies having resolution higher than standard definition movies. HD movie modes are 720p and 1080p. 720p has dimensions of 1280×720 pixels, while the 1080p has dimensions of 1920×1080 pixels. Both of these cameras support 1080p 24 frames per second movie recording.
Weight and Dimensions
The D3100, which is relatively smaller and lighter than the D7000, measures 124 x 96 x 75 mm in dimensions and weighs 505 grams including battery. But the D7000 weighs 780 grams and measures 132 x 105 x 77 mm in dimensions.
Storage Medium and Capacity
In DSLR cameras, the inbuilt memory is almost negligible. An external storage device is required to hold images. Both of these cameras support SD, SDHC and SDXC memory cards.
Live View and Flexibility of the Display
Live view is the ability to use the LCD as a viewfinder. This can be convenient because the LCD gives a clear preview of the picture in good colors. Both of these cameras have live view with 3 inch LCDs.
Conclusion
D7000 is a semi-professional DSLR, while the D3100 is an entry level DSLR. The features in D7000 are bound to outrun those in D3100. But if you are an amateur who wants to set foot into the DSLR world D3100 is a good selection.